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I blacked out from the pain, only to be jolted awake by it again.
She finally let go. I slumped, boneless, on the cold floor.
She stood up, admiring her handiwork with a sick satisfaction, then walked out and came back with a phone mounted on a gimbal.
She tapped the screen, her face lighting up. "Ha! Payday."
A terrible dread washed over me as I watched her gleeful expression.
She yanked me hair, pulling my face toward the phone. Comments were flying on the live stream.
"Naomi, this chick ain't as hot as the last one. Gotta step up your game if you want my tips."
"Eh, beggars can't be choosers."
"How long will she last? Hurry up, my wallet's ready."
What were they going to do?
My eyes widened in terror.
I fought against the ropes. Naomi patted my bruised cheek, then tossed me aside, turning to the camera.
"Alright, folks! New game today! The top tipper picks the play."
"Thanks for the rocket, 'SpringBreeze'! Let's get started!"
"My husband just bought me this place! Two days in, and I already have a burglar. How freakin' unlucky! Let me teach you some manners!"
Without warning, Naomi kicked me in the stomach.
Again and again, as if I were her mortal enemy, as if she wanted me dead.
It hurt. God, it hurt so much. What did I do wrong to deserve this? This was my home.
Zachary… I should have gone to the office with you. Regret was useless now.
Someone… please…
I didn't know how long it lasted before she finally stopped.
I had a moment to gasp for air, but in an instant, her excited shriek cut through the haze.
"Oh, I like this one!"
Naomi came back with a basin full of water. She seized my head and forced it under.
Water flooded my nose, my mouth.
"Glug… Please… I'll give you anything… Glug…"
"Please…"
The last of the air in my lungs burned away.
Just before I drowned, she let me up.
I lay on the floor, choking, gasping.
The pain was so all-consuming I couldn't even think straight anymore.
I begged, "Let me go… I swear I'm not a thief. Even if I was… you beat me like this… aren't you afraid of the police?"
Naomi's face darkened. She stomped on my chest and kicked several times.
A sickening Crack sounded. The metallic taste of blood filled my throat.
Every breath was agony. She only stopped when my eyes rolled back.
I coughed up several mouthfuls of blood.
Seeing the blood, a flicker of fear crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with bravado.
"Fine. Get on your knees. Kowtow to me. Lick my shoes clean. Then maybe I'll let you go."
I strained to look up at her mocking smile. Let me go?
I knew she wouldn't.
Sure enough, seeing my lack of movement, she crouched down and slapped my face dismissively.
"My husband's worth billions. This place is just pocket change. I could end you, and no one would touch me. Don't you dare threaten me!"
"Now, let's see what's next on the menu…"
"Ooh, someone's feeling creative. I like it."
She produced a sewing needle from somewhere, then shoved a filthy rag in my mouth.
Holding the needle up, she smirked. "Didn't think I'd get to play wicked stepmother today."
The next second, searing pain shot through my fingertips.
A familiar male voice rang out, sharp with shock.
"What in God's name are you doing?!"
