"Make sure you text me when you get home...or wherever Emmanuel is taking you" Aoki sighed, pulling me into her arms. I return her embrace and nod, gently wiping the tears that dripped down her cheeks.

"Aoki...stop." I chuckle, trying to hold back my own. I truly would miss her and all the fun we had in Paris. Breakfast at the hotel, crapes at the Cafe du blanc; our topless photoshoot atop the Effiel. This trip was truly memorable because of her.

"I have to go. We have to meet at the lobby @9:30am... we're going to the Louvre." she nodded. We hugged one last time before she ran to catch the elevator.

I lazily closed the door and fell to the bed, staring at the ceiling in distress. I wonder what strings Emmanuel would have to pull to allow me to stay in Paris? He was so busy, I couldn't imagine him taking the time to try and accommodate my situation.

-----

An hour passed before my phone vibrated two times against the pillow. It rang another time before I reached out to touch its cold surface and looked at the screen. It was a text from Emmy.

"I have sent a car for you. Go down to the main lobby.

-Emmy"

I quickly gathered my things, maneuvering my suitcase out the room, nervously wondering where Emmanuel would take me.

Relief washes over me as I saw the empty lobby; only a few people straggled along the length of the middle lounge area. There were no signs of any of the Youth ambassadors which was better for me.

I make my way through the revolving doors and straight into the black car that was waiting for me at the end of the street. A tall man in a black suit with black aviators stepped out the car.

"Dani Withers?" he asked.

"Yes...that's me" I nodded nervously. He pulled the handle from my suitcase, pushing it out the way and into the back trunk then opened the door for me to enter in. He closes the door with a slam and enters through the other side, tapping the top of the ceiling twice to proceed onward.

——-

Some minutes passed as we winded through the streets of Paris, bending around each street way. I wanted so badly to take in the beautiful city views but my nerves wouldn't allow me.

Finally, the car pulls up to an antique building, wedged between the bustling streets of a little town. It was a tall building decorated with architectural design and warmth. Sleek black railings lined evey floor with white curtains billowing out the french styled windows.

"Where am I?" I asked the man in black. The guard said nothing to clue me in, only unlocking the side of his door and moving to lift my bag from the trunk.

He signaled me to follow him up the steep steps that led to the building near the street. I looked down at my phone but there were no new texts from Emmanuel. 

Where was this place?

As I walk up the steps of the building, following the two guards that escorted me, I see young students and a few families conversing amongst the steps of each floor. They looked so consumed in their own world, conversing and laughing at their discussions, each of them just enjoying each other's company.

We finally reached the last flight of stairs and head to the door adjacent to the hallway near the stairs. One guard opened it and allowed me to head in first.

I tried to hide the gasp that escaped from my mouth as I took in the elegant scene of the room.

It was a nice apartment with sleek black furniture with smooth elemental designs. I moved to the kitchen which was just luxurious but cozy.

It was such a bright yet elegant building!

"Where's Emmanuel?" I ask, running a hand over the sleek appliances. The guard simply ignored me and moved to drag my suitcase into a room that was hidden behind the hallway on the other half of the house.

"So did he tell you to ignore me or??" I piped up, crossing my hands over my chest. He still continued to ignore me, gently stepping to the door to leave.

"So that's it? What's gonna happen now?"

"Mr Macaron will be with you soon." was all he said before he exited the door. I pouted and sneakily went to observe the different parts of the apartment. Pictures of art and decor lined the sleek place. It was weird but there were no pictures of Emmanuel... was this even his place?

I pick up my phone and click the number that called me at the hotel. Surely it had to be him. 

"Hello?" he picks up after the 4th ring. I heard the stress in his voice.

"Emmanuel...where am I? You left me in this apartment with no keys or anything! I don't know where I am?" I raged, anger filling my core. "Can you at least tell me where I am?" I hear silence then footsteps as he walks to a more private corner.

"Dani. I will tell you everything once I have it figured it out. Where are you know in the apartment?

"Yes."

"Where are you now?"

"Standing by the kitchen near the middle table."

"Check to make sure the door is locked and don't let anyone come in."

"But emmmyyyyy" I wined.

"Do it now Dani." he snapped urgently. I quickly ran over and locked the door, looking through the peephole, making sure no one was lingering.

"I'll be there when I can" he sighed. I could hear a few people in the background. It sounded like he was in an important meeting. 

"But when Emmy.... I'm scared" I complained. I was in a foreign country with no money or a ticket to go home... I didn't even know where I was?

"Stay put. I'll explain eveything when I get there okay?"

"And when will that be?" I challenge him.

"Don't test me Dani....I am not a patient man" he warns me, "understand?"

"Yes" I cursed.

"What was that?" he raised his voice, reminding me of my special word.

"Bien" I muttered, hanging up the phone before he could speak again.

______

The hot steam of the shower soothes my muscles as I wash off all the dirt and grime from the day. My phone vibrates and I see a text from Emmanuel.

"I can't come tonight. I will try to see you tomorrow morning before my meeting"

"But Emmy... I want to see you" I text him back.

"Dani...I am caught up with work and meetings. I promise I will see you soon. Bien?"

I pouted and looked to the mirror taking note of the steaming mirror. I pressed my hand to the cold glass, wiping off a portion of the fog and position my camera to the reflection. I carefully hop on the counter and sit atop its surface, making sure my naked back was the only thing that could be seen. 

If my texts didn't convince Emmanuel to come, surely my racy picture would? I put a soft filter on the image to hide any imperfections nd sent it to his phone with only one word to reply.

"Bein"

___

Author Note

At this point, Dani is a dummy. But we stan our dummy queen!