7. TRAPPED

Leila's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled against the restraints that held her captive. The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the soft whisper of her breath. Fear and confusion swirled within her, but she refused to let them consume her completely.

"Who are you people and what do you want from us?" Leila yelled at the men confidently.

They stared at her for a second before bursting into a series of uncontrollable laughter.

"You would know very soon" One of them said before airing out a mild malicious chuckle.

Just as despair threatened to take hold, a heavy metal door inside the building creaked open, and a tall figure stepped into the room.

The big, dangerous goon stood sauntered in, his imposing presence filling the room. He had a tall and muscular frame, standing well over six feet. His broad shoulders and bulging muscles hinted at the strength and power he possessed. Every movement he made seemed calculated and precise, showcasing his control and dominance.

His face was rugged and weathered, bearing the marks of a life filled with violence and confrontations. A strong jawline accentuated his intense expression, which seemed etched with a mix of cruelty and coldness. Scars crisscrossed his face, testaments to past encounters and battles fought. His eyes, deep-set and piercing, revealed a hardness that sent shivers down Leila's spine. They seemed to hold a darkness, as if he had seen and done things that had hardened his soul.

The goon's hair was cropped short, giving him a no-nonsense look that matched his intimidating demeanor. He had a thick, muscular neck that merged seamlessly with his powerful shoulders. His arms, covered in tattoos and veins, suggested a life of physical confrontation and brutality.

Dressed in a dark suit that hugged his bulging muscles, the goon exuded an air of authority and danger. Every move he made exuded confidence, as if he knew he was a force to be reckoned with. His presence alone filled the room with a palpable tension, making it clear that crossing paths with him meant facing the consequences.

His size, strength, and battle-hardened appearance made it clear that he was not someone to be taken lightly. Leila knew that she would have to tread carefully and cautiously in her dealings with him.

"You are the daughter of that worthless woman right?" He leaned further and cupped Leila's chin with his palm.

"Pretty isn't she?" The huge intimidating man who was obviously the boss, turned to others in the room and smirked.

"Yes boss, she could be of good use you know" One of the men added.

The huge man growled as he examined Leila's features again, his eyes scanned her from head to toe.

Fear robbed Leila of speech, she began breathing heavily. She closed her eyes and wished to be swallowed up.

The intimidating gambler placed a hand of his on Leila's breast causing her to jerk out in anger and fear.

"Let me go! Leave me alone! Where is my mother?" She finally spoke up.

"Relax, your mother is fine. She's inside" He assured before giving one of his men a hand signal, ordering to bring Leila's mother.

Leila's mind wandered off to what must have happened to her mother ever since she was kidnapped by this men.

She hoped and prayed internally that her mother was ok and fine.

Leila's heart continued to race as she anxiously waited for her mother to be brought into the room. Her mind was filled with a mixture of fear, hope, and determination. She knew she had to stay strong for both herself and her mother.

After what felt like an eternity, the heavy metal door swung open once again, revealing two of the goons dragging her mother inside. Leila's eyes widened in both relief and worry as she saw her mother's disheveled appearance. Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and exhaustion.

"M-Mom!" Leila cried out, her voice quivering with emotion. She strained against her restraints, desperately wanting to rush to her mother's side.

The big, dangerous goon released his hold on Leila's chin and took a step back, allowing her to see her mother clearly. He observed the emotional exchange with a hint of amusement in his eyes, seemingly enjoying the distress he had caused.

"Leila are you alright?" her mother managed to speak, her voice trembling with both relief and concern.

"I'm okay, Mom, I hope they didn't hurt you" Leila replied, her voice filled with determination.

Tears welled up in her mother's eyes as she nodded, the love between them unspoken but deeply felt. They were each other's strength in this dark and uncertain situation.

The big goon cleared his throat, breaking the tender moment between mother and daughter.

"Spare me the boring family reunion, there is your mother. Where the fuck is my money?" The gambler questioned with a raised brow, his voice laced with authority.

Leila's heart sank as she realized that their ordeal was far from over. The goon's intentions were still unknown, and she feared what he might demand from them.

"What do you want from us?" Leila demanded, her voice filled with a mix of defiance and desperation.

The big goon smirked, seemingly amused by her defiance. "You see, Leila, your mother here owes me a significant debt and she has refused to pay me, I gave her several months but now I need this money, It's either I get it or I drain it from you both" he threatened, his tone dripping with veiled threats.

Leila's eyes widened in shock. She had always suspected her mother's addiction, having a hand in this, but she never imagined the extent of the trouble it would lead them into.

"I don't have such an amount of money" Leila said, her voice trembling.

The goon took a step forward, closing the distance between them. " Look young lady, Look at me" he ordered.

And Leila obeyed fearfully.

"Do you really think I give a fuck? You both either get me my money or you loose your heads" He threatened menacingly.

Leila's heart skipped a beat as she processed the proposition. The thought of being at the mercy of this powerful and unpredictable man filled her with dread, but she couldn't bear the thought of her mother suffering because of her actions.

She locked eyes with her mother, silently communicating her determination to protect her at any cost.

In spur of the moment the calm but audible sound of a car outside the building caught the attention of everyone.

Lights from different black luxurious cars shun on the building walls.

"Fuck! I asked you to come alone and you brought the feds? I'm going to fucking kill you for this" The goon who was suddenly fearful, cocked his gun and pointed it at a terrified Leila.

"I didn't bring anyone, I swear. I came alone" Leila swore and rose up her hands in complete surrender.

"Please don't shoot" Leila's mother uttered.

The goons did the same, they pointed their guns at Leila's mother and watched the entrance of the building closely. Waiting to see whoever was behind it.