Chapter 33: The Ransom Demand

The dimly lit warehouse smelled of damp concrete and cigarette smoke. Sophia, Emily, and Tabitha sat on the cold floor, their wrists tied behind their backs. Fear clawed at their throats as the reality of their situation sank in. They had crossed the wrong person.

Carlos, the older brother of the man Sophia had slapped in the restaurant restroom, stood before them, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. Dressed in a tailored suit, he looked nothing like the gangsters they had seen in movies. But the sharp glint in his eyes told them he was far worse.

"Alright, ladies," he drawled, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Let's make this simple. Your boyfriends need to pay up—ten grand each—or you're staying here for the next seven days. And trust me, you won't like the accommodations."

Sophia's heart pounded against her ribs. "You can't do this! We didn't do anything!"

Carlos laughed, his expression amused. "Oh, sweetheart, you did something. You slapped my little brother in public. Now, do you think I'd let that slide?" He crouched in front of her, gripping her chin roughly. "Call your man. Let's see if you're worth anything to him."

With shaking hands, Sophia was handed a phone. She dialed Lucas, her so-called boyfriend, praying he'd come through for her.

After three rings, he picked up.

"Sophia? What's wrong?"

She wasted no time. "Lucas, I need you to bring thirty grand right now. Me, Emily, and Tabitha—we're in trouble."

Lucas was silent for a moment. "T-Thirty grand? What happened?"

"I don't have time to explain, just—"

"I don't have that much," Lucas interrupted quickly. "I can bring fifteen now and cover the rest later."

Sophia looked at Carlos, her pulse racing.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Tell him to bring it now. But since he's short on cash, he only gets to take one of you."

Sophia's blood ran cold.

Lucas sighed on the other end. "I'll be there soon."

The call ended.

Emily and Tabitha exchanged worried glances.

Carlos chuckled. "Looks like someone's getting a free pass."

About thirty minutes later, Lucas arrived, visibly anxious. He shoved the bundle of cash at one of the gang members, his hands trembling.

Carlos counted it before waving a dismissive hand. "Fine. Take one."

Without hesitation, Lucas grabbed Sophia's wrist and pulled her up.

She staggered to her feet, looking back at Emily and Tabitha, who sat frozen in shock.

"Lucas, we can't just leave them—"

"We'll come back for them," he cut her off, avoiding eye contact. "I swear."

And then they were gone.

Emily and Tabitha sat in stunned silence.

Carlos smirked. "Well, well. Looks like your boyfriend isn't much of a man, huh?"

Emily clenched her jaw. "He'll come back."

Carlos chuckled. "Sure. But you know what's easier than waiting?" He handed her a phone. "Calling someone who actually has money."

Emily and Tabitha exchanged a look before scrolling through their contacts.

One by one, they called every guy they knew. Some ignored their calls. Others made excuses.

Then, Tabitha's eyes lit up.

"Ethan."

Emily hesitated. "Would he even answer?"

Tabitha dialed anyway.

After a few rings, Ethan's voice came through, cool and uninterested.

"What do you want?"

Tabitha swallowed hard. "Ethan… we're in trouble. We need twenty grand. Right now."

Silence.

Then, Ethan sighed. "And why should I help you?"

Emily took a deep breath, knowing she had no leverage. "Because we'll do anything."

Ethan chuckled darkly. "Anything?"

Emily hesitated.

Then Ethan's voice dropped lower.

"I'll pay. But under one condition."

Emily's stomach tightened. "What is it?"

"You."

Emily's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Ethan said smoothly. "One night with me, or seven days with him."

Carlos, who had been listening in, let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's cold."

Tabitha whispered, "Emily, don't—"

But Emily already knew what she had to do.

Her voice was barely audible. "I'll do it."

Carlos clapped his hands. "Well, there you have it. Guess you're saved, sweetheart."

Emily exhaled shakily, knowing her fate had just been sealed.