Thud!
The sudden metallic clang shattered the silence, reverberating through the dimly lit basement.
Maya flinched, her pulse spiking as the noise triggered a wave of raw fear deep in her chest.
"Pick them up," the burly gangster barked, his voice rough and grating.
A pair of handcuffs landed at her feet with a dull clatter.
He loomed over her, his shadow stretching ominously across the cold, concrete floor.
"Put your new bracelets on. I'm not taking any chances with a strong woman like you. I've seen what you can do."
He paused, a cruel smirk curling his lips.
"Besides, we wouldn't want to lose such a valuable investment, now would we? A beauty like you—with that tight little body? You'll be one of our top earners in no time. Hell, the men will be lining up for you."
Maya's stomach churned at his words.