Chapter 5 You could have been killed

VICTORIA'S POV

I could barely breathe, and fear had taken over my entire body. Was it really true that I might never see my parents again? Was I really going to have to live with this cruel stranger who seemed to want to make my life miserable? How could he have the heart to separate a woman from her family like this? How could he be so heartless?

The men sitting beside me were not helping the situation at all. They looked really scary with their dark, fancy suits and strong bodies. They wore dark sunglasses, which made them look even more intimidating. I felt so small and helpless sitting between them.

I had been screaming and kicking ever since the car started driving me to an unknown place. But they ignored me completely. Now, I was too tired and weak to keep going with my struggles. It wasn't working anyway. I sank back into the leather seat, trying to study their faces while also sneaking peeks outside the tinted window. I knew that no one could see me, but I could still see the world outside.

It was beautiful out there. I remembered how lovely it seemed the first time I left my home six years ago, but I had forgotten what the world looked like. Ever since then, my parents kept me inside most of the time. They were always so protective and careful.

My eyes were hot and puffy from crying. My throat felt dry, and I started to feel dizzy. Suddenly, a hand reached out toward me, holding a bottle of water.

I shot him a glare filled with anger. Did he suddenly find his conscience? I looked away, ignoring his offer of water.

"We still have a long way to go. You should drink some water if you're thirsty," he said in a cold tone.

"I don't want your stupid water!" I shouted back. "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to take me away from my home?"

He chuckled softly, scratching his chin as if he found the whole situation amusing. "I don't think you know who you're talking to, princess," he said with a smirk.

I clenched my jaw, feeling a surge of frustration. "My name is Victoria," I said through gritted teeth. I really hated the way he called me "princess." It felt demeaning, like he was mocking me for being in this terrible situation.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded, trying my best to keep my voice steady and strong. I was terrified but didn't want him to see how scared I really was.

"You'll know when we get there," he replied, his gaze shifting to look out the window, as if my presence didn't matter at all.

"This is kidnapping!" I screamed, panic rising in my chest. "Please, let me go. I want to go home. My mom will be worried sick about me." My voice wavered as I spoke, revealing my fear.

He laughed, but it was a cruel sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Your parents are the reason you're here, Victoria. They owe me a lot of money, and you are the guarantee they will pay up." His words felt like a slap across my face and left me reeling.

My parents? Debt? What on earth was he talking about? How could they be involved in something like this?

"How long do you plan on keeping me?" I whispered, unable to keep the tremor out of my voice. I was starting to feel overwhelmed.

"That depends on your parents." He shrugged casually. "The sooner they pay, the sooner you can go home." His indifferent tone made my heart sink even further.

A heavy silence filled the car, and my heart raced as my thoughts spiraled. Had my parents known all this would happen? Did they just give me away like I was nothing?

Suddenly, the car pulled to a stop, jolting me forward in my seat. I almost hit my head, but then a strong hand grabbed the back of my dress, pulling me back gently. I found myself leaning against a hard, muscular chest. His scent surrounded me, a mix of sandalwood and something darker, more intense. My heart raced even faster, and I felt a strange mixture of fear and confusion surge through me.

I pushed away, trembling. "Why did we stop?"

"Out of gas," came the voice of the driver, a large, tattooed man.

My captor cursed under his breath. "Handle it quickly."

As the men stepped out, I saw my chance. My eyes darted around, and an idea struck me. I turned to him. "I... I need to use the bathroom. Please."

He looked at me, suspicious. "Nice try."

"I'm serious. I'll wet your expensive car seat if you don't let me go," I said, letting a bit of desperation show.

He hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."

We stepped out. I followed him to the small restroom area at the back of the gas station. He stopped at the door. "Hurry up."

I nodded, slipped inside, and locked the door. My eyes darted around. A small, high window. I climbed onto the toilet seat, pushed it open, and squeezed through, ignoring the rough edges that scratched my arms. The moment I hit the ground outside, I ran.

The cool wind hit my face, my feet barely touched the ground as I bolted across the parking lot. My heart pounded louder than my steps. I didn't dare look back.

But suddenly, I heard shouts. They knew I was gone.

I ran faster, my breath coming in sharp gasps. I didn't know where I was going. I just needed to get away.

Headlights blinded me, and a loud horn blared. I froze, a scream caught in my throat. But something crashed into me-no, someone. Strong arms wrapped around me, and we tumbled to the ground, rolling off the road. My vision blurred.

When I opened my eyes, I was looking into a face-sharp jawline, intense eyes filled with a mix of anger and... relief?

"Are you insane?" he shouted, his voice rough with fear and fury. "You could've been killed."

I tried to speak, but darkness was already closing in. My last thought was of my mother's face, her worried eyes... and then, nothing.