Page 11 of Owned By the Bratva

Cindy placed the book down and came closer. “I didn’t know what you would like or your size, so I hope they are okay,” I added, stepping back so she could go through them.

Opening the first bag, she glanced at me over her shoulder filling my body with warmth as she smiled. “Thank you, I’m sure they will be fine.”

Nodding, I watched as she went through the other two. Cindy made three heaps on the bed before her. Turning to me, she spoke in a soft tone. “Well then, may I take a bath?”

As her words drifted through the air and hit my ears, I felt a stirring inside. A warmth rose within, tingling my senses, and I couldn’t prevent the grin from forming on my lips.

“Leon,” Cindy said, stepping closer. “Can I take a bath first?”

Shaking my head to clear the cobwebs suddenly growing, I held out my hand as I replied. “Yes, yes, of course. This way.”

Cindy turned to the bed and collected the one pile of clothing before taking my hand. I led her down the hall to the bathroom. Opening the door, I rotated sideways, allowing her to enter alone. My heart was racing, and my hands felt hot as I watched her walking in and closing the door.

“I’ll be here if you need anything,” I spoke through the closed door. Looking down at my feet, I realized I sounded like a stalker. “I meant, I’ll be down the hall should you need anything.”

I listened for a reply but heard nothing except the water running. If she needed something, I was sure she would call. So, I went down the hall to the library. I left the door open to hear if the bathroom door should open. Walking up and down the length of the room my mind was occupied by thoughts of her.

These feelings I’d been having were getting stronger, and still, I had no idea of what was happening to me. She somehow drove me wild. She made my heart race, my hands sweat, and a heat rush through me by simply being in the same room.

Occasionally, I would stick my head out the door and glance down the hall. It was more than an hour before the bathroom door finally opened. I rushed to it and was there as she stepped out. Her eyes sparkled, and her hair was pulled back onto her head with a couple of loose strands framing her face. Cindy looked like an angel in the light yellow sundress I had bought her.

Holding out my hand to her, I spoke softly. “Did you enjoy the bath?”

She seemed to shine as she replied. “Oh, yes, very much, thank you.”

My phone vibrated in my chest pocket just as we entered the room again. Glancing at it, I saw that one of my contacts had sent a reply email. I knew I would have to take care of business before supper.

“You can put the clothes into the closet; I’ll be back in a bit,” I said, stepping out and closing the door.

The email contained the names of people who work at the company. These may also have the information we are seeking. It was a short list, though. Sitting back in my office chair, I contemplated whether we could extract another person. With two of their employees missing, security might be tighter, and getting in could prove an issue.

After supper, I decided to discuss it with my associates to see if they had any ideas. Closing my work, I noticed it was almost time and went to get Cindy. She was standing by the window as I entered. Dusk was starting to creep in, and the world outside had an almost orange glow. I couldn’t help but notice her full-bodied hips as my eyes journeyed down her body.

Her legs were perfectly shaped, and her calves stood out prominently, along with the white heels she wore. Swallowing the mass forming in my throat, I walked closer. “Are you ready, doll?” I asked.

Cindy turned to me, nodding with a silky smile on her lips. This caused a rising heat to stir within me. Taking her hand, I led her back downstairs to the dining room. My three companions were placing down the bowls of food as we entered. The rest of the table was already set.

I pulled out a chair for Cindy and sat beside her as the others took their place. Piotr sat at the head of the table as he always did. Across from us was Mila and Konstantin. Mila had an angrier look than usual, and the air felt thicker.

“The food looks and smells divine,” Cindy said as I held the bowl of chicken for her to take some.

“Thanks,” Konstantin replied. “We all had a share in cooking except for Leon, who has to clean up his mess.”

“Yes, yes, we all know,” I responded, half on guard.

“Just pulling your leg,” Konstantin added, grinning as he held out the bread rolls.

Cindy leaned forward and took one, smiling up at me. My heart skipped a beat as she took the salad bowl from me, and our fingers grazed. Once everyone had dished up and we each had a glass of wine, dinner officially started.

I had barely taken two bites when Mila spoke out. “So, Cindy, what do you do at the company?” Her tone of voice wasn’t friendly.

Piotr shook his head and cleared his throat. “Mila, I’m sure this can wait until after?”

“It’s a simple question, but if she doesn’t want to answer…”

Before Mila could complete her sentence, Cindy spoke up. “It’s fine, I don’t mind.” She continued in an even tone. “I study bacteria in blood and organs, trying to find a common denominator. Once I have it, we can develop a cure for it. I don’t know what you think you’ll find. There is nothing sinister going on at the lab.”

Mila smirked at her as she continued her questioning. “So, how long have you worked there? Maybe you just don’t know the kind of people you serve.” Her tone was rage-filled, and I didn’t appreciate where the conversation was heading.

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