Page 15 of Owned By the Bratva

I knew I couldn’t tell him what I was thinking. Placing my free hand on his firm chest, I softly pushed him back and stepped around him. “No, it’s nothing,” I added softly, walking towards the table.

“Come sit with me, Cindy,” Leon spoke from behind me. Turning, I saw he had moved across the room and was sitting on the side of the bed.

“Am I not going back to my room then?” I asked, realizing this may turn into more than I had expected.

“Please, I only want to keep you safe,” Leon added, tapping the bed beside him.

“There’s that word again,” I shot back. “You say you want to keep me safe, but you brought me into this.”

Leon stood sharply, and before I could move, he was standing before me. His glass was on the table, and his hands were on my hips. “I am sorry, and yes, I want to protect you.” His tone was sincere as he spoke softly. His touch was warm and made my skin tingle. Leon took the glass from my hand and placed it with his on the table.

Moving backward, he carefully pulled me with him to the bed. As he sat down, I found myself standing between his legs. My body tingled as he moved his hands down my hips onto my bare thighs. Closing my eyes, I tried to keep my breathing steady. I didn’t want him to know how his touch was affecting me.

Leon sat for a while, not moving except for his thumbs, which were slowly moving up and down my thigh where he held me. This wasn’t what I had planned for my life, but his touch stirred feelings I had never felt.

Fighting the urge to lean over and kiss him, I licked my lips. My mind was whirling with all the possibilities he offered. Yet, I wasn’t sure I was ready. Opening my eyes, I met his stare. Suddenly, I felt like I was swimming in them. His face held a look I had not noticed before.

Clearing his throat, Leon spoke in that husky tone. “You ready for bed, sweetness?”

I nodded, not sure what to say. Stepping back, Leon rose, took my hand, and walked to one side of the bed. He opened the covers and waited for me to lie down. The bed was surprisingly silky. It felt like I was floating on clouds as I turned and watched him get in on the other side.

He moved closer and lay on his side facing me. The air between us was thick, but not in a bad way. I was drawn to him in ways I couldn’t grasp. My heart skipped a beat as he reached out and stroked my cheek.

The light of the moon shining in through the open window, combined with the burning candles on the table, cast a couple of yellow and silver rays across us. His stare was intense, and my eyes were locked on. He shifted closer and drew a line down my arm with his finger.

Leon’s gaze followed his hand as it moved down. Stopping at my hand, he flipped the covers back. Grabbing hold of my hip, he pulled me closer. I gasped as our bodies met, our lips but inches apart. My heart pounded in my chest as his hand moved down my thigh again. I could swear it was clawing its way out as my breathing became harder to control.

He was gazing down at his hand as he delicately moved it up my thigh and under my dress. His touch burned but sent delightful tremors through me at the same time. My body wanted him, all of him. Yet, my mind was struggling.

“Leon,” I managed to say between breaths.

He gazed into my eyes as his hand cupped my ass, and I breathed in deeply. His minty breath didn’t provide me with images of ice cream this time. It filled my mind with a desire to taste him. As his lips closed in on mine, I closed my eyes, unconsciously licking mine.

His grip on my rear grew stronger as our lips brushed. Then suddenly, Leon pulled back. “Cindy, you’re safe with me,” he huffed out before turning around and pulling the covers over him. For a moment I just lay there staring at him, licking my lips. He tasted sweet, and I wanted more.

Moving my hand down the side of my body to collect the covers, I shivered as I remembered his intense touch. I was filled with lightning and butterflies and wanted his touch. My mind fought to gain control of my emotions as I wanted to pull him back and kiss him.

Sleep wasn’t my friend after our brief moments. I didn’t even know what to name it as it was an encounter out of this world. He filled my mind and my dreams.

Chapter 10 - Leon

Stretching out and turning, I noticed that Cindy was already up. I glanced around the room, but she had left. My mind still dwelled on our interaction last night. Her skin was tender and smelled of wildflowers. I had never felt like this before, and even though it felt right, we felt right, so I would wait.

I was nervous as I didn’t want to ruin what we were building. I couldn’t be sure if Cindy felt the same, so I would give it some more time. I quickly rose and headed to the bathroom. She wasn’t there either. After a quick shower, I went downstairs.

There she was in the kitchen with everyone else. She was assisting with breakfast. I was sure she was simply being helpful and kind, playing her cards right until she could find a way out. Mila stood by the washer, not looking too pleased, while Piotr was setting the plates and glasses on the island.

Cindy was by Konstantin at the stove. They were standing side by side, way too close for comfort. My good mood swiftly dissipated as I walked closer. I felt irritation and anger stirring my insides. Konstantin was explaining the Bias cut to her. He stepped in behind her and reached around, touching hers.

They had not even made two slices of cucumber when I grabbed him by the collar and pulled back, barking. “Step back Konstantin.” He slammed up against the side of the island as I let go.

“What the hell, Leon? What’s your problem, man?” He shot back at me, heaving slightly, holding his side.

“Leon,” Piotr said, walking to Konstantin.

Pointing at Konstantin, sure the anger I felt inside reflecting on my face, I shot back. “Keep your hands to yourself or else….” I didn’t wait for a comment, or reply from any of them.

Turning, I took Cindy’s hand and pulled her with me through the house. We ended up in one of the passages that led to the multiple entertainment areas and spare rooms we had. The hallway was dark as we barely used these rooms and had no reason for the lights to burn.