Page 5 of Owned By the Bratva

Aiming for the table leg with my feet, I couldn’t decide if I really wanted to bring attention to myself. Yes, no, yes, no, my mind twirled with all that could happen. Glancing around again, I knew there was no other option. I felt sure it was my only way to get water and maybe escape.

Yet, I needed to get the bounds off first. Shifting sideways, I managed to get to the cabinet. The edge looked rouch enough; turning, I moved my arms again, hoping to cut through the bounds. After what felt like an eternity, they started giving way. Pulling hard, I was able to pull one hand free. I untied my legs and quickly moved back to the table.

Taking a seat before it, I loosely placed the bounds around my legs and held the others in my hands behind my back. I was ready.

Kicking with all my might at the table, I heard it bang against the wall. The glass lifted one side, then the other, and finally flipped sideways, speeding to the floor below it. The glass flew to the ground with an alarming, loud, and impressive shattering sound echoing through the room.

I didn’t know what would happen if this didn't attract his attention. I shifted back slightly, listening for any movement on the other side of the closed door. It didn’t take long for the door to open and Leon to step in. The brute of a man stood towering over me as he spoke in that deep, low voice I had heard earlier. “What is your problem?”

My body numbed as panic stepped in. “Don’t get hysterical,” I told myself, breathing deeply through my nose. Looking up into his eyes, I felt mine widen with a petrified stare of what may come from my half-brained idea. His dark eyes had a cold, dead look.

How could I think he would come in calmly and untie me so I could have a drink? He kidnapped me. How stupid could I be? I should stick to formulas, I thought as he moved in closer, his eyes locked on mine.

“I need quiet for my interrogations, and I can’t focus if you don’t do your part. Can you keep quiet?” He spat at me.

I mumbled, trying to pull my eyes from his without breaking into hysterical sobs. My chest felt crushed as I struggled to catch my breath. He lifted his hand quickly, and I flinched, making him stop mid-air. Glancing at his hand, I noticed he was moving slower as he brought it to my face and removed the tape. Tears were threatening to flow like a waterfall as I tried to keep my breathing steady.

“Don’t you dare scream,” he said as he pulled the cloth from my mouth.

Once the tape was off and the cloth removed, I could breathe easier. As I spoke, I heard my voice breaking but managed to hold back the tears. “Water, please,” I asked in a barely audible voice.

He looked at the table, and the glass shattered on the floor below it. “You just broke my favorite glass; why should I give you anything?” He asked, lifting his eyebrows.

Lowering my head, I replied softly. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t call.” I hoped my voice sounded sincere enough for him to believe me.

Leon stepped back, hesitantly observing me. I glanced at him and back down, hoping he wouldn’t see the treachery I felt was surely written all across my face.

“Water,” he said after a while. Replacing the tape, he turned and left the room. Soon, he came back with a glass. Kneeling next to me he removed the tape again and held the glass to my lips. He lifted it slowly as I greedily gulped down the cool water. Once again, I realized he was handling me with care as he held one hand under my chin, wiping the water dripping past the glass.

About halfway through the content of the glass, I felt the peanut butter lump becoming a smooth paste. I felt my stomach turning and growling. Sure, I was also hungry, but I decided not to push my luck. Leon rose to his feet, stepped back, and stared down at me for a moment.

I felt uncomfortable with his dark eyes focused intently on me. It felt like I was staring down the abyss. I was sure he was trying to assess the situation. “I’ll leave the tape off if you promise not to scream?” he said questioningly, as he smoothed his short raven black hair back.

Shaking my head in agreement, I looked away, scared he would see the excitement in my eyes as I felt a spark of hope lifting my weary spirits. He left and pulled the door closed behind him. I didn’t hear the door locking and waited only a second before jumping to my feet. I opened the door quietly and stuck my head out to see if he had left the inner room.

My head had barely gone through when I felt a shove against the door. I was pushed back hard, losing my balance. I tried to grab on, but there was nothing I could get my fingers around, so I fell back. There stood Leon in the doorway, grinning down at me. Sweat instantly covered my skin. It felt like I was covered in ice as I looked into those deep, dark eyes.

I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing how I felt, so I pushed my fear down. He hadn’t hurt me yet. If he wanted to, I was sure he would have by now. This gave me a nudge of confidence.

Chapter 4 - Leon

I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked at how she kept trying to escape. She looked timid and shy, yet she possessed a blazing fire I hadn’t seen in a woman in a long time. She had a fighting spirit, and this fascinated me. As I gave her water, I noticed loose bounds around her feet. I decided to wait for her.

“And where do you think you’re going?” I asked, stepping into the room as she sprawled backward.

She glanced past me, rubbing her wrists before answering, but wouldn’t look straight at me. “Nowhere.”

Taking another step forward, I closed the door and flipped the light switch. The room lit up as the six individual lights brightened it. Due to the growing vegetation outside, I had to install more lights in certain areas where I required them. My office was one of the rooms with added lighting.

Pushing my hand through my hair, I leaned forward, trying to catch her gaze. “Excuse me, but didn’t you just try to escape?”

As her eyes met mine, I noticed a sparkle in her honey-brown eyes. They were almost mesmerizing. Yes,’ I thought she had a burning fire within. Yet, as I glared at her, her already pale-freckled skin appeared to turn even paler. She was obviously scared but fighting very hard not to show it.

“No, I was going to leave. You have no right to keep me here.” Her voice sounded mildly positive and reasonably calm for her appearance.

“Right,” I replied, walking backward toward the door again. “But, I can’t let you go either. So, for now, you are staying until I decide what to do, got it?”

She leaped at me with her tiny fists. I caught both her hands and stood for a bit. Her skin was soft like clouds and smooth as satin. The fury on her face quickly dissipated as I gradually walked forward, pushing her back. There was a spark between us I couldn’t grasp, but it made me smile.

---