Page 26 of Owned By the Bratva

Before she could reply, the door swung open. A significantly well-built man stepped out wiping his hands. He looked at everyone gathered in the hall. He smiled and nodded at Mila and Konstantin, then focused on me.

“And who’s this lovely lady?” he said. His voice was filled with authority and strength. Something inside suddenly made me fear him. I wanted to turn and run even though he appeared friendly. I didn’t want to be the center of attention. I wanted to see Leon.

Jamie touched his arm as she replied. “This is Cindy, love.”

“Leon’s Cindy?” he said, extending his hand to me.

“Yes,” Jamie added softly.

“Well, pleased to meet you, Cindy,” he said, shaking my hand. His grip was strong but tender. “I’m Ashan Morozov, the owner of this fine establishment.”

Glancing from Jamie to Mila and back at Piotr, my mind filled with a million questions. But now wasn't the time for it. I burned to see Leon and make sure he was okay.

As if he could read my mind, Ashan opened the door. He looked at me as he spoke and held out his other hand to me. “Leon’s going to be fine and will make a full recovery. It will take some time, but he will be fine. Let’s go see him.”

Taking his hand, I allowed the air I was holding back to escape. It came out as a big sigh of relief. Jamie squeezed my shoulder as I passed her entering the room. If these people were truly the Morozov Bratva, they were very different than I had imagined.

The room was big and had an even stronger hospital odor. Against the left wall was a double bed where Leon lay. His eyes were closed. It seemed like he was sleeping.

Next to the bed was a chair, and a long wooden table. On it sat a variety of medicine, a basin of water, some bandages, and other items. The walls were painted a dark brown at the bottom, fading to the ceiling and turning cream. The curtains were a color between the two.

A long double couch stood before the window. Next to it was a cabinet with a kettle, some cups, and canisters holding tea, coffee, and sugar. Beside that was a small bar fridge. There was another door on the right, which led to a bathroom.

Mila, Konstantin, and Piotr walked to the bed and stood by the foot end. I briskly went to his side. Sitting down in the chair, I took Leon’s hand in mine. His skin was somewhat cold but not icy. His eyes flickered but didn’t open.

I spoke softly when I glanced back at Ashan and Jamie, who stood by the door. “Will he wake soon?” I was glad to see he was alive and felt a heaviness lifting off my chest as I held his hand.

Jamie nodded and smiled, “Yes, he will.”

“We will check in later,” Ashan said as he turned to the door and placed his arm around Jamie. “Piotr, keep us updated if anything changes.”

Piotr nodded in reply, and then they left. Leon’s color was a tad lighter than normal, but I presumed it could be due to blood loss. He was lying under a light brown sheet, but I could see the bandages around his waist where the sheet was pulled sideways. He had no shirt on, and the right side of his chest was also exposed.

My heart took a little leap as I studied his bulging muscles. I had not realized how husky he was until now.

I was startled out of my thoughts as Piotr spoke. “We should let him rest. We’ll come back a bit later, guys.”

Glancing at the three standing by the foot end, I felt tears again pushing at the back of my eyes. Swallowing hard, I spoke softly. “Would you mind if I stayed? Please, I won’t wake him.” I glanced at his peaceful face and back at Piotr. “I just want to sit with him a bit.”

Mila looked like she wanted to say something. It appeared she wanted to argue with me, but Piotr squeezed her hand, and she bit down on her lower lip. “You can stay,” Piotr said. “Keep in mind he may be in a mood when he wakes, though.”

I nodded and watched as they headed for the door. Konstantin left first, and then Mila. Piotr turned before leaving, adding one more thing. “Let us know when he wakes. We’ll just be downstairs getting breakfast.” He paused, then added. “You want anything? Can I send it up?”

“No thanks, I’m fine,” I replied.

Piotr nodded and left, pulling the door closed behind him. I sat staring at Leon’s face, his strong jawline was very prominent. He looked comfortable on the soft pillow, and his breathing appeared normal.

Lowering my head onto my hands and staring at his face, I held his hand firmly. I wondered what had happened. He had never displayed an inkling of causing trouble, and if he did, I was sure he could handle anything.

Seeing him like this made me sad but also angry. How could this have happened? It wasn’t fair. Closing my eyes, I fought back the tears. I whispered, hoping that somehow he could hear me. “I think I have developed deep feelings for you, Leon. Please wake up soon.”

I must have dozed off at some point because I woke startled. Someone was lightly stroking my hair. Lifting my head abruptly, I looked up. Leon was awake but didn’t seem overly glad that I was there.

“You’re awake!” I exclaimed, “When did you wake? How are you feeling?” I rambled on out of relief, but Leon glared at me. It seemed he was pissed, even though his touch was soft. I wasn’t sure if he was angry at me or the fact that he had been stabbed.

“What are you doing here?” he barked at me, his voice cracking slightly as he coughed. Holding his side, Leon glared at me again.

I grabbed the jug and glass from the table and poured him some water. “Here, drink this,” I said, handing him the glass.

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