Page 32 of Owned By the Bratva

Mila burst out laughing, falling back on the couch cushion and waving her hands in the air. “No, dear, oh hell no. He’s my brother and nothing more. What gave you that impression?”

Clearing my throat, I glanced down at my feet. Before I could reply, she continued. “They’re all my brothers and nothing more. If you’re scared, I may become jealous of your relationship; you can relax.”

I felt slightly dumb for asking but nodded. I needed to be sure. “Sorry for bothering you,” I said as I rose.

Mila stood abruptly and took hold of my arm. “No, don’t worry about it. But know this, if you hurt him, I will come for you. Do you understand?”

The look in her eyes spoke to me more than her words and I knew she was serious. “Yes, I won’t hurt him,” I replied.

Mila hugged me briefly before sitting back down and picking up her tablet again. I went to the library and read for the rest of the day. I had been so drawn in by the book that I had missed lunch altogether. By the time I left the library, I was almost supper time.

In the kitchen, Mila had already started. After supper, we had drinks on the veranda. Konstantin and Leon didn’t join us for either. Piotr relayed that they were following up on a lead and would return late.

I took a long, relaxing bath and lay reading until I fell asleep. I didn’t know what time Leon came home or if he came home. When I woke in the wee hours of the morning, the bed next to me was still empty. Rising, I looked out the window, admiring the sunrise. How it kissed the earth as it slowly peeked at this side of the world was amazing.

My throat felt dry. I decided to head down and make myself some warm milk with honey. Walking down the stairs, I tried to stay as quiet as possible as I didn’t want to wake everyone.

As I approached the kitchen, I stopped as I heard voices. Leon was in the kitchen talking to someone. I listened, hiding around the door.

“There must be another way. This can’t be our only option; I will not allow it,” Leon said, angry.

“I’ve really tried Leon. I have, but I see no other solution. Unless we can find another scientist that knows something, this is the only way,” Mila added, sounding sincere. I wondered what they were discussing so early.

Then I heard Piotr. “She is the only way. We need to get access, and Mila can’t hack it from the outside without someone opening a door. Plus, there’s no time to find another scientist, so this is the only option.”

“You haven’t tried hard enough,” Leon spat.

Realizing they were talking about the lab, I stepped into the kitchen. I felt compelled to add my voice. “I can go back and give you access if that’s all you need.”

The three spun around, all surprised to see me. “No!” Leon barked as he stormed towards me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me with him as he left the kitchen and headed up the stairs.

Here we go again, I thought as we moved away from the kitchen.

Chapter 18 - Leon

Cindy wasn’t resisting much this time as I pulled her up the stairs and into my room. Closing the door behind us, I let go of her arm and watched as she moved away. It felt as if my body was on fire. The blood running through my veins was boiling again. She plopped down on the corner of the bed, folding her arms across her chest.

She had a defiant look, smirking at me as she spoke. “Me going back to work is the only option you have.” Her words came out harsh.

Speaking in a domineering tone, I shot back at her. I didn’t want this. “You will not put yourself in harm's way. Do you understand!”

“Don’t you think I can do this? I want to help, and I know I can.”

“No, Cindy,” I shot back. Tightening my fists at my sides, I tried to control the fury that raged through my insides.

Cindy stood abruptly. She stomped her foot on the floor and walked to the window. Joining her by the window, I firmly took hold of her shoulder and spun her around to face me. Staring into the deep pools of hazel, I felt my muscles relaxing.

“If you go back, you’ll be in danger, and we may not be able to help you if you need it,” I said softly.

The expression on her face didn’t change as she stared at me. In fact, it seemed she was determined to do things her way as she turned her head away and lifted her chin.

Her mouth opened as if she wanted to say something. But before she could, I added. “Cindy, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Swallowing my pride, I looked down as I continued. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Feeling her gentle touch on my cheek made me look up again. “I don’t want to see you hurt like that again. I can do this, and I want to help, please let me.”

I could see tears forming in her eyes and felt a knot forming in my throat. Seeing her so sad tore at my insides. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I couldn’t allow her to go back there. Pulling her into my arms, I whispered into her ear. “Cindy, I care about you and can’t allow you to go into a dangerous situation.”

Lifting her face, I noticed a tear creeping down her cheek and kissed it away. Cindy smiled, wiping her eyes before looking up at me. Leaning down, I tenderly kissed her. Cindy wrapped her arms around my neck, breathing out loudly. I felt sure her resistance was crumbling.

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