Page 40 of Owned By the Bratva

He didn’t respond, and I had to turn and look at him to make sure he was there and that I wasn’t dreaming. The darkness I felt had become bad, and I wouldn’t put it past my mind to make up my dreams.

There he stood, glancing around my small abode. “You want something to drink?” I repeated.

Konstantin glanced at me, and I had to look away, feeling tears forming behind my eyes. “If you’re having,” he said in a gentle tone.

Placing the kettle on the stove and lighting the gas, I continued. “So, what brings you out here?”

I heard him taking a seat at the island and could feel his eyes burning holes in my back. Blinking rapidly, I tried to push back the tears and filled a glass with water. After a couple of sips, I felt more confident and turned to face him.

“Well,” he started. “I was in the neighborhood and wanted to see how you were.”

“I’m good, as you can see,” I stated in as normal a tone as I could muster. The teapot started to whistle, and I felt relieved for the distraction. Turning back to the cupboard, I took out two cups and made coffee for us.

“You know,” Konstantin spoke up behind me. I almost jumped as I had not heard him get up and move closer. Turning with the two cups, I handed him one as I stepped back, moving around the island.

“What?” I inquired, hearing a rise in my tone.

“I was thinking, it's kind of my fault that made you move out.”

Before he could continue, I placed my cup down and waved my hand at him as I replied. “No, no, it was time. You were right. I had no reason to stay any longer.”

“No, really, I feel kind of responsible. So, as I was saying. Or trying to say. I have this apartment that I never use, and you are welcome to stay there.”

Sitting down, I sipped at my coffee. It tasted bland and weak, but I was sure it was only because I felt down. I placed the cup back on the counter and stared at it as I responded. “No, really, I’m fine, Konstantin. Thanks anyway, but don’t worry about me.”

He walked closer and placed his cup down as he came to stand next to me. “Please,” he said, going down to his knees so he could look up at my face. “I insist that you stay there. Only until you find your feet. Please let me help you.”

Feeling the tears welling up again, I wanted him to leave, and I nodded. “Okay, just for a bit. Just until I get a place of my own.”

“Great!” he exclaimed as he stood and placed a set of keys on the island. “Here are the keys; there’s only one set, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting in uninvited.”

“Thank you, Konstantin.” I said as I gave him a wary smile.

“Oh, it’s a pleasure; it’s the least I could do. The address is on the keychain, and the alarm code is easy to use. It’s Konstantin.” He chuckled as he gave me the code. “Now, I have to leave, but you can move in anytime.”

He walked to my side and squeezed my shoulder. “Chin up, things will come right, you’ll see. Gotta dash, catch you on the hill.”

I watched in awe as he strolled out and closed the door behind him. Picking up the keys from the counter, I looked at the address. I expected it to be something similar to the place where Leon had held me the first day. Yet, it appeared to be an actual apartment. In town in an apartment building, not a home on the outskirts of town.

The rest of the day, and the next, I spent collecting everything I owned. Walking out with my last possessions, I glanced back at the emptiness of the flat that had become home in a short period. It simulated the way I felt in the moment, void of any life. Closing the door, I headed down to the town car.

Konstantin’s place was on the second floor of a pleasant-looking apartment complex. The driver helped me carry my things up and left. Konstantin had arranged for the car and had paid for the service. Closing the door, I scanned the apartment. I felt grateful for a place to stay, even if it was only temporary.

The apartment was much nicer than the place Leon called his home away from the mansion. The floors were covered in white tiles. Walking through the small entrance, it opened into an open-plan living room and kitchen. To the left was stairs leading to the bedroom and bathroom.

My bags and the three boxes containing my life sat on the floor next to a comfortable-looking leather couch. Two double and two single couches were arranged around a small glass table. To the other side of the table was a cabinet holding a television and a couple of books.

The kitchen area was compact but held all a single person could need. Under the stairs was a separate bathroom. I assumed this was for guests. Taking my bags, I walked up the stairs. The bedroom held a big double bed, a dresser with a chair, a single couch, and another television. Everything had its place, and the entire flat appeared to be sparkling.

Placing my bags down next to the bed, I sat down. It was soft as clouds. Laying back, I closed my eyes, wishing I could turn back the clocks. Tears silently ran down the sides of my face. Shaking my head to clear the clouds, I got up and opened the closet.

I couldn’t dwell on what could’ve been. There was only a handful of clothing, and most of the space was empty. After putting away my clothes, I went back down and put the kettle on. As I picked it up to make some coffee, there was a knock on the door.

Expecting to find Konstantin, I opened the door without reserve. Seeing Leon in the hallway caught me off guard, so I stepped back quickly. Leon stormed past me, looking upset. Closing the door, I followed him to the kitchen.

Leon turned at the small breakfast nook, pointing a finger as he spoke. “Why, why?”

I didn’t understand why he was so angry. “Leon,” I said as I passed him to where I left the kettle and got another cup from the cabinet. “Why are you so angry?”

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