Page 42 of Owned By the Bratva

Giggling, I nodded and closed the door. Turning to face the empty flat, my mind turned to all the cleaning that would now have to be done. After rinsing the cups and moping the kitchen floor, I continued to hang my clothing.

My couple of belongings in the boxes could stay that way for now. I didn’t see the need to unpack everything if I wasn’t sure how long I would stay. I placed them in the bottom of the cupboard, where I hung my clothing.

As I returned to the kitchen, I decided to eat the box of Honey Bunches I had brought from my apartment. It was the only food that survived. Leon said he would be back in the morning, and we could get a couple of things.

I tossed and turned almost all night. I wanted to be with Leon, but I also wanted my independence. The night sky was coloring as I eventually fell asleep.

Chapter 24 - Leon

Most retail stores only open around ten. This gave me enough time to sort things at home and get to Konstantin’s place to pick up Cindy. But I wanted to surprise her with something special.

Before going to the apartment, I stopped at the florist, the jeweler, and the corner bakery. I bought five dozen roses, a diamond bracelet, and, of course, some food. I was unsure what she would like, so I got croissants, muffins, and a mochaccino.

Cindy wasn’t ready to go shopping as she was still in her nightgown when I arrived. I didn’t mind as we could have breakfast first. Handing her the food and coffee, I went back to collect the roses and bracelet. She had left the door open so I could just come in when I returned.

The food and coffee stood on the small island. I positioned the roses around it and placed the bracelet on top of a muffin. I sat sipping my coffee, waiting for her to return. She came down all dressed and ready.

Grinning, I waited for her to check out the arrangement. Cindy picked up the bracelet and smiled softly at me as she spoke. “Thank you, but you didn’t need to do all this.” She sat down and drank her mochaccino. She didn’t look overly pleased or happy about the gifts.

“I want you to know how important you are,” I replied, wondering what I did wrong. We ate in silence as she seemed to study the roses and bracelet. Once breakfast was done, we could head out.

We stopped for some groceries, and I took her to Fifth Street. We walked through almost all the stores, but she only bought a few items. She seemed a little distant, and I wasn’t sure why.

“I made a reservation at Baltza for eight and will pick you up around seven,” I said after we packed away the groceries.

Cindy nodded but didn’t seem overly enthusiastic. Leaving her to finish some work, I wondered what I was doing wrong.

The day passed quickly, and time caught up with me before I knew it. After a quick shower, I headed out to pick up Cindy for our first official date. I was bubbling over with excitement. I wanted to show her what kind of life I could offer her.

As I pulled up, she was coming out. Cindy was wearing a tight-fitting red dress. It hung to her feet with two slits on the sides where her legs came peeking out as she moved. I felt my breath catching as I opened the door and assisted her into my truck. She was stunning, with her hair pinned up and her breasts threatening to climb out the top of the dress.

I felt my heart beating excessively as I started the truck. I was battling to focus and keep my eyes on the road. Entering the restaurant, all eyes turned, and I saw admiration in the stares. I wanted to pick her up and head back home. She was mine. I didn’t approve of the looks she was getting.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to stay calm. I had promised her space, but reacting in such a way would not play out well. The service and meal were both out of this world. I was sure she appreciated it even though she didn’t show it.

Dropping her off, Cindy didn’t invite me up, which was a bit puzzling, but I accepted it. Piotr was sitting on the veranda as I got back. He was having a drink. Joining him, I decided to ask him for advice. He lived a simpler life than the rest of us. But I also believed he had more experience in life.

“Piotr,” I said, looking out into the darkness. “I’ve showered Cindy with gifts and a meal at one of the best restaurants around, but she seemed distant.”

He glanced at me, took a sip from his glass, and cleared his throat. “Maybe you’re overdoing it,” he said blandly.

My mouth hung open as he turned to me, grinning. “What do you mean?” I asked, stunned. “I want her to have a comfortable life, and I can give her one.”

“Not all people, especially women, are the same, Leon.” Piotr took another sip from his glass. “Maybe she’s not into fancy stuff. Have you considered that?”

Shaking my head, I thought back. I didn’t really know anything about her. I hadn’t been to her apartment where she stayed, and to think about it, she had never asked for anything during the time she stayed with us.

It was like my eyes, and my mind suddenly opened. Jumping up, I tapped Piotr on the shoulder, spilling his drink all over him as I excitedly proclaimed my newfound knowledge. “Thank you, I now know what to do.”

Piotr wiped at his shirt, grinning. “Sure, no problem,” he added as I headed inside.

Mila and Konstantin were in the kitchen making coffee. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and went to my room. I rolled around half the night trying to plan our next date.

Early the next morning, I prepared breakfast. As we sat down, I spoke up. “Hey guys, I was thinking that, seeing as most jobs have been handled. Well, that you might want to go out tonight?”

“Great idea,” Konstantin replied. “Where do you wanna go?”

Clearing my throat, I glanced at Piotr. “Not me, you all.”

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