Page 48 of Owned By the Bratva

I was shaking, crying, and gasping for air. Shock, fear, and relief washed over me in waves as I tried to comprehend what had just happened. Leon took my face in his hands, looking into my eyes as he continued. “I love you and will never let anything happen to you.”

Pulling me closer, he kissed me tenderly. The fighting and shooting had calmed down around us as we walked around the building to Konstantin’s car. As Ashan's men cleared the area, Piotr, Mila, and Konstantin joined us.

“Can we go home now?” I asked, holding onto Leon.

Leon kissed my forehead as he spoke. “Sure, let’s go.”

Leon sat in the back with me. I was glad to be in his arms and didn’t want to let go. Back at the mansion, he carried me upstairs. I sat on the floor in the bathroom as he filled the tub for me.

“I have to go down for a second, but I’ll be back in a flash,” he said, leaving the bathroom as I undressed and climbed into the tub.

After soaking for a while, I started feeling better. I washed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Everyone was there and took turns hugging me.

Epilogue - Leon

Time passed quickly. Once Kiera was stopped for good, there was a lot of turmoil. The Morozov family held up their end of the deal and kept our identity a secret. Obviously, it was to their benefit as well. There were many other projects where we could be of service, and where we were.

Six months had passed, and the waters started calming down. Not that any of us expected that it would stay this way forever. But we were thankful for the quiet times when they came. During the last six months, we, the Ungodly Brothers, assisted the Morozov family with a couple of projects. One was finding out who was behind a string of robberies at their clubs.

During this time, our bond with Ashan and Jamie developed into more than mere associates. We have also had the pleasure of meeting other members of the family. This extended our services.

Cindy loved her new job and settled well within the company. Sitting outside by the pool with our feet dangling in the cool water, I waited for Cindy to tell me the good news she said she had.

Bumping her gently, I asked, unable to wait any longer. She had let me know early this morning that she had received good news but had not spilled the beans. “So, what’s this amazing news you told me about?”

Staring out at the trees, she inhaled deeply. Turning to me, I noticed she was beaming. “Come on, spill it,” I urged her.

“Well,” she started. “What would you say if I told you, that you were looking at the youngest leading scientist in the lab?”

I was utterly stunned and didn’t know what to say. Taking her face into my hands, I pulled her closer and kissed her passionately. “Cindy,” I whispered. “You are the brightest of stars in my world, and I knew you would become big.”

Cindy pulled me in and kissed me long and hard. Coming up for air, I had an idea. Jumping up, I pulled her with me. “This calls for a celebration, don’t you think?” I said grinning at her. She nodded, turning from side to side. I loved the way she still got shy when exciting events came our way.

Pulling her into my arms, I hugged her tightly as I spoke. “You’re amazing, and you deserve it.”

We found the others on the veranda in front and shared the exciting news. After everyone congratulated her, we decided to share the news with Ashan and Jamie. We made an appointment to visit them the next evening.

While Cindy was at work the next day, Mila and I went to the gambling den. With assistance from Jamie, we arranged for a celebration out of this world. Ashan and Jamie agreed to close the top floor for a private party in the evening. Mila assisted in inviting some of our friends, and Cindy’s colleagues from the new lab.

Jamie got in some of the Morozov women and decorated the floor. They agreed to keep it plain as Cindy didn’t like too much fuss. Gold and silver balloons hung from white lint across the sky with dots of fairy lights here and there. At the bar was a big congratulations board.

Finger snacks were prepared, and the bar was fully stocked. We settled on a music list that included a variety of music, which I felt wasn’t too wild. Glancing around the floor, I rubbed my hands hard against my pant legs, feeling my nerves eating at my insides.

Jamie and Mila made a list of gift selections that was also sent out to those invited. Before picking Cindy up from work, I went shopping. I bought three outfits, hoping one of them would be to her liking.

Leaving them on the bed in our room, I went to pick her up. Sitting in the parking area, I saw her departing the building and strolling over. She was glowing as the late afternoon sun hit her just right. My heart was beating extra fast as I wasn’t very good at keeping things from her. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.

Getting in, Cindy smiled at me, and I had to look away as I felt sure my eyes would betray me. Starting up the beast, Cindy leaned over, placing her hand on my knee as she spoke. “Why do you look like you've done something you shouldn’t have?”

I gave her a quick grin as I pulled out and headed home. “Nope, nothing,” I replied, hearing a slight quivering in my voice.

“Are we still going to Ashan and Jamie tonight?” she asked, looking out the window.

Swallowing the lump and wiping at the sweat forming on my brows, I felt relieved that she wasn’t watching me. “Yeah, I bought you some outfits. I hope you like them,” I said, pulling into the driveway.

This time, Cindy looked at me, staring at me as if examining me. “Oh, okay,” she eventually said as I got out.

Opening her door, Cindy got out and went in without another word. Entering the room, I stood at the door watching her as she studied the outfits. After a while, she turned, holding up the light green pantsuits. “This one is nice,” she said, coming closer and kissing my cheek.

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