“Right,” Piotr said, taking me by the arm. “Let me show you to your room.”
He led me up a set of stairs to the second floor. We walked down the passage, passing a couple of doors. Closer to the end, he stopped and opened the door on our right. Stepping in, he flicked on the lights. The room wasn’t the brightest even though the ceiling was essentially covered in lights.
“This used to be Leon’s room. He moved out into a home of his own with his wife.” Piotr spoke as if it was just something to say and not important.
Looking around, I felt a tinge of excitement. The room was amazing. Mine at home was small. I never had much. This room was three times larger. I had a huge bed, two closets, cupboards, and so much more.
“That door to the left leads to the bathroom,” Piotr said, closing the door behind us. “I think some of Cindy’s clothes might still be in one of the closets. That is if you need something else to wear. I’ll get you some stuff in the morning.”
Walking to the bed, I turned and nodded at him. “Right, I’ll see you in the morning; sleep well, princess,” Piotr said as he turned and walked out. I heard the lock clicking as the door closed and knew he had locked me in.
Walking to the window, I gazed out. The yard was well-lit, but there seemed to be trees as far as the eye could see. The evening breeze was cool on my hot skin. My emotions were up and down. I wasn’t sure how I felt. I had coped well with uncertainty. Walking to the bathroom, I was astonished. The place was spectacular. It was like something out of a magazine.
Searching through the closets, I found a light blue tracksuit. It was slightly big but would work. After taking a long hot bath, I got into bed. It was like lying down on a cloud. The mattress was so soft, and I fell asleep quicker than I thought.
Chapter 6 - Piotr
After unlocking the door, I knocked to signal that I was entering. I didn’t want to put Alyssa in an awkward situation. She was standing by the window in Cindy’s tracksuit. Even though it was a size too big, she still looked elegant.
Alyssa turned as I placed the tray down on the end of the bed. “I’ve brought you some breakfast. I wasn’t sure what you preferred, so here’s a variety.” I said, watching her come closer. Her eyes were so dark they looked black. Last night, I thought it was due to the darkness. But they were an intensely dark brown.
Her curvy hips swayed gracefully as she walked closer. My heart unexpectedly skipped a beat as a smile pulled her luscious lips slightly apart. I took a deep breath as my mind played with images of her wearing much less clothing.
Grinning, I stepped back, needing to put some distance between us. I was overcome with a sudden urge to pull her into my arms and kiss her. But the time wasn’t right. A woman like her deserved more than fleeting moments of pleasure.
“I have some business to take care of and will only be back this evening. I am sorry for having to lock you in. But it is for your protection.” I added as I slowly started moving towards the door.
“It’s fine. Thank you for the lovely meal.” She replied, staring at the tray.
On it was a pot of coffee, a bottle of water, cereal, sausages, bread, a bowl of fruit, cream, and other foods I could put together. Even if she didn’t eat all of it, it would also be sufficient for lunch.
“You can put what you don’t eat now in the fridge for later,” I said, opening the door.
“Thanks, I will. Have a nice day.” She replied, smiling softly at me.
Leaving the room, I locked the door and placed the keys in my pocket. I stood for a moment, unsure of her behavior. She seemed a lot calmer than she was last night. This would be nudging at my mind all day. I wanted to stay and get to know her, but I had to see Ashan.
I hadn’t made an appointment but felt sure he would want to know what happened at the fighting ring. Upon arriving at the gambling den unannounced, I was told he would be out for the day. I left a message on his desk in his office asking him to give me a call.
Walking back to my bike, I scolded myself for not calling ahead. I went to Leon’s and informed him about the ring. I shared my suspicions that something bad was happening there. Leon agreed to look into it and let me know what he and Cindy found.
Just as I was about to leave, Ashan called. He was available and would have his friend meet us at the den. I found Ashan and Lib on the top floor. They were waiting in the gazebo where we usually meet. After greeting them and ordering a beer, I informed them of the trouble this place could hold.
“So,” Ashan said. “You think something else is going on there?”
Glancing around, I replied cautiously. “Yes, I think it is a front for something horrible. I can’t be sure, though. But the owner, Jones, is not the kind of person I would do business with.”
Ashan looked at Lib before replying. “Why do I feel you are not telling us everything?”
Lowering my gaze, I continued. “Ashan, I ended up fighting.”
“What?” he exclaimed, rising from his seat. “Do the others know?”
Standing, I held my hands up, palms facing him. “No, please, they can’t. But I had no option.”
“I’m so sorry I placed you in such a position, Piotr,” Ashan said, tapping my shoulder. “What do you mean you had no choice? Are you okay?”
“Yes, yes. A little bruised, but I’m fine. The prize for the fight was a woman that’s now at my house,” I whispered. Ashan’s eyes widened as he stared at me in disbelief.