Chapter 13 - Cindy

It had been two days since our amazing interaction on the bathroom cabinet. Sitting on the edge of the bed, my mind wandered as feelings of rejection started to surface. Leon was absent more and more. When he was here, he made sure we weren't alone.

These feelings of rejection were suffocating me. Turning sideways, I flopped to the bed as a lonely tear ran down my face. My mood was dark, and I didn't feel like doing anything. I wanted to go home. I longed to return to a life before all this turmoil.

Hearing the door open, I lifted my head to see who it was, hoping Leon had come to his senses. But it was Mila peeking her head around the door.

"Hey, you didn't come down for breakfast. Is everything okay?" I could hear the concern in her voice.

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes, hoping to keep the new tears trying to force their way out at bay. Mila stepped into the room, glanced back at the hall, and then closed the door. "Hey, what's the matter?"

"It's nothing," I replied standing and heading for the bathroom. How could I tell her what I was feeling? I didn't even know why it was bothering me so much. After rinsing my face, I returned to the room where Mila still waited.

"Do you want to talk?" she asked in a neutral tone.

I thought about it for a moment and then nodded as I decided to give it a try. I wasn't sure how she would feel about it, but I really needed someone. Mila walked closer and sat down next to me. I could only hope she would understand as I myself didn't understand.

I kept my focus on the floor as I started. "I feel a bit unsure of myself, somewhat ugly or rather unwanted."

"What, you, never," Mila said as she bent forward, trying to look at my face. "You're so sweet, everyone loves you."

"Leon's been avoiding me. We had…" I took a deep breath glancing at her. "Something happened but since then, he's been very distant. It's like he suddenly has no interest in me." Turning to face Mila, I continued. "Am I ugly?" I felt my heart breaking as the words left my mouth, and tears started their journey down my cheeks.

"No," Mila said in a soft tone. "No, you're surely not ugly, girl. You are gorgeous."

My voice quivered as I spoke. "Then why doesn't he want me?"

Mila sighed, taking hold of my chin as I tried to lower my gaze again. Her hazel eyes were filled with a warmth I had not seen before. "If he doesn't want you, he's a fool. But I'll help you if you want?"

Hearing her say these things brought a gentle smile to my lips. Mila jumped up, rushing to the door, then stopped and turned back. "I think I know what we need to do. I'll dress you up, emphasizing your curves and he won't be able to resist you. How does that sound?"

Grinning at her, I nodded, and with that, she turned and left the room. I went to the bathroom feeling slightly better. After rinsing my face, I stared into the mirror. My mind ran back to my first experience with oral sex. It brought a bigger smile to my lips as I squeezed my legs together.

His touch was so perfect. I didn't understand how he couldn't be interested. "It's not you, dear," I said to my reflection. "You are perfect in every way." Rinsing my face again, I used the fluffy hand towel to dry away the last remnants of my tears.

Hearing the door open again, I headed back to the room. Mila was standing at the door waving a credit card. "You ready to go shopping?"

"I guess," I replied shyly as I followed her out.

The shopping took us all morning. On our way back, we stopped at a small diner close to their mansion for lunch. On our return, I was surprised to find the place clear of visible life. We took the clothes up to the spare room. Mila felt it would be better to use the closets in there.

"Now then," Mila said as she sat down in the chair by the table. "Pick something and put it on so we can see what it looks like on you. I'm going to help you feel like the woman you can be."

I wasn't too sure about the outfits she chose, but I was willing to try anything. She insisted on some make-up and jewelry as well. When I tried to check the prices, she took the tags and told me to stop fussing. I felt sure all these had to be a small fortune, but Mila insisted I not worry about the cost.

Shaking my head, I took a black skirt and white top out, holding them against me. "No, no, something more alluring. Try the pink dress, I like that one."

Turning back to the closet, I replaced the skirt and top, taking out the silky dress. It was smooth and felt somewhat cold in my hands. The top looked like a glittering heart, but it had no straps. I wondered how it would stay up but didn't say anything. Holding it up against me, I turned to face Mila. She smiled, "Yes, that's the one. Now come sit first so I can do your pretty face."

I felt a bit awkward. I had never worn much make-up and the clothes, well, I would not have picked any of these if I had to shop for myself.

Placing the dress on the bed, I took her place in the chair as she added make-up to my face. Mila finally put on the lipstick, which completed the final touch and stepped back, grinning at me. "You are a queen," she said, breathing out hard as she handed me a pocket mirror.

Looking at my reflection, I was stunned. It wasn't overdone. The make-up seemed to bring out my natural beauty. Filling with joy, I stood and hugged her. Pushing me back in a playful way Mila spoke softly. "Come now, enough, let's get dressed. I asked Piotr to bring something special for supper as we weren't cooking tonight and the men should be home soon."

I eyed the dress and took out the new lingerie she insisted I get. It would have been a bit much if you had asked me, too revealing, but I wanted tonight to be special, so I agreed. Mila was halfway out the door as she spoke. "I'm going to set the table. See you down there."

Before I could get a word out, the door closed, and she was gone. Stepping into the lacy undergarments, I studied myself in the lifesize closet mirror. My stomach fluttered, and a giggle escaped my lips. I felt like I was back in high school on my way to the prom. Slipping on the silky dress, the material made my skin tingle. I liked the way it made me feel.

Smiling at my reflection, I stood gazing into the mirror. My breasts filled the top heart of the dress nicely and sat snug. I was sure it wouldn't slip off. The bodice flowed into a wide, see- through flair. It had a short, tight piece hugging my legs, almost clamping them together.

This was pearl white in color, covered by the silky see-through material, which added a glittering pink glowy haze. Turning before the mirror, I loved the look and felt excited. I added the white heels Mila got me and was ready for supper. Before I could open the door, Mila walked back in.

"I love it," I exclaimed, turning to her.

Mila smiled at me as she spoke. "I thought you might, but the look isn't complete."

Turning in a circle, I added. "What more could I need?"

"Here, stand still," Mila said as she placed a necklace and earrings down on the table.

Placing my hands over my mouth, I gasped at their beauty. "No, Mila, I can't," I said as she picked up the fine silver chain with a tiny diamond heart hanging in the center and moved in behind me.

"Yes, you can, and you will," she said, closing the clasp and turning me to her. "Perfect. Now just add the earrings, and we'll be ready." These also held small diamonds in a heart shape.

I put them on and turned back to Mila. "There now," she said. "Perfection."

Laughing nervously, I hugged her again. This time, she hugged me back even if it was light and brief, it was there. "Come on," she said, opening the door. "The men are waiting."

My legs felt like they were filling with lead as we descended the stairs. My mind was in turmoil. What if he didn't like it? What if I was the issue and not what I wore? Feeling my heart beating in my throat, I wanted to turn and run. I wanted to go back up and close myself in that room.

Then Mila took my hand, and we entered the dining room. Piotr was at the head of the table, and Konstantin was in his usual place. Leon was seated on this side with his back to us as we entered.

The table was set, and the smell of the food filled my senses as we entered. On the two sides of the table were buckets of ice with a bottle of wine in each. Next to them were thick, tall candles surrounded by lovely flowers. At the center, there was a big dish with supper, and steam was still coming off it.

As Piotr and Konstantin's eyes fell on us, they both rose from their chairs, staring at me strangely. It was as if they were seeing me for the first time. This caught Leon's attention. He rose and turned to face us. Mila let go of my hand and stepped away.

Something flashed over Leon's face. I was sure it was delight or pleasure, but anger quickly replaced it. He glanced at Mila, pulling his eyebrows together. He glanced around at the other two men, and I noticed his clenched fists on his sides.

My appearance had the opposite effect of what I had hoped for. My heart sank as I walked to his side and sat down. Feeling the lump of peanut butter growing again in my throat, I wasn't sure if I could eat at all.

Piotr, Konstantin, and Mila took their places and sat down. Konstantin picked up the bowl of lasagna and held it out to me. His smile ran from ear to ear as he spoke. "May I dish up for you?"

Leon had turned to the table but had not taken his place next to me. Glancing up at him, I noticed his face had turned red. I was sure he was about to explode at any moment. Yet, I didn't understand his anger.

"What have you done to her?" he asked Mila in a raised voice.

"What, calm down, doesn't she look sexy?" Mila replied, sounding only slightly irritated at him.

"Yes, she does," Konstantin chipped in. His voice was smooth and silky.

His words had barely left his mouth when Leon spat back. "You keep your trap closed and your dirty hands to yourself."

"Hey, that's not nice," Mila added, standing up. "You take that back."

Leon leaned forward as he spoke, pointing a finger at Mila. "This is all your doing. You had no right!"

Feeling the tension building, I pushed back my plate and rose. "Excuse me, I'm not hungry," I said, turning and heading back upstairs. I felt humiliated, I never wore make-up, and this dress, well it was something I thought I would never get caught wearing ever.

As I was about to open the spare room door, I felt a hand on my shoulder. There he was, tall as life. "Please leave me alone, Leon," I said, backing away. I could not go far as the door to the room was still closed, and I felt cornered.

My eyes burned as tears welled up behind them. Lifting my hand, I tried to find the door knob. I needed to escape from the situation. "I'm not mad at you, Cindy," Leon said, stroking my cheek.

"No," I spat back, closing my fingers around the handle and turning. The door swung open behind me, and I stepped back. Meaning to close it on him, I brought the door forward, but it slammed against Leon's outstretched hand.

Speaking softly, Leon stepped into the room. "Please, hear me out." The first tear escaped and wandered down my cheek. Turning, I wiped at it as I walked to the window. I needed air desperately. "Mila knew everyone would find you attractive in that dress and only did this to make me jealous. What were you thinking going along with such a makeover? You are more than this." I could hear he was still angry but didn't care if he was.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw that he was still standing by the door. He had not come closer. Focusing on the tree line outside, I tried to keep my tone steady as I replied. "Why does it bother you? You don't seem to care."

I felt his warm hand on my shoulder as he spoke again. "Yes, I do care, I am jealous. I hated the way they looked at you. It makes me want to kill them all. I will kill anyone who looks at you in that way."

Hope flickered through me as my mind confirmed that he wanted me. Turning, I placed my hands on his chest. Leon looked at them and then met my gaze. I undid the top two buttons of his shirt before he put his hands over mine and stopped me. I closed my eyes and leaned forward, expecting him to kiss me. But Leon stepped back and left.

Staring at the door, I felt my heart turn to ice and shatter. My legs wobbled and gave way under me. I dropped to the floor in a pile of sorrow as my tears flowed like rivers.