Chapter 23 - Cindy

Staring at the bowl of noodles before me, sadness enveloping me. It had been a week since moving out of the mansion. I'd been scouting the papers, applying to all the jobs my qualifications allowed. Yet, I still haven't found any work. I only had a couple of days left on my rent and couldn't even find a new place to live.

There was a knock on the door as I swirled the noodles around in their sauce, not feeling hungry. I placed the bowl in the sink to dispose of it later and moved to the door. My small two-room apartment was open-plan.

Stepping around the tiny island, the door was within reach. Opening it, I was surprised to find Konstantin smiling at me.

"Hi," I said in a high-pitched voice. "What are you doing here?"

He was the last person on earth I would have expected to come around. "Hi, Cindy. May I come in?" he asked in a flat tone.

Stepping to the side, I waved him in as I spoke. "Sure, of course."

He walked past me into the living room. "I was just wondering how you were doing?" he said, facing me.

Glancing at the floor, I tried to keep the sadness out of my voice. "I'm good, thanks." Moving to the fridge, I continued to speak without looking at him. He may notice the gloom in my eyes, and I didn't want pity from any of them. "Would you like something to drink?"

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?"

"Why?" he said, slamming his fist on the counter. "Why would you leave and then move in here with Konstantin?" He pushed his hands through his hair, leaving it as disheveled as he appeared to be.

After inhaling deeply, I poured the water and milk into the cups. "I have no job anymore and needed a place. Why do you care?"

Turning and placing his cup on the counter, I noticed he was hurt. His eyes looked tormented, and I felt my own pain increasing. Placing my cup down, I steadied myself against the counter as a whirlwind of emotions flooded me.

Gazing at Leon, his shoulders hung as he stared at the cup. He breathed in deeply, and when he looked at me, I could see tears in his eyes. I had been so preoccupied with my feelings of loss and the pain it brought. I had never considered how it affected him.

Walking around the counter, I placed my hand over his. "Leon, I'm…"

"No," he said, taking both my hands and turning to me. "No, I'm sorry," he swallowed hard, glancing down at his feet before continuing. "I didn't mean for you to leave. Cindy, I have strong feelings for you."

He looked into my eyes, and I felt like a dream was coming true. He was my knight in shining armor. Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I waited for him to finish.

"I think I'm falling for you, and I didn't want you to leave. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."

"Leon, my feelings for you can't even be described. I want to be with you, but…." Looking down, I tried to collect my thoughts. I needed to convey what I wanted clearly. He waited patiently for me to speak. "I need my independence. I need to find work and stand on my own feet. Staying wouldn't have allowed me that. Do you understand?"

His hands moved up my arms into my neck as he pulled me closer. Leon spun us around, driving me back against the counter. Caressing my cheek, he brushed my hair back behind my ear as he took hold of my neck. Tilting my head back, Leon's lips met mine with force as he kissed me hard and fast.

I could feel his anger mixed with desire as it drove my own lust. Seizing his shirt, I allowed my hunger for him to take control. Our tongues clashed as we tried to enter each other's mouths.

Leon's hands moved down, taking firm hold of my ass. He lifted me onto the island, shoving my legs apart and stepping in between them. My body was craving him like he was the only substance on earth that could make me whole. He pushed the cups to the edge of the counter and slid me to the opposite side.

His fingers touched my breasts as he ripped my blouse open, sending buttons flying through the air. I arched back slightly, placed my hands around his neck, and pulled him closer. This time, I kissed him harder as yearning filled every cell of my body.

I felt Leon softly pulling my head back as he kissed my neck and moved down to my breasts. As he looked into my eyes, I could see a blizzard in his as he constrained his desire. Flipping up my skirt, he smiled. "You sure got the color right," he puffed out as he slid his finger around the edge of my panties and pushed them into me.

Placing my hands to my sides, I lifted my head, moaning from his touch. Leon bent down, pulling my panties to the side with his other hand as he licked me. My body shook as bolts of lightning shot through me.

Opening my legs further and pressing down on his head with one hand, I spoke softly. "Oh, Leon, fuck me, baby."

He glanced up at me as his tongue moved quickly up and down, and from side to side over my clitoris. My body shook while he slowly moved two fingers in and out of my pussy.

Coming upright, he kissed me as he undid his pants, allowing his big cock to pop out. "I have something better for you," he breathed out as he kissed me. Leon took hold of my hips, and I found myself facing the island counter in one smooth motion.

The coolness made me gasp, and I pressed up on my hands, glancing over my shoulder at him. Leon pushed my skirt up again, softly tapping my ass before bending down and kissing each. He moved my panties to the side with his fingers as he pushed his cock into me. Seizing my hips securely, he pulled me toward him.

My feet dangled in the air as he started moving in and out. After a couple of hard deep thrusts, Leon slowed down, shifting me a nudge forward. He lifted one leg to the counter, resting my knee on it as he spoke tenderly. "Does this hurt?"

"No, it's fine," I breathed out heavily as his free hand moved to my pussy. I felt his fingers lightly stroking my clitoris as he moved in and out. He moved his fingers left and right in circles, sending shivers through me.

Tapping the counter, I moaned louder as I came. Leon took hold of my thighs and moved in and out a couple more times quickly then slowed down again as he came.

Breathing loudly, he picked me up and slid me down to the floor, holding me in his embrace until we both caught our breath. "I think that counter needs a clean," he whispered, kissing my ear.

Grinning at him over my shoulder, I shook my head in agreement. "First, a shower, though," I said, pulling his hands open and walking upstairs.

Once I was done, I headed down to clean the counter and pour fresh coffee.

I sat at the small island sipping coffee as Leon came down. Taking a seat across from me, he picked up his cup. He smiled tenderly as he spoke. "Cindy, I understand your need for work, having your own income, and being independent."

Glancing at him, I could see he was being sincere. I replied compassionately. "Thank you, I hope you mean it."

Leaning over the counter, he took my hand. Squeezing it delicately, he continued. "I do. I will win your heart, and I will not try to force things anymore."

"Thank you, Leon," I replied, sitting back and finishing my coffee. Once Leon was done, I rinsed the cups and walked Leon to the door.

At the door, he turned and kissed me. "I'll be back soon," he added, stepping out.

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.