Chapter 8 - Leon

Heading back down, I wondered what type of clothing Cindy would prefer. In the kitchen, the others waited for me to return. Mila handed me a cup of coffee as I sat down, looking at me with raised brows.

"I will fix this; just give me some time. I may have found another way, but I am moving slowly to ensure things go as planned this time." I breathed out. My three colleagues stared at me across the table. They glanced at each other, and then Piotr rose.

As he walked closer, he spoke in his deep, authoritative voice. "Leon, you realize we may need to use Cindy."

"No," I protested, stepping back. I didn't want to put her in danger.

"Leon," Mila said sternly. "You have one day to find another way, then you need to make use of what you have, namely Cindy."

Reluctantly, I nodded in agreement. It was the last thing I intended to do. I had a day, so I would go with the flow for now. After making some calls, I headed out and shopped for a couple of items for Cindy. I hoped they would fit as I wasn't sure of her size. What kind of clothing she preferred, I didn't know either.

Returning home, I felt a little nervous as I headed upstairs to see Cindy. I found her lounging in the sun on the couch by the window with a book. The sun's light seemed to highlight her magnificence.

Her light brown hair shone like strands of gold, and her honey-brown eyes looked like gems compared to her porcelain white skin. Her voluptuous curves flattered her flawlessness.

Walking closer, I swallowed the lump forming for no reason and cleared my throat before speaking. Cindy glanced up at me, her eyes dazzling. "I was wondering if you would be interested in joining us for supper tonight?"

For a moment, she looked a little confused. Staring at her, I couldn't help but notice her luscious lips. They pushed out slightly as she thought about my proposal. She was parting her lips ever so slightly, the tip of her tongue wet the center before disappearing back into her mouth.

I felt my breath catching as something inside me stirred. Glancing down, I remembered the bags of clothes I had bought. I spoke as I placed them down on the bed. "Here are some items I bought."

Cindy placed the book down and came closer. "I didn't know what you would like or your size, so I hope they are okay," I added, stepping back so she could go through them.

Opening the first bag, she glanced at me over her shoulder filling my body with warmth as she smiled. "Thank you, I'm sure they will be fine."

Nodding, I watched as she went through the other two. Cindy made three heaps on the bed before her. Turning to me, she spoke in a soft tone. "Well then, may I take a bath?"

As her words drifted through the air and hit my ears, I felt a stirring inside. A warmth rose within, tingling my senses, and I couldn't prevent the grin from forming on my lips.

"Leon," Cindy said, stepping closer. "Can I take a bath first?"

Shaking my head to clear the cobwebs suddenly growing, I held out my hand as I replied. "Yes, yes, of course. This way."

Cindy turned to the bed and collected the one pile of clothing before taking my hand. I led her down the hall to the bathroom. Opening the door, I rotated sideways, allowing her to enter alone. My heart was racing, and my hands felt hot as I watched her walking in and closing the door.

"I'll be here if you need anything," I spoke through the closed door. Looking down at my feet, I realized I sounded like a stalker. "I meant, I'll be down the hall should you need anything."

I listened for a reply but heard nothing except the water running. If she needed something, I was sure she would call. So, I went down the hall to the library. I left the door open to hear if the bathroom door should open. Walking up and down the length of the room my mind was occupied by thoughts of her.

These feelings I'd been having were getting stronger, and still, I had no idea of what was happening to me. She somehow drove me wild. She made my heart race, my hands sweat, and a heat rush through me by simply being in the same room.

Occasionally, I would stick my head out the door and glance down the hall. It was more than an hour before the bathroom door finally opened. I rushed to it and was there as she stepped out. Her eyes sparkled, and her hair was pulled back onto her head with a couple of loose strands framing her face. Cindy looked like an angel in the light yellow sundress I had bought her.

Holding out my hand to her, I spoke softly. "Did you enjoy the bath?"

She seemed to shine as she replied. "Oh, yes, very much, thank you."

My phone vibrated in my chest pocket just as we entered the room again. Glancing at it, I saw that one of my contacts had sent a reply email. I knew I would have to take care of business before supper.

"You can put the clothes into the closet; I'll be back in a bit," I said, stepping out and closing the door.

The email contained the names of people who work at the company. These may also have the information we are seeking. It was a short list, though. Sitting back in my office chair, I contemplated whether we could extract another person. With two of their employees missing, security might be tighter, and getting in could prove an issue.

After supper, I decided to discuss it with my associates to see if they had any ideas. Closing my work, I noticed it was almost time and went to get Cindy. She was standing by the window as I entered. Dusk was starting to creep in, and the world outside had an almost orange glow. I couldn't help but notice her full-bodied hips as my eyes journeyed down her body.

Her legs were perfectly shaped, and her calves stood out prominently, along with the white heels she wore. Swallowing the mass forming in my throat, I walked closer. "Are you ready, doll?" I asked.

Cindy turned to me, nodding with a silky smile on her lips. This caused a rising heat to stir within me. Taking her hand, I led her back downstairs to the dining room. My three companions were placing down the bowls of food as we entered. The rest of the table was already set.

I pulled out a chair for Cindy and sat beside her as the others took their place. Piotr sat at the head of the table as he always did. Across from us was Mila and Konstantin. Mila had an angrier look than usual, and the air felt thicker.

"The food looks and smells divine," Cindy said as I held the bowl of chicken for her to take some.

"Thanks," Konstantin replied. "We all had a share in cooking except for Leon, who has to clean up his mess."

"Yes, yes, we all know," I responded, half on guard.

"Just pulling your leg," Konstantin added, grinning as he held out the bread rolls.

Cindy leaned forward and took one, smiling up at me. My heart skipped a beat as she took the salad bowl from me, and our fingers grazed. Once everyone had dished up and we each had a glass of wine, dinner officially started.

I had barely taken two bites when Mila spoke out. "So, Cindy, what do you do at the company?" Her tone of voice wasn't friendly.

Piotr shook his head and cleared his throat. "Mila, I'm sure this can wait until after?"

"It's a simple question, but if she doesn't want to answer…"

Before Mila could complete her sentence, Cindy spoke up. "It's fine, I don't mind." She continued in an even tone. "I study bacteria in blood and organs, trying to find a common denominator. Once I have it, we can develop a cure for it. I don't know what you think you'll find. There is nothing sinister going on at the lab."

Mila smirked at her as she continued her questioning. "So, how long have you worked there? Maybe you just don't know the kind of people you serve." Her tone was rage-filled, and I didn't appreciate where the conversation was heading.

Cindy smirked at Mila before hitting her with an entertaining but unexpected reply. "Well, princess, tickle me funny, but your kingdom may crumble if you don't correct your crown now. Please, don't assume to know me."

Stunned by her response, Mila gasped, and I knew things were about to get ugly. I was suddenly obsessed with her. She possessed a rare spark, had a fighting spirit, and could hold her own. Cindy was truly astounding. She was the perfect woman.

"That's enough for now," Piotr added in a raised tone, holding his hand up to Mila as she rose from the table. He had always taken charge before things spun out of control, and we respected him. If not for Piotr, who knew where we would have ended up?

Mila shook her head and sat back down before pouring herself another glass of wine. The rest of the meal proceeded without any conversation. Once we were all done, Cindy assisted Konstantin and me with clearing the table. Piotr took Mila outside for a quick chat.

Cindy rinsed the dishes and packed the washer as Konstantin, and I brought the remaining dishes from the dining room. Once everything was packed, I added soap and turned it on.

"You have a lovely home," Cindy said, glancing around the kitchen.

"Thank you. We have all put in a lot to make it work, haven't we?" I replied, nodding at Konstantin while putting on the kettle.

"Yes, we have." He added.

"Oh, wow, look at these," Cindy said in a pitched tone. She moved closer to the array of knives in their wooden block on the counter next to the stove. "I've never seen one of these in real life, only in ads." Pulling one from the block, she turned to us as she continued. "Have you used them? Are they as good as they claim?"

Her excitement was clearly visible and I wondered why she was so enthralled with them. "It is an original Soshida Japanese set, isn't it?" she inquired, trailing a finger across the edge of the blade.

"Yes, and they are sharp, so don't do that, please," Konstantin said as he stepped closer to her and took the knife. "You like knives?" he added, placing them back in the wooden block.

"Very much," Cindy replied. Her eyes lit up as she spoke. "My gran taught me how to use them properly at a young age when I learned how to cook. The right knife for the job makes it so much easier."

"I have to agree with that," Konstantin replied. "You want to have a look at my collection sometime?"

Cindy smiled and lowered her eyes to the floor as she responded. "I would."

Seeing the two of them communicating so easily made me angry. She was mine. He had no right to flirt with her so openly. The jealousy monster inside me came out to play as Konstantin pulled one of the knives and explained something about the edge of it to her. I couldn't stand seeing them interacting like this.

Stepping up to them, I took Cindy's arm. "Right," I breathed out. "That's enough for one night." I pushed past Konstantin, pulling her with me on my way back to the room.

"What about the coffee?" Cindy asked, looking back as we walked up the stairs.

"I'll bring you some in a bit. We have to talk," I replied, opening the door and pulling her inside. I let go of her arm once we were inside. Cindy stared at me as I backed out and closed the door again. Locking it, I lay my head against the door and stood for a moment.

She was driving me up the wall. I had never felt so jealous in all my life. After taking a couple of deep breaths, I went back to the kitchen. Piotr and Mila were seated at the island having coffee.

"We thought you went to bed?" Piotr remarked as I made two cups of coffee.

"Not yet, I am having coffee with Cindy first," I replied without looking at them. I didn't want Piotr to see my confusion and jealousy.

"We thought we were all having coffee together? Where's Konstantin gone?" Mila remarked.

"I'm not sure. Good night," I added as I walked out with the coffee and headed back to Cindy.

She was standing by the window when I returned. Stairing out into the darkness. I spoke as I placed the tray on the table. "Cindy, some coffee?"

Turning to me, I saw a flicker of longing or pain in her eyes before she lowered her gaze. I felt a sharp sting in my chest; I didn't like to see her sad.

"In the morning, I'll show you around if you want?" I said, handing her a cup as she came closer.

She sat on the edge of the bed, glancing back at the window. "That'll be nice, thanks."

Pulling out the chair, I sat by the table, not wanting to impose on her. I hoped that, in time, she would find peace being here with me, but I wasn't going to rush it. "I am sorry for everything."

Cindy briefly glanced at me as she replied. "I know."

"You will find some sleepwear amongst the clothing if you haven't already noticed. I didn't know what you like, so let me know if you need anything else."

She shook her head, stood, and placed the cup on the tray before speaking again. "I'm tired. Do you mind?"

Standing, I placed my cup down as well. She hadn't even drunk half the cup, but I wouldn't push. So, I collected the tray and headed for the door. Before leaving, I turned back. "I am sorry, doll," I said again.

She faintly smiled at me and nodded. "Good night, Leon."

"Good night, Cindy. May your rest be peaceful," I replied, closing the door and locking it again before returning to the kitchen.

The others had all left. Placing the cups in the sink and filling them with water, I sighed deeply. Maybe tomorrow will bring the answers. I thought as I went to my room.

Sleep came quickly, but my dreams were plagued with uncertainty. I awoke not feeling rested but upset at what I didn't know.