Chapter 9 - Cindy

It was just past seven when Leon knocked on the door. After washing and dressing, we headed to the kitchen, where breakfast was being prepared. Mila smirked as I greeted them.

"No, be nice, we talked about this," Piotr said.

Konstantin was chopping onions and tomatoes. While Leon poured us each a cup of coffee, I walked over to the table and offered to assist. But before anyone could reply, he spoke, handing me a cup. "I promised to show you around. Follow me, doll."

Leon placed an arm around my waist and gently pushed me back to the stairs. I noticed Konstantin shaking his head as we left the room. Leon led me to the library and showed me his office. When we returned to the kitchen, breakfast was ready. We sat down to a lovely meal of sausages, eggs and toast.

As we ate, the four people around me appeared to be talking in code, as I couldn't understand half of what they were talking about. Then Piotr looked at me. "You from around here?" he asked politely.

The first two times I met him, he wore long sleeve shirts. But this morning, he was in a simple black t-shirt. His arms were covered in tattoos. The one on his left arm was a snake curling from his shoulder to his hand. The snake's head lay on the top of his hand, and in the open curves of the snake were skulls and bones.

The sunlight beaming through the big kitchen windows gave his eyes a gray hue. Piotr's longish dark hair was tied back loosely. He was a muscular man but not as tall as Leon.

"Grew up in a small town to the north but finished college here before starting my job at the lab," I replied nervously as I felt everyone's eyes on me.

Piotr nodded vaguely and continued eating. After breakfast, Leon and I did the dishes. He took me to the library, leaving me while taking care of some business. I sought out a good horror and was astonished by the collection. Once I had gone through about nine backs, I found one that intrigued me.

I had barely read a couple of chapters when Leon entered. "Almost time for lunch. You hungry?" he asked in a cheery voice.

"Yes, thanks," I replied, closing the book. "Can I keep the book for a bit?"

"Sure, you can put it in the room and read it later."

After we stopped at the room I now lived in, we joined the others in the kitchen.

Mila and Piotr were setting down the plates and cutlery on the island. A platter of cheeses, tomatoes, bagels, and other vegetables was already spread out. Konstantin was standing at the stove heating bangers. On the counter next to him was a cutting board with chicken, which I presumed needed to be cut and fried.

Stepping to his side, I picked up the knife, glancing at him as I spoke. "May I?"

He smiled and nodded at me. I had only cut a few pieces when I felt Leon stepping in behind me. "You are our guest," he said, taking the knife from my hand and placing it on the board. "Come let me show you around the garden." He added as he pulled me around and took my hand.

Leon gave Konstantin a strange look, though. It almost seemed that he was angry. "But I want to help." I protested as he pulled me out through the double glass doors.

I couldn't decide if he was annoyed at me as his tone fluctuated too much as he replied. "No, no, no, another time perhaps."

His grip on my hand was firm but gentle as he held it while showing me the garden and pool area. "The sooner you get the lay of the land, the easier you will settle, sweetness," Leon added in a calmer tone. I felt the tension between us rising, but I was getting used to it. He didn't call me doll this time and that made me wonder if his feelings were changing.

The estate was quite extensive. By the side door lay a reasonably large veranda with seating, a bar area, and an entertainment section leading to the pool. Further back and to the sides were lawn cascades dotted with a variety of flowers. These ended in rows of trees. It was like a forest surrounding the property.

As we came around the house, I noticed Piotr and Mila bringing the food out to the patio. Konstantin was standing to one side with a drink in his hands. This was on the opposite side of the house. The double glass doors on this side led into the lounge area.

Leon pulled out a chair for me and sat down next to me. As previously, Piotr sat at the head of the oval-shaped table, and Mila and Konstantin sat across from us.

Once everyone had dished up, Piotr spoke, looking inquisitively at Leon. "How's the progress coming? Do you know time is running out?"

Leon swallowed before replying. "I have a good lead, and should have something to go on by tomorrow."

There were some more exchanges on the subject at hand that I still didn't quite understand. I ate in silence, listening to them. I tried to understand the details they sought, but didn't make much sense.

Leon and I assisted Mila with clearing the table and packing the dishes. As we were about done, Piotr and Konstantin entered the kitchen. "Anyone up for a swim?" Konstantin asked, walking to the doors leading out the back.

"Sure thing," Mila replied quickly as she turned and headed upstairs. I assumed she was going to change before joining him.

Glancing at Leon, I considered it. "I would, but I don't have a swimsuit," I said, looking down at my feet.

"Maybe another time," Leon huffed as he grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs.

"Leon," I spoke, trying to pull free from his grip, but his hold was firm.

He took me back to the room dubbed mine for now, and locked me in. "Leon," I spoke loudly, banging on the door a couple of times. "What's going on?" I didn't understand why he was doing this; I was trying to fit in as I assumed that was what he wanted.

My heart felt heavy. I didn't know what he wanted from me. He changed quickly from being friendly to being cruel. It was confusing, and I wished I could just leave. My life might have been simple, but it was my life. Feeling the tears burning my eyes, I lay on the bed and cried.

I awoke startled by Leon's voice as he spoke. Opening my eyes, he was standing over me. "Cindy, it's time for supper, sweety." His voice was soft and filled with care, but I was getting tired of him playing with my emotions.

He walked with me as I made a visit to the bathroom. After doing my business, I washed my face before joining him in the hallway. I pulled away as he tried to take my hand. Leon turned to me as he spoke. "Are you feeling okay?"

Looking down at my feet, I nodded in reply. Leon took me around the waist as he started walking away from the stairs leading down. We passed the library and his office, entering a room on the other side of the hallway.

"This is my room," he said, closing the door behind us. "I thought we could dine alone and discuss the situation."

To the left was a small round table and two chairs. The table was set with our plates, glasses, a bottle of wine, candles, and a small bouquet of flowers. The back wall was lined with closets and another door. To the right was his spacious double bed. The décor in the room was dark, as was my mood.

Leon gently pushed me towards the table and pulled out my chair. I sat down reluctantly. I was only trying to be nice, but Leon kept putting me down. How dare he thwart every attempt I made. Glancing at the room, I noticed it was more personal than the one he had initially held me in.

Last night, he abruptly cut the dinner short. He's been like a hawk all morning, watching my every move. Everywhere I turned, he was there watching me intently. It made me somewhat uncomfortable.

I tried assisting with breakfast and again with lunch. But every time I got close to any of the others, he was there pulling me away. First, he took me to the library and showed me their collection of books, and then later, he showed me around the garden. I had to admit that their home was a masterpiece, but his reasons for showing me around felt false.

Tonight, he brought me to his room for supper. We weren't dining with the others, and he wanted to talk, which made me more suspicious. I didn't realize how hungry I was until the delicious smell of the food hit me.

Leon poured the wine and handed me a glass as he spoke. "Cindy, please understand that I am doing this for your protection. You don't know my colleagues and Konstantin…" He sat down and reached out for my hand before continuing. "He can get pretty obsessive, I don't want you to get hurt."

Looking at him across the table, I pulled my hand back as I replied. "Safe, you say you want to keep me safe."

"Yes, sweety, I just want to keep you safe," Leon replied.

"I don't know what your idea of safe is, but you brought me here to a group of bad people." I breathed out before drinking some of my wine. I felt my insides shaking as anger shot through me. Leon opened his mouth as if to say something but then closed it and looked down at his plate.

After taking a couple of bites, he looked up at me. He slowly brought his glass to his lips and took a sip. Lowering it, he cleared his throat. "Cindy, I am sorry for the predicament. You weren't supposed to be in the lab that night. But, this is where we are now."

Looking into his eyes, I felt a pull, a spark igniting within me. My mind was momentarily distracted as my gaze fell to his lips. I allowed my eyes to stroll over his strong chin and settle on his broad chest. What's wrong with you? I rebuked my mind as I forced myself to look down.

I dared not speak as I was sure my voice wouldn't be stable. I felt a stir in my stomach and shifted on my chair. Leon rose from his chair and moved around the table. I followed his movement but didn't look straight at him. He filled my glass and sat back down without saying a word. I felt a pang of relief as I wasn't sure why I was suddenly filled with a desire to touch him.

Once we were done, Leon collected the plates and took them to the kitchen. I stood and walked to the closed door. I peeked inside and saw that it was a bathroom. It was much larger than the one in the hall. Closing the door, I walked to the window.

The air was comforting as the coolness touched my hot skin. My whole life was so focused on making my own path. I hadn't even gotten past first base with a boy. Here I was, my mind infiltrated by thoughts I never dreamed of having.

I heard the door open and turned to Leon as he entered. He had brought another bottle of wine and filled my glass. Our fingers touched as he handed it to me, sending a tender shiver down my spine. His eyes seemed to sparkle in the moonlight shining in over my shoulder. His smile softened the features of his face, and I caught myself glaring at his full-bodied lips again.

Leon stepped closer and spoke in a husky tone. "Cindy." I could feel the heat he gave off as he came even closer. I tried moving back, but I was pinned against the windowsill. His breath had a minty odor, causing an image of peppermint ice cream to form in my mind. I couldn't prevent the grin from forming on my lips.

"Did I say something funny?" Leon asked, breathing in slowly.

I knew I couldn't tell him what I was thinking. Placing my free hand on his firm chest, I softly pushed him back and stepped around him. "No, it's nothing," I added softly, walking towards the table.

"Come sit with me, Cindy," Leon spoke from behind me. Turning, I saw he had moved across the room and was sitting on the side of the bed.

"Am I not going back to my room then?" I asked, realizing this may turn into more than I had expected.

"Please, I only want to keep you safe," Leon added, tapping the bed beside him.

"There's that word again," I shot back. "You say you want to keep me safe, but you brought me into this."

Leon stood sharply, and before I could move, he was standing before me. His glass was on the table, and his hands were on my hips. "I am sorry, and yes, I want to protect you." His tone was sincere as he spoke softly. His touch was warm and made my skin tingle. Leon took the glass from my hand and placed it with his on the table.

Moving backward, he carefully pulled me with him to the bed. As he sat down, I found myself standing between his legs. My body tingled as he moved his hands down my hips onto my bare thighs. Closing my eyes, I tried to keep my breathing steady. I didn't want him to know how his touch was affecting me.

Leon sat for a while, not moving except for his thumbs, which were slowly moving up and down my thigh where he held me. This wasn't what I had planned for my life, but his touch stirred feelings I had never felt.

Fighting the urge to lean over and kiss him, I licked my lips. My mind was whirling with all the possibilities he offered. Yet, I wasn't sure I was ready. Opening my eyes, I met his stare. Suddenly, I felt like I was swimming in them. His face held a look I had not noticed before.

Clearing his throat, Leon spoke in that husky tone. "You ready for bed, sweetness?"

I nodded, not sure what to say. Stepping back, Leon rose, took my hand, and walked to one side of the bed. He opened the covers and waited for me to lie down. The bed was surprisingly silky. It felt like I was floating on clouds as I turned and watched him get in on the other side.

He moved closer and lay on his side facing me. The air between us was thick, but not in a bad way. I was drawn to him in ways I couldn't grasp. My heart skipped a beat as he reached out and stroked my cheek.

The light of the moon shining in through the open window, combined with the burning candles on the table, cast a couple of yellow and silver rays across us. His stare was intense, and my eyes were locked on. He shifted closer and drew a line down my arm with his finger.

Leon's gaze followed his hand as it moved down. Stopping at my hand, he flipped the covers back. Grabbing hold of my hip, he pulled me closer. I gasped as our bodies met, our lips but inches apart. My heart pounded in my chest as his hand moved down my thigh again. I could swear it was clawing its way out as my breathing became harder to control.

He was gazing down at his hand as he delicately moved it up my thigh and under my dress. His touch burned but sent delightful tremors through me at the same time. My body wanted him, all of him. Yet, my mind was struggling.

"Leon," I managed to say between breaths.

He gazed into my eyes as his hand cupped my ass, and I breathed in deeply. His minty breath didn't provide me with images of ice cream this time. It filled my mind with a desire to taste him. As his lips closed in on mine, I closed my eyes, unconsciously licking mine.

His grip on my rear grew stronger as our lips brushed. Then suddenly, Leon pulled back. "Cindy, you're safe with me," he huffed out before turning around and pulling the covers over him. For a moment I just lay there staring at him, licking my lips. He tasted sweet, and I wanted more.

Moving my hand down the side of my body to collect the covers, I shivered as I remembered his intense touch. I was filled with lightning and butterflies and wanted his touch. My mind fought to gain control of my emotions as I wanted to pull him back and kiss him.

Sleep wasn't my friend after our brief moments. I didn't even know what to name it as it was an encounter out of this world. He filled my mind and my dreams.