Katya’s pov
With the rest of the crew right behind us, Leonid sped past a line of cars while the wind played with my hair. I attempted to decipher our destination, but it remained a mystery. There was always something in Leonid's eyes when I caught him staring at me. Admiration, perhaps? Or perhaps I was just dreaming.
I couldn't help but smile, but it was ruined by that annoying voice in my head.
The voice sneered, "You're being stupid; just tell him."
I tried to ignore her by rolling my eyes, but it was difficult. I was already annoyed. I glanced back at Leonid, then hurried over to the window. Why wasn't he my soulmate? Why was the situation so difficult?
"Because you're too scared, stupid," she continued, her tone piercing and unrelenting.
I ignored her and sighed. The last thing I needed was to hear her snide remarks at this moment. My mood began to improve, at least somewhat, as Selena Gomez's song Rare began to play. The lyrics seemed to have been written specifically for me, but I wanted Leonid to be the one to show me how much I was appreciated, not anyone else. Naturally, though, that was not going to occur, was it?
"Hey, how are you?"
The sound of Leonid's voice made my heart race a little as I turned to face him. He had a way of making me feel as though everything else was irrelevant. I grinned.
"Yes, I do have some minor ankle pain." Despite my best efforts to appear casual, my inner state was anything but casual.
Leonid gave me a long look, as though he was thinking about something. "You ought to have it examined."
My chest constricted at his worry, but I also smiled a little. I was trying to come up with a playful way to lighten the mood.
"Or you could give me a rub."
For a moment, it seemed as though everything in the world was fine as his laugh filled the car. However, my heart sank when he spoke again.
"I would only do that for my partner."
I wasn't prepared for how hard his words hit me. I wasn't his partner. To him, I was nothing. Now life is even worse. I tried to hide it by forcing a smile.
"Just kidding, of course." Despite feeling like my entire world was collapsing around me, I gave his arm a light punch.
His casual words lingered in my mind. I would only do that for my partner. Every time I thought about it, it twisted more deeply, like a dagger.
Thereafter, a dense silence descended between us, and we didn't talk much. I couldn't concentrate on anything else because my mind was too busy. After what seemed like hours of driving, we finally made it to the art exhibit.
It was sleek and contemporary, and I knew it had to be Leonid's family's doing as soon as I saw the fire symbol above the door.
"Why are we in this place?" I looked around and asked. I wasn't sure if I wanted art, and the place felt rich.
The others followed us out of the car after Leonid parked it. Katya spoke first, her expression contorted with frustration.
Are paintings really the reason we're here? The subject matter is dull.
I moaned to myself. I tried to keep things light as I spoke, not wanting to worsen the situation.
"Let's take a brief look at it before we bounce and do something enjoyable."
The group appeared to be at peace after that. The majority had already begun to mentally check out. I couldn't help but be impressed as soon as we entered. The location was breathtaking. Everything was in its proper place, and the paintings were tastefully separated and guarded by red ropes. It appeared to be just what Leonid's family would plan.
"All right, everyone is welcome to explore. "In thirty minutes, we'll be back here," Leonid said. With Katya still looking like she was going to tear someone's head off, the others dispersed. But she straightened up as soon as she saw her crush. She looked as if she had taken a beating.
Leonid took hold of my hand and dragged me to the rear of the room. Uncertain of his intentions, I followed. Only dim lighting emphasized the artwork in the silent hallway. The final image showed a valley with open skies and verdant trees. It was pleasant, but really? It's a little dull. But beneath it, I noticed a bench, a sapphire-colored bench, specifically.
My hand brushed the smooth surface as I shifted to sit on it. However, Leonid's hand touched my inner thigh before I could even comprehend what was happening.
I froze as my breath caught.
Higher, his fingers found my panties' waistband. It was unbelievable to me that the event was taking place at this very moment. I was already so excited and prepared for him.
"Leonid..." I could hardly hold my voice steady as I whispered.
He didn't say anything in response. Rather, his fingers moved beneath my skirt and lightly touched my delicate skin. The heat between us increased, and I shuddered. My heart pounded as I realized how desperate I was for more.
He whispered to me, "Sshh," and I felt a chill go through me.
In an attempt to grasp onto something, I pressed my fingernails into the bench. Anything. I was unable to think clearly. His hand brushed against mine, feeling incredibly firm and warm. I whimpered as if I were losing my composure.
The next thing I knew, his fingers were inside me, and I could only react by arching my body to the pressure. The feeling of him was making me crazy, and I felt overwhelmed with desire.
"God..." I let out a little moan, too engrossed in the emotion to notice anything else.
I was almost there as his fingers worked me, pushing deeper; one more touch and I would crumble. Then he withdrew. He moved, his tongue now flicking against me, and my chest constricted.
I let out a gasp. I was tense, and every movement made my body tremble. Before long, I was unable to contain myself any longer, and waves of my release swept over me.
Leonid wasted no time. He stood up and straightened my skirt. With my body still trembling from the previous event, I inhaled deeply. With that satisfied expression in his eyes, he smiled at me.
"Every time," he remarked, "your sweetness gets better."
Heat rose to my cheeks. I knew I was good at that. I laughed quietly as I tried to gather myself.
Before I could respond, he leaned down and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear as I glanced up at him.
His voice was deep and husky as he whispered, "I'll see you in my car later."
I nodded, my heart pounding once more, but I experienced that same disappointment as he turned to go. I didn't get the kiss I was hoping for. He took my hand, and we walked back toward the others, but I managed to hide my pain by smiling.
Then Katya had to say something, of course.
"Well, at last! Why did it take you two so long? We already have some alcohol and m*******a. Let's leave.
I looked at Leonid, and he smiled. I was aware of what would happen next. It was going to be a memorable night.