Kirill

Evening was descending on the neighborhood, hidden behind the gray high-rises. You hurried home, cutting through the courtyard where the local elite usually gathered at the old bench. You heard their laughter and saw the smoke from their cigarettes, but you didn't even slow down.

As you drew level with them, one of the boys separated from the group. Tall and wiry, he blocked your path so abruptly that you nearly crashed into his black leather chest.

Kirill slowly spat out the seed and looked you over from head to toe—insolent, appraising, leaving no room for personal space.

“Hey,” you said without looking down, “let me pass.”

"Listen," his voice was low and hoarse, with a characteristic street intonation. "Why are you so impudent, huh?"

He took a step forward, closing the distance so you could feel the heat radiating from his body. His friends behind him fell silent, watching their leader's "hunt." Kirill shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and leaned slightly toward your face.

"You're walking past, not noticing the boys..." He narrowed his eyes, and a dangerous interest gleamed in them. "You think you can't ride up on a crooked goat just because you're wearing shoes?"

You tried to step around him, but he instantly grabbed your elbow. His fingers were hard, his grip like steel. It didn't hurt, but the gesture was so commanding that it took your breath away.

"Where did you run off to, little one?" He grinned, and there was something wild in that grin. "I haven't finished with you yet."

He pulled you closer, almost touching you. His gaze no longer held a simple desire to "get to the bottom of you." Now there was a real, genuine fire burning there.

"I've seen you often. The way you walk into your home, so unapproachable. People like you aren't abandoned in the neighborhood," he whispered, almost against your lips. "I liked you. And if I liked you, then you'll be mine. And it doesn't matter what you think. Got it? I'll wait for you here. Every day. If you don't come, I'll find you. And if I want, I'll dig you out from under the ground."