Page 23 of Hostage of the Bratva

“The thing is,” Roman said as he turned me towards him. “He says he is only looking for his sister. He said he didn’t want trouble. Can you believe that?”

I looked at Mathieu while I replied. “If that was the case, he would have come during club hours and asked us instead of breaking in.”

“My thought exactly,” Roman replied, stepping closer to Mathieu. “I think he was planning to take something or destroy something.”

“Wait, guys,” Mathieu said, looking at me. “You’re Luder?” he asked, scanning me up and down.

Joining Roman before him, I placed my hands on my knees and bent forward, replying with a nod.

“I went to her house as I couldn’t get hold of her yesterday,” he started rambling. “I found your name open on her browsing history and a confirmation of pregnancy from her doctor on her kitchen table. So, I came here looking for her or you.” He ended as he nodded at me.

“It still doesn’t explain why you came before dawn?” Ivan asked as he came to stand beside me with a bat in his hand. This was about to get brutal if Mathieu didn’t tell the truth.

“Okay, okay,” Mathieu spat as he ducked his head down. “I didn’t want my boss to know, okay.” He glanced up at me. “I can’t tell him my sister is pregnant with your baby, now, can I? Just tell me this, are you going to do the right thing here, or are you just keeping her until the baby is born?”

I considered this fact for a moment, feeling my blood rushing to my head. “I guess you can’t tell your boss, but you could have waited or left a message instead of breaking in. What kind of man do you think I am?” I asked as my temper flared up. “Did you think she would be here, at a club?” I asked.

Mathieu was about to say something when Ivan brought the bat down on his knee. It made an awful crackling sound as Mathieu let out an eerie screeching sound.

“How dare you insult us that way. Now tell us the truth,” Ivan shouted at him.

Looking down, I noticed the blood starting to seep through his pants. Ivan was a big man, and he not only broke his knee but also pierced the skin, it seemed.

Stepping even closer, I took Mathieu by the chin and lifted his head. “Skyler is safe and will stay that way. But you have no business here. Understand.”

“No, please,” Mathieu begged. “I have to see her, please. Once I know she is safe, then I’ll leave you be.”

I felt my temper rise further as he would not back off. My free hand formed a fist as I stared into his pathetic eyes.

“I can’t trust you. You tried to kill me.” I spat as I swung at his face. My knuckles collided with his jaw, filling the room with a loud thud. Mathieu’s face swiped sideways as he let out a grunt. Tilting his head, he spat out blood.

Roman followed suit with a couple of hits of his own before I took over again. After a while, Mathieu was spitting blood everywhere and heaving from the punches. His face had started swelling and blood was streaming down the sides.

Stepping back, I took out my handkerchief and wiped my hand. “Look what you have done now,” I said, pointing at the blood spatter on my pants. “How am I going to explain this?”

Roman and Ivan laughed as Roman untied Mathieu’s hands. “We have a message for your boss,” Roman said.

Stepping in beside him, we lifted Mathieu from the chair and moved towards Ivan.

“Messing with us will get him killed and you too,” he added as he swung the bat into Mathieu’s stomach.

Mathieu folded double in our hands, spitting blood with the last air in his lungs, and we knew it was over. He hung limp in our arms and was battling to breathe. He couldn’t even find his feet anymore. Roman and I escorted him outside and into my car. I dropped him on the curb close to the house Roman and Sergei had staked out. They were sure to find him there.

I returned to the club to get clean clothes and discuss the situation with Ivan and Roman. Once we were all on one footing, I headed back to the yacht as the sun was coming up. Wewould have to get this wedding out of the way soon before things turned upside down.

As I drove back, I noticed my knuckles had some scrapes. Maybe Skyler wouldn’t notice, I thought as I pulled in. I had to, he gave me no choice, I told myself.

Her brother had to be taught a lesson. I just hoped in time, she would forgive me. Exciting the car, I considered the fact that she might never even find out about this exchange. After all, by the time she sees him or talks to him, we will be married.

The sun was shining down brightly even though it was still early morning, and I knew it was going to be a hot day. Walking up to the yacht, the guards passed me. “Any issues?” I asked. Both shook their heads in passing, letting me know there was nothing to report.

If Skyler behaved, I might take her to Roman’s place for a swim, but let’s see how she’s been doing this morning. I was sure she wouldn’t sleep anymore as it took longer than anticipated. I thought how much trouble she could get in being locked up as I unlocked the door. I didn’t stop for breakfast but could always place an order depending on what she wanted.

Stepping in, I was astounded. I didn’t even recognize the cabin. Skyler was sitting on the floor beside the bed with her legs pulled up reading. Except for the mess she left, she was also wearing my clothes. She had laid out what appeared to be my entire cupboard on the bed, the floor, and just everywhere. The place was covered in stripes of red, blue, and yellow.

She glanced up as I stood at the door. “Hi, how was your day?” she asked. I could hear a hint of excitement in her voice, which just made the situation worse.

Stepping inside, I slammed the door behind me, as I spoke. “What happened here, Skyler?”

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