Page 25 of Hostage of the Bratva

Luder grinned at me as he walked over and pulled the chair closer to the bed. He headed to the kitchen and warmed some of the leftover Chinese. Returning, he sat down on the bed before me. Holding out a spoonful, he spoke. “Open wide?”

“No,” I protested. “Really, I am not a child, just untie me,” I added, turning my head away.

“You act like one, so who am I to say you’re not,” he retorted, smiling. “Here, you want food, open your mouth. I can feed a child.”

I shook my head as he tried to feed me. “Well, I guess you aren’t hungry then,” he added as he took a bit. “Mmm, this is good. You haven’t tried this one, you must taste it,” he added holding the spoon out again.

I kept my head sideways and didn’t respond, so he placed the container on the bed next to him and closed the lid. “Skyler,” he said, tapping me on the knees. Turning back to face him, he continued. “Tell me about this dog you mentioned?”

What was he doing, first, he tied me up, then he wanted to feed me, and now he’s asking about Bunny. Well, I can tell him about my dog; maybe he’d realize I need to get home.

“Oh, Bunny, he is a great big ball of love.” I started, but as I spoke, I felt my face dropping. “He’s all alone at home, and I don’t know if Mathieu would bother to check on him.”

“You say he’s a love ball, really, so he will be friendly with strangers as well?” Luder asked, raising his eyebrows.

Feeling my love for Bunny filling me, my voice was overflowing with compassion as I continued.

“Oh, yes. When he gets excited, he flops around and jumps up and down, smashing into everything at times. If you look into his big eyes long enough, you will be covered in slobbering kisses. He looks aggressive but isn’t. I think it’s just his size that scares people.”

Turning my head toward the window, a tear ran down my cheek. “I miss him so much,” I whispered, trying to swallow the heartache that was creeping up my throat.

Luder stood up and walked towards the window. Turning, he leaned back and watched me. I felt his eyes burning throughmy soul. “You never told me where you live exactly?” he inquired.

Glancing up at him, I exhaled deeply, considering his question. “I promise not to paint your cabin again if you just untie me, I won’t be a problem, please Luder. I just want to go home. You can come to visit every day, I’ll even introduce you to Bunny and give you a key.”

He smiled warmly, “Your address?”

Lowering my head and shaking it, I replied softly, giving him my home address.

Chapter 17 - Luder

I felt sorry for her, she didn’t intend to get pregnant, and she didn’t think I would hold her. How could she, I mean, she didn’t know a thing about me or our family.

She appeared truly sorry, and my heart skipped a beat for a second as I studied her. When she pouted like this, I seemed to be more attracted to her.

An intense feeling of protectiveness came over me. I wanted her to be happy, but it had to be with me. After all, she was carrying my child. As I stood there, my fingers burned to hold her, to touch her silky skin.

If I intended to keep her with me, I would have to make some changes. With this in mind, I decided I would visit her home and meet this, Bunny. Having a dog could possibly be a good thing and it would put a smile back on her face.

“Yes,” I uttered as I strolled to her side. Skyler beamed up at me as I untied her. Even though I took away the bounds, it was not why I was agreeing but she couldn’t know this. I had made up my mind to collect her dog and give it a try.

Skyler rubbed her wrists where the rope had left small indents before she stood up. Reaching up she placed her arms around my neck. “Thank you, and I am sorry for the mess.” She uttered as she gave me a soft hug.

“It’s fine,” I replied, starting for the door. “The cleaner will be here in the morning. Have the food on the table, and I’ll be back a bit later. I have some business to take care of.”

Skyler gave me a faint smile, “I thought you were letting me go?” she asked.

“Nope, not a chance hun,” I replied as I left and locked the door. I paused a moment thinking of everything that had happened the last couple of weeks. There were so many changesand so many new challenges. But I was confident that we could make it work.

Stepping out into the early afternoon sun I was mission orientated. I knew where I was going and what had to be done. I asked the guards to watch the yacht until I returned. Maybe this time, she would try to burn it down. I considered this as I pulled out and drove to town.

Naw, she wouldn’t do that, I thought, smiling at myself in the rearview mirror. The drive to her place took me a bit longer than I expected as the roads were busy this time of the day. Pulling up to the front of her home, I surveyed the area. Everything appeared quiet and normal at first. There were no people or neighbors around.

I left the confines of my vehicle and strolled up the side of the house, trying to see where Bunny was. She said he wouldn’t be outside, but I had to be sure. It was a good thing though. As I rounded the side of the house, I saw two men with large guns patrolling the back entrance.

Ducking behind a bush, I waited and watched them. Mathieu most likely had something to do with this, I felt sure of it. He had to know I would be coming here sooner or later. I mean, there was the dog, and she also needed clothing and other things.

Watching them, I wondered if he thought this would be payback, preventing me from entering. After all, I was holding his sister captive, he knew I would have to come to collect some of her things and Bunny.

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