Page 27 of Hostage of the Bratva

“And this?” one of the guards asked as I stepped out of the car. Bunny was still going on in the back.

“It’s a dog,” I said as I hastily moved to the yacht.

“Skyler,” I practically yelled as I unlocked the door and shoved it open. Skyler was standing just inside, her eyes wide. “Sorry,” I mumbled, “I didn’t intend to frighten you,” I said, taking her hand. “I have something for you,” I added, dragging her out and towards the car.

As we came to the edge of the docks where my car was parked, Skyler stopped dead, pulling her hand out of mine. “Bunny,” she screamed in a high-pitched voice. Skyler ran to the car and opened the door.

“Slow down,” I said from the docks. I wasn’t going closer just yet. “He is vicious.”

Skyler was down on her knees hugging the big mutt around the neck. Glancing over at me, I noticed the tears running down her cheeks.

I straightened my stance as a sense of accomplishment and pride washed over me. I couldn’t help but smile at the two. Bunny was licking her cheek and barking. But this bark was friendly, and his tail swiped left and right like a broom.

It was all worth it. All the hassles of getting Bunny here. It was all worth the trouble he gave me. I was sure her brother wouldn’t agree, but that was another day's worries. For now, she was happy.

Chapter 18 - Skyler

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Luder waiting on the edge of the docks. He was smiling like a Cheshire cat. With tears of joy flowing so strongly, I didn’t dare even try to smile at him as I may have burst out in a full crying fit. I held Bunny tight as my mind tried to absorb what had just happened.

This was the last thing I expected from him, especially after this morning's mess. Bunny licked my cheek, his tongue rough and warm, but I didn’t mind. Glancing up, I noticed the interior of the back of Luder’s car looked even worse than the yacht.

I could only hope he would look past the damage and see the beauty in what he has done. I stayed on my knees, hugging Bunny until I was able to restrain my tears and regain confidence in my voice. My legs felt numb, and my knee ached, but I didn’t care.

Standing slowly, I turned and smiled at Luder. “Thank you,” I said. Luder nodded his head and waved toward the yacht. I walked toward the yacht with Bunny in tow. “I am sorry for the damage,” I added as I passed him.

Bunny followed me willingly into the yacht. Sitting down on the bed, I noticed Luder hadn’t followed us to lock the door. “Maybe he will ease up a little now that you are here,” I said to Bunny as I rubbed his large head.

After a few minutes, Luder entered carrying the two bowls and dog food. He also had a small bag with what looked like some of my clothing. Maybe I was wrong, he appeared to have a softer side. He cared in his own way, and marrying him may not be as dreadful as I had thought. I will see how he reacts to Bunny though as he can be a handful.

Luder placed the two bowls down next to the table and added food and water. Watching Luder, I wonder if Mathieuwould be happy for me if I decided to marry this man. He has shown so much compassion and kindness today, I couldn’t deny his good side.

He stood still as Bunny ran over and drank water as if he had done a mile run. Once Bunny was done, he raised his head and sniffed Luder’s pants, covering the pipe in slobber. Luder grinned and patted Bunny’s head. Yes, I thought as I stood, he was a kind man.

Bunny sat down at his feet as I walked closer. “Luder,” I spoke as I came to stand before him, glancing up. His eyes sparkled as his grin turned into a smile.

“Yes,” he replied, locking his gaze on me and handing me the bag of clothes.

Suddenly, feeling shy, I looked down and turned from side to side. “I have considered it to great length,” I added before looking him in the eyes again. “I have decided to marry you,” I concluded. His smile broadened even more as his entire being seemed to glow instantly.

He cleared his throat and stepped around Bunny. “Well then,” he said, going down on one knee and looking up at me. “Skyler…” he shook his head and gave a slight laugh. “I don’t even know your surname,” he added softly.

“Witlock,” I replied, giggling. I was filled with excitement as my heart picked up speed. It felt like I was back in high school, and the boy I liked was about to ask me to prom. Yet, this was much bigger than going to the prom.

Luder glanced down, cleared his throat again, and took my hands in his after fumbling with something in his pocket. Looking up this time, I noticed his look had turned serious. Yet, his eyes were soft and compassionate, and so was his voice once he spoke. “Skyler Witlock, will you make me the happiest man on earth and become my bride?” Luder finally said, opening his one hand and holding up a sparkling ring.

I felt the tears burning in my eyes as my heart stopped for a second. Even though I knew he wanted me to marry him, I didn’t expect a whole proposal and a ring. It was big, and in the center was a shiny diamond, well, I couldn’t be sure, but it looked like one. Surrounding the big one were smaller stones. These were hazel, blue, and gold.

Pulling my hands up to my mouth, I gasped for air. I couldn’t contain the tears any longer, they flowed down my cheeks like a river. I was sure the pregnancy hormones had a lot to do with all the crying I’d been doing. But, even though today started out not so good, things were turning out to be good. Everything was so overwhelming. I couldn’t get a word out, so I nodded in agreement.

Luder took my hand and slipped the ring on as he came up. It fit perfectly and I couldn’t stop staring at it as he pulled me into his warm embrace. I had my hand up in the air to see the ring over his broad shoulders. My face was pulled taught from the smile I couldn’t wipe from my face.

I didn’t even know why this was making me so happy, but it was. Bunny sat up at the table and growled softly.

“I don’t think he approves,” Luder said as he stepped to my side and looked at Bunny. “Do you not approve of this dog?” he asked, looking at Bunny and talking slowly.

This made me laugh even though I was crying. “Oh, no, he’s just not sure what’s happening and why I’m crying,” I replied as I called Bunny. He came forward, tail wagging. “There’s a good boy,” I said, kissing his head. Glancing up at Luder, I felt my heart swell with care.

Luder pulled my phone from his pocket and held it out for me. “Well, here’s your phone if you need to call someone,” he said.

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