Page 43 of Hostage of the Bratva

Sitting on the bottom of the bed, I pulled the trolley to me so I could get to my plate. After breakfast, she had a quick shower while I ran down and bought her some clothing from the store next to the hotel. Not sure about her size, I grabbed a couple of outfits in different sizes.

Except for her size, I didn’t even know what she preferred. But thinking of the clothing I had seen her in, I was sure she would like some of the ones I got her.

Entering the suite, she was waiting on the chaise with no clothing on and a wide smile. “Oh, my,” I said, closing the door behind me. Checking my watch, I realized we didn’t have much time. I allowed her to sleep as late as possible. Seeing her there, I regretted that decision, but it was done.

I placed the clothes down beside her as I leaned in and kissed her. “I’m sorry, hun,” I whispered. “We have to get going, or we going to be late.”

Skyler opened the back and started fumbling through the clothing as she eyed me. “Late going where?” she questioned.

“A meeting with the family,” I uttered, collecting my keys, and phone. I checked and made sure there wasn’t anything else I needed to take.

“Have you asked?” she said, pulling on a bright yellow dress and lacy black underwear.

“No, but they let us know there is a meeting, and we’re running late,” I added, tapping her butt as we moved to the door. “You are sexy,” I said. I hadn’t booked out yet as we still needed to decide where we were going. I locked the suite door and put the keys in my pocket.

The car was waiting for us as we exited the lobby. There was no immediate sign of trouble and I hoped we wouldn’t have any issues today. Driving to Ivan’s club went without hassle. I pulled around to the side and parked with the rest of the family.

Everyone seemed to have gone inside. I knew we were the last to arrive as I noticed Ashan’s car parked just a couple of spaces from mine. He has always been the last to meetings. However, that seemed to have changed. Grinning at myself, I took Skyler’s hand and headed inside.

The place was dark and quiet as we walked through the side door. I wondered if everyone was in the small back office. Yet, I felt sure all the men and women wouldn’t fit. As we moved through the place, I checked the kitchen and even the storage room, but the place appeared deserted.

This made me uncomfortable as I had never seen the place so empty. So much had happened in the last couple of weeks, and this wasn’t normal. I pulled Skyler in behind me as we moved down the narrow passage.

“What’s wrong,” she questioned, lowering her voice and holding my shoulder.

“I’m not sure,” I replied pulling my gun from under my jacket. I was glad I had strapped it on before we left. I kept it in the car most of the time as I didn’t feel it was always essential. Yet, with the days we have had, it was always needed it seemed.

The office door was slightly ajar, but it was also dark. Even though it was past ten in the morning, darkness filled the club. Ivan had it painted black to enhance the neon effect with parties. Yet, it made the club very dark, even during the day if the lights were off.

Stopping before the office door, I nudged it with the tip of my gun. It creaked as it slowly opened. There was no movement or sound from within. My heart rate picked up as I stepped forward to flip the light switch. As I touched the switch, I felt a lump forming in my throat.

What was happening, where was everyone? The cars were all parked as usual outside. Something terrible has happened, my mind yelled.

Skyler clung to my jacket as the light came on. The room was empty. There was no one inside. Hearing movement behind us, I swung around, pulling Skyler with me so she could stay behind me. My gun was lifted and ready to fire.

But the hall was bare. What kind of dream was this? Everyone couldn't be gone, it was impossible. With care, I moved back to the club floor. Skyler now clutching my arm tightly.

Glancing at her, I saw the fear in her eyes. “It’s okay,” I whispered, moving little by little. Exiting the hall, I stopped and studied the dark room, listening for movement. Everything appeared quiet. Even the wind outside was still.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed Ashan’s number. As the phone rang, I saw its light come on across the room. Dropping my phone to the floor, I held my gun with both hands as I briskly walked across the floor toward it.

My brother's phone was on the table at the back, but the place was empty. This didn’t feel right, something was off. Sweat broke out on my forehead as I turned in circles, calling Ashan’s name. Skyler stood against the wall where we had exited the passage. Both her hands over her mouth as if holding in a scream.

I felt my mind swirling as my thoughts traveled through every move at the speed of light. Before I could decide what to do next the main doors of the club flew open behind me, the lights went on and the family streamed in from outside.

Ashan came up to me laughing, holding out his hands to hug me. “What the hell, Ashan,” I spat at him, shoving him back from me.

“Aaaa, come on, brother, it was funny watching the two of you going crazy in here,” he replied amused.

I walked briskly to Skyler and placed an arm around her. “This was not funny guys,” I repeated as they gathered before us. “With everything that has happened, this wasn’t funny.”

“You wanted to be late,” Roman said from the back. “Come on, we have a surprise for the two of you,” Roman said up, stepping forward.

“Well, this surprise sucked,” I added, glancing at Skyler. She was relieved but I could see it had an impact on her. “Are you okay?” I asked, kissing her cheek. “I’m sorry, excuse my family.”

Skyler nodded as Ashan brought a chair for her. She sat down and took the glass of water Sam held out to her. Ivan and Sergei joined Roman and Ashan before us as the rest formed a semi-circle around them.

“We have come up with three options,” Roman started. “Seeing that the three of us have extra properties,” he added, pointing to Ivan, Sergei, and himself.

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