Page 46 of Hostage of the Bratva

Bunny came bouncing out almost knocking me over. “Slow down boy,” I uttered pushing him away from me. Looking up I almost screamed with surprise as I saw him. There in the brush stood Mathieu.

“Come, Bunny,” I said, turning to go back in.

“Wait,” Mathieu said softly as he took hold of my arm. “Please, I am sorry.”

Swinging around, I looked sternly at him, brushing off his hand. “Just one scream and the guards will surround you,” I uttered, feeling my stomach churning. “Get away, I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Please, Skyler, please, hear me out,” Mathieu said, lifting his hands up to the sides of him and shrugging. “Just give me a couple of minutes before you have me shot.”

His face and eyes portrayed his sorrow, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. “You got yourself into a lot of trouble, and then you had me kidnapped,” I added, stomping my foot.

“I know, I know, but hear me out, please,” Mathieu begged.

Glancing around, I knew we couldn’t move back to the house as the guards would see him. “Fine, you have two minutes,” I replied, sitting down on the lawn.

“Sis, you’re making a big mistake marrying Luder. Both you and the child’s life will be in constant danger.” Mathieu started.

I lifted my hand out before me showing him to stop. “You have no right, are you saying we would be safe with you? No, look what you got us into.”

“Yes, I know, this is all my fault, and I am sorry. But…” I cut him off before he could speak further.

“No, no butts. You have made your choice and so have I.” Taking a deep breath, I made sure there were no guards in sight.

“These people, you don’t know them and what they are capable of.” Mathieu blabbered on.

“And you do?” I asked, raising my voice.

“I just want to keep you safe,” he added as I stood up.

“It’s too late, we’re married. But I have spoken to them, and Luder wants to meet you. He can help you with a position with them.” I added softly.

“Skyler,” Mathieu responded, his voice rising. “No, you have no idea what you’ve done.” He grabbed hold of his head and turned in a circle on his heels.

“Mathieu, just meet him and hear him out. We can be together as we were when we were younger.” I added reaching out.

Mathieu stepped closer and took hold of my shoulders. “Skyler,” He glanced around nervously. “Think of your child.”

“I am,” I responded, stepping back. “Luder is the father, and you know as well as I do that a child needs both parents. Plus, he is a good man.”

Mathieu laughed as he walked backward away from me. “Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there,” he said before disappearing into the brush again.

Bunny ran into the brush barking but didn’t stay away long. Walking back to the house I wondered how Mathieu had gotten in. Maybe this place wasn’t as safe as I thought. After all, if he could get in and out without being seen, who knows who else could do that?

I was just glad he came alone this time. Entering the house, I decided to talk to Luder about it. We would have to secure that spot and ensure there are no other unsecured places. Especially knowing the business he is in, I felt sure Domique wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last.

I checked the kitchen cupboards and the fridges trying to decide what to make for supper. There weren’t a lot of things to choose from, so I decided to go shopping instead of waiting for Luder.

Not sure what time Luder would be home. I didn’t want to go too far. The driver took me to the closest store. I got a variety of meats, fruits, some dry goods, tinned goods, and snacks. Suddenly, I had a craving for ice cream, so I bought a couple of tubs as well.

Once back home, I had ice cream for lunch while unpacking before starting supper. Hopefully, in a week or two, I can return to assisting at the shelter and have some stability Ithought as I hung my clothing. Holding my favorite pants up, I knew I would have to get other clothes as well soon.

Luder came home sooner than I expected, but the food was cooked. I was in the library when he arrived searching for a good book to read. After I helped him put away his things, we sat outside having tea and coffee before supper.

“I saw Mathieu today,” I said casually, sipping some tea and studying his face.

Luder stood quickly from his chair. “Where did he come in?” he asked. “What did he want?”

“The guards should look at the walls covered by brush, especially down by the pool,” I responded calmly.

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