Page 49 of Hostage of the Bratva

“This is not what I expected,” he replied sullenly.

“Well, then. Come with me and you can see your sister, let’s chat about the future, okay?” I didn’t want him near me or her, but I knew I had to accept it. At least the real threat was out of the way.

Mathieu nodded and followed as I left the restaurant. He rode with me to the hospital where they had taken Ashan. I called Skyler and asked her to meet me there. As we drove, I offered Mathieu another chance to join us.

This time he accepted without question. “I’m sorry about your brother,” he added looking out the window.

“I would say I was sorry about Domique, but I would be lying,” I replied feeling my anger calming down. “If it wasn’t for Skyler, you would be dead as well, I hope you know what that means.”

Mathieu nodded but said nothing more. The rest of the way to the hospital was quiet. Upon our arrival there, we found Skyler waiting. Pulling her into my arms I felt her calmness fill me. Her embrace was warm and soothing.

After holding her tight for a few seconds, I kissed her and then went to find the doctor. She waited with Mathieu in the waiting room. I was sure they had some matters to discuss, especially after the turn of today.

Ashan was in surgery, and I would have to wait for the doctor to finish before they could give me an update. The nurse did, however, add he was stable as they pushed him in. This was good news. Feeling a bit more at ease, I grabbed coffee and headed back to Skyler.

Skyler and Mathieu were sitting in the back corner as I returned. I could see they were deep in a heated discussion. I stopped at the door and waited until Skyler noticed me. She rose and briskly walked to me.

“I’m so sorry for all the trouble he’s caused, Luder,” she said softly as I handed her a cup.

Mathieu didn’t join us at the door, he sat waiting. Leaning in, I kissed Skyler’s cheek before speaking. “It’s not your fault hun, please don’t blame yourself.”

The smile she gave me as we moved was gloomy and my heart ached for her. I knew she felt responsible, and it wouldn’t change her mind no matter what I said. We sat down with Mathieu as it would still be a while before we knew Ashan’s state.

We sipped our cappuccinos in silence, each of us within our minds. It was almost an hour before the doctor appeared at the door. I rose and quickly paced to meet him halfway across the floor. Skyler held my hand as he spoke.

“Mr. Morozov?” he inquired, looking at me.

“Yes,” I replied hastily.

“Your brother was lucky; the bullet missed any vital arteries. With enough rest, he will recover fully.”

I breathed out loudly as I shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you so much.”

“He will need to rest, please make sure of that. At least about two months,” he added, pulling his hand from mine.

“Right,” I replied, grinning. “May I see him?”

“Sure, the nurse will show you where he is,” the doctor said waving at one of the nurses.

Skyler and Mathieu followed to Ashan’s room but waited outside for me. Ashan was still very drowsy as I took his hand. “Hey brother, the doctor said you’re going to be fine. You just need to rest, okay.”

Ashan gave me a weak smile as he slowly opened his eyes. “Yeah, sure thing.” He spoke softly and his voice was raspy.

Knowing he was going to be good eased my heart and mind. I sat with him for a bit until Roman and Karine arrived. The family would all be around during the afternoon.

“I’m heading home,” I whispered to Roman as they entered his room. “I’ll be back later again.” He shook his head in acknowledgment and tapped my shoulder as I left. “He will not be alone,” he added.

“Let’s go home,” I said, taking Skyler's hand and heading to the exit. Outside, we tried to decide where Mathieu would go. He couldn’t return to his home as some of Domique’s gang may show up. We needed to wait for the heat to die down first.

We agreed that he could stay with us for now until we sorted everything out. I had the yacht parked at the new dock, and he could use that in the meantime. With that settled, we headed home.

After supper, I went back to the hospital to sit with Ashan for a bit. He was already feeling better. After an hour of his weak jokes, I had to leave. Too much time with him would drive anyone insane.

I was relieved that he was back to being himself and could now focus on the situation at home. On my way home, Roman called with good news. Excited, I couldn’t wait to get home.

Chapter 28 - Skyler

After Luder left for the hospital, I rinsed the evening's dishes and packed the washer. Mathieu stayed for a last cup before heading out to the yacht. We had a good conversation after Luder left and made peace with almost everything.

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