Page 22 of Hostage of the Bratva

Luder came over and pulled up the chair to the side of the bed before sitting down. “Skyler,” he said as he picked up the Kung Pao Chicken. I glanced up as I carefully placed a dumpling in my mouth, pulling up my eyebrows.

I wasn’t ready to talk, but he could talk if he wanted. “Look, there are things you don’t understand.” He said, opening his kung pao chicken.

He popped a chicken piece into his mouth and chewed. Once he had swallowed, he continued. “However, I now see you are not ready for the truth, which is fine.”

“The truth,” I spat. “You don’t know anything about me or my brother. Just let me go and I’ll never bother you again.”

Luder stared at me as he narrowed his eyebrows. “You know that’s not going to happen,” he said calmly before taking another bite of his food. “If you want the truth, well, I can give it to you.”

Turning on the bed with my back to him, I finished my dumplings in silence. I wondered if Mathieu would make sure Bunny had enough food and water. I felt tears forming behind my eyelids just thinking of Bunny. He would be waiting at thedoor for me. Somehow, I had to convince Luder to let me go, but how?

I placed the takeaway container on the bed and covered my face with my hands, rubbing at my eyes to stop the tears. I heard Luder taking away the unopened meals. Glancing sideways, I saw he had also taken the empty containers and was pouring himself a glass of vodka.

Laying on the bed, I wished I had never found him or told him about the baby. I hadn’t even told Mathieu yet and now I might never get the chance. I pulled my legs up to my chest and lay in a fetal position, feeling my eyes getting heavier.

At least the nausea was gone, and I felt better. Maybe if I slept, tomorrow would be a better day. I heard Luder coming over and closed my eyes. “Your brother works for the enemy, Bratva,” he said softly.

I dared not move. I wanted him to leave. He was lying, it was all a trick. He stood for a while before leaving and locking me in. He must have thought I was sleeping, but that was fine. I wanted to be alone. I thought about what he said for a long time until I finally fell asleep.

Sometime during the night, I woke as Luder returned. I heard him entering and scolding at something he kicked while trying to find his way in the dark. Smiling, I found this amusing, it was his place, and he didn’t know his way around.

I felt him lying down and pulling me into his arms. I just lay silently. I didn’t want any more talks with him. After a while, I heard him snoring lightly and knew he was asleep. Closing my eyes, I found sleep came quickly this time.

“Skyler, Skyler,” I heard Luder calling my name, but he sounded far away.

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up. The room was still dark. For a moment, I thought I had dreamed it. Turning, I noticed he wasno longer next to me on the bed. I scanned the room as my eyes adjusted to the dark.

But I was alone. I must have dreamt it. Feeling my throat scratching, I got up and walked to the fridge. I studied the room after pouring a glass of juice and drinking half in one swallow. Yes, I was alone and didn’t know when he had left.

I walked to the door and put the light on. I had to find a way out, I thought as I surveyed the room. The bathroom had a tiny round window, and these large ones were made of something that didn’t appear to be breakable.

Walking to the closet, I searched through its contents, but it only held his clothes. The shelves and other cabinets didn’t provide anything useful either. I flopped down on the bed as my tears started flowing again. I haven’t cried this much in as long as I can remember.

My heart felt heavy. I wondered where he had gone and how long he would stay. Feeling like an old rag, I decided to take a shower, but I had no clothes. “Well, then,” I spoke to the closet as I opened it again. “I’ll just have to wear some of his.”

After a quick shower, I entered the kitchen and heated some of the leftover food as I was starving again. This was going to take some time getting used to. Having my tea at the table, I consider my options of things to do locked up in this cabin.

Strolling through the room, I somehow ended up in front of his closet. Standing there staring at his suits, my mind took a wild turn. Deciding his outfits needed some color, I experimented a little.

Grabbing a book from the shelf, I decided to do some reading while I waited for him to return.

Soon, the sun made its way through the dark and lit up the world outside. As time passed, I got bored. I decided that if he wanted to keep me here, I would make it as unpleasant as I could. Maybe he would let me go if he saw what a menace I was.

Chapter 15 - Luder

Pulling into the secure parking area of Ivan’s club, I wondered what had come up. It was still dark when he called and told me to attend the club. He had not given a reason, but I could hear in his voice he was upset.

I had left Skyler sleeping as she needed rest, and I hoped to return before she woke. I might even grab some breakfast on my way back. Stepping out of the car, the cool morning breeze was the first to greet me. It seemed cooler up here than down at our private docks, which was a bit weird.

Yet, the docks were surrounded by trees and shrubs, so, I guess it kept out some of the cold air even though it was by the water. I hurried to the side door and entered the club. Walking down the passage, I heard voices coming from the club area and not the office.

This too, was out of place like the early morning call. I took out my Glock as I walked into the club, unsure of what to expect. There in the middle of the room, sat Mathieu tied to a chair. On one side was Ivan and on the other side stood Roman, but other than that, the place was empty.

Holstering my gun, I walked over to them. “What is this?” I asked as I came to stand between them.

“Glad you could join us, Luder,” Ivan said, tapping me on the shoulder. “We caught him breaking in here.”

“What?” I responded in a raised voice. Skyler surely didn’t know her brother if he was this cocky.

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