Page 29 of Hostage of the Bratva

Peeking around the door, I saw he was on the phone. I walked to the wall and collected the pieces of my phone. Luder returned as I placed them down on the table.

“We’ll get you another one,” he commented as he joined me at the table. “Just keep the sim card and chuck the rest.”

Pulling me into his arms again, he whispered, “I have a surprise for you,”

Looking up at his expression made me wonder as he looked like a child who had just won a prize. “Really,” I asked lightly pushing him away.

“Bring Bunny, we’re going for a drive,” Luder said as he walked to the door, smiling back at me.

I called Bunny and followed him to the car. We pulled out and headed to town with Bunny securely in the back.

Chapter 19 - Luder

Skyler was staring out the window as we drove, and I could see she was still upset. Wanting to make her feel better, I decided to take her out. We couldn’t go to a restaurant with Bunny along, but I called Ashan and asked him to make arrangements for me at Roman’s place. I called Roman first, though, to make sure it would be fine for us to come over.

Roman sounded as eager as Ashan when I told him what I wanted to do. Being part of a big family has a lot of benefits, and if anyone could pull off what I wanted, those two could.

Bunny sat quietly in the back as we drove. There was no more aggression or any sign of anger in him. Well, none that was visible. Glancing at Skyler, I felt the blood in my veins starting to boil. She was an amazing woman I had to admit. Getting to know her over the last couple of days has been an experience and a half.

I felt good that she was the one carrying my child. Who knows what kind of woman I would have ended up with and if I ever would have settled. She was intelligent, kind, loving, and very easy on the eyes. I grinned as we pulled up to Roman’s place, and Skyler gasped.

“Where are we?” she asked as the large gates opened, revealing the house within its walls.

“This is my cousin’s place,” I remarked casually, parking by the fountain.

Skyler looked dazzled as she shook from excitement. Bunny let out a long howl. “It’s so beautiful,” Skyler added, smiling from ear to ear.

It was amazing how easily she got excited. I could only hope she would not have an issue with what was coming. Getting out, I quickly moved to open her door. Holding out my hand forher, I saw Ashan, Roman, and Karine coming down the stairs to meet us.

Skyler clung to my arm as she noticed them. “Who did you say stays here?” she asked, glancing up at me.

Opening the back door for Bunny, I replied softly. “I told you we were coming to my cousin’s place.” Bunny jumped out and went straight to Skyler’s side. “Come on, there are some people I want you to meet,” I added as I started walking with her around the car. Having her on my arm, I walked proudly.

After introducing Skyler to the family present, we moved around the house to the back. As we went, I heard her gasp at this and then that. She was entranced by the time we got to the backyard. Bunny followed quietly, sniffing everywhere.

At the back, the tables were halfway made up, and more of the family were waiting for us. There were more tables than usual, all covered in white and gold cloth. After the introductions, Karine and Irina took Skyler inside. I followed them into the kitchen.

“Skyler,” I said as Karine gave me a nod. She turned and stared questioningly at me with her eyebrows lifted. “If you want, we can get married right now. Everything is prepared.”

She glanced at the two women waiting for her and back at me. “Right now?” she asked, astounded. I nodded in agreement and smiled. Skyler looked at Bunny, who had followed us inside, before nodding in agreement. “This is very sudden, but I guess we can.”

Leaning closer, I kissed her cheek before she was taken upstairs to get ready. Stepping back outside, I was just in time to assist with the last details. The archway went up quickly, we scattered the yard with rose petals in gold, silver, white, and red color. Sergei quickly discussed the ceremony with me before Ivan came over and asked me her full name. He would be marrying us.

As we placed flowers, wine, and glasses on the tables, more of the family arrived. The woman assisted either in the kitchen with the food or outside with decorations. Roman stood by his bar and gave orders to the younger men.

Next to the bar, a stage assembled practically out of thin air. This was turning out to be much bigger than I could ever have imagined. By the time everything was in place, the yard was full to breaking point. Samantha headed inside to see if Skyler was ready while I stood waiting by the flower arch with Ivan, Ashan, and Roman.

Everyone was talking, and the atmosphere was joyful. My stomach made a strange turn as the wedding march started playing. Silence fell over the backyard as all attention turned to the doorway.

I held my breath as Samantha and Irina came out first, and then Karine followed before Skyler appeared. She looked like a princess stepping out of a fairytale. She was glowing, and I gasped for air. She took my breath away as she walked toward me. I had no idea where everything came from in such a short time, but I thought whoever got the dress had style.

Skyler’s hair was pinned up with a couple of locks falling from the crown to frame her face. There was only a tinge of make-up and the dress. Oh, the dress highlighted every perfectly formed feature. I felt my mouth hanging open as Ashan pushed my chin back up.

He leaned toward me and whispered, “Really, bro, I am sure you’ve seen more of her than this.”

Glancing at him, I felt a twinge in my arm to just smack him but smiled at him instead. “Yes, but she… she looks amazing at the moment don’t you think?”

Ashan just shook his head. As the other women joined us and moved to the side, I took Skyler’s hands. “You’re shiningbrighter than the evening star on a clear night,” I whispered as we came to stand before Ivan.

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