Page 30 of Hostage of the Bratva

Skyler beamed at me and then looked at Ivan. Feeling the smile on my face pulling every muscle, I tried to pull my face right and nodded at Ivan to continue. I have never felt so entranced by anyone before. This was all new to me, but I liked the way she made me feel. She gave me strength and a calmness that no one else could.

This, like everything in our lives, was no ordinary wedding ceremony as we never tend to stick to the rules of society. Ivan started by welcoming everyone and announcing the reason for our gathering. He spoke about the importance of family and how growing a strong family keeps everyone happy and safe.

As he went through the wedding vows, I noticed a tear strolling down Skyler’s cheek. My heart ached for her, knowing that she had no family present. Yet, I knew my family would make up for her loss. Just before Ivan could conclude the ceremony, a string of gunfire filled the air.

Turning toward the house, tables were being shoved over for shelter, and the family pulled their guns aiming in one direction. Karine, Irina, and Sam had already pulled Skyler to them. Glancing around, I felt relieved as they were safely behind the wall leading down to the pool area.

I did not bring my guns as I didn’t expect any trouble here. Looking at the house, I saw Mathieu standing in the doorway. He was surrounded by men, presumably from Domique’s Bratva.

Stepping forward, Mathieu moved toward me. “What is this, Mathieu?” I asked, feeling all eyes on us. I knew I was an open target, but no one would be standing if they took a shot at me.

“I just want Skyler back,” he replied, aiming at my chest. I had to give it to the man; he had balls. Coming here and requesting such a thing.

Glancing over my shoulder, I nodded as this day was about to turn upside down. I stepped closer to Mathieu, lowering my voice as I spoke. “She is part of our family now; I think it is best if you and your men leave now.”

Mathieu laughed, lifting his head, a horrid taunting kind of noise came from his mouth. “Oh, it’s not that simple, you know,” he replied as his laugh subdued. “She is my sister and I have a duty to talk sense into her.” Glancing around, he called out to her, “Skyler, Skyler, come out here now.”

“A duty,” I heard Skyler say loudly behind me. Turning, she was briskly walking toward us. It looked like steam was coming from her ears. By the expression on her face, I knew she was not about to go quietly. Knowing she wanted to be here filled my being with a passionate need to protect her.

As Skyler moved in beside me, I grabbed her around the waist to prevent her from moving into Mathieu’s grip. “Slow down, hun,” I spoke gently as she gave me a deadly look.

“He has no right over me; I am my own person, and he can’t tell me what I can or cannot do.” Skyler spat over her shoulder at Mathieu. “I don’t even know who you are anymore,” she added.

Turning her around and back towards the family, Karine was there to take her back to safety. Skyler went with her without hesitation.

“You heard the lady. Please leave now,” I said, turning my back to him and following the women.

“Skyler,” Mathieu called. “You know this isn’t right.”

Just before the two women reached the wall, a shot went off. I felt the bullet grazing my ear as it passed my head.

“Mathieu,” Skyler screamed as she turned. Karine and Irina grabbed hold of her and pulled her behind the wall. “What are you doing,” her voice echoed from the cover of safety.

Wiping my ear, I felt the hot blood trickling from the scrapped skin. My blood boiled as I turned to face Mathieu. Ivan, Ashan, Roman, and Sergei all stepped up beside me. Their guns were aimed at Mathieu.

“This is not the time or place to make your mark, Mathieu,” I spat as I stormed forward. “Leave or die here today,” I uttered as I shoved him backward. My anger could no longer be controlled. Who did he think he was, coming here on this day?

He had caused her enough pain, and I wouldn’t let it continue. Mathieu struggled to stay upright as he staggered backward. I continued to move in and shoved him again. “Make your choice,” I said loudly, lifting my hands as he fell back. His men had their weapons lifted and aimed at me.

“Look around,” I screamed at them. “Do you think this is a fight you can win?”

There was a murmuring in the air as the men whispered. Two came to Mathieu’s side and helped him up. He dusted himself off before looking me in the eye. “This is not over,” he said, spitting on the ground before my feet.

“No, I expect it isn’t,” I replied harshly.

Waving his hand through the air, the men cleared the area as quickly as they came. Turning back, the entire family stood watching me. “Well, this day didn’t go as planned,” I said, walking to Skyler. “We have to go, this isn’t over,” I added, taking her hand.

Dusk appeared to also have arrived without notice. “It was getting too dark to be safe out in the open,” I said, turning to the family. Once we greeted everyone, we headed back to the yacht.

Skyler sat in silence all the way back. She stared out the window and I wondered what she was thinking. She was still wearing the dress. But my main concern was to get her back to the safety of the docks without any other issues on our way. Roman had sent two cars with us as escorts, just in case.

Pulling in, I noticed the guards were already doubled in numbers inside and strolling up and down the perimeter. Roman had surely called and informed them of the situation.

Chapter 20 - Skyler

My mind kept repeating the events, and I didn’t even notice we had pulled into the parking area at the docks. I was startled when Luder opened the door and held out his hand. Glancing around, I saw there were a lot more guards than normal. I didn’t care as my entire being felt tired.

All I wanted was a bed to lie down on. To close my eyes and forget. I felt nauseated, and my stomach was a tight ball. My eyes burned, and my skin felt itchy as I stepped out of the car. Today, my emotions took a rollercoaster ride. There were so many ups and downs that my mind seemed unable to cope with all the information.

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