Page 34 of Hostage of the Bratva

Skyler looked down and smiled. “I would never have imagined us here.” She started before looking into my eyes. “I am glad it is you even though I still don’t truly know you. You opened my eyes to a whole other world. You give love and kindness new meaning.”

The room was filled with giggles and some murmuring as no one here knew me in this way. Clearing my throat, I surveyed the room, and everyone quieted down.

“Skyler,” I said, a lump suddenly forming in my throat. “Our meeting wasn’t intentional or planned, but you make me happy. You give me a strength I have never felt before. I want to thank you for deciding to stay and take a chance on me. I vow to do all in my power to make you both happy.”

Skyler squeezed my hand as a tear ran down her cheek, and Bunny howled. “Oh, yes, the three of you,” I said, grinning down at him.

This brought laughter to the room as Bunny howled harder. I felt at ease knowing the atmosphere was relaxed. Cheers filled the room, and Ivan had to raise his hand for silence to continue.

“Well then,” Ivan said, bringing everyone’s attention back to us. “With all said, please exchange rings.” Roman handed me a ring which I slipped onto Skyler's finger. She turned to Karine, who handed her a black platinum wedding band. Skyler’s face had streaks through the make-up as her tears rolled down her cheeks.

Ivan waited until we had slipped the rings on before continuing. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

I placed my hands on Skyler’s neck and pulled her closer for a kiss. Our lips met with more passion than I have experienced. Her lips were soft and warm. Her mouth opened invitingly. It sent vibrations down my body as parts of me started waking but I couldn’t seem to be able to pull away. Why her kiss affected me this way, I didn’t understand but it felt right.

Skyler pulled back after a while, softly gasping for air as she flung her arms around me and hugged me tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered before we turned to the family.

The room filled with voices as everyone cheered while we walked to the first table for a champagne toast. The family took turns congratulating us as they moved to the tables set out for them. Roman handed us an envelope, which was a gift from the family for our honeymoon.

“There’s no rush,” he said as I slipped it into my breast pocket. “It’s valid for a year. However, I do think the sooner you go the better.” He added, tapping his stomach. Glancing at Skyler, I smiled, he was so right.

Ivan put music on for those who wanted to dance. But the first song was only for us to have an opening dance.

Skyler moved with me easily enough and it turned out to be a lot of fun. We matched in so many other ways, I thought as she swirled in my arms. Her whole being shone and sparkled as she flowed across the floor. I felt my heart skipping a beat a couple of times as our eyes met. She was more than perfect. She was the one.

Shortly before opening time for the club, we all pitched in and started cleaning the place up. Well, not quite cleaning, but we at least moved the tables back and removed the plates, glasses, and other décor.

As we were leaving, there was a loud noise from the back of the club. Smoke filled the room within seconds. I grabbed Skyler’s hand as the side door and front doors swung open.

Flames lapped at the kitchen door as another explosion rocked the club. “What the hell,” Ivan shouted from somewhere behind us. “You’re messing with the wrong family,” he added as everyone gathered in the middle of the room.

The men surrounded the women with our guns aimed at all directions. “Come on, cowards,” Roman shouted at the figures standing at the doors.

We couldn’t make a move with so much smoke and would have to wait for it to start clearing before moving forward or out. The figures in the doors moved in and out, we weren’t sure what they were doing. We watched them intently, waiting for them to come closer or make a move.

Ivan and two cousins proceeded slowly toward the kitchen to put out the spreading fire while we held our circle. Once the smoke started clearing, we moved towards the doors. As we went, we kept an eye on our surroundings, expecting men to jump at us.

But the place was empty, the parking area as well except for some of the staff that had started arriving. We scanned the surrounding area, the buildings, and down the street. But just as they came, they went.

Back inside, they had managed to douse the fires completely, but the kitchen was about destroyed. The family was distraught, and I didn’t blame them. “This was them,” Ivan yelled, slamming the kitchen door.

“We’ll clean up,” Roman said, touching my shoulder. “You two get out of here.” I felt the same; leaving would be best for now.

Sergei and Ashan nodded at me across the floor as I lifted my hand. Taking Skyler around the waist, I headed for the car.

“No,” she started saying. I squeezed her and shook my head.

“Not now, hun,” I replied, opening the car door for her.

Chapter 22 - Skyler

I wanted to stay and offer support or help with something, but Luder insisted we leave. As we drove off, I looked back, very upset and shocked at what had happened. Another day and place were ruined by my brother and his boss. I would have to put a stop to this soon.

“I can’t understand why we had to leave,” I spat at Luder as he took the highway down to the coast.

Hearing the irritation in my voice, Bunny started barking in the back. I could see this was bothering Luder as he kept giving Bunny scrunched-up glares over his shoulder as we went.

“Bunny, quiet down,” I spoke softly so he could calm down.

---