Page 42 of Hostage of the Bratva

“He has made many mistakes, and I am sure he regrets everyone. Especially the last one.” I added, taking a deep breath.

“Yes, mistakes have been made,” Luder replied. “Yet, allowing you to be taken by his boss…” Luder went silent. I could hear his heart beating faster.

Glancing up I saw concern on his face. “That was a choice he made,” Luder added softly.

“I know, but that was before he knew we were married,” I replied flatly. I still couldn’t believe he had done that. But there might not have been another option I told myself. “Would you at least talk to him,” I asked, glancing up.

Luder was silent for a bit, surely considering my request. I felt his arms tightening around me before he spoke. “If it will make you happy, hun. But no promises.”

Kissing him on the cheek, I added what I actually wanted. “I was hoping there was a way you could maybe assist him ingetting out from under his boss.” Pulling slightly back from his arms, I waited for his reaction.

“Well,” he said. “It isn’t only up to me, you know that.”

“Yes, but I was hoping you could talk to the family. He could do a lot of good. He’s not a bad man.”

Luder laughed as he continued. “I could, but I can’t make any promises as said. He has been the cause of a lot of trouble.”

“I know, I know,” I said before leaning in and kissing him hard. “But he had no other option, I’m sure of it.”

“Okay,” Luder said in a light tone as I got up.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling. “I think I’m tired,” I added, heading towards the bedroom. “I think I’m going to sleep.”

“Sure,” Luder replied. “Just finishing my cup, be there in a minute.”

Laying down on the soft bed, I could feel sleep calling me. Today had been highly eventful, and I felt drained. As Sleep came, I heard Luder entering. He slipped in behind me and pulled me into a warm embrace.

As my eyes closed and my mind drifted off, I heard him whispering.

“I love you, Skyler.”

Chapter 25 - Luder

The sun had barely made its appearance when I woke. Glancing sideways, I saw Skyler still fast asleep. Quietly, I got up, not wanting to disturb her. She needed her sleep with the baby and all she had been through.

She seemed so peaceful, so beautiful and elegant. We may never have gotten to know each other if not for the child. Looking at her, I knew that it would have been catastrophic to never know her love. We were meant to be, I felt sure of it.

Entering the lounge, I opened the blinds and stepped out onto the balcony. The early morning air was cool and refreshing. Leaving the balcony door open, I went back inside and grabbed the phone, calling room service. I ordered a strong pot of coffee and asked them to bring it in without knocking as I didn’t want to wake Skyler.

Checking my cell, I saw Ashan had left a message. There was a meeting this afternoon at the club, and they wanted me to bring Skyler. Replying to his text, I wondered what was happening now, but I confirmed that we would be there.

Once the coffee arrived, I checked in on Skyler again before sitting down outside on the balcony. The city was magnificent, but the ocean caught me.

I sat outside on the balcony sipping my coffee and watching the sun rise over the city. In the distance, the ocean lapped at the beach. Today was going to be a calmer day. I could feel it in my bones, the air was clean and fresh.

Once I had my first cup, I checked in on Skyler again. She stirred as I peeked around the door, opening her eyes. “Good morning, hun,” I said, walking over and kissing her forehead.

Skyler smiled up at me as she spoke, “Good morning, what time is it?”

“It’s still early, rest some more,” I replied, walking back to the door. As I left, she turned to her side, closing her eyes again.

I had two more cups before ordering breakfast and tea for her. The sun was up and shining brightly down on us. Once it arrived, I entered the room with the trolley and sat down beside her. “It’s time to get up, hun,” I said softly, caressing her cheek.

Skyler’s eyes flickered a couple of times before she opened them and smiled at me. After stretching, she sat up against the headboard. “Good morning, baby,” she uttered, glancing at the trolley. “Is that for me?”

She has been eating more and more with each passing day and her tummy has started growing. It was still small but adorable.

Standing, I replied as I grabbed the bed tray from the bottom and placed it over her legs. “It sure is.” Once the bed tray was standing solidly, I placed her plate and cup of tea on it.

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