Page 44 of Hostage of the Bratva

“They have decided you can have your pick of a home,” Ashan spat out, unable to control his excitement as he bounced in one place.

The three of them each handed us a folder containing all the details and images of their extra houses. I was shocked by all of this turmoil for a place to stay.

“We can’t, thank you, but we will get a place,” I said, holding out the folders for them to take back.

“Nonsense,” Ivan responded, pushing the folders back. “We’re a family, man.”

Glancing down, I saw the curiosity in Skyler’s eyes. Handing her the folders, I look back at the cousins. “Can we talk, guys?” I asked.

They looked at each other and nodded. We walked to the office, and I closed the door behind us. I wasn’t sure how to start, but I knew this had to be done. The quicker we could decide the better.

“This must be important,” Ivan noted as they stopped in front of the table and turned to me.

Clearing my throat, I spoke, “I know we have had a lot of trouble since the day I kidnapped Skyler.” The three nodded in agreement.

“Well, I wouldn’t call it trouble,” Ashan added, grinning.

“Okay, okay, a lot of conflict and problems. But I think we can put an end to it peacefully.”

Roman rubbed his chin and Ivan only shrugged. “Continue,” Sergei added, giving Ashan a warning look.

“Just hear me out before you give your opinion. Consider my suggestion before making a decision.” I uttered wiping the back of my neck. “Skyler asked if we could consider offering her brother a spot here, with us.”

Roman and Ivan flinched as my words filled the room. Ashan’s mouth hung open but Sergei showed no reaction.

“I know he has made life almost unbearable. But if he was on our side, we could use his knowledge to take down Domique once and for all.”

I saw a light in Roman’s eyes and knew he saw the possibilities. “We would have to talk about it,” he said, looking at Ivan. “Maybe you can give us some time,” he finished as he walked past me and opened the door.

“One thing at a time,” Ivan added, coming closer. “Let’s first go see if your wife has chosen a house.”

My mood was lighter as we joined the rest of the family back in the club. Karine, Irina, and Sam were sitting with Skyler as we returned. They were having tea and laughing. Even though we are married, Skyler still throws me off guard with her brilliant smile.

“She’s made her mind up, guys,” Karine said as we approached them. Roman put his hand around her middle and pulled her into his arm.

“Made up her mind about what?” I asked as I sat down next to Skyler, placing my hand on her leg.

Beaming, she held out one of the files. Taking it and placing it down before me, I glanced around at everyone gathered around the table. All eyes were on me. Opening the folder, I saw it was Roman’s second house.

“It’s perfect for you both,” Karine exclaimed. It’s got a private dock for your yacht. A view of the ocean and enough space for little ones.” She was almost more ecstatic than Skyler, who was beaming at me now.

“Thank you, really, but we can’t,” I insisted, closing the folder and moving it to the others on the table.

“There’s no such thing,” Roman added as he hugged Karine. “We insist.”

“Well, with that settled,” Ivan spoke up. “We will have the guards sent, and the woman can assist Skyler in getting settled. There is business to discuss.”

Looking at Skyler she was still shining brightly. I couldn’t break her mood, so I just nodded. She kissed my cheek and left with the women of the family. I still strongly wanted to protest but accepted the gift for now. Later we would find and settle in our own place.

We gathered at the bar counter as Ivan poured us a drink. “Ashan will assist you with setting up the security at the house and if there is anything, just let us know,” Roman said, tapping me on the back as he sat down beside me.

“Thanks again,” I said. But before I could add anything else, I was silenced by Ivan.

“Back to the topic at hand,” he said with authority and clearness in his voice drawing everyone’s attention. “If we decide to give Mathieu a chance, it will only be because of family. He has been a thorn in our sides, and he can thank his sister for the opportunity.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Clearing my throat to speak up, Ivan held up a finger, so I waited.

“It will be in a position at the bottom, far away from any actual detail on any of our operations,” Ivan added.

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