Page 6 of Hostage of the Bratva

Ashan patted me on the shoulder as he usually does when things go wrong. “We’ll get it sorted.” He added in his chipper voice. “But there is something you're not saying, brother.”

I grinned at him and shook my head. We ate in silence and enjoyed two more glasses of vodka before he headed out. Once he was gone, I sat staring at the stars in the sky, thinking of the afternoon activities with Skyler.

She was special, but now wasn’t the time to try to form a normal life.

Chapter 4 - Skyler

As I stretched out on my bed, my legs cramped. I smiled, thinking back to yesterday. If it wasn’t for my sore butt and aching body, I could have sworn it was all just a dream. As I stared at the ceiling, Bunny jumped up on the bed to greet me with a big whoof and a wagging tail.

“Down, boy, I will take you out in a minute,” I told him as I got out of bed. After opening the curtains, and a quick shower, I felt refreshed and ready for the day.

Bunny barked and turned in circles as I picked up his leash. “Yes, yes, just a minute boy.” As I bent down to put the collar around him and clip the leach, I felt my hamstrings pulling.

No time for stretching now as Bunny may make a mess indoors, I would have to do it when I got back. I opened the door and headed outside with Bunny. The fresh morning air was cool and welcoming.

Once Bunny had done his thing, we headed back. I had to pack a basket before going to the park. This is our usual Saturday routine. After I got back Yesterday, I called Mathieu to find out if he was seriously injured.

I was relieved to find out it was only a scrape, even though it looked serious. Asking about the man, he claimed he didn’t know him and was very upset that he had taken me. But he was glad I was safe and assured me we could talk today. Obviously, I couldn’t tell him everything that happened, I thought as a smile crossed my lips.

We were both safe, and that was all that mattered. I did want to know why Luder thought Mathieu wanted to shoot him, though and would ask him when we got together.

Back inside my small townhouse, I placed a bowl of milk down for Bunny while I brewed some coffee. I made somesandwiches for me and Mathieu, packed a flask of coffee, and added some fruit juice.

For Bunny, I took a bowl, a bottle of water, and his favorite snacks. Now, we were ready to head out. I quickly did a couple of stretches as I didn’t want Mathieu to see me all stiff, he may just wonder what I did to get so stiff. Smiling at myself, I took the basket, placed Bunny on his lead, and headed to the park.

It was a quick three-block walk to the park. Arriving, I saw our spot was open under the big oak tree. I placed the basket on the table and let Bunny loose. He instantly ran to two other dogs that were his friends. They have been coming here with their owners as long as I can remember, and Bunny loved being with them.

As I headed in their direction, Mathieu came in through the big gate. He waved at me, and I waited for him.

“I am so glad you are okay,” I said as we hugged.

“Yes, and you. You are okay?” he asked, pushing me back and looking me over.

I laughed at him, he always got overly worried about me. It got worse once our mother died. But I knew he cared deeply.

I waved at Sara and Matt as they came over. After quickly greeting and catching up on all the news about their two Labradors, Mathieu and I returned to our table. Bunny came tail-wagging to greet my brother before returning to the other dogs.

“So,” Mathieu said as he sat down.

“So what?” I asked, handing him a cup of coffee from the flask. The wind blew the morning's cool breeze into the park, and I felt a chill run down my spine. We had to close our cups with our hands as it brought along a couple of leaves as well.

“Tell me what happened after that man drove off with you, is what,” Mathieu said. He sounded upset as he spoke, but I couldn’t be sure as he was staring off to the side.

“Nothing,” I replied, half irritated. “I’m fine. We drove around for a bit, and then he let me go. His beef was with you, not me.” I finished placing my hands on my hips.

Mathieu’s eyes narrowed as he studied my face. “I had no problem with him except that he took you. Why would you say something like that?”

Picking up my cup, I took a sip before looking him in the eye. “He said you wanted to shoot him.”

“Me,” Mathieu said as he chuckled, “I wouldn’t shoot anyone, you know me.”

“Yes, and I told him that.”

Mathieu jumped to his feet, spitting out the sip of coffee he took right before I spoke. “You what?” he said in disbelief.

“Yes, I told him you wouldn’t shoot him or anyone else. You weren’t that kind of person.” As I spoke, I noticed Mathieu’s face turning white. “Sit down,” I said, standing up and walking around to him.

I gently tapped him on the back as he coughed. “You wouldn’t be shooting people, would you?” I asked, wondering why he reacted so strangely.

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