Page 129 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

“As in, deadly not good.”

“Exactly like that.”

“Then you should stay far from Astro Whatever and everything to do with it.”

“That kinda includes the dark, sexy don we’re currently bunking with, don’t you think?” she muses with a chuckle.

“Which is why we should have left a long time ago!” I say. “We have money now. We have options.”

I gesture to the large wardrobe where I’ve hidden the money I “won” last night. Charity and I had counted it this morning in utter disbelief.

Ten thousand dollars.Neither one of us had ever held that much money in our hands at one time.It’s oddly humbling—and extremely frightening.

Frightening to me, at least. Charity veered more towards giddy excitement.

“Ten thousand dollars is nothing,” she points out. “We’ll need more before we can think of leaving. And you have a good chance of getting more now that you and the big boss are practically an item.”

I stiffen instantly. “I don’t—”

Before I can finish my sentence, there comes a strong knock on the door.

Theo squeals with surprise and starts bawling immediately. I pluck him out of Charity’s arms and turn towards the door just as it opens.

Anna is on the other side in a floral blouse with bright buttons down the front. She adjusts her weight onto her good leg and gives me a smile.

“Elyssa, dear, you’re wanted down in the main living room on the first floor.”

“Who wants her?” Charity asks before I can.

“Master Phoenix, of course.”

Charity glances at me. “Heard that, Lys? Hewantsyou.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively.

I ignore that and turn to Anna. “Now?”

“Now,” she confirms with a pleasant nod.

“Oh. Okay.”

She moves forward with her hands out and I switch Theo over to her. “How about we go for a little walk, sweet boy?” she coos.

“Great plan. I’ll come with,” Charity says immediately.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Miss Charity,” Anna says, her eyes turning flinty. “My instructions are to make sure you stay in the room.”

Charity’s face falls. “But… but…”

“I’m sorry,” Anna says.

She follows me out the door and I watch as she shuts the door on Charity and twists the key in the lock.

I bite my lip, feeling guilty about leaving my friend behind. But I can’t deny that I’m a little annoyed with her, too. It was a risky move, breaking into Phoenix’s personal space to make a point. Actually, to make a threat.

Still, I can’t be completely mad at her. She did it for me. Out of love—which is in short supply in my life these days.

“Can’t you just take her with you?” I ask Anna.

“Master Phoenix’s instructions were clear, Elyssa,” she says gently. “She abused her freedom in this house.”

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