Page 139 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

“What the fuck?” I breathe.

The barrel of my gun is still fucking warm.

I saw a body hit the ground.

And yet…

There’s no one there.

I quicken my pace, my eyes darting from side to side. I know I’m being impulsive and reckless. I shouldn’t be out in the open like this. Especially in my current condition.

God only knows who the fuck else is out there right now, waiting to gun me down. Every nook and cranny, every shadow and crevice could contain a man who’s come to end my life.

But nothing happens.

And, as I slowly pivot, I see no trace of the one man I know for sure was sent to kill me.

He was here literally a minute ago.

Now, he’s gone.

29

Elyssa

The Kovalyov Mansion

“And he didn’t ask you anything else?”

“No!” I say for at least the tenth time in the last half hour.

Theo grabs my finger and tries to stuff it in his mouth. Charity and I are sitting on the sprawling carpet in one of the living rooms on the first floor. It’s one of the more frustrating conversations I’ve had in a while.

“Geez,” she mutters. “Just asking.”

“You’ve been asking the same question for ages now. I don’t know what else to tell you.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “Hm.”

“What?” I ask.

“I don’t know,” she admits. “It’s just that, sometimes, when it comes to him, I feel like you don’t tell me everything.”

I don’t have a leg to stand on. Her instincts are totally right. But I can’t bring myself to admit that to her.

“I’m telling you everything, Charity,” I insist. “Promise.”

“Just tell me you’re not catching feelings for the man.”

“Of course not!” I can feel my face heating up and I busy myself combing Theo’s hair with my fingers so Charity can’t see them trembling.

“That was a quick answer.”

“Which should convince you that it’s true.”

She taps a finger on her bottom lip. “So then why am I not convinced?”

I shake my head in frustration and choose to focus on my baby. He’s just started rolling onto his chest now. Another tiny little milestone in his life, flashing before my eyes. I just wish I was in the headspace where I could enjoy it.

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