Page 189 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

“The Sanctuary?” Charity says. “That’s what the place is called?”

I nod. “I haven’t said that name out loud in a long time.”

“How does it feel?”

“Weird,” I admit.

She smiles. “I’ll come with you.”

“No!” I blurt immediately. “No, this is something I have to do on my own.”

“Jesus, give me a break,” Charity protests. “That’s the kind of bullshit line you hear in movies.”

I sigh. “My life has kinda been like a movie so far. So maybe it’s fitting.”

Charity reaches out and grabs my hand. “You don’t have to do this alone, Elyssa.”

“You don’t understand, Charity. My family, the whole community… they’re not exactly welcoming to strangers.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” she snaps. “I don’t need a fucking red carpet. I just want to make sure they know that there’s someone who has your back.”

I can’t help but smile sadly. What would I do without Charity? She’s been more of a family to me in a year than my own family was for the first two decades of my life.

“I appreciate that, but—”

“Maybe you should tell Phoenix about this,” Charity interrupts.

“Phoenix?”

“Yeah. Since you’ve decided to throw your hat into the ring with him, you may as well. At least we know he can protect you from your… people.”

It’s probably a good idea. But my pride refuses to admit it out loud. I feel as though I’ve spent my entire life relying on other people. This one thing I should do alone.

It’s time I faced the truth of what I’d left behind.

I pick Theo up and cradle him in my arms. He twists around and tries to grab at my face. I pepper his face with kisses and breathe him in.

“Will you keep him safe until I get back?” I ask, knowing that she will.

“I don’t like that you’re going alone,” Charity insists. “I still think I should come with you.”

“Someone needs to stay with Theo. I don’t want to take him back there.”

“Anna will stay with him.”

“I like Anna,” I reply. “But I don’t know her at all. And I certainly don’t trust her like I trust you.”

I can see Charity’s eyes go filmy with emotion but she manages to compose herself in time. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. But I’m not happy about it.”

I smile. “Noted.”

I hug her tightly and she returns the hug after a few seconds. Theo whimpers, annoyed to be stuck between us.

The embrace lasts longer than I expected. Like we’re both finding solace and comfort in it.

“You’re my rock, Char,” I whisper in her ear.

“Forever and always,” she whispers right back.

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