Page 34 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

I glance at his car. He’s got no one with him, and no one else has shown up. No backup that I can see.

He may have made stealing women his side hustle. He may even have it down to a science, but doing it alone seems risky. He has no idea how many women are in there.

Unless, of course, there’s another explanation for this whole visit.

The thought gives me pause. I’d assumed that he was coming here in order to pick up more fodder for Astra Tyrannis auctions.

But what if there’s another reason? What if he’s workingwithsomeone in the shelter?

I stiffen as I realize the theory actually has merit. Allying with someone who works in a place like this would guarantee continuous access to young women. Women with no home and no family. Women who are young and vulnerable and more likely to be desperate because of it.

It’s the perfect fucking plan. A funnel straight from the streets of Las Vegas into the gaping maw of Astra Tyrannis.

Adrenaline is pumping through my veins as I wait for the fucker to make his next move. I’m just about to get out of the car and go after him when he pivots on his heel and goes back to the car. He lumbers into the driver’s seat.

Frowning, I wait for the vehicle to take off, but it doesn’t. He’s just sitting there. Waiting. For what, I don’t know.

My phone vibrates again. I look down at it with a preemptive sigh. When I see Matvei’s name on the screen, I decide to answer.

“Jesus Christ, Phoenix,” he says the moment I answer. “You’re following the lead on your own, aren’t you?”

“Nah, just out for ice cream.”

“You asshole.”

I smirk. “I can handle this.”

“You say that about everything,” Matvei says harshly. “Some might accuse you of having an ego problem.”

That earns a snort. “You been talking to my parents or something?”

“Why, are they saying the same thing I’m saying?”

“If you’re going to accuse me of being obsessed with Astra Tyrannis, then yes.”

“Great minds think alike,” Matvei says. “Where are you right now?”

“Went for a drive.”

“You went to his house.”

“A minor detour. Nothing crazy.”

“And?”

“And then he left the house and started to drive, so I kept the detour going right along with him.”

“Jesus.”

I roll my eyes. “Hadn’t pegged you for the religious type. But you do call on the big guy a lot.”

“Having you to deal with, I just might turn to religion.”

“Ouch. Am I really that bad?”

“We’re supposed to be working together, Phoenix. Since when do you work alone?”

“Since people started accusing me of being obsessive.”

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