Page 83 of Ripped Veil (Ripped Bratva)

“Elyssa,” I tell him. “Her name is Elyssa. She’s in the house.”

“You brought her home?”

“Yes.”

“And…?”

“I’ve kept my distance,” I say, deciding not to tell him about the incident with Vitya this morning.

“And what has she done in response?”

“She seems equally as keen to avoid me,” I say. “It’s clear she doesn’t trust me.”

“Okay, well, perhaps it’s not as bad as it seemed. Maybe I’m just a paranoid old Irishman. But in case I’m not, some advice: keep her close. Watch her. Stay vigilant.”

“I will.” I start to hang up, but before I can, he says my name. “Oh, and Phoenix?”

“Yes, Uncle Kian?”

“What if it turns out the kid really is yours? And she has no motive?”

Strangely enough, of everything he’s asked, this is the question that really stumps me. “I have no fucking clue.”

“Family is family, Phoenix,” Kian says ominously. “No matter how they come to be.”

“Right. We’ll see how this plays out.”

“That we will. Does anyone else know?”

“Only Matvei.”

“Not your parents?”

“Fuck no,” I bark. “And I don’t intend to tell them anytime soon. So I’d appreciate it if you don’t, either. And don’t tell your brother. Uncle Cillian can’t keep his goddamn mouth shut.”

“Jesus. I feel like I’m back in high school.”

“You were never in high school,” I point out.

“You’re giving me the experience now.”

“I don’t know why I call you.”

He chuckles low. “Don’t stop, okay, kid?” he says affectionately. “Any time, day or night. Just ring me. Your secrets are safe with me.”

I know I can trust Kian not to share this with his brother or my parents. They’re a tight-knit circle, but loyalty is a powerful word in our makeshift little family.

“I know.”

“Take care, kid.”

I used to hate when he called me kid when I was younger. But I’d grown out of that. Just like I’d grown out of a lot of things.

* * *

I head down to the basement cell where Matvei is waiting for me. The door to Murray’s cell is hanging open.

“Is he talking?” I ask.

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