Page 114 of Ripped Lace (Ripped Bratva)

“This is not a therapy session, Elyssa,” Phoenix says harshly. “And we don’t have that kind of time.”

“But—”

“I agreed to let you be a part of this,” he cuts in. “But there are conditions. You have the right to speak. But I am still the don. And I make the final decisions.”

“What’s the point in taking my opinions on board if you just do what you were going to do in the first place?” I retort.

For the first time, the men in the room are starting to stir uncomfortably. They’re not used to seeing anyone talk to their boss like this.

Well, tough shit. You reap what you sow.

“Would you rather wait outside?” he threatens.

“That’s not what I’m saying and you know it.”

He looks at me and broods for what feels like an eternity. One finger strokes at his stubbled jaw. His eyes see right through me.

The air bristles. My skin crawls.

And then Phoenix stands up abruptly. All his men get to their feet a second later. I stay defiantly seated and stare up at all of them, wondering what the hell I’m supposed to do now. If standing my ground is the right thing. IfanythingI’m doing is the right thing.

“So be it,” Phoenix concedes unexpectedly. I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. “Raj is our best source of information. Ilya, how’s he doing?”

“We patched him up and had the doctor in to see him,” Ilya answers at once. “He’s had a good night of sleep. He isn’t dead yet, that’s for sure.”

“Good. Then it’s time for another chat with our dear friend Raj. Elyssa, are you coming?” Phoenix asks.

I desperately want to turn him down and beg off being there. But it’s the look in his eyes that convinces me otherwise. That condescending expression that’s convinced I won’t be able to stomach doing what it takes to save my son.

He’s wrong.

“I know he’s wrong, Char,” I whisper back. “I fucking know.”

To Phoenix, I call out, “Of course I’m coming.”

He cocks his head to the side. “You’re sure?”

“Very, very sure.”

I brush past him and head out of the room. But I make a left instead of a right and walk fast down the corridor.

“Where are you going?” he calls after me. “The bunkers are this way.”

“I know,” I say without slowing down. “But if I’m going to be doing this, I’ll do it in my clothes. Not yours.”

27

Phoenix

Bunker Two, Cell Thirteen

We pause outside the cell. “You’re sure you’re ready for this?” I ask.

Elyssa bites her lip, then straightens up to her full height and nods. “I’m ready.”

“Okay,” I say. “I’ll be watching.”

I leave her in the hallway as I step into the control room. A screen displays footage from the cell, and when I slip on the headset, I can hear the audio feed as well.

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