Page 173 of Ripped Lace (Ripped Bratva)

I know I’m dreaming. I know this isn’t real.

But as long as Phoenix is in it, I cling to the blurry images, knowing that they’ll fade when I wake up.

In the dream, he’s lying on top of me, his cock deep inside me, pumping slowly, his eyes locked on mine.

“I will get you back,” I tell him.

He doesn’t respond—but then again, he’s not really there.

Still, I can feel him inside me. He’s still fucking me slowly, still looking me in the eye…

When suddenly blood starts to pour out of his mouth.

“No!” I shout. I try to grab him, but then he disappears in a cloud of blood.

I gasp awake for the third time that night, but despite my restless sleep, I feel wide awake. I feel ready. I vault out of bed and get dressed fast. It’s still dark, but I don’t care. I’ll wake Matvei up if I have to.

I head out of my room—or more accurately, Phoenix’s room—and head straight for the office.

Matvei is behind the desk, like I expected. It looks like he’s slept there. But his eyes are sharp and alert when I wake in.

“You’re up early,” he comments. “Or late?” He checks his watch. “Fuck, I don’t even know what time means anymore.”

“I’m done waiting,” I say, slamming my hands down on the desk in front of him.

“Elyssa…”

“There’s such a thing as being too cautious, you know.”

“I have to be,” Matvei argues. “Phoenix left me in charge. If I think this through carefully, maybe the odds will work in our favor.”

“This is Astra Tyrannis we’re talking about,” I say. “This is Viktor Ozol. I’ve had an education on the man while I was his captive. He’s pure evil, plain and simple. The only way forward is through.”

He sighs and rubs at his bloodshot eyes. “I don’t know if it’s just the hour, but you’re not making sense.”

“Reinforcements arrived last night, didn’t they?”

He sighs. “Yes.”

“You didn’t inform me like you promised.”

“You needed rest,” he says defensively. “I didn’t want to—”

“To trouble me?” I ask. “Worry me, upset me? Why do you even care? I am all of those things already. And do you know why? Because my husband is in hell right now. So are his sons. I need to get them back now. All of them.”

“Elyssa…”

“I am his wife,” I say, raising my voice. “I have a say here, Matvei. I know you’ve been doing this a lot longer. I know you know what you’re doing. But I am his wife. And I should have a right to make some of the decisions.”

“This is a pretty big one.”

“It’s been almost three days.”

“Security has tripled around Wild Night Blossom, Elyssa.”

“You think they’re going to reduce it any time soon?” I scoff. “He knows we’re after them! He’s anticipating an attack.”

“Which is exactly why attacking now seems foolhardy.”

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