Page 185 of Ripped Lace (Ripped Bratva)

“Glad to hear it.”

“Now, since we’ve covered me, let’s talk about what’s been bothering you lately.”

Matvei sighs. “We don’t have to. This is a big day for you.”

“Matvei…”

He smirks. “I’m dropping by tomorrow for lunch with the whole gang. We can talk after.”

I tense. “I’d rather hear it now.”

He sighs. “Very well. I wanted to tell you that… I’m leaving.”

I’d been expecting this. But it’s still a gut punch.

“You’re going back home, aren’t you?”

Matvei nods. “You’ve been a great friend, and these last few years, I’ve needed a break from my life, my obligations. But I’ve been away long enough. These last few months have made me realize that it’s time to grow up. Time to face my demons. Take back what’s mine.”

“You’re really going to do it?” I ask. “Take back your father’s Bratva?”

“That’s just it,” Matvei says. “It’s my Bratva now.”

I smile. “Well, it’s about fucking time.”

“So… you’re not going to hold it against me?”

“Fuck no,” I say, clapping him hard on the back. “In fact, anything I can do to help, just say the word.”

Matvei nods gratefully. “I appreciate that, but I’m going to do this on my own. I chose to walk away. So now I have to go back and prove that I’m worthy of stepping back into things.”

“Which you will do. I have no doubt.”

Matvei smiles. “Thanks, brother.”

“When will you leave?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

“That fucking soon?”

“Now that I’ve told you, there’s no point in waiting.”

“Thanks for waiting for the demolition.”

“Are you kidding me?” Matvei snorts. “I wouldn’t miss this for the fucking world. To see this shithole club crash to the ground… it’s poetic justice.”

I nod, pushing myself back to my feet. “I’ll drink to that.”

Matvei stands with me and we clasp hands.

“You’ll keep me posted?” I ask. “Before you leave?”

“Of course.”

I nod and head off in search of my wife.

It’s been hard to get hold of her these days. Between the boys and planning the new women’s shelter that’s going to be erected on this site once the rubble has been cleared away, she’s been busy. Too busy, in my opinion.

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