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Hey, girl. Where’ve you been? Have you been in touch with Bratvaboy?

Um yes

Bookbabe

Shut UP

Hahaha

Yes, we call him Bratva boy behind his back, and no, I haven’t told anyone he’s actually real, and I’ve seen him without the mask on. And no, I have absolutely not lethimfind out.

I strip down to my workout bra and panties and reach for a pair of PJs. I toss them onto my dresser as my fingers fly over the keys of my phone.

Bookbabe

WHAT’S HE LIKE?

What’s he like? God. How do I answer that? Hot and magnetic, dominant and bossy as fuck. Funny, somehow sweet…Intense.

Literally? Like a book boyfriend come to life.

In all the ways, sister.All the ways.

I feel kind of shy talking about him.

Bookbabe

OMGGGG but is he like legit Bratva? He can’t be, right?

My cheeks flush. I stare at the cozy jammies on my bed and think about it.

I’m not sure

It’s a lie.

Deep down inside, Iknowhe is. I obviously can’t tell her, but I know now there’s no other possibility.

I toss my phone down when a prickle of awareness skates down my spine.

For some reason, I feel like… I’m not alone anymore.

“Hello?”

I head into the hallway and stare, my heart racing. Rodion said he had a job to do…

I hear the door click open just before the lights shut off.

My pulse quickens. Oh god.

Please be Rodion, please be Rodion…

“Hello?” My voice is hoarse and barely audible. I quickly go over what he’s taught me about self-defense, but why can’t I remember it now? “Rodion?”

I stifle a scream when a hand comes over my mouth, and strong arms hold me. My pulse hammers for a split second before I recognize the scent of his body wash and the feel of his hand on my mouth.

“Quiet, little queen.Fuck.I didn’t anticipate you’d be half-naked when I found you.”

And now my pulse races for an entirely different reason.