Page 108 of Property of Rattler

“You knew about Rodion Volkov?” Satin breaks off for a moment, and I suspect Ames has nodded or given another signal of confirmation. “Ames, have you fucking seen him? Here, I’ve got a picture on my phone.”

“Dee had a device in his pocket that could clone her phone when he brought the drinks,” Genie tells us, rolling his eyes. “Don’t people know about RFID?” He taps at his laptop, then turns it around. “This is what she’s showing Ames.”

We all lean forward. There’s a photo of an extremely well-dressed man who looks to be in his late thirties or early forties. His face? Well, he’s pretty enough if you’re into that kind of thing. I’m obviously not. The only way I’d get involved with him is up close and personal with my fists and rearrange that smug rich bastard’s so-called handsome features.

“This is Rodion. He’s a fucking ten. Girl, I’d fucking cream my pants if he wanted to wife me.” Ames obviously doesn’t give the answer Satin’s expecting, as she adds in a persuasive tone, “He’s loaded, Ames. He’d be able to support you through school. And just look at him? He’d know how to give you a fucking good time.”

Tempest takes a closer look at the picture. “How the fuck can she tell that from a photo?”

“She’s met him,” I remind the sergeant-at-arms. He slaps himself on the head.

“Not my taste.” Ames’s voice comes across clearly. “I prefer men closer to my age.”

“You’d be set for life. Ames, won’t you just meet him? That’s all he wants. I’ve spoken to him. I know you’d like him. I think you two would hit it off like a house on fire.”

“Is meddling and matchmaking what this is about, Satin? I thought you were coming to see me to catch up as friends. Yet here you are spouting the merits of a man I’ve never met, something I don’t want to rectify.”

“Oh, Ames, don’t be like that. I know he’d be good for you. He’ll get you away from these bastard Kings who are holding you captive and keeping you locked down. The bastards haven’t let you out for weeks, and they wouldn’t tell me anything about you when I asked. Look, just meet him. He’s waiting for my call. He could be here in minutes.”

Bullseye grabs his phone and starts stabbing at the screen. My own device pings. Looking at it I see he’s sent a group text.

Prez: Get your asses to the clubhouse. Russians lurking nearby.

Satin’s still talking, her tone sweet and sickly as she tries to be persuasive. “Meet him. Hey, let him wine and dine you. Just give him a chance. That’s all he’s asking. I just want you to know you’ve got options girl, and you don’t have to stay here trapped with the Kings.” She pauses, then adds, “Malachi’s gone off the radar. I’m worried for you.”

“There’s no need to worry about me.” I can imagine Ames giving a dismissive shrug.

“But think, Ames. Rodion told me you’re worth a hell of a lot of money. This club of criminals might want to get theirhands on it. Rodion can protect you. I’ve got his assurance, that because of his relationship with your brother, he’d offer marriage, but if you turned him down, he’d still help you.” Again her voice lowers and hisses, “He’s got to be a better bet than the Kings.”

“Stalker’s going to fuckin’ kill me,” Freak snarls, “But he’s just lost one of his headliners.”

“I don’t want to meet him,” Ames says firmly.

“You’re not even going to think about it?” Satin asks. “Ames, you’re only nineteen. You’ve got six years to wait until you come into your money. What the fuck are you going to do? Don’t be stupid. You need someone to look after you. God knows I tried…

The sound of a chair scraping across the floor comes to our ears. “Satin, I trusted you. I thought you had my best interests at heart…”

“I do.”

“No you don’t. How much did this Rodion offer you? I’m not going to fucking marry anyone, as I’m already married. And very happily.”

I preen. I can’t help it.She’s happy with me?Fuck yeah. Must have been the orgasm which convinced her. Bullseye notices the grin on my face.

“Get your head back in the game, Rat.”

“He can be taken care of.” I sit up as sharply as the others. Satin’s tone has turned sinister. It has the hairs on the back of my neck rising.

“Satin?” Now it’s Ames voice that is concerning. That one word was issued with trepidation.

“Come outside with me now.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you. You’re working with the Russian. How much is he paying you?”

“Don’t bother your silly little head about that. Just come with me, now, and no one’s going to get hurt.”

Saint’s already moving as I shout, “Get out there now.”

Bullseye, Tempest and Freak leave the room, while I sit there helplessly.