Page 91 of Property of Rattler

I raise my chin in appreciation. After draining my whisky, Prez tops it back up, then I tell him, “I’m worried, if she leaves, she’ll go see Satin.”

“Whoa!” The VP holds up his hands. “Satin probably betrayed her.”

“I’m not certain Ames is convinced of that.” I explain.

Bullseye sits back, he looks like he’s savouring his whisky for a moment, before he straightens again. “We got sidetracked by Lancelot’s patching-in party. Stone’s still on ice. Maybe that’s another question we need to ask him.” He narrows his eyes at me. “You up for that, Rat?”

“You fuckin’ bet,” I reply.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

AMES

Rattler locking me in this room isn’t making me think more fondly of him. I certainly haven’t changed my mind about wanting to leave. Though some of the things he’d thrown at me had been percolating in my head. Foremost, that the danger hadn’t ended with Malachi. It’s possible Rodion Volkov apparently thinks he has a right to me, or rather the money that will come to me when I’m twenty-five.

I hadn’t meant it when I’d told Rattler that I’d maybe consider him if he was a good-looking guy. I want to make my own choice about who I end up with, and not have it decided for me. Biting my lip, I remind myself, isn’t that exactly the situation I’m in now? I was told I had to marry Rattler for protection, and I didn’t even like him at first. But things had changed. For a while I’d convinced myself that I’d fallen in love.

My hands clench into fists. Why is my brain so much more sensible than my heart? I try to ignore the ache in it when I think of leaving Rattler in my past. I’d started to have hopes and dreams, but they were a mirage. Something I persuaded myself I could see, when they had no real substance.

A key turns in the lock. I immediately stand, forcing myself to remember nothing’s changed since I saw him last. And, unless he’s returned with money, and hopefully my clothes and purse, I’ll take advantage of his weakness and put him on his ass.

But as I watch the door open, it’s not him who appears. It’s someone who I’d hoped I’d be able to leave and never see again.

Has she come to kick me out of this room?It’s hers and Freak’s after all. Which could fall into my plans, how could I stay when there was no place for me here?

She doesn’t immediately enter, instead she turns and argues with the man behind her. “Don’t you dare fucking lock me in, Dee.” She holds out her hand. “Give me the key. I’ll stay here, but I won’t be forced to.”

“You know I can’t, Trix.” Though I can’t see him, Dee sounds contrite. “I got my orders and I’ve got to carry them out.”

She huffs in exasperation. “I get it, you want your patch.”

“Please, Trix, I’m sure Freak will come to his senses and come let you out after his meeting.”

“I could bloody your nose,” she threatens.

He simply agrees. “You could, but it won’t change anything.”

Her chest expands as she draws in a deep breath. “Fine. But you stand outside this door in case I need anything.”

The voice of the man she’s been speaking to lightens at her capitulation. “I can do that.”

With a huff she steps inside, the door closes behind her, and that snick of the lock sounds again. Leaning her back against the wood behind her, she stares me in the eyes. Her face is pinched, and her lips are compressed.

Well, this is fucking awkward. I do not want to be faced with one of the whores who’d bedded my man, even if she didn’t get any satisfaction from it.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“It’s my room.” Her face doesn’t soften, if anything it gets harder. “And I’m here, locked in, waiting for Freak because your man, the one that you blabbed to, told me I was a good-for-nothing whore in front of him.”

I’d told Rattler nothing but the truth. I can’t feel any sympathy for her, so I shrug.

She walks over to the opposite side of the room and sits in a chair. Kicking her legs out, and toeing off her shoes, she makes herself at home. I can’t argue she’s not entitled to. I’m the interloper, not her.

“I wanted to leave.” I don’t want her to think I’m here out of choice. “Rattler disagreed.”

She looks down her nose at me. “Figured that. Seeing as the prospect had to unlock the door to get in.” For a moment, there’s an awkward silence between us. It’s her who breaks it. “Word of advice, when Rattler returns you better get Bronwyn to look at him. Freak hit him pretty damn hard.”

“When Rattler returns I’m out of here,” I retort. Then her words settle into my mind. “And why the hell did Freak hit him?”