Page 95 of Property of Rattler

“To what point?” Freak’s head turns side to side. “What if Satin had been there? What threat could she be? If she’d been paid off, it was more likely she’d use her influence with Ames to lead her straight into the Russian’s hands.”

Tempest rubs at his temples. “I know you’re just trying to find a reason to keep her at the clubhouse, but Rat, I can’t see where the benefit is in separating Ames and Satin.”

I can’t get a handle on it, but there’s something. I know there is. “Satin leaving stranded Ames there. She’d have had to have gotten a lift from someone.”

Freak shrugs. “Joe, or one of the other staff would have run her home.”

Prez is looking at me strangely, as if his eyes are on me, but his thoughts are on something else. He presses his fingertips to the table. “Rat may have a point. And it could be something simple. Without Satin, Ames was isolated. Ames said she clocked Stone when he arrived, but what if she hadn’t? What if he and his men had come up on her when she was unaware? Satin’s popular, isn’t that what you said, Freak? While Ames is still finding her way. Ames would have tried to make her way to Satin, and if they’d approached her then, say, when Satin was on the stage, the bouncers, security and bar staff would have been up in arms.”

Freak’s eyes have narrowed. “A few of the customers as well.” And now he, too, is giving me all his attention. “Fuck, Rat, you could be onto something. Volkov would have wanted to keep Ames separate from her friend, even if Satin wasn’t going to help. There would have been a ruckus and he wouldn’t have had a chance to get to her.”

Tempest’s brow furrows, then he, too, looks my way. “So Volkov, not Stone, took out an insurance policy.” He bangs his hand down on the table. “Fuck, Rat, you might be right.”

“There’s still doubt,” Prez growls, “But I want to talk to Satin again. And before Ames goes anywhere near her. For now, your woman, or whatever she is, is locked down.”

He doesn’t have to tell me. I’ll handcuff her to my fucking bed if need be. If Satin’s the traitor I think she is, then letting Ames run to her would be just the same as wrapping her in a bow and gifting her to the Russian.

Freak barks a laugh, finishes his drink and stands. “And now I’m going to have a front-row seat to see how Rat convinces the woman that hates him to stay.”

I show him my middle finger, then back it up with words. “Fuck you.”

“Can we all come?” Tempest grins. “I’d like to see Rat taken down a peg or two.”

He gets the same treatment I gave the enforcer.

“Come on, Brother,” Freak chuckles. “Putting it off ain’t going to make it better.”

“Is that right?” I raise my glass and drain it. “Seems like I’ll be getting a laugh too. I’m looking forward to seeing the ass kicking you’re going to get after locking your ol’ lady in your room.”

Freak actually pales, then as colour returns to his face, he sends a glare my way. “Seems all of that was down to you.”

“And you got your punch in for it,” Prez gives his best death stare to his enforcer. “Sounds like both of you have some grovelling to do.”

“Fuck,” both Freak and I say together. Then I motion at my empty glass, “Want another drink?”

After beckoning Dum to come over, Freak sits back down. “Sometimes, Rat, you do have good ideas.”

Prez slams his hand on the table. “Get the fuck out of here, both of you. What are you? Fuckin’ pussies or men?” I notice he’s smirking, and Tempest is hiding his mouth behind his hand.

“What can I get you?” Dum asks.

Freak looks around at the prospect and smirks. “Nothing. Just making sure you were paying attention.” When Dum disappears behind the bar, Freak gets to his feet again. He gives a pointed look in my direction.

Pulling my crutches toward me, I manage to stand.

“Rat?” Prez calls my name. “Be sure, right? If you’re going to fight for her, that it’s what you really want to do. That girl’s been through hell. She deserves to have a good life. She’s not a temporary plaything for you.”

“What I feel for her ain’t temporary,” I reply. “Prez, I’m going to do everything I have to do.” I bow my head, before looking up again, my stomach dropping at my words.“But if she’s determined to cut loose, I’ll help her do that as well.” I’d hate it. It would tear me apart. But I’d do it. Just as I’d do anything, for her.

He simply stares at me for a moment, before shaking his head. “What the fuck have you done with the Rat we all know and …”

“Hate,” Tempest inputs. “That’s the word you’re looking for.” But his eyes sparkle as he says it.

The answer is simple. Ames pointed it out. And while they’re obviously not looking to me for a response, I give it anyway. “I grew up.”

Leaving them speechless, I move away from the table, Freak helping out by shifting bodies and clearing a path. He patiently waits at the bottom while I conquer the stairs, then comes to my side as we approach his room, coming to a halt when he spies Dee standing there.

“What the fuck you doing, Prospect?”