Page 6 of Rat

“I’m not the only one that’s got some interested glances…”

Rory swallowed and looked over at Sebastian, but he’d gone.

“Not anyone over there, I meant the arsehole behind me. Had his eyes on you since we came in.”

“Really?”

“I overheard him talking with his group, discussing both of you.”

Rory and Ollie shared a look. “What did they say?”

“Ollie’s got a lot of attention. Some guy on the second floor is practically salivating over you.”

Rory heard Ollie’s forced swallow. “Shit…”

“But don’t worry, when he found out whose cell you were in, they shut up pretty quick.”

“What’s so bad about Teddy?” Ollie whispered.

Captain shrugged. “I don’t know, but I get the impression they won’t cross him. Being in his cell, he’s pretty much your unappointed bodyguard. They call it claiming in here.”

Ollie shuddered. “I’ve been…claimed? I suddenly feel like I’ve got the short straw.”

“You’ll be all right,” Rory said.

“And you know that for sure, do you?”

Rory didn’t reply.

“Exactly,” Ollie hissed.

“Stick with me, and you’ll be fine,” Captain muttered.

“What about at night?”

Captain shrugged. “You’re on your own.”

“Bloody great,” Ollie huffed, shoving his tray away.

“You’d better be careful too,” Captain mumbled.

Rory nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to his first night alone with Sebastian. He knew basic martial arts, but against a guy as strong as Sebastian, it was stupid to try it.

“Pauly’s got you on his radar.”

Rory blinked. “Who?”

“The guy behind me.” He shifted to the side slightly so Rory could take a proper look. Pauly was older; his brown hair had receded, and his wrinkles cut deep into his skin. He stabbed at his eggs and ripped bites out of his toast. He’d been the one who had called Rory sweetheart.

Rory bit his lip. “Jesus…”

Captain nodded. “Exactly, so I’m proposing a training regime.”

“Training regime?” Rory mumbled.

“There’s a gym. I’ll help you two work out, toughen you up, teach you how to defend yourselves.”

“What do you want in return?” Ollie asked.

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