Page 3 of Rattler's Revelation
“That’s not the asshole,” I tell Billy. “He’s the real Max.”
Billy doesn’t look convinced as Max slides in next to me. He offers his hand to Billy. “Hi, I’m Max. I’m a prospect for theDemon Dawgs.” When Billy frowns at him, Max holds his hands up in capitulation. “I swear I’m not the bad guy.”
“His eyes, Billy, look at his eyes,” I say. When he does, his eyes widen as he slowly shakes Max’s hand. Billy moves away to begin filling my drink order.
Max turns his attention to me. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know things have been difficult here. You don’t have to worry about him bothering you again. Wildcard and the others will ensure it. I’m sorry, Chill didn’t believe you, but she’s close to my sister and loyal to the club.”
“Your sister?”
“Viper. She’s my twin sister.”
“Oh, that makes sense. I can see the resemblance. Except for the eyes. Hers are blue.”
“She got our mother’s eyes. I got stuck with my father’s. My half-sister has his eyes too.” He checks his watch. “I have to get going. The fake Max will be here any minute. Don’t approach him if you see him. We have a plan to get him out of the casino. Brigitte promised to call you when we’ve captured him.”
I nod as Max strides away. I watch him go and marvel at how perfect his ass looks in his jeans. There is something undeniably sexy about the man.
Billy places the drinks on my tray before handing me an extra napkin. When I look at him in confusion, he smirks. “Figured you’d want to wipe the drool off your face.”
I shake my head as I slide the tray off the bar and deliver the drinks. Less than thirty minutes later, I receive a text from Brigitte, who lets me know that the fake Max is no longer in the casino. The overwhelming sense of relief has me bouncing through the remainder of my shift.
Either the gamblers are winning tonight, or they’re reacting to my change in attitude because I'm making the most tips I’ve made in months. I can’t help but feel happy. I get to stay at a jobI love, and the asshole who has been making my life a living hell will no longer be around to bother me. Yep, things are looking up.
“Good night?” Billy asks as I hand over my tray and pull out my tips.
“A great night. I can’t believe how much I made tonight. A few more nights like tonight and I’ll be able to pay next term’s tuition.”
“How are your classes going?” Billy asks as he hands me a bottle of water for my trip home.
“Good. Finals start next week. I was worried about having to look for a new job while studying, but now I don’t have to. I can go home tonight, fix myself some dinner, and study.”
“Wow, you know how to live,” Billy chuckles.
“I do. Toodles!” I wave my fingers at him as I head for the locker room to change. For the first time in months, I’m not having to treat my end-of-shift routine like I’m attempting to escape from a communist prison. I dance into the locker room and pull off my uniform kutte, placing it in my locker as I take out my jacket. Whistling, I get in my car and exit the casino’s parking lot. I glance at the casino in my rearview mirror with the same level of excitement I felt when I first started working there. I’d been thrilled when they first hired me. The pay and benefits were significantly more than I had expected, making me feel like I had hit the jackpot. I reach for my water and realize I left it on top of my locker. Damn, I was thirsty, too. Oh well, I’ll be home soon.
My renewed happiness lasts until I turn off the strip. The van that had been behind me since I left 1% makes the same turn. An uncomfortable feeling washes over me. Is someone following me? I take the next left and whimper when the van follows suit. I take a right, and as soon as the van does too, I pull out my phone. I consider calling the police, but I don’t want to waste time tryingto convince them I’m not imagining things. I know of only one person who might take me seriously, so I order Siri to call Brigit.
“Ms. Jones, this is Bianca. I’m calling from my car. I think someone is following me. Can you help me? I don’t know what to do.” I blurt out as soon as she answers.
“What? Bianca, you’re on speaker. Where are you? What’s going on?”
“I just left work, and I was on my way home when I realized someone was following me. He’s been behind me since I left the casino. I think it’s Walt.”
“It isn’t Walt, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Where are you? Maybe you can drive to us.”
I give them my address, although I know I am nowhere near their clubhouse.
“Okay, how about a police station?” a woman chimes in. “There’s a station further up ahead on the right.”
“Okay, I’m heading there,” I say, just as the van behind me speeds up and slams into the back of my car. I scream as the phone flies out of my hands and lands on the floor. Grasping the wheel, I struggle to stay on the road. When I see the van speed up for another hit, I take a sharp left through a red light. My tires squeal as I right the vehicle. I’ve gained some distance from the van as it forces its way through the oncoming traffic to follow me.
The sound of a siren relaxes me. But it’s too soon. The impact of the van hitting me a second time has me losing my grip on the wheel as I careen off the road and crash into the side of a building. The last thing I remember is getting hit in the face by the airbags.
CHAPTER THREE: RATTLER
Upon arrival, we find an ambulance and a police cruiser. Rafe heads for the two uniformed officers, while I head straight for Bianca. The EMTs are checking her for injuries, so I keep my distance, even though I want to push them aside and check her myself. Puma comes to stand next to me.
“How is she?” His voice booms over the surrounding noise, drawing the attention of one EMT. He glances at Puma and then does a double-take. His eyes widen in either recognition or fear. In a previous life, Puma was Maklin Brooks, an NBA All-Star. After a career-ending car accident, he coasted a bit before meeting Wildcard and joining the Demon Dawgs. It isn’t unusual for former fans to recognize him. Of course, the man could be reacting to Puma’s size and the fact that an outlaw motorcycle club surrounds him.
