Page 32 of Rattler's Revelation
“We can eat here. Do you know what we’re doing today? Are you on patrol?”
Randy takes my hand as he points us in the direction of the common room. I hear voices, and the smell of bacon has my stomach rumbling.
“I’m assigned to Rafe’s team for now. He’s the one giving me orders.”
When we enter the common room, I spot Rafe sitting with Chill, Hunter, and Viper. Rafe waves Randy over. As we make our way to him, I search for Rattler. Disappointment rushes through me when I don’t find him. Is he avoiding us?
“What’s up?” Randy asks when we reach Rafe.
When Viper looks at me after studying our joined hands, I take a step back. The anger in her eyes is enough to make me want to bolt for the door. Her eyes shift to something over my shoulder, but before I can turn to look, Rattler’s arm wraps around my waist. He squeezes me to his side as he greets everyone at the table. I relax when Viper’s expression shifts from anger to confusion.
“What are we doing today?” Rattler asks.
“I was just asking Rafe that question,” Randy says.
“I have three more missing women I need you to check up on. No one has seen them since their last night at 1%. I’ve called the building manager for each of their apartments to let them know you’re coming. We’re seeing the same M.O. Each manager I spoke to says the women moved out and left a note. I’ve asked them to check their security feed to see if we can confirm that Walt or his men packed up their belongings. I’d like you to interview the managers and then get what you can from the neighbors.”
“Yeah, we can do that. What about the storage unit?”
“We’ll call you if we hear anything on that end. So far, it’s been quiet. Stevie left a message. We’re waiting for someone to call back.”
“So, what are you guys working on?” Rattler asks Chill and his sister.
“We’re following up on the list Bianca gave us,” Chill says.
“I know you discovered Tommy was working there and helping Walt,” Rafe adds. “We’re headed to 1% to see if we can learn anything more about his activities.”
“We’ll head out once we’ve eaten,” Rattler says, directing us toward the buffet.
After we get our food, I sit between Rattler and Randy as we eat in silence. Neither man speaks to the other, and as the silence grows, my stomach turns to knots. I want to say something, but I’m at a loss for words. With my food mostly uneaten, I lay down my fork and sit back in the chair so I can breathe deeply.
“You need to eat,” Randy says, tapping my plate with his fork.
“I can’t. My stomach hurts.”
Rattler studies me, then shares a glance with Randy. He takes a deep breath before leaning forward. “I know you’reworried. Don’t be. We’ll talk in the car. I don’t want to talk here. You need to eat, Bianca.”
He softens his expression when I stare at him with hope. “We’ll figure this out. Okay?”
I nod as I pick up my fork and take a bite of eggs while Randy and Rattler watch me. When I feel their eyes shift away, I glance up, but I immediately wish I hadn’t. Jasmine sits at a nearby table, her eyes boring through me. I can almost feel the animosity. Ignoring her, I finish eating my breakfast, then wait for the guys to finish theirs.
“I’m going to use the restroom before we go,” I say. When I exit the stall a few minutes later, I find Jasmine waiting for me. I shouldn’t be surprised, but her presence startles me. Ignoring her, I make a beeline for the sink to wash my hands.
“How does it feel to be a slut?” Jasmine mocks me.
I frown at her question before turning slowly to study her cutoff shorts and her two-size-too-small t-shirt. “You tell me. Isn’t that your role here?”
Jasmine raises her hand to slap me, but I jerk out of her way and grab her arm to stop her. I pull her forward, causing her to stumble. She catches herself and swings back towards me as I open the door.
“I know you were fucking both Randy and Rattler. What do you think the others will say when I tell everyone Randy and Rattler were in bed together?”
“I imagine they’d say it is none of your fucking business,” Rattler says as he pushes the door open and takes my hand. “Not one more word out of you, Jasmine. I'm ready to go to Puma and tell him to kick your sorry ass to the curb. Come on, Bianca, Randy is waiting.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: RATTLER
“What’s wrong?” Randy asks when I lead Bianca back to the common room.
“What makes you think anything is wrong?” I ask.
