Page 8 of Rattler’s Revelation (Demon Dawgs MC: Las Vegas #6)
When I awaken, my first thought is ‘where the hell am I?’ but then I remember Rattler’s lips on mine.
My smile slips when I glance at where he slept and realize he’s gone.
I know I shouldn’t feel disappointed, but I am– even though a small part of me is relieved that I don’t have to face him this morning.
I need to get a grip. Is it smart to get involved with a member of the Demon Dawgs?
They are technically all my bosses. Twenty-four hours ago, I was dreading going into work because the man who took pleasure in tormenting me would be there.
Then, a few hours later, I’m kissing the man who could be my tormentor’s twin. What does that say about me?
Shaking my head, I grab my things and get ready to face another day.
Chill wants to meet so I can give her all the details that I can remember from Walt’s harassment.
I’d rather not think back to those times, but I’m certain Chill has a good reason for wanting the information.
I could see the angry speculation in her eyes when she mentioned wanting it.
When I step out of my room, I realize I have no idea how to get to the common room.
The hallways are a labyrinth, as I discovered last night when I fled after seeing Jasmine outside Rattler’s room.
However, I remember how to get to Rattler’s room.
I follow the same path Gears took me when he led me there.
I don’t know if I’ll find Rattler in his room, so I’m hoping I run into someone on my way.
When I turn the corner into the final hallway, I haven’t met a single person.
The building seems deserted. It’s quiet and unlike what I expected to find in a clubhouse full of raucous bikers.
I knock on Rattler’s door. When the door opens, it isn’t Rattler on the other side but Jasmine.
She sneers at me before turning her back on me to return to her task of stripping the bed.
Why would Rattler need his sheets washed when he spent the night in my room?
“Is Rattler here?” I ask.
“He’s in Church.”
I frown in confusion until I remember that that’s what many bikers call their club meetings. “Oh, okay, thanks. Why are you changing his sheets? I thought he just moved into this room yesterday.”
Jasmine strips off the fitted sheet before turning to me with a grin so wide I think it will swallow her face. “We made a bit of a mess when he came back after seeing you to your room last night.”
My heart stutters, but then I remember he spent the night. She has to be lying. “I don’t know how that could have happened since he spent the night with me.”
Jasmine smirks. “He may have stayed with you until you fell asleep, but that’s just because he’s a nice guy.
After you fell asleep, he came back here to me for some fun.
Most of the guys are up for some late-night action after their women conk out.
That’s why the guys insist the Kutte Bunnies be in the clubhouse.
Easy access to women who will do anything and everything. ”
Her words cut like a knife. Since I don’t want Jasmine to know how much her words hurt, I turn and retrace my steps back to my room.
As soon as I step inside, I know this is not where I want to be.
After grabbing my purse, I back out of the room and take the opposite direction from the one leading to Rattler’s room.
I don’t have a plan, except to stumble around until I find the exit or someone who can point me in the right direction.
I’m fighting tears when I pass by the massive entertainment room that Rattler showed me the previous evening.
I step inside and remember watching Rattler reading to the club kids.
It was apparent that they adored the man.
Of course, they would; they didn’t know what he got up to after the kids were in bed.
Turning to leave, I spot several sheets of paper and a set of coloring pens.
I grab the paper and pens and sit down at the table to write out the information Chill requested.
It takes me twenty minutes to finish the list. My stomach growls as soon as I finish.
After folding the papers in half, I write Chill’s name on the front.
Rather than carry the document back to my room, I place it high on a bookshelf where it will be visible, but inaccessible to little hands.
With that task done, I consider my next step.
Taking out my phone, I call the one person who understands the danger I’m in and wouldn’t feel uncomfortable coming here to pick me up.
“Bianca?” Randy asks when he accepts my call. “Is there a problem?”
“Um, I was wondering if you could come pick me up? I wouldn’t ask, but I need to get out of the clubhouse. I was hoping you could take me to a hotel.”
The long pause has me rethinking my words. I cringe when I realize how slutty I sound. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that I want to stay at a hotel. Alone.”
Randy chuckles. “I didn’t think you were looking for a quickie. Did something happen? Why would you want to leave the clubhouse?”
When I don’t immediately reply, he sighs. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I end the call with a sense of relief. Now, I just need to find my way outside.
I can hear voices and smell yummy scents a few steps down the hallway.
I follow them until I enter the common room.
The kids and the women are standing at the buffet table from the previous night.
Only this morning, serving dishes have replaced the party foods.
An older man and woman are helping the kids pile pancakes and scrambled eggs onto their plates while the other adults work around them.
I’m grateful no one notices me as I duck out the front door.
Not wanting to take a chance of someone coming outside and discovering me, I walk to the guardhouse. Gears is working inside.
“Good morning,” I call out when I get close.
He frowns at me as he glances behind me. “Where’s Rattler?”
“He’s at Church. Officer Sterling is picking me up.”
“Why?”
“They need to take my fingerprints so they can eliminate them from those they gathered at my apartment. I figured, why not get that out of the way as soon as possible? That way, they can find the men who wanted to kidnap me.”
“I should ask Rattler…” he starts, pulling out his phone.
“I don’t want you to interrupt their meeting. I can’t imagine Puma would be happy about that.” He hesitates long enough for Randy to pull up to the gate.
“See, there he is now. I’m sure we’ll be back before Rattler notices.” I move with purpose to the door that leads outside. Gears reluctantly presses the button to let me out. I smile and wave before climbing into Randy’s car.
“Thank you for picking me up,” I say.
“Is Rattler going to be mad that you left?”
“I don’t care if he is or not. He’ll probably be happy that I’m gone,” I grumble.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Randy says. “Have you eaten?” His question is somewhat rhetorical because my stomach hasn’t stopped growling since I got into his car. “I know a diner that has excellent food. Let’s go there, and you can tell me what happened.”
“If you take me to a hotel, I can get something there.”
“This place is better,” Randy says, ignoring my protests.
I fume the entire drive to the restaurant. I consider sulking in the car until I get my way, but the truth is, I’m starving. The proximity of food has my stomach protesting loudly.
I follow Randy inside and slide into the booth across from him as the waitress hands us our menus. She looks to be in her thirties with curly brown hair, soft blue eyes, and a smattering of freckles over her nose. Her expression is fond when she turns her attention to Randy.
“Hey, Randy, I wasn’t expecting to see you today. Today isn’t your usual day and eating partner,” she smiles at me. “She’s lovelier than that partner of yours.”
Randy chuckles. “This is Bianca. She’s a friend. Bianca, this is Mary.”
“Do you want coffee and some juice?”
“I’d love coffee and orange juice,” I smile at her before turning my attention to the menu. I’m starving. When Mary drops off our beverages, I place my order for French Toast. Randy goes for pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a side of bacon.
“Okay, spill,” Randy says as I doctor my coffee.
I open my mouth to tell him everything about what happened the previous night after he left, but instead of spewing, I falter.
Why am I considering telling him about my jealousy over Rattler and Jasmine?
Am I going to share with this man, who shows signs of being attracted to me, that Rattler and I kissed?
Should I share the gossip Jasmine spread about all the members using the Kutte Bunnies?
Including the ones in relationships? Now, I’m second-guessing myself on why I called him.
“Bianca?” Randy prods. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing. I need to use the restroom.” Sliding out of the booth, I quickly follow the signs to the restrooms and lock myself inside. Calling Randy was a mistake. So, what do I do now?