Page 25 of Rat

Sebastian strolled over, then crossed his arms. His expression was unreadable when he said, “You’re back.”

Rory glanced at him. “Looks that way.”

“A word…” He tilted his head to the side, trying to get Rory to follow as he took a step away.

“No,” Rory said firmly.

Sebastian’s eyebrows shot up. “What did you say?”

“You asked for a word, and I gave you one. No. Now run along and enjoy it.”

Ollie’s mouth dropped open.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Did the doctor sew your balls back on?”

“I’m eating,” Rory said, taking a bite of toast to prove his point.

Sebastian shook his head, then gave Ollie a pointed look. “He’s not interested.”

Rory paused mid-chew. “Interested?”

Ollie’s cheeks reddened, and he glanced away.

“What did you do?” Rory asked.

Sebastian placed his hands on the table and leaned into Rory’s personal space. His eyes gleamed as a slow smile spread over his lips. “Your buddy here begged me to protect you when you came back.”

“You did what?” Rory muttered, but Ollie was looking anywhere but at him.

“But the thing is, nothing in prison is free. For my protection, and your guaranteed safety, you’d need to do things for me.”

Rory shook his head. “No.”

“Hear me out. I’m not Pauly, I’m not interested in forcing my way into your holes, but I am interested in why you’re here…”

“Why I’m here?”

Sebastian smiled, then mouthed the word ‘drugs’. “I want some brought in, a farewell score for me and my closest.”

“Your release is almost nine months away.”

“I want a long and happy farewell. Think you could smuggle some in for me?”

Rory looked into Sebastian’s blue eyes. The amusement dazzled. It taunted. He knew Hamish would probably give him drugs to get Sebastian onside, to become valuable to him in the hope he’d overhear some vital information, but he didn’t want Sebastian lording his power over him.

“You asked for a word, and I gave you one.” Rory leaned in until his nose was almost touching Sebastian’s. “No.”

Sebastian lifted an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?”

“Certain.”

“So be it,” he said, standing at full height again. “It’s your funeral.”

“He didn’t mean it,” Ollie blurted.

“Stay out of this, Ollie,” Captain growled.

Sebastian smirked. “You do know what Pauly’s got planned for you, right? If you think a blade across your side hurt, wait till he rams it up your ars—”

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