Page 181 of Scatter the Bones

I stare at the table like it’s the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen, praying someone else speaks up first.

Thank fuck, Ravage, Butcher, and Eazy volunteer before I have to say a word.

Hustler pipes up next. “Stella just cracked six hundred thousand subscribers.”

“Already?” I blink. “Good for her.” I groan and rub my hands over my face. “But please don’t tell me we’re throwing another party at our clubhouse.”

“Not yet,” Hustler says, pointing between Rooster and me. “But I need one of you to get that site update done this week and her new photos uploaded. Banner’s still showing pics with her ‘old hairstyle’ and I’m sick of listening to her bitch about it.”

“We’ll get it done,” Rooster promises.

Rock nods at Teller.

“We’re getting ready to open up the drive-in for the season,” Teller says. “I could use some help cleaning the place, hiring some folks and getting it ready.”

“I might be able to help out there,” I volunteer.

Teller nods. “Thanks. What about your brother? How’s he like it at Sully’s?”

“So far, so good. But I’ll ask if he wants a second job for the summer.”

Once all regular business is done, Z stands. “As some of you know, our favorite chucklefuck has taken an ol’ lady.”

I roll my eyes and sit back in my chair.

“And he’s asked to patch her.”

My brothers start slapping their hands against the table.

“So, I ask, do we need to take a vote on Ms. Margot Cedarwood to wear Jigsaw’s patch?”

“No.” Wrath laughs like it’s an absurd question.

Z goes around the table anyway. Every officer—upstate and downstate— says yes to giving Margot their patches as well.

Z nods, pleased with his performance. “I’ll try to have it ready for you by the time you get back from Vegas,” he promises.

“Thanks.” I nod once, a little slower than usual.

No twist of anxiety. No second thoughts.

Just the low, steady hum of anticipation buzzing under my skin.

Margot’s mine. And I want the world to know it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Jigsaw

By the timeI land in Vegas, my leg’s mostly healed. Still twinges if I twist the wrong way, but nothing I can’t handle. I didn’t come here to whine.

I came to watch Griff’s back—before, during, and after the fight.

Then I’m getting my ass home to see my girl.

Until then, I check into my fancy-ass room in the hotel where all the fighters are staying. Unfortunately it’s in a suite, with Griff and Molly in the room next to mine. Ella and Eraser are on the other side, and Remy’s room is next to theirs.

Great. Two couples and a hound dog that likes to jump on everything in sight. These fancy-ass walls better be thick.

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