Page 185 of Scatter the Bones

Griff, bleary-eyed and heavy-limbed, nods. “Yeah, I think we’re heading back now. Coach’ll kill me if I’m draggin’ ass tomorrow.”

The three of them slide out of their side of the booth, collecting phones, wallets, and half-finished drinks.

Wrath and Trinity stop Griff and Molly, talking about logistics for tomorrow’s afternoon press conference.

Griff? He’s barely present—arm draped around Molly, eyes fixed on the door like he’s already halfway out of it.

Remy hangs back, drops into the booth across from me. “Hey, Jiggy.”

I raise my eyebrows, not fond of him shortening my road name. “Yeah?”

He cuts a quick look toward his sister. “Griff’s worried Molly might freak out at the fight. If he…”

“Starts bleeding all over the canvas?” I offer.

“Yeah.” His mouth twists with annoyance. “Will you help me hustle her out of the arena if I have to?”

“Maybe she shouldn’t go?”

He tilts his head. “Yeah, I’m not even gonna try to stop her.”

The girldidtake a crowbar to someone’s leg. “I think she’ll be fine. But yeah, you got it. Just say the word.”

“I’ll have her sit next to me, Remy,” Shelby offers. “She’s dyin’ to see Magic get knocked on his ass after all the trash he’s been talkin’ this week.”

“I know.” Remy nods. He knocks his knuckles against the table and stands. “Thanks, Jiggy.”

“No problem.”

Why does Remy bug me so much? I respect him—he works his ass off. He’s a damn good fighter. He’s loyal to his friends and his family.

My gaze lands on his sister, Molly. Talk about spirited. She reminds me a lot of Jezzie, except unlike my sister, Molly actually seems tolikeher brother. Worships the big goof, really.

Maybe that’s what bugs me? They had a shit family too. I don’t know details, except Remy was out of his dad’s house and living with his grandparents by the time he was fifteen or sixteen. After they passed, Molly moved in with him instead of staying with their alcoholic father.

He took his sister in. Made sure she was safe. Looked out for her.

He didn’t ship Molly off to another relative like I did to Jezzie.

Didn’t abandon her like I did to Cain.

Well, Cain had a mother. Still, I tried to pretend the kid didn’t even exist.

Christ, I’m not this deep. Don’t usually give this many fucks about untangling my issues. Never have.

I take another pull from the bottle, shake my head, and stare through the open door like I might find an answer out on The Strip. I should head back to the hotel. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long one.

“What’s up, bestie?” Shelby drawls. She elbows me, bumping her hip into mine, warm and insistent until I shift over.

“What’s up with you?” I ask, grateful for the distraction.

“I want to get out of the booth.” She fans her hand in front of her face. “It’s hot as blazes in here.”

“You’re from Texas.”

“Yeah, but this isdryheat.” She sticks her tongue out. “Ain’t the same.”

“Fair enough.” I stand and help her out of the booth.

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