Page 49 of Scatter the Bones

“Go, Mr. Cedarwood.” She chuckles softly. “Learning how to unclench at his age isn’t easy.”

“April!” I scold in a harsh whisper.

“I’m teasing. Introduce me to him after the service.”

“Not if you’re going to call him scary and murdery.”

“Ooo.” She raises her eyebrows. “I’ll try.”

“Go refill the guestbook pens before you say something even worse.” I give her a light shove.

“On it, boss.” She grins and hurries away.

Shaking my head, I finish clearing debris off the table.

A shadow falls over me. My skin prickles from scalp to toes.

“Can I talk to you for second?” Jigsaw’s warm breath caresses my cheek. Warm shivers slide down my spine.

“I’m working,” I say through clenched teeth.

“Margot.”

Just my name. But from his mouth, it’s a trigger.

Damn it.

Why can’t I resist his raspy, pleading tone?

I turn, slow and deliberate, and stare up at his contrite expression. No. Something more than contrite. Haunted.

“Where have you been?” I ask.

“I’ll explain.” He glances around. “Later. I promise.”

Why, why, why does he have to sound like that—like gravel and regret. All while he stands there looking like sex and apologies wrapped in flannel and leather.

CHAPTER TEN

Jigsaw

As much asI wanted to get here early, Wrath insisted those of us attending Whisper’s funeral arrive together. A united front. We rode while Hope and Charlotte drove the new Escalade.

One glimpse of Margot and my lungs forget how to work. Somber. Professional. Fucking heart-stopping.

Her father smiled at me and shook my hand as soon as he saw our contingent. I couldn’t tell if he was relieved to see members of my club or actually happy to seemespecifically. Either way, I caught Teller watching with wide-eyed respect.

See, I told you I wouldn’t fuck up the club’s relationship with the funeral home.

Myownrelationship—that’s a different story.

Margot’s working. This is her job. I can’t wrap my arms around her waist and drag her upstairs like I want to. She’s working.

Still, every time she smiles or talks to a brother wearing a Wolf Knights MC cut, I want to launch myself across the room and empty my Glock into his skull. Doesn’t matter that most of them are closer to her father’s age than hers. Age doesn’t stop them from eye-fondling her, touching her elbow, or worst of all, calling her sweetheart.

I never knew I’d turn out to be such a possessive motherfucker.

Margot’s nothing but professional. Pride and awe beat around in my chest. That’smywoman. She put all of this together. Up until last night she was probably freaking out. Worried everything wouldn’t come together in time. But now, she’s nothing but poised and calm.

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