Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 141464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Grinder joins us. “Serena had a whole ‘glam look’ in mind for Shelby.”
Rooster snickers into his hand. “I love that Grinder’s saying ‘glam’ now.”
Laughing, Grinder elbows Rooster’s side.
Rock’s lips twist with amusement as he casts an affectionate glance at his wife. “Hope said she wanted no part of the filming, although I think Serena tried to talk her into it.”
Still chuckling, Grinder nods at me. “Pretty sure she might try to talk your girl into a video.”
I glance over at Margot. She’s slipped into her professional pose—head up, hands clasped in front of her, attention focused on whoever’s speaking. The same way she carried herself at Whisper’s funeral. Maybe she’s not as at ease here as I thought she’d be.
Tearing my gaze away from Margot, I focus on Grinder. “I know she was looking forward to picking Serena’s brain about makeup-y stuff.”
Wrath stalks up behind Grinder and attempts to hook his arm around his neck. Grinder’s hand shoots out like a rattlesnake, grabbing Wrath’s wrist mid-air. “Nice try, fucker,” Grinder says.
Wrath grins, then points at me. “See? Situational awareness.”
“One of these days, I’m gonna sneak up on you and choke you unconscious, big guy. Just wait,” I warn.
“Never gonna happen.” Wrath grins. “But I look forward to your weak-ass attempts.”
Rock, Grinder, Wrath, and Rooster start talking about our last trip to Deadbranch. I’m listening but not really adding to the conversation, when someone taps my shoulder.
I turn to find Dex who jerks his head to the side. I follow him a few feet away from the group.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“I feel like I’m gonna regret it if I don’t ask,” Dex says. “And probably regret asking if I do.”
“You got a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation brewing, Dex?” I ask, already anticipating what’s about to come out of his mouth.
“You could say that. Is Margot…the woman you wanted to help ‘gain confidence’ and ‘teach some skills’ to?” He frowns. “Why’d you say she was a virgin?”
“That’s not quite what I said.” I raise my hands in a helpless shrug. “Besides, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He nods slowly, like he’s proud of me for keeping the details to myself instead of bragging like a lot of guys would do. “She just told all your brothers she loves you. I’m impressed you didn’t run screaming down the road.”
I drop my cocky smile. “Brother, I’m so fucking in love with her and also wildly obsessed with her.”
Dex snorts. “A little healthy obsession’s good for the soul. With the right woman, anyway.”
“I think you’ll find joy in knowing that she calls me out on my bullshit.”
His lips twist with amusement. “Those must be some fun conversations.”
“They’re both terrifying and arousing.”
Dex presses his hand over his mouth like he’s trying to keep something from escaping—amusement or disbelief, it’s hard to tell. His shoulders shake once before he drops his hand. “You worried partying with porn stars might be too much for her?”
“You heard how she pulled a knife on Dee-Dee at the bonfire, right?”
“That seals it. She’s definitely the right woman for you.” There’s nothing but approval, maybe even admiration, in his tone.
“I think so too.”
“Good.” He reaches out and slaps my shoulder. “Gonna make it official?”
“In due time.” He’s been so helpful, I figure I owe him the same. “Are you worried about Emily partying with the porn stars?”
“I warned her ahead of time.” He shrugs. “After Swan and some of the other dancers pulled their crap, I think she can handle Stella and her crew.” He holds up both hands. “And I never had any serious ties to any of these women.”
A twinge of guilt pokes at me. I could’ve been more welcoming to Emily when they first got serious. “That situation with Swan get any better?”
He tips his head side to side. “I don’t think they’ll ever be besties, but they’re civil. For now.”
“Swan’s tight with some of the other ol’ ladies. That causing any tension?”
He opens his mouth, then hesitates. “I don’t know,” he finally says. “She hasn’t said so. Serena was her best friend before Grinder or I came along. So, they’re fine.”
“Maybe we should swap charters,” I joke.
Dex gives me a long stare like he’s trying to decide if I’m the dumbest motherfucker alive—or a fucking genius.
MARGOT
“Ready to go inside?” Jigsaw slides his arms around my waist, pulling me back against him.
His solid body surrounding me finally helps me draw my first full breath in minutes. The steady weight of him quiets the static in my head.
I’m not new to people. I talk to grieving families for a living. I navigate strangers’ worst days with steady hands and a gentle voice. Small talk and surface-level connection? I can do that all day, every day.
But tonight is different. It’s personal. These people matter to Jigsaw. And I want them to like me. I want to fit in and be accepted.