Page 124 of Collect the Pieces

“I…I…” He runs his hands over his hair several times, as if checking that it’s still there.

Instead of making me feel better, knowing that I rattled him makes me feel worse. The awful comments he always made about my breasts or hips or thighs stuck with me for way too long. I wouldn’t wish that kind of self-doubt on anyone…well, except maybe Daniel.

His jaw works overtime to form words that won’t come. For once, I’ve managed to leave him speechless, and the irony of it is quite tasty. This man, who always had something cruel to say, who never hesitated to pick me apart like a grapefruit, finally has no retort.

Good.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the rage burning in my chest doesn’t recede.

It’s not about him anymore. It’s about me and the years I wasted doubting myself because of him. Fury bubbles over. Hereallythought I’d give him another chance to tear me down again.

“You know what? I feel sorry for you, Daniel.”

An angry scowl slashes his expression. “Excuse me?”

“It must be exhausting to be so hateful. Shredding everyone around you just to make yourself feel better.”

Telling Daniel off should be more satisfying but this whole conversation is leaving a sour taste in my mouth.

“Are you insane?” He raises his eyebrows and steps toward me. “I make four times the amount of money that you could ever hope to earn.” He waves a hand toward the parlor. “I’m not stuck in a backward little town playing with dead people all day.”

I steel myself from flinching. What I dohelpspeople. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. He used to tell me it was a “respectable” career. How we could make so much more moneyif we didn’t “get sucked in by charity cases all the time,” as he put it.

“Money isn’t everything,” I say. “And if your life is so wonderful and I’m so pathetic, why are you trying to get back together?”

Who cares about his reasons? I’d rather gargle with formaldehyde than spend another minute in his company. I turn away, crossing my arms over my chest, as if the physical barrier can protect me from this conversation.

“Obviously, I’ve made a mistake. You used to be a nice woman?—”

I turn and glare at him. “No, I used to be a doormat.”

He’s blocking my way to both doors. The closest leads into the parlor but I’ll have to skirt right by him to reach it.

He frowns and runs his hand over his hair again. “I never thought you were a doormat.”

A burst of outraged laughter explodes out of me. “Of course you didn’t.”Why would he when he was busy wiping his feet all over me?

The back door creaks open and bangs shut. I hope it’s not people leaving for the church already. The last thing I want to do is be alone in the house with Daniel.

“No matter what you seem to think, I really did miss you and want to see you. After things ended with Danielle, I realized what I’d lost in you.” His tone seems gentler, more reasonable, but alarm clangs in my chest.

Sounds like Danielle didn’t want to put up with his crap either so he thought poor, pathetic Margot would be desperate enough to take him back.

Unhinged laughter bursts out of me. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“I’m very serious.” He takes a step closer, holding out his hand like he’s trying to trap a mouse. “I thought now thatsome time has passed and we both have clearer heads, we could reconcile. I still have your ring in?—”

“She’s spoken for.” Jigsaw’s low, deadly voice hits the walls of the kitchen like the racking of a shotgun.

His presence shocks me even harder than Daniel’s desire for a second chance.

Jigsaw steps inside the kitchen, his heavy boots thudding against the tile. Then another set of footsteps thunders into the room. Rooster. Today, his usually jovial expression is ferocious and aimed at Daniel.

Joy leaps into my chest. Jigsaw not only came back, he brought Rooster with him. No doubt to scare the piss out of Daniel. I force myself not to cackle with glee and clap my hands together.

“Hi, Jensen.” My face bursts into the most relieved smile.

“Hey, baby.” Jigsaw pushes by Daniel, easily bumping him out of his way, and clamps his hand over my hip, claiming me in the best way possible. He drags me close, pressing a long, lingering kiss against my lips. The electric sparks shooting through me from his touch almost obliterate Daniel’s presence.

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