Page 26 of Collect the Pieces

How unfair. “Yes, I got that from their ‘warning’ to me outside. Why, though?”

He tilts his head and gives me alet’s be seriousstare. “To get dirt on the club. Doesn’t really happen around here. We try to maintain a good relationship with law enforcement in our territory. But they’ve approached some of our ol’ ladies when we’ve been on the road and stuff.” He shrugs as if it’s a minor inconvenience. “You handled yourself well, that’s all.”

I poke his chest. “I told you I’m good at keeping secrets. My dad was always friendly with the old Wolf Knights’ president, so I didn’t care for them talking about them that way, either.”

He lifts his chin and slowly nods as if he’s had some great revelation.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing. I wondered how Teller and your dad crossed paths.”

I blink, not understanding the connection.

“Upstate’s had an alliance with the Wolf Knights for years. They came to Teller when they decided to leave Slater County.”

“Oh.” The bell at the back door rings, halting our conversation. “It’s probably the flower delivery.” I pat his chest. “I have to get that.”

“Okay.” He sweeps his arm in front of him, as if asking me to lead the way.

“I deal with them all the time,” I say over my shoulder. “You don’t have to follow me.”

“I don’t like that you’re here all by yourself.”

“I’m usually not,” I grumble, reaching for the door and twisting the knob as the bell rings again.

The man on the other side has a large wreath of white roses in one hand and the easel display stand in the other. “Morning, Margot.” He flashes a quick, friendly smile, then hisgaze shifts over my shoulder and his lips flatten. “Uh, the Lewis arrangement.” He nods to the wreath.

I can only imagine Jigsaw standing behind me scowling at Carl.

“Hi, Carl. Come on in.” I open the screen door for him, and he turns sideways to enter.

“Morning,” he says to Jigsaw.

Jigsaw dips his chin but doesn’t respond.

I shoot him a glare, then follow Carl to the parlor. He sets the arrangement near the podium. I’ll probably have to move it later but for now, it works. “Thank you.”

“Not a problem.” He slaps his hands together, dusting off his palms. “The daughter called and made several changes. I hope we got it right.”

I sigh. She should’ve calledmeand I would’ve handled it. “It’s lovely. I’m sure she’ll be pleased.”

He flicks his gaze to Jigsaw again, hovering behind me like my personal bouncer.

“I’ve got one more,” Carl says. “I’ll be right back.”

I wait until Carl’s footsteps pound over the back porch, then turn to Jigsaw. “Must you hover behind me glaring at everyone?”

“You didn’t introduce me.”

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to.”

His expression remains steady and possessive. “I want you to.”

My heart jumps. “You do?”

“Fuck yeah I do.” His voice is low but firm.

Warmth fills my chest. “You want me to introduce you as my boyfriend?”

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