Page 88 of Collect the Pieces

“You got it.”

I should’ve just gone up with her since all I do is watch her move across the room.

Something hard smacks my arm. “Ow.” I turn and glare at the offender—Rooster. “Why is everyone soviolentthis morning?”

“Are you going to be at Margot’s this week?”

“Probably. Why?”

“Want to meet up at Zips one of the days?”

“Maybe. I’m supposed to ride out and visit Jezzie.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Yeah? Everything okay with her?”

I shrug. “Just some brother-sister bonding.”

Rooster stares at me for a few seconds. “That’s good. That’ll be good for both of you.”

Uncomfortable talking about this here, I just nod.

Shelby and Margot return, putting an end to the discussion.

Margot rests her hand on my shoulder and leans so close her warmth washes over my cheek. Her lips brush my ear, sending a shiver of contentment over my skin.

“Here you go.” She sets a small plate of chocolate chip cookies in front of me. The chocolate chips are still shiny and look warm and gooey.

I pull Margot into my lap, curling my arm around her waist. “Thank you.”

The chatter around us cuts out. I pick up my head. Everyone’s staring at us.

“What?” I snap.

“Bro, are you actually smiling?” Hustler asks like he’s ready to call an ambulance and have me transported to the closest emergency room.

“Yeah…” Butcher elbows Hustler and frowns at me. “It’s not that scary serial killer smile he usually wears,” he murmurs just loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Oh my God, are youhappy?” Hustler yells.

I level a bored, dead-eyed stare at Butcher, then Hustler. “You blow more hot air than two hamsters farting in a wool sock, you know that?”

The whole table erupts into laughter. Some of the guys return to poking fun at Birch for the willy story.

I still can’t believe he willingly shared that with everyone. They’ll never stop bringing it up. You couldn’t have water-boarded that story out of me.

“How does it feel to be one of thecastrated brethrennow, brother?” Dex asks with a shit-eating smirk.

Fuuuck, I should’ve known Karma would come to collect for all the times I’ve thrown that joke around.

I lift my coffee mug and return the smug expression. “Warm and delicious, thanks.”

Dex throws his head back, laughing like a big brother proud to witness his little bro choke down a big slice of humble pie.Dickhead.

Shaking her head, Margot slides out of my lap and into her chair.

“I’m going to refill my coffee.” I pick up my cup, then hover my hand over hers. “You want?”

“Sure.”

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