Page 128 of Scatter the Bones

“I’d love that!”Breathe, Margot.“If you think it won’t turn your viewers off.”

She shrugs. “If they don’t like it, they don’t have to watch.” She flicks her gaze to Shelby. “I’m trying to give fewerflocksabout what other people think of me these days.”

“Dang right. Other peoples’ opinions about us ain’t our business.” Shelby pumps her fist in the air. “That’s why Rooster and Jigsaw get to monitor all the comments on our socials for us now. I’m settin’ clear boundaries and protecting my peace.”

“Okay.” Serena claps her hands. “Let me squeeze into my party dress and then we’ll do a group selfie.”

“Do you mind if I borrow your mirror with the good lighting?” I ask.

“Nope. Help yourself.”

I sit and pull out my tube of gloss from my pocket, quickly dabbing it over my lips.

“I have testing applicators if there’s anything of mine you want to try, Margot,” Serena calls out. “Actually, I have this electric blue gel liner that would look amazing with your dress.”

Behind me, Shelby chuckles. “You’re in it now, Margot.”

I smile at her in the mirror.

“Okay, what do you think?” Serena asks. “Is this too Cinderella-ish for a biker clubhouse?”

I turn as Serena steps out of the bathroom—and instant jealousy sets in. What a stunning dress. Tea-length in a soft powdery blue that shimmers with every step she takes. The fitted bodice hugs her curves like it was molded to her body, the delicate spaghetti straps barely noticeable against her shoulders. The skirt flares out in a dramatic swirl, catching the light with a thousand tiny sparkles.

She twirls, just once, and the fabric fans out in a perfect circle around her knees—equal parts fairy tale and glamour.

“Wow,” Shelby breathes out. “It’s too nice forthisclubhouse tonight, that’s for sure. With those weird-ass lights Stella insisted on, no one will be able to even see that pretty blue color.”

“It’s breathtaking, Serena,” I add.

Serena grins and smooths her hands over the skirt. “So, not too much?”

“It’s perfect. Don’t you dare change,” Shelby warns. Her lips curl into a teasing smile. “Murder Daddy is going to lose it when he sees you.”

Serena bursts into laughter. “Stop it.”

“Oh my God.” The nickname clicks. “Yes!” I squeal. “You said Murder Daddy, and Grinder immediately jumped in my head. Good one.”

“Right?” Shelby grins.

Serena laughs but her cheeks flush. “You have no idea.”

A little murder doesn’t scare Serena. Good to know.

Serena slips on a pair of strappy, silver high heels, then hurries toward the vanity. She clicks on several of the ring lights, then shuffles through the assorted jars, palettes, and tools spread over the table.

“Here!” She thrusts a tiny pot of bright, royal blue gel liner toward me. “Just a thin line above your upper lashes. It’ll make your eyes pop. Can I?”

Uh, turn down Serena of Tranquil Sparkle and her offer to line my eyes? Never.“Sure, why not?”

She works fast and carefully, and when I blink into the mirror, I have to admit—I love it.

“Thanks,” I murmur, unable to stop smiling.

“Yay!” Serena claps her hands. “Selfies.”

Shelby shrugs off her leather vest with theProperty of Roosterpatch on the back and lays it on the bed.

I squint against the blast of all the ring lights as Serena clips her phone into a mount, sets a timer, and pulls us into a huddle.

---