Page 198 of Scatter the Bones

He chuckles and pats my behind as he steps into the bathroom.

A minute later he returns, chuckling when he finds me in the exact same position.

“Poor lady death,” he teases, pulling me into his arms. “Got fucked hard, huh?”

I’m still shaking—with aftershocks, with laughter—as I trace my fingers over the stubble on his cheek.

His smile softens.

He carries me to the bed and helps me peel off my clothes.

The light goes off and he settles into bed behind me, skin to skin, one arm around my waist.

“Are we staying?” I whisper.

He strokes his fingers over my belly then lower. “I’m not done with you yet. This is just an intermission.”

JIGSAW

Margot’s slow, rhythmic breathing should settle me into sleep. Should quiet the noise in my head.

Instead, my thoughts won’t stop ricocheting around.

I shouldn’t say this. Not now.

I’ve never been good at keeping the thoughts in my head out of my mouth. Not the important ones, anyway. “Margot?”

“Hmmm?” she murmurs.

“I meant what I said before.” I roll to my side and trace my fingers over her shoulder. Why can’t I let her rest and tell her this later?

She shifts, leaning into my touch. The sheet slips down, baring most of one breast.

No. Don’t get distracted.

Fuck it.

I flick the sheet with my pinky, exposing one nipple. “I meant what I said,” I repeat.

“You’ve said a lot of things.” She yawns and blinks up at me. “What specifically are you referring to?”

“That I missed you.”

Her expression softens. “I missed you too.”

“I know your job is stressful and unpredictable…but I want you to come with me next time I have to go somewhere. Anywhere.”

Her lips flicker into a patient smile. “What would I have done in Vegas while you were busy being a bodyguard?”

“Hang out with the girls.” I shrug. “I wasn’t standing around guarding Griff twenty-four-seven.”

She nods softly. “I’d like that.”

“I didn’t want to keep blowing up your phone, but I missed you.” I never thought I’d admit this level of neediness to a woman.Ididtry to warn her I was a clingy motherfucker, though.“A lot.”

“You can call me anytime you want. I loved hearing from you. Getting all your texts and pictures. It was nice knowing you were thinking of me.”

“I’m always thinking about you.”

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