Page 61 of Scatter the Bones

He opens his mouth—probably to object—but I quickly cut him off with a headshake. “I know things were hard there too. His aunt and uncle sound like they were good people who died way too young. But in the middle of your grief, you still made your sister a priority.You rescued her. It sounds like you saved her life. Or saved her from a traumatic injury.”

His eyes shine and he closes them, slowly turning his head away.

I won’t let him sink into those dark memories. “Stay with me.” I squeeze his hand.

He nods but still doesn’t look at me.

“You could’ve just grabbed Jezzie and run,” I say. “That would’ve been the easiest thing. But you didn’t.”

His jaw tightens, but he says nothing.

“You could’ve killed your father and left everyone else to rot—but you didn’t. Even though someone might’ve seen you, might’ve turned you in… you didn’t hurt anyone else.”

I keep my voice steady. “You could’ve taken the money and vanished. But instead, you tried to do right by the people your father hurt. You tried to restore his victims in the best way you could.”

The enormity of what he actually did catches in my throat. “Your actions were thoughtful and kind at an age where most men only care about getting laid and partying.”

He meets my stare head-on. “I didplentyof that afterward. I’m not a hero, Margot.”

How cute, he thinks he can scare me away with his playboy past. As if I didn’t already know. “You’re a brother. A good friend. And thebestboyfriend.”

“Such a great boyfriend that I took a joyride to Maine instead of telling you what a fuckup I am?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Your communication skills need improvement.” My lips curve into a teasing smile. “But I’m willing to work with you.”

He slides his hands over my hips, holding me in place. “You’re like this shining light for me. All goodness and warmth. I want to bask in that and keep you away, far away, from the bad things in my life.”

“Jensen.” I use the most patient, authoritative tone I can muster. “I live in a funeral home. I’ve been surrounded by death and darkness from birth. It’s twisted me in ways you already know.” I cup his face, staring into his questioning eyes. “I love you. And I accept all of you. Not just the fun parts.”

“Thank you,” he rasps.

“But don’t do this to me again,” I add with a harsher bite to my tone than I intended. “The days of silence. Worrying about you. Not knowing where we stand.” My throat tightens. “It was humiliating asking Wrath if you were okay. And I felt like an idiot texting Shelby.”

“But you did it.”

I can’t tell if that’s pride or disbelief in his voice.

“Yes. I swallowed my pride and asked because I love you.”

The cobwebs of the past entangling him seem to snap. He leans forward and takes my hands. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to having someone worry about me.”

“I’m not saying I want to stalk your every move. But you left here abruptly, then nothing. I was worried.”

“I know. I won’t do it again.” He rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. “I’m sorry I made you worry.”

Will he be able to keep his promise?

Who knows.

I can’t keep raking guilt over him. He’s carrying enough.

I take a breath and gently shift the conversation. “When do I get to meet Cain?”

He sits back, a frown creasing his forehead. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

“I don’t trust him.”

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