Page 133 of Scatter the Bones

Nikki nods quickly. “Yup. And Shelby? That little Walmart Taylor Swift knockoff might like to pretend Rooster wasn’t as dirty as the rest of ’em but everyone knows that man would stick his dick in every girl who walked in this clubhouse.”

The others titter like it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever heard.

Then Bonnie’s eyes narrow on me again. “But hey—maybe we’re wrong about you, Margot.” Her voice drips with cruelty. “You definitely have the padding to handle Jigsaw,” she says, stepping closer and tipping her head as if she’s appraising a cow at the county fair.

“She needs all that cushion. I swear that man fucked me so hard, he bruised my spleen one time,” Dollar Store Daisy Dukes snort-giggles and clutches her stomach.

That’s nowhere near your spleen.

But I’d be happy to slice you open and point it out.

And also,ewww.

“I never knew Jiggy was into asses that big, though,” Nikki says loud enough for the other two girls to swivel around. “He’s so buff and hard all over. I figured he’d go for someone hotter. Not some fat chick.”

How original.

I shift both bottles of water into one hand. If she comes any closer, I’m pulling out my knife and demonstrating how quick I can turn all that lip filler into scar tissue.

“Well, he’s definitely an ass man,” Bonnie purrs, giving her behind a smug little pat. “He’s always loved going to town on mine.”

The three of them burst into more fake-giddy giggles. Even the girls on the other side of the kitchen chuckle.

I’m going to vomit.

“That’s riiight,” Nikki says. “I forgot how much Jiggy and Steer used to love tag-teaming new girls out on the pool table. Pretty sure Jiggy always called dibs on ass.”

My stomach lurches.

He did avoid my question about the threesomes…

They’re being vile on purpose—lining up their nasty stories like knives, sinking them in to see which one cuts the deepest.

I let out a loud, dramatic yawn, patting my hand against my lips. “Your hair isn’t as ugly as your friend’s, but your story is just as boring.”

Nikki’s pout twists—too much filler to form a real sneer.

“We’re trying to do you a favor. You should say ‘thank you.’” She leans closer, face hovering in prime slashing range. “You’re not into what he likes. You can’t give him what he needs. So maybe don’t get too comfortable, babe. On the nights he’s not with you?” She gestures around the kitchen. “He’s probably with one of us.”

I snort. “You wish.”

Great comeback, Margot.

She’s lying through those overinflated lips. He’s been with me most nights for months.

But there were those few times he disappeared on me…

A few times he said he crashed at the upstate clubhouse.

Other times, he didn’t say where he’d been.

I didn’t ask—because I trust him.

“She’s right,” Bonnie snaps. “Where’s our thank you for trying to warn you?”

I give her a cold, dead-eyed stare. “Cool story, thanks. So if it burns when I pee, now I’ll know why.”

Nikki’s eyes flash with rage. The girl next to her rolls her eyes like this is all beneath her.

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