Page 191 of Scatter the Bones

By the third round, sweat beads at my temples, and my nerves are wound tighter than a garrote wire. Magic plods across the canvas like a half-dead zombie, while Griff stays light on his feet, bouncing and sharp.

A spark of hope lights in my chest.

“Don’t get cocky,” Murphy says in a low warning tone, as if Griff can somehow hear the advice all the way on the other side of the country.

The same crowd that booed Griff now chants his name—“Stonewall!”—echoing through the speakers.

Magic ducks. Griff’s knee crashes into his face. Blood sprays.

My stomach flips.

A few brutal punches later, Magic hits the canvas like a rumpled blanket.

“That’s it!” Murphy jumps up, hands over his head, clapping wildly.

The front row on-screen erupts. I lose sight of Shelby’s glittering jumpsuit in the blur of movement.

Fans and team members crowd the steps to the cage. The camera pans over them.

“Looks like Stonewall’s crew is first on the steps. There’s his young girlfriend,” the announcer drawls with a dirty chuckle. “Look at that dress.”

“What a bunch of pigs,” Charlotte mutters.

“Winner by knockout in the third round,” the arena announcer shouts. “Griffin ‘Stonewall’ Royal!”

Seconds later, the broadcast announcer echoes the words.

“Yes! Fuck yes!” Teller jumps up, punching the air.

Charlotte whoops, clapping as he pulls her into a kiss.

I turn back to the screen.

Jigsaw and Rooster stand close, cocooning Molly as they wait to be let into the cage.

She’s finally waved in and bolts straight into Griff’s arms. Jigsaw, Rooster, and Remy hover behind them. Jigsaw glances down at something in his hand, flicking his gaze up every few seconds.

My phone buzzes.

Jigsaw: He won.

Me: I know. Still at the clubhouse watching. I see you.

A few seconds later, he lifts his head, gaze scanning the area as if he’s searching for me.

My throat tightens.

Serena leans over. “Are you texting Jiggy, now?”

Laughing, I tilt my screen toward her. “Yes.”

She turns back to the TV screen, smiling. I do too, but the ache in my chest stays.

He’s thousands of miles away.

Even though tonight was more fun than I expected, I miss him more than ever.

JIGSAW

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