Collect the Pieces (Lost Kings MC #25)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Margot

The next morning after the guys attend church, we all settle in for breakfast in the dining room.

Thick slices of French toast and platters of eggs, sausage, and bacon are all spread out on the table. A whiff of maple syrup tickles my nose and my stomach growls.

“Hungry?” Jigsaw asks.

“Yes.” I lean up and kiss his cheek. “Someone gave me an intense workout all night long. I’m starving.”

His wide grin borders on smug. “We’ll bring some snacks and drinks upstairs tonight. Need to keep you fed and hydrated.”

“Agreed.”

When the line moves, I pick up a plate.

“What do you want?” Jigsaw asks, grabbing a set of tongs.

“I can do it.”

He squeezes the tongs open and closed. “Chop, chop. We’re holding up the line.”

Laughing, I point to a piece of French toast. “One of everything.”

He drops two of everything on my plate along with a heaping pile of scrambled eggs. “I’ll eat whatever you don’t,” he promises, leaning down to kiss my cheek.

One of the guys—Hustler, I think—walks up and slaps Jigsaw’s back. “Bro, do you want to have some pie with your bowl of pussywhip instead of that French toast?”

Jigsaw bares his teeth in a maniacal grin. “Tastes fucking delicious. You should try it someday.”

My skin warms with embarrassment. I don’t want to be the reason Jigsaw’s brothers tease him. Although, the more I’m around them, it seems like they’ll take any opportunity to hassle each other.

“No offense, darlin’.” He winks at me before strolling away.

“Lots taken,” I mutter.

Jigsaw shakes his head. “It’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned.” He jerks his head to the side. “Let’s grab a seat.”

We find our way to the same chairs we’d sat in last night. Shelby beams as I sit next to her, then winces. “Those sweet teas snuck up on me.” She pokes her fork into her eggs. “I’m only eating so I can down some Advil.”

“Ugh. I’m sorry.” Now I’m glad I switched to drinking water last night.

Rooster sets a cup of coffee in front of her and leans over to whisper something in her ear.

“Good morning.” Ravage stops behind my chair and stretches over me, slamming my statue next to my water glass with a thud against the table loud enough to draw everyone’s attention to us. “I think you left something in my room last night,” he announces.

I mash my lips together to stop laughter from pouring out.

“No fucking way.” Z stands at the end of the table and leans forward. “It’s real?”

Sparky arranges his fingers into a cross and hisses at the statue.

Jigsaw’s laughter rises from a deep rumble to a high belly laugh. He rocks sideways, clutching his stomach and almost falls out of his chair.

“I take it those were your manly screams we all heard echoing through the hallways early this morning, Ravage?” Dex asks.

Emily glances down at her plate and snort-laughs.

“I didn’t scream ,” Ravage protests.

“Uh, yeah, you did,” Birch says.

I tug the black velvet satchel out of my sweatshirt pocket. “Well, thank you for finding her, I was wondering where she wandered off to.” I scoop the doll up and stuff her in the pouch, securing the ties at the top.

“It scared Bonnie half to death,” Ravage says. “She left.”

A sly smile curves my lips. “So, it served two purposes.”

Rav rests his hand on the back of my chair and leans over, his morning coffee breath hot against my cheek. “I play pranks too, you know.”

“No, you don’t.” Jigsaw shoves Rav sideways. “Not on my girl.”

“Oh, so she can leave that freakish statue next to my bed and mess with my nocturnal activities?” Rav throws his arms wide, laughing as he backs up a few steps. “But I can’t retaliate?”

“That’s right,” Jigsaw confirms without hesitation.

“Those are the rules,” Wrath adds, his grin wide and unapologetic.

“Why do you assume she did it and not me?” Jigsaw challenges, arching an eyebrow.

Rav smirks. “Well, all the ladies want to get into my bed…” He drags out the words before flicking a slow, exaggerated wink—one of those smug, over-the-top gestures that probably works for him fifty percent of the time.

An embarrassingly loud snort-giggle bursts out of me.

Jigsaw’s mouth twitches with amusement. “You’re lucky she’s laughing,” he mutters, his face hardening and voice carrying an edge of menace. “Or I’d choke you for even suggesting my girl wants to get anywhere near your sad, cum-soaked bed.”

Now that was a little too mean. I frown at Jigsaw and give Rav an apologetic smile. “Sorry, there’s only one bed I want to be in.” I reach over and squeeze Jigsaw’s arm to make it clear in case Ravage is slow.

“Can we see the doll?” Lilly asks.

Trinity nods. “Do you mind passing it around?”

“Not all. Just be careful, the nails are sharp and rusty.” I hand the bag to Shelby on my right. She passes it to Rooster without looking inside, like it’s a prop for a horror movie she’d rather not star in.

“Did it really survive the crematorium?” Teller asks.

“Awww,” I protest. “You’re going to unravel my story piece by piece?”

Teller lifts his head and stares at me like he expects me to come clean. I sigh. “She came to me that way. But I was told she was tossed in an incinerator and that was all the damage she sustained.”

When Lilly accepts the pouch, she pulls the doll completely out. She turns the doll over in her hands, studying the smooth wood, the intricate carvings, and each rusted nail with an almost reverent curiosity. “My grandmother had something similar,” she muses. “It didn’t have the freakish nails poking out of it, though. She told me her mother-in-law gave it to her as a wedding gift and if she kept a clean house, it would bring good luck. But if the house was messy, the husband was lazy, or the kids misbehaved…” She trails off, raising an eyebrow. “It would haunt her and cause problems.”

I shiver. The way she says it doesn’t make it seem like a quaint folktale. More like a warning.

“That covers an awful lot of issues,” Z jokes, his voice an easy rumble that cuts through the moment.

Lilly’s red lips twist with humor. “Be happy that thing got lost. She wanted to pass it on to me when I got married. I said no thank you.”

“Sounds like it would’ve brought us good luck,” Z says, the warmth in his tone unmistakable.

She gently grips his chin, tilting his face toward her, staring at him with so much affection, I feel like we’re intruding on a private moment. “I was a little girl who had no intention of ever getting married. If I’d known you were in my future, I would’ve accepted it.”

A few guys groan. Someone makes a whip-crack noise.

Another guy mutters, get a room . But no one really seems cruel about it. Z’s a club president, and it’s obvious the guys all have a lot of respect for him. It doesn’t hurt that he’s utterly unapologetic about his open affection for his wife.

I glance at Jigsaw, almost expecting him to be rolling his eyes at the display.

But he’s not looking at them.

He’s focused on me.

A quiet warmth spreads through my chest. I reach over, sliding my hand over his knee. “They’re sweet.”

“Sweet’s not the word I’d usually use for Z, but with Lilly, yeah.”

Before I have a chance to ask anything else, a woman on the other side of the table asks, “Where did your grandmother’s end up?”

“No one knew.” Lilly lifts her chin in my direction and passes the statue to Z. “Now I’m wondering if it was buried with her because no one else in the family wanted it either.”

A few more people inspect the statue or ask me questions about it but most just take a quick look and pass it on. Jigsaw finally hands her back to me. I lean sideways, placing her under my chair.

“Does she really live in the house?” Jigsaw asks, his voice low and skeptical.

“Of course.”

The guys pounce, teasing Jigsaw for sleeping near a “murder doll.”

“She’s never murdered anyone,” I protest, barely holding back a smile. Then, for dramatic effect, I add, “That I know of.”

Sparky’s hand shoots in the air. “Wait, wait—does this mean there isn’t a haunted objects museum?”

I laugh and shake my head. “No, there is one that exists. Someone I went to school with really does run it. He didn’t like the mortuary business, so he did that instead.”

Sparky sighs dramatically, slumping back in his chair. “Could you imagine tripping balls in a place like that?”

Stash stares at his friend like he’s lost his mind. “No fucking thanks.”

Jigsaw huffs a quiet laugh beside me, sliding his hand over my thigh and squeezing. “You’re full of surprises.”

I lean into him. “Well, you already knew that.”

Jigsaw

Everything about Margot fascinates me. Even her creepy little statue-doll that apparently lives in her house somewhere. She could have a closet full of cursed objects and tokens from her kills and it wouldn’t dull what I feel for her.

I’m stopped from asking a follow-up question by Hoot and Eazy running into the dining room and tipping a laundry basket full of underwear over Birch’s head.

Z and Wrath stand up and fling packages of what looks like even more underwear at Birch, hitting him in the chest.

“Ow! What the fuck?” Birch shouts through his laughter, swatting the laundry basket and underwear away. “That better be clean laundry.”

June’s shaking with laughter. “It is. Promise.”

Wrath remains standing. “We wanted to make sure you’re always covered.”

“Your chilly willy story gave us nightmares,” Z adds.

Brothers laugh and hurl jokes at Birch. Hope, Trinity, and Lilly are howling with laughter. Rock’s just shaking his head.

“You couldn’t have done this at church?” Birch protests. “You gotta embarrass me in front of all the ladies?”

“Who do you think gave them the idea?” Trinity asks.

I reach behind Margot and Shelby to tap Rooster’s arm. He turns and raises an eyebrow. “Why didn’t we get in on this?”

Something hard hits my arm and lands on the table. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Micro Stretch Boxer Briefs. I glance up at Wrath’s serious face.

“We tried to tell you, but the noises at your end of the hallway indicated you were busy.” He chucks a package at Rooster who catches it mid-air.

I pick up the package and wag it in front of me. “Joke’s on you. These are my size and my favorite color scheme.”

Margot’s red-faced but laughing.

Behind us, Swan carries out a tray of cookies. Lala’s carrying a basket of muffins. They set them near the coffee station.

“Coffee and cookies!” Swan announces.

“You stay and check out your new underwear,” Margot teases. “I’ll grab a cookie for you.”

“More than one.”

“You got it.”

I should’ve just gone up with her since all I do is watch her move across the room.

Something hard smacks my arm. “Ow.” I turn and glare at the offender—Rooster. “Why is everyone so violent this morning?”

“Are you going to be at Margot’s this week?”

“Probably. Why?”

“Want to meet up at Zips one of the days?”

“Maybe. I’m supposed to ride out and visit Jezzie.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Yeah? Everything okay with her?”

I shrug. “Just some brother-sister bonding.”

Rooster stares at me for a few seconds. “That’s good. That’ll be good for both of you.”

Uncomfortable talking about this here, I just nod.

Shelby and Margot return, putting an end to the discussion.

Margot rests her hand on my shoulder and leans so close her warmth washes over my cheek. Her lips brush my ear, sending a shiver of contentment over my skin.

“Here you go.” She sets a small plate of chocolate chip cookies in front of me. The chocolate chips are still shiny and look warm and gooey.

I pull Margot into my lap, curling my arm around her waist. “Thank you.”

The chatter around us cuts out. I pick up my head. Everyone’s staring at us.

“What?” I snap.

“Bro, are you actually smiling?” Hustler asks like he’s ready to call an ambulance and have me transported to the closest emergency room.

“Yeah…” Butcher elbows Hustler and frowns at me. “It’s not that scary serial killer smile he usually wears,” he murmurs just loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Oh my God, are you happy ?” Hustler yells.

I level a bored, dead-eyed stare at Butcher, then Hustler. “You blow more hot air than two hamsters farting in a wool sock, you know that?”

The whole table erupts into laughter. Some of the guys return to poking fun at Birch for the willy story.

I still can’t believe he willingly shared that with everyone. They’ll never stop bringing it up. You couldn’t have water-boarded that story out of me.

“How does it feel to be one of the castrated brethren now, brother?” Dex asks with a shit-eating smirk.

Fuuuck , I should’ve known Karma would come to collect for all the times I’ve thrown that joke around.

I lift my coffee mug and return the smug expression. “Warm and delicious, thanks.”

Dex throws his head back, laughing like a big brother proud to witness his little bro choke down a big slice of humble pie. Dickhead.

Shaking her head, Margot slides out of my lap and into her chair.

“I’m going to refill my coffee.” I pick up my cup, then hover my hand over hers. “You want?”

“Sure.”

I stand, then lean over to whisper in her ear, “Don’t eat my cookies while I’m gone.”

“Or… you could bring more back with you.” Staring at me with a dead-serious expression, she slowly reaches for the plate, grabs a cookie, and takes a big, obnoxiously sexy bite.

Fucking hell.

“I’m going to do very dirty things to you later,” I promise.

She licks a crumb from her lip, as if daring me to make good on that threat.

My little lady death will be the death of me yet. “I have better uses for that tongue.”

She licks her lips again. “Can’t wait to hear them.”

I shake my head and turn toward the coffee station, weaving between a few people on my way. The long folding table is stocked with white mugs, a few carafes, and cartons of creamer. I set my cup down and pick up a carafe.

Shelby slides in beside me, nudging me with her hip.

“I thought I’d never get ya alone,” she teases.

I arch a brow, keeping one eye on the cup so I don’t end up spilling coffee everywhere. “Oh yeah?”

She grabs a mug and a paper napkin. “I like Margot. A lot.”

A warm grin spreads over my face. Not that I need Shelby’s approval—but I still like hearing it. “Yeah?”

“Oh, yeah. And she sure seems sweet on you.” She squeezes my arm.

“You think so?”

“I can tell.” She rests her hand over her heart. “No tarot cards necessary.” A devilish grin lights up her face. “And even if my intuition was on the fritz—that knife she pulled on Dee-Dee was a dead giveaway.”

I can’t hide my smirk. I’m not even one bit upset Margot did that. “Our energies match, right?”

“I’d say so.” The smile melts off her face. “I like that for you, Jiggy. You should be with a woman who wants to fight for you. Who’s proud to be with you and only you .”

I can’t tell if this is secret code for she’s glad I’m no longer interested in her mom, or if she never approved of me hanging around with muffler bunnies. I like what she’s saying too much to ask for clarification. “I really, really like her, Shelby.”

“I can tell.” She cocks her head, her serious eyes drilling into me. “I like her too, Jiggy.” She steps closer and lowers her voice. “So, I wanna be straight with you, bestie.”

“About what, songbird?” Amusement colors my voice. I love when Shelby’s serious about something.

She flicks her gaze to the crowd around the coffee and clamps her hand over my arm, tugging me to a less busy corner of the room. “You know I love you, right?”

“You just dragged me away from my coffee, so I’m not sure.”

“Jiggy, I’m serious!” She blows out a breath. “You’re such a good friend to Logan.” She touches her chest. “And to me. So please understand what I’m about to say comes from a place of love.”

Feeling less amused now. “Go on.”

“If I ever catch you with one of those bunnies…or anyone else…ever again, I will kick your ass to hell and back.”

There’s a cute image. “That right?”

“Yup.” She nods once, one hundred percent not fucking around. “And I don’t care what Rooster says or what club code is, I’ll tell Margot. I ain’t playin’, Jiggy.”

“There’s something so heartwarmingly adorable about a tiny woman threatening me.” I rub my hand over the top of her head and laugh when she swats me away.

“I’m not that tiny.” She stomps her foot the way she does when she’s really steamed. “And I’m not kiddin’.”

“I know you’re serious.” I exhale a long breath. “I could be insulted you think so low of me.”

Her jaw drops for a moment, then she shakes it off. “I think the best of you, and I want the best for you, but?—”

“I’ve run my mouth a lot.”

She rolls her eyes and adds a head roll for dramatic effect. “A lot.”

I drop the joker act. “I like her, Shelby. More than any other woman I’ve ever known.” I wave my hands in front of me, trying to force my brain to shove the right words into my mouth. “I can actually see a future with her. Like, I can’t picture not having her in my life. Ever. That’s never happened to me before.”

“Awww.” Her forehead wrinkles like she’s about to burble baby talk to a fluffy puppy.

I lean down and keep my voice low. “I like her so much, I’m scared shitless she’s going to wake up one morning and realize she can do better than me.” I can’t believe out of all the people I could’ve admitted that to, it’s Shelby.

“Jiggy,” she sighs and wraps her arms around my middle, giving me a quick hug. “That’s not gonna happen. There’s no one better.”

“You just threatened to kick my ass,” I remind her.

“Well.” She pats my chest and tilts her chin up. “I apologize.”

“Not a fan of whatever’s going on here,” Rooster’s voice cuts in.

“Stop.” Shelby releases me and steps back. “We were just having a chat.”

I point at Shelby. “She threatened me with bodily harm.”

“Tattletale.” She smacks my side and gives me a playful scowl.

Rooster narrows his eyes at both of us, then shakes his head and focuses on Shelby. “Do I even want to know?”

Shelby grins, linking her arm through his. “You already know.”

Rooster nods, like they’d been up all night plotting what she wanted to say to me.

“I don’t like being the topic of your conversations,” I say.

Rooster snorts. “You’re really surprised? She’s been buzzing about this since your tarot reading.”

So glad I can provide entertainment for them. Shaking my head, I return to the bar, grabbing our coffees, a muffin, and a handful of cookies.

I am insulted Shelby thinks I might cheat on Margot. But I understand it.

If only she understood, infidelity isn’t what scares me.

What if Margot wakes up one day and realizes she’s made a mistake? That a man like me doesn’t fit into her life.

I’d never cheat on her. I’m in control of my dick. I care about Margot too much to ever hurt her like that.

It’s all the other darkness that lives inside me I’m worried about.