Page 77

Jigsaw

Margot pops out of her bedroom, hands tucked behind her back, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

“Jensen, can you come in here, please?”

“Fuck yes. On my way.”

I drop my laptop, push out of her lounge chair, and stride across the room—already half-hard and fully hoping this is about to go exactly where I think it is.

It’s not.

It’s almost… better .

Laid out across her bed is a helmet and riding clothes. Margot-sized.

She twists her engagement ring round and round on her finger. “I’m not saying I want to go all the time. Or long distances.” Margot hesitates and glances at the clothes on the bed. “But I trust you.” A frown flashes over her face. “I mean if you want me on the back of your bike.”

Do I want her on the back of my bike? What a question.

More than anything in the world.

I’m too overwhelmed to speak. Words keep firing through my brain but fizzling out on my tongue.

I never expected Margot to go to all this trouble.

To want to ride at all. And I never planned to push her into it.

That she obviously gave it so much thought—researching what to wear and then buying it all by herself.

I can’t wrap my head or heart around what a massive gesture this is for her.

“Yes, I want you on the back of my bike. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, though. No pressure.”

She blows out a long breath and slowly nods. “I know. I talked to some of the girls about riding. Hope told me how nervous she was at first, but that Rock made sure she was comfortable.”

She squeezes her eyes shut and chuckles softly. “Shelby told me the first ride Rooster gave her she was wearing a wet sundress and afraid she was going to get splattered on the road, but Rooster was so careful with her…” Her voice trails off and she shrugs.

I flick my gaze to the ceiling. Thank you First Lady and songbird for sharing those stories with Margot.

Margot must’ve done extensive research and purchased the most high-end safety gear she could get her hands on. Motorcycle-specific jeans with Kevlar lining and knee armor. She chose a summer jacket with a ventilated mesh lining and elbow armor. Almost exactly what I would’ve chosen for her.

“You’re not fucking around,” I say, admiring the gloves and boots. “When did you buy all this?” And where’s she been hiding it?

“When you were in Vegas?” She lifts her head and stares at me with wide, worried eyes. “Is it too much? I’m a big nerd, aren’t I?”

“Nope.” I cup her cheeks and lean down to kiss her forehead. “You’re perfect.”

Margot

Jigsaw’s lips touch my forehead, and my whole body goes still.

He’s so patient. And holds me like I’m something precious.

Not fragile. Not weak. So important to him that I know I’ll be safe on the back of his bike.

He brushes his knuckles down my arm and nods toward the gear. “You ready, Little Lady Death?”

No.

Not even close.

But I nod anyway. “Let’s do this before I lose my nerve.”

He helps me gear up without making a joke about how long it takes me to fasten the gloves or adjust the knee armor. Just smooth, steady patience.

Heart thudding in my throat, I follow him outside.

His bike’s already waiting in the driveway. Gleaming chrome and matte black metal—intimidating and beautiful. It looks fast even when it’s parked. Sturdier than Cain’s bike. So maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe that means it’s safer.

Nope. Don’t go there. You’re doing this today.

I stop short a few feet away.

It’s one thing to say, “take me for a ride.” Another thing entirely to willingly climb on that beast.

Jigsaw turns, nothing but concern on his face. “You sure?”

No. But I love you.

So I give him the only truth that matters. “I trust you.”

He nods once, serious as death. Helps me fasten my helmet, then swings his leg over and settles into the seat.

He holds out his hand.

I take it.

“Put one hand on my shoulder. Foot on the peg, and swing your leg over.”

The leather of his cut creaks as I grip it. My knee scrapes the edge of the seat. I fumble, catch myself on his shoulder, and climb on—heart in my throat, hands trembling, stomach somewhere near my butt.

His voice cuts through it all, steady and low. “Hold on tight. Lean when I lean. I’ll take it slow. We’ll go down to the end of your street, to the park and back, okay?”

“Okay,” I whisper. Then louder so he can actually hear me. “Sounds good!”

I wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing so tight, and press my cheek to his back. The engine roars to life, vibrating through my legs, my chest, my bones. It’s loud, and powerful, and wild.

I hate it.

But then, I kind of love it.

We start to move.

The bike rolls forward and my heart threatens to claw its way out of my chest. I squeeze my eyes shut certain we’re going to fall to our deaths when he turns out of the driveway. Every breeze feels like it could lift me right off the back. My fingers dig into his leather.

But he rides smooth. Steady. Slow. The way he always is with me.

We’re not going far. Just the park and back. I can handle that.

This isn’t about the distance.

It’s about overcoming my fear and getting to know something he loves so much.

Trusting him with something I never thought I’d do.

By the time we reach the park, I realize I’m breathing. Not panicked. Not hyperventilating. Just breathing.

And smiling.

Jigsaw

“That was perfect.” Margot tosses her hair over her shoulders, then gives me a shy smile. “A perfect introduction. Thank you.”

“Thank you for giving it a chance.” I clasp my hand over her hip and take her helmet from her hands. “Will you do it again one day?”

Her gaze slides to my bike and back to me. “Yes, I think so.” She leans up and slides her arms around my neck. “Maybe that can be our Sunday morning ritual. A ride to the park and back?”

That sounds like my kind of weekly worship. My brave woman on the back of my bike. My chest squeezes with so much love for her. “I’d be honored.”

“Thank you.” She brushes a soft kiss against my cheek. “For letting that be enough for now.”

For now. I like that part.

She’s my better half. Soulmate.

I never believed in soulmates. But that’s what she is.

She’s my quiet girl with a scalpel smile. Violence wrapped in sweetness.

The darkest pieces of our souls were always meant to fit together.

Castle of Temptation (Remy’s book) is coming next!