Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“What? She’d fit in well in Haven. Somebody would snatch her up real quick.”

Both Carrick and Jardin glared at Maddox. He just grinned. “Like that, is it?”

“Thea is ours,” Jardin told him.

Maddox hit his cousin on the back. “Congratulations on

pulling your head out of your ass, cousin. Isn’t the air fresher out here?”

Jardin just groaned.

Yep, Maddox hadn’t changed one bit.

18

Thea wasn’t really listening to her brothers as she drove up into the driveway. She’d picked them up after soccer practice.

Maybe she shouldn’t have run away from Carrick and Jardin like she had.

Had she made a mistake? Perhaps she should have told them what was going on. But, no, she couldn’t risk something happening to Keir and Ace if she said something. This was her problem to solve.

Fuck. Shit. She was so scared.

“Why’s the door open?” Ace asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“Did you forget to lock it, Thea?” Keir glared at her. God, he was nine going on fifty.

“No, I didn’t forget to lock it.” She frowned as she viewed the open door. It looked fine. No signs of forced entry.

“Do you think Dad’s here?” Ace whispered.

“Why don’t the two of you leave your bags and go see Diego?” she suggested.

Ace gave a happy grin. Always so carefree and innocent. She wanted him to stay that way for as long as possible.

Keir scowled again. “We should stay with you.”

“I’ll be fine.” Her pulse pounded. Was it her father? Wasn’t he with Silvers? But if not him then who? “Go on, leave your bags.”

Keir hesitated again.

“Keir. Go.” She gave him a firm look.

“Fine,” he muttered. “But he better not hurt you again.”

Ace’s smile faltered.

“Keir,” she warned.

“Come on, Ace, let’s go.” Keir tugged his brother away and Thea took a deep breath. She opened the door cautiously. The inside was as dark and dingy as usual.

But there was an air of evil that was new.

Jesus, Thea. Your imagination is working overtime.

Then she saw him, standing in the middle of the room.

Unfortunately, not her imagination then.