Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“We didn’t want to tag team her. Thea is special,” Jardin insisted.

“I’m sure you thought the same about Sally,” Victor said coldly.

“Sally was a mistake. And she never cared about either of us. All she wanted was my money.”

“And my cock,” Carrick added dryly. “Thea isn’t like that. She’s sweet. She’s loyal and smart. She’s the one for us.”

“And yet she ran away rather than tell you both what was going on,” Regent mused.

Jardin ran his hand over his face looking as exhausted as Carrick felt.

“She was protecting us,” Carrick said slowly.

Jardin froze, gaped at him. “Protecting us? Why would we need protecting? We’re two grown-ass men. She’s tiny. What could she possibly protect us from?”

“I don’t know, but think about it. There was obviously something wrong. She wouldn’t tell us what it was. Maybe it was because she didn’t trust us, but I don’t think that’s it. I think she was trying to protect us.”

Jardin groaned. “When I find her, I’m putting her over my knee. She’s not going to sit comfortably for a week.”

“There’s the brother I know and love,” Regent said. “Thought you’d disappeared for a moment there, you were being so reasonable and rational.”

“Shut. Up.”

“So verbose. Glad to see all that money we spent sending you to Harvard was well spent,” Regent replied.

“Regent, you’re being a dick,” Maxim told him.

“When isn’t he?” Victor asked.

“Like you can talk,” Regent replied.

Okay, if this kept going, it would turn into a schoolyard brawl. Nobody could be as cutting as these guys. They were harsh. They were controlling.

Yet, they had each other’s backs no matter what. And Carrick knew they didn’t give a shit that he and Jardin were in a relationship. Or that they wanted Thea in that relationship. They just had pasts that had turned them into the men they were.

Still, none of this was helping find Thea and her brothers. Where were they?

“I’ve been trying to find the father,” Maxim said. “Seems like he’s disappeared. Not a good guy. From what we’ve found, he’s an alcoholic and a gambler. Owes money to bookies, including one owned by Derrick Silvers.”

“Silvers,” Regent spat out. “About time we took him out, don’t you think, Victor?”

That was the first time he’d seen Victor smile since they’d gotten here.

“Taking out the trash was always my favorite chore.”

Maxim snorted. “Don’t think you’ve ever done a chore in your life.”

Jardin’s phone rang in the midst of their bickering. He frowned and answered it. “Maddox, I don’t have time right now. I’m going to have to delay coming to Haven. What? You’re fucking . . . how? Shit . . . yes, I want you to keep an eye on her! Can you take her to the ranch? Since when do you give a shit what the sheriff thinks? Yes, Maddox, kidnap her . . . Fine! Carrick and I will be there by morning. Yes, I’m aware there are speed limits, you shit head. Hey, Mad? Thanks, man.”

Jardin ended the call and turned to Carrick. “She’s in Have

n.”

Relief flooded him. Of all the places she could have gone, Haven was the best possible choice.

“He’s watching her?” he asked.

Jardin nodded. “Told him to take her to the ranch, but he reckons the sheriff would have his balls. He said he won’t take his eyes off her until we get there, though.”