Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“I don’t . . . I mean . . . it would be easier here in some ways. But at the same time, New Orleans is home. And even though I dislike a lot of the people at the boys’ school in New Orleans, it’s a good school. It pushes them. Can I . . . can I talk to the boys about it?”

“Of course, rocket,” he told her.

“How long until we have to pick them up from school?” Jardin asked, looking at his watch.

“Uh, about three hours.”

“Excellent that should be just enough time to take care of your punishment.”

23

Was it bad that he liked the way her eyes flared? That h

int of trepidation and excitement that filled her gaze. If it was bad, Jardin didn’t care.

He stalked his way over to her. This fleabag motel wouldn’t have been his choice of location for their first time together, however, he wasn’t waiting. So, this dingy room would have to do.

Okay, it wasn’t that dingy. Still, she deserved far better. Especially after hearing about how her father had treated her. After seeing where she’d lived. She deserved everything.

Thea gasped as he pulled her from Carrick’s lap to stand in front of him and held her. Reaching down, he gently took hold of her chin, raising her face. Staring down at her, he couldn’t believe he finally had her where she belonged.

He watched as she swallowed. “Nervous?”

She nodded.

“Don’t be. We’re gonna take care of you now, aren’t we, Carrick?”

“Oh, yes.” Carrick moved up behind her, sandwiching her between them.

“You’re our priority now, sweetness,” Jardin told her, running a finger down her cheek. “Your health, your happiness, your safety. We’ll do whatever is necessary to take care of you.”

“It’s . . . I still can’t believe you both want me.”

Jardin narrowed his gaze. “Why wouldn’t we want you? Why wouldn’t we consider ourselves fucking lucky to have you? You’re smart.”

“Beautiful,” Carrick added, running his hands up her sides.

“Loyal.”

“Kind.” Carrick kissed the side of her neck and she tilted it to allow him better access.

“Courageous. Although, I would wish you had a little less courage and a bit more caution.” Jardin leaned down to kiss her, nipping at her lip until she opened up and allowed him in. To taste. To torture. To conquer.

When he drew back, her face was flushed, her breath coming in sharp pants. He placed both hands on her hips, holding her against him. Fuck, he needed her.

“If this is too soon, if it’s too much, tell us now, Thea,” Carrick said to her. “We can stop, back off a bit, give you time.”

Jardin scowled at Carrick. He didn’t want to do any of those things. He wanted to claim her. Now.

Carrick just stared back at him calmly. Fine. Fuck. He’d give her time if she needed it. What were they talking about here? A day?

To his shock, she shook her head. “I don’t want to wait. If the two of you are sure . . . I mean, I don’t think I could handle this if either of you changed your mind.” Her head dropped down. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Carrick turned her to face him. This time he was the one to grab hold of her chin and raise her face. “Not happening. Understand me? The only way you’d disappoint us is by not trusting us with the truth. We want you, Thea. You think we just randomly picked you? We feel you, right in here.” He patted his chest. “We could be happy without you, but we’d never be complete. Understand me?”

“What he said,” Jardin added, making her look over her shoulder at him with a smile.

“Then I’m all in,” she whispered.