Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“Hello to you too.” Jake pulled off his hat then smiled over at her. “We haven’t met. I’m Jake.”

“Thea.” She shook the hand he held out. He had a nice, firm grip but it wasn’t too harsh. She looked over at Alec. “Got who?”

“The thug sent by Derrick Silvers to watch you,” Jake told her.

She sucked in a breath. “You found him?”

“Pretty hard to hide in a town like this. Even though he wasn’t staying in any rented accommodation, people around here notice outsiders. He’s been skulking around. But we’ve kept an eye on him. Today we got him on a minor traffic violation. He was trying to leave town. Turns out he’s got a warrant out for his arrest. Name’s John Mathers. Long rap sheet. He’s not talking, but he’s a known associate of Silvers. He’ll be transported back to New Orleans.”

Oh thank God.

“He’ll probably just send someone else, won’t he? If they find out I’m still here and not on my way to Oklahoma.”

“He won’t get to you here,” Alec said firmly.

“And remember, Regent is dealing with Silvers. Soon he’s going to have bigger problems than you,” Jardin added.

Jake nodded. “You’re fairly safe here. I’d still be careful until Silvers is dealt with. Don’t go anywhere alone. But then, I’m sure that won’t be a problem anyway.”

She looked from Carrick to Jardin. No, she guessed she wouldn’t be going anywhere alone for quite a while

“I don’t know about this.”

She leaned into Carrick and looked up at the building. It didn’t look like what she’d expected a BDSM club to look like. However, she had no idea what she’d been expecting. Flashing red lights? Images of naked men and women having sex painted on the walls?

It was just an ordinary looking building but it didn’t make her any less nervous about going inside.

Carrick moved her in front of him and started massaging her shoulders. They’d parked around the back. It was well lit and already filled with cars. Busy place considering it was a Tuesday night. She’d been going out of her mind wondering what was happening with Silvers these past few days. Jardin had finally snapped and told her they were going to find a way to take her mind off things.

Hence, how they’d ended up at Saxon’s.

But to say she was nervous was an understatement.

To her surprise, Jardin moved up beside her and took her hand in his big one, running his thumb soothingly over the back of it.

“Are you sure it’s safe to leave the ranch?”

“No one else has been spotted in town and nobody gets into Saxon’s who isn’t a member. Plus, we’re not leaving you alone. We thought you might like the chance to get off the ranch,” Carrick told her.

He wasn’t wrong. It was nice to leave the ranch. The Malones were awesome, but overwhelming.

“If you don’t like it, we can leave,” Jardin told her. “I’m more than happy to play at home.”

She bit her lip, wondering if that was true. She didn’t want him to deny something he needed because she was chicken shit.

“Hey.” Jardin grabbed her chin raising her face. “I don’t lie. Never to you. Never to Carrick. I did need this for the longest time. It was the only time I felt alive. But now I have the two of you. And you are both more than enough.”

He looked from her to Carrick, who continued to rub her tense shoulders. Damn, the man was sure talented with his hands.

“I want to try it,” she said with determination.

“That’s my brave girl,” Jardin praised. “What are the rules, again?”

“I have to stay with one of you at all times. No talking to any other Dom without permission. No making eye contact with them. Jardin is Sir. Carrick is Carrick.” Her lips twitched as Carrick snorted. “I don’t have to do any play if I don’t want to, but if I do then my safe word is red.”

“And we’ve gone through your limits if you decide to play,” Carrick confirmed.

She nodded. “Let’s do this.”