Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

She kept one eye on the road as she hit Jardin’s name on her phone.

“You better not be driving and talking on the phone, Thea,” was how he greeted her.

Oh shoot.

“I’m using the Bluetooth!”

“Yes, and I’ve seen how badly you drive even while using the Bluetooth, which is why I told you not to drive and

talk at all on your phone.”

“I didn’t have an accident, and that other car came out of nowhere.”

Jardin just grunted, unimpressed.

“I just got a call from the principal. She said Ace has been fighting.” She deliberately didn’t confirm that she was driving. But her ass tingled because she knew he’d know. And, later, her butt would pay the price.

“That’s odd. I told her to call me first if there were any problems.”

“Jardin!”

Damn it, he was unbelievable.

“It’s called sharing the load, Thea.”

Actually, it was called being overbearing and unbelievably arrogant.

“I’ll call Carrick, he’s closer,” Jardin told her. “He can meet you there.”

“I don’t need any help, I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll call Carrick,” he said firmly. “And Thea?”

“Yes?”

“Your ass is toast tonight.”

The call ended and she shook her head. Yep. Arrogant and overprotective. Those were Malone traits. Not that Carrick couldn’t be just as protective. He just tended to be more reasonable.

As she pulled up outside the school, her phone rang. Carrick.

“Hey,” she said. “You really don’t have to come with me.”

“I’ll be there in fifteen,” he told her. “Wait for me.”

She let out a sigh. “I can’t wait for you.”

“Thea, wait for me or I’ll be adding to that spanking Jardin is giving you tonight.”

“Fine. See you soon.”

Christ almighty. She climbed out of her car. Her very new car. With the highest safety rating possible. Jardin had presented it to her the day after they arrived.

She leaned against her car to wait for Carrick. It was ridiculous.

“Thea.”

She froze at that raspy voice. A racking cough filled the air. She turned to find her father stumbling toward her. He looked like shit and his stench reached her before he did. She stepped back from him, not wanting him to touch her.