Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas 6)

“Because they’re the most charming, gorgeous pack of demons you’ve ever met. That’s why. And you, honey, are the only woman under the age of ninety who seems to be immune to their charms.”

“I’m not immune to their charms,” she denied.

“Well, you’re not naked and in one of their beds. What did you do? How are you keeping them at bay?”

She could feel herself growing red. “Maybe they don’t want me.”

“I don’t think that’s it. You’re gorgeous. You’re tiny, like a little doll. Hmm, maybe that’s it? Is it because they feel protective of you? They’re helping to guard you.”

“Really, Molly. I don’t know what you mean. Sure they joke around, but they’re just having fun.”

“Honey, they are not having fun. Believe me. It’s not a joke. The minute you give them the go ahead, you’ll be in their bed. And when I say their bed, I mean it in the plural sense. Not sure how many of them like to share, the last tally I heard was five, but make no mistake, you will be very, very satisfied.”

“Wait . . . what . . . ” It was hard enough to wrap her head around the idea they might actually want her and not just be teasing her, but five?

“When you say a tally of five, do you mean . . . ”

“Five Malone brothers, one very lucky woman. Yes, I mean exactly that. It’s happened once that I know of. I have no idea how that woman managed to walk the next day. Mind you, she wouldn’t have had to, would she? They could have just carried her around. Not that they’re known for sticking around. They’re more the love ’em and leave ’em smiling and satisfied type. Hmm, wonder if that’s why they haven’t touched you. Because they’d have to see you the next day, then the next.”

“Or maybe they’re just joking around and all these rumors are just rumors. They’re flirts, that’s all. They don’t really want me, and I don’t want them.”

Five of them at once? Yeah, even if she was interested, there was no way she could live up to that.

“It’s rumored that Maddox once winked at a woman and her panties fell down. Just fell to her ankles, she tripped over them and whacked her face against the pavement.”

“Oh, come on, you don’t really believe that.”

Molly grinned. “No, but it’s a fun story. But the Malones aren’t used to following anyone’s rules. Except Alec’s. They’d probably do what he says. Maybe he warned them off you.”

“Or maybe they’re worried about being cut off from my cooking. So what do they say about Alec? Does he make women’s panties drop?”

Molly stopped smiling. “Alec is a different story. He only comes into Haven to visit Saxon’s and that’s not very often. I’ve never heard any rumors of him seeing a woman outside of Saxon’s. He tends to stick to the ranch. Guess taking care of this place takes up a lot of his time.”

“Yeah. I guess.” Why did she feel so depressed to learn that Alec never dated? That he never got involved with anyone who wasn’t a sub?

Stupid Mia, were you actually hoping for something to develop with him? That kiss was just a mistake. He’s so far out of your league it’s not funny.

“Molly, do you think we could talk about something else?”

“I’m sorry.” Molly immediately looked contrite. “They’re one of my favorite topics, and I tend to get a bit carried away.”

Did she? Mia wasn’t so sure. Molly was a smart lady. She’d no doubt seen how upset Mia had been earlier. And now, she was caught between wanting to laugh and shaking her head in despair. She’d also unwrapped herself from that protective ball and was sitting with her feet down on the floor.

“It was really nice to meet you, Mia. I’m glad you found your way here. Haven is a pretty special place. The men here are, well, overprotective and dominant and bossy, but they always, always put the women first. The Malones do tend to stick to themselves. But they are still citizens of Haven.”

“It sounds like an amazing place.”

“It is. And the people are very open-minded. There’s a lot of different types of relationships here.”

“Different, how?”

Molly looked her over then seemed to come to some decision. “Well, a lot of Doms and their subs live in Haven. There’s also a number of ménage relationships.”

She blinked. “Ménage?”

“Men or women who are married to more than one partner.”

She took a moment to wrap her head around that. “That’s not legal, though, right?”