Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas 6)

“No, not technically. The official marriage

is just between two people and they have a ceremony to include the others. Haven is a place for people to be themselves. Everyone has to agree to the rules when they move here.”

“I didn’t agree to any rules.”

“No, but yours is a special circumstance. Besides, you’re under Alec’s protection.”

“That matters?”

“Around here it does. All women are protected in Haven. But particularly by the men they live with or are related to. If they’re single and alone, well, Jake and his deputies tend to keep a close eye on them as well.”

“And none of them feel smothered? Controlled?”

Molly seemed to think that over for a moment. “The men of Haven like to be in control, I’m not going to deny that. But they try to do the best they can for those under their protection. And there’s a difference between control and controlling. Do you know what I mean?”

Oddly enough, she thought she did. “I had a boyfriend once, in college, I thought he was just protective. That he wanted to know where I was going and what I was doing all the time because he cared. But it got to the point that if I went anywhere without his permission, he’d get mad. He started to tell me who I could talk to and what I could wear, and he didn’t want me going out anywhere without him. In the end, I was actually scared of him.”

“What did you do?”

“I tried to break up with him, but he wouldn’t listen. He threatened that if I tried to leave him, things were going to get nasty. I already thought things were nasty. So I went to the only person I knew who would have my back. My cousin Mike. He went over to where he lived in a frat house and had a chat with him. I never heard from him again.”

“This Mike sounds like a good guy.”

“Yeah, he is. I think he believes that all Doms are like my ex-boyfriend. Controlling.”

Molly shrugged. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there. But, personally, getting involved with Jake was the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m happier, more centered, and I always feel safe and loved. Of course, sometimes I don’t sit well depending on how naughty I’ve been.” She grinned.

Mia couldn’t help but grin back. It was hard not to. It was clear Molly was very much in love. “You don’t sound too worried by that.”

Molly leaned forward. “Don’t tell Jake, but sometimes I act up just to get punished.”

Mia’s eyes widened. “I didn’t think a Dom would like that.”

Molly shrugged. “It’s not a one size fits all kind of a deal. There’re lots of different sorts of Doms and subs. Some who are hard-core, twenty-four-seven. Some are just like a bit of bondage and maybe a spanking or two. Others who don’t like pain at all. Personally, though, I find it can be a damn good way to get rid of some stress. There’s nothing like a spanking or an orgasm to clear your head, to help you have a good cry, to get rid of everything that’s bottled up inside you.”

“Are you suggesting that I . . . ” She couldn’t even finish that sentence. And she could feel herself blushing bright red.

“Before I came here, I had a number of patients who were involved in the lifestyle. I’m not saying it’s for everyone. And I wouldn’t suggest it to just anyone. But I don’t think you’re just anyone, Mia. Of course, I wouldn’t just suggest that you turn up at a club and choose just anyone to play with. You’d need someone who knew at least a bit about your past, to be aware of any triggers that might come up. Jake and I would be happy to act as monitors if you wanted to do a scene at Saxon’s.”

Okay, somehow, she’d ended up in this alternate universe, where her shrink was seriously suggesting that she go to a club, get tied up and spanked, while she and her husband watched.

Molly stood up. “Okay, I can see I may have shocked you into silence. Just give everything I’ve said a bit of a think. I’ll drop your prescription off at the pharmacy and one of the boys can go and pick it up for you since you’re not leaving the ranch. Might be an idea to get out for a walk every once in a while, though. Exercise is a good way to relieve stress too.”

She winked and then turned and left. “Nice to meet you, Mia. I’ll be in touch.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you too.”

“Molly, wait up.” Alec walked up to Molly where she stood by her car. He wouldn’t admit it, but he’d been waiting around for her to finish with Mia. In fact, he’d now wasted two hours of his day waiting around. He told himself it was just because he was responsible for Mia. He needed to make sure she wasn’t going to freak out and do something crazy. That was all.

It wasn’t that he actually cared or anything.

“Hey, Alec. You going to Saxon’s this weekend?”

It was a slightly odd question since he never interacted with Jake or Molly at the club.

“Perhaps,” he allowed. “How is she? Everything okay?”

“You know I can’t talk about what was said in there. Doctor-patient confidentiality.”