Laken's Surrender (Haven, Texas 2)

“I’ve interrupted your dinner,” he said, placing the plate on the counter.

“Duncan’s coming over,” she replied, feeling a bit awkward.

Saxon nodded. “Well, you’ll have to hide the cheesecake. I didn’t bring enough for him.”

Personally, she thought the slice he’d brought over looked large enough to feed four, but she kept quiet.

Saxon turned to her, his gaze intent. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek. “You’re happy then, sweetheart?”

She breathed in sharply. There was a small zing of pleasure from his touch—she was only human after all. She stepped back, giving him a stern look. He grinned.

“I am.” Well, she’d be happier if she could get Duncan to sleep with her. “I’m sorry about what happened the other night. I hope I didn’t ruin other scenes.”

His gaze narrowed. “No need to apologize, although I would feel better if you had used your safe word. Duncan needs to work with you on that.”

Laken dropped her gaze.

“Laken?” His voice deepened, became a command. He tipped her face up. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said too quickly. Displeasure filled his face and she sighed. Sugar and spice. “I just don’t think Duncan will ever bring me back to the club.”

Saxon’s gaze turned thoughtful. “Why is that?”

She shrugged.

“You know better than that, Laken.”

God, would he not just let this go? “He’s treating me like I’m fragile,” she blurted out. “I know I must have disappointed him the other night. I disappointed myself. I thought I could do better than that. It was embarrassing.”

“He thinks you can’t handle it.”

She nodded.

“But you know better, don’t you, sweetheart?”

She let out a deep breath. “Yes.”

“So you prove it to him.” Stepping forward, he grasped hold of her shoulders. “And Laken, if he’s too dense to realize what a strong, passionate woman you are, there are others who will appreciate you, cherish you, look after you.”

Her breath caught at his words.

“You owe me.”

Was he going to call that in now? What did he want from her?

“Such large eyes, don’t worry, I’m not going to demand blood. All I want is your promise that if your relationship with Duncan should fall apart that you will come to me. I think we could have something between us, Laken. I won’t step between the two of you, but I am here for you. If you need me.”

He kissed her forehead, and then turned to leave, not even waiting for her reply. Opening the door, he called back over his shoulder. “Let me know what you think of the cheesecake.”

Then he was gone.

Less than a minute later, there was another knock on her door.

She shook herself and moved slowly to open it. Duncan stepped in with a scowl. “What was Saxon doing here?”

“He, umm, bought me some cheesecake to try. He’s opening a restaurant.”

Duncan stared at her for a long moment. “He wants you.”