Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“Don’t you have another Dom to act as punisher?” Jardin asked.

Punisher. He’d told her about his role at Saxon’s when he was around. However, he’d also told her that if she wasn’t comfortable, he wouldn’t touch anyone else.

That rock in her stomach told her she was pretty damn uncomfortable.

“He’s not in tonight. And you’re so good at it.”

Jardin reached over and grabbed Thea’s hand, studying her face. Then his gaze moved up to Carrick. “Actually, I’m afraid I’ll have to say no. I don’t think I can fill that role when I’m here anymore.”

She tensed, expecting Saxon to be angry. Instead he just grinned. “Well, good. It finally happened, huh?”

He slapped his hand down on Jardin’s shoulder then strolled away.

“Manipulative bastard,” Duncan muttered.

“Duncan!” Laken scolded.

“It’s the truth. Come on, a spanking bench is free. I’m in the mood to redden your ass.”

Arousal flooded Laken’s face.

“You didn’t have to do that because of me,” Thea said when they were alone.

“I didn’t. Well, not just because of you.” Jardin looked to Carrick.

She glanced up at their big, quiet man. He sent her a wink, but there was relief on his face. “Turns out, I wasn’t so keen on him touching someone else, either.”

She gave him a small smile and Carrick kissed her gently.

“But what about your needs?” she asked Jardin worriedly.

“Hmm, maybe I should secure one of you to a cross and take a strap to you.”

Um. No thanks.

“I’d give it a go,” Carrick said, shocking them both.

“Really?” Jardin asked. “I was joking.”

“I’m not,” Carrick tried him. “Truth is, I think I might like a little pain with my pleasure.”

“It will be more than a little.”

“Well, maybe I need Thea’s mouth on my cock to help me suffer through.” Carrick winked at her.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“About your mouth on my dick?”

“No,” she gave him a firm look. “About trying this.”

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I have a safe word. And I want to try this. I want to know.”

“All right, then we try.” Jardin rose and held out his hand to her. “First, though. I think we should give Thea a bit of a taste.”

Jardin led Thea to a free St Andrews Cross in the corner of the dungeon. It was quieter back there, more secluded. Which was perfect.

He’d held a small bag that contained the stuff they’d bought today. Not for the first time, he wished he’d brought his play bag. But this would do for now.