Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

“Seriously.”

She knew this wasn’t a good idea. Her control was shot. Worry over the boys. Over her father’s cryptic words last night, it was all getting to her.

“I have to go. The photo is mine, and I’m taking it with me.”

He kept hold of the photo and stared intently at her. “Why do you have to leave?”

“I told you! My brothers need me at their school.”

“Why?”

She took a calming breath. You cannot kill him. “The principal just called. There was a fight—”

“Someone started a fight with them?”

It soothed something inside her that he immediately assumed someone else had started the fight. He didn’t know her brothers, but it felt good that he gave them the benefit of doubt.

“The principal said they started it,” she admitted.

He tilted his head to the side. “But you don’t believe it.”

“Keir and Ace wouldn’t start a fight. But they would stick up for themselves or their friends. I have to go. I don’t have time for this. I’ll get my stuff later.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Sorry?”

“Wait here. I’ll get my keys.”

She blinked. She couldn’t keep up with him. “Keys?”

“Your car broke down, right? How were you planning to get to the school?” he asked impatiently.

“Um, I was going to take an Uber.” A bus would be cheaper, but she didn’t have the time to waste.

His jaw hardened. “Ubers aren’t safe. You won’t be taking one of those.”

“Jeez, I never knew people were so biased against Ubers,” she muttered.

“What?” he asked as he turned away.

“Nothing. Why would you take me? You just fired me.”

“You’re not fired.”

“I’m not?” She rubbed at her forehead. He was making her head spin with his back and forth.

“No. Wait there.”

He didn’t waste time, returning with his keys. “Come.”

She wanted to protest, but she really needed to get to the school. And having him drive her would be quicker than waiting around for an Uber. She followed him to the elevator and got in. He pressed the basement button.

“Are you really not going to tell me why you went from firing me one minute to giving me a ride the next? And what about your appointment with Mr. James at two?”

Withdrawing his phone, he tapped on it as the elevator opened at the basement level. This building was only a year old and no expense had been spared. The basement was clean and well lit.

She followed him as he started striding through the basement. He pressed a button on the fob in his hand and the headlamps on a car up ahead lit up. Thea gaped at the car she saw.