Jardin’s Gamble

by Roberts, Laylah

“Well, there are witnesses,” the principal said. “They all agree Keir and Ace started the fight.”

  “That’s not true!” Ace said. “It was Arthur! He’s always saying things about Thea being white trash and a whore!”

  Rosemary sucked in a horrified breath, slamming her hands over Arthur’s ears. Like her ten-year-old son wasn’t the one to speak the filthy words in the first place.

  And Thea knew just where he would have gotten them too.

  “Wonder where he heard that from, huh?” Thea asked.

  “That’s enough!” the principal said. “Miss Garrison, I have no choice but to expel Keir and Ace.”

  “You do have a choice.”

  Thea startled. She’d actually forgotten Jardin was there. Which was weird. She’d never thought that was possible. He was sitting in a chair at the back of the room, still tapping on his phone.

  “Pardon?” the principal tried to act unaffected by him, but there was still that hunger in her gaze.

  “You said you don’t have a choice, but you do. You’re choosing to believe this little thug and his pretentious bitch of a mother.”

  “Who are you?” Rosemary screeched. “How dare you speak to me like that! My husband—”

  “Spends more time on the golf course than he does at home. I can see why.” Jardin glanced up to give her an unimpressed look.

  “Who are you?” Rosemary demanded. “Do you know my husband?”

  “Not that well. I prefer to use a broker who doesn’t scam money from his clients.”

  “How dare you?”

  “No. How dare you?” He stood, slipping his phone into his pocket. “How dare you call Thea names and in front of your son, knowing he’ll come to school and repeat them to her brothers? As far as I can see, we’re done here. This boy is clearly the bully. Thea’s brothers were sticking up for her honor.” He turned to the principal. “Expel the Pincher boy and apologize to Thea and her brothers then we can leave. I might actually still get some work done today.”

  “Excuse me!” the principal said. “You do not tell me how to do my job. The only boys getting expelled are these two hooligans.” She pointed to Keir and Ace.

  Thea was still in shock at hearing Jardin stick up for her and her brothers that she hadn’t been able to speak yet. But at those words she frowned and turned to blast the principal.

  “My brothers are not hooligans. They—”

  “Yeah, hi,” Jardin interrupted her. She turned to glare at him. She couldn’t believe he was making a call right now.

  Although she’d cut him some slack since he’d been defending her. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had actually done that for her.

  Wasn’t that sad?

  “I’m at the Elite Boys Academy. Yeah, that’s right.” His gaze turned to the principal. “You remember my PA, Thea? Yeah, that’s the one. Her brothers attend school here. We were called in because they were being picked on by Al Pincher’s kid. That’s him.” Jardin’s lips turned up into a cruel smirk.

  Rosemary Pincher appeared confused. The principal was growing increasingly angry.

  “That’s it. The kid called her a whore and her brothers stuck up for her. But the principal is blaming Thea’s brothers and wants to expel them. You got it. Thanks.”

  He ended the call. Then he turned to the principal. “You can expect a call from the board soon. Head’s up, they won’t be happy with you.” He looked at Rosemary. “Don’t ever talk about Thea or her brothers that way again.” Then he turned to Thea. “Now, if we could go?”

  The principal let out a shocked bark of laughter. “You can’t be serious. You have no authority here.”

  “Actually, I’ve got far more power than you can imagine. And I’d start thinking up some good excuses for your decisions here if you want to keep your job.

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Yes. Was I too ambiguous? I apologize. I am threatening you.” Her phone rang. “There you are.”

  She turned slowly and picked up the phone. She was pale, in shock. Thea felt much the same way. Jardin was wielding his power like a sledgehammer. And he was doing it for her.

  What was the feeling filling her? Gratitude? Relief?

  Happiness?

  “Hello?” The principal’s tension eased slightly, and a smile flickered on her face. “James, how lovely to hear from you. What? No. Oh. Yes. I understand. Yes. But I . . . yes . . . sorry. Yes. Certainly, sir. Goodbye.” She ended the call, looking ill. “What’s your name?”

  Jardin smiled. “I’m sorry, did I forget to say? I’m Jardin Malone.”

  Rosemary took in a sharp breath, looking ill. “You’re a Malone?”

  “Yes. I am a Malone. And your son insulted and abused people under my protection. As did you. And since you seem to know who I am, you know the Malone’s protect their own.” He turned to the principal. “And seeing as one of my closest friends is the head of the board and the biggest donor to this school, I’m thinking you’ll be treating Ace, Keir, and Thea with more respect, right?”

  He didn’t bother to wait for a reply, just turned and opened the door, walking out. A king assuming his orders will be obeyed. A dictator who had no fear of being stabbed in the back. Because no one would dare challenge him.

  Something bloomed inside her. Attraction. Admiration. A slight tinge of fear. She’d always known he was powerful. That he could be ruthless. But she’d never seen that side of him.

  “Thea?” She glanced down into Keir’s concerned face. “What now?”

  She puffed out a breath. “We follow him, I guess.”

  She didn’t expect him to be waiting for them. After all, he had things to do. And it wasn’t like he could give them all a ride in his two-seater car. But he was standing at the head of the stairs leading outside as they approached. The bell had just rung and kids were spilling out everywhere, but, somehow, they knew to give him a wide berth. When Thea and the boys reached him, he grabbed her uninjured hand and led her down the stairs.

  She was dimly aware of all the stares from the mothers they were getting. Looks of admiration aimed at Jardin. Of jealousy aimed her way. Not that she blamed them.

  When they reached his car, he turned. He shocked her by crouching down in front of the boys. “If you have any problems with this school, you tell me.”

  “That was so epic!” Ace cheered, grinning up at him. “You told off the principal.”

  “Who are you?” Keir asked suspiciously.

  “I’m Thea’s friend.”

  She didn’t bother to point out he’d said they weren’t friends earlier. She was still dazed, in shock. He stood, continuing to look down at them.

  “Boys, this is Mr. Malone, my boss. These are my brothers, Keir and Ace.”

  Keir continued to scowl while Ace gave him a big grin, both of his front teeth missing.

  He frowned down at her. “Are you well?”

  “Umm. Yes. Just can’t believe that happened.” She was elated. But there was a part of her that was sad she couldn’t fight her own battles, couldn’t stand up for the boys herself. “She won’t change her mind about us, though.”

  “Snakes never lose their venom,” he agreed. “But there are ways of removing it. Don’t worry.” He reached up with his free hand and brushed his fingers over her cheek. The skin tingled in his wake. “I can’t give you a ride home, I’m afraid.”

  “Oh, that’s okay. We’ll be fine. We can take a bus.”

  He frowned, sighing. “You’re not taking a bus.” He turned as a shiny, black town car pulled up behind him. He walked over and opened the door. “Inside, boys.”

  Ace whooped. Keir still frowned but that was nothing new for her suspicious nine-year-old brother.

  Crap. How to tell him she couldn’t afford to pay the fare for the town car? She couldn’t. She sighed. She’d get in and have him drop them off a few blocks over. Poor guy had to make something for this trip.

  As she slid by him, she glanced up at him. “Thank you,
Jardin.”

  “You’re welcome, Thea. By the way, the car is paid for. And I expect you at work on time tomorrow.”

  7

  Carrick couldn’t believe he was so nervous about making this call. Finding a date wasn’t a problem for him. But finding a woman who was interested in something more than just having him take them to bed was. It seemed that was all he was good for: fucking.

  Taking a deep breath in, he let it out slowly. Just because he’d been treated like an extra dick in his last relationship, which had been a permanent ménage, didn’t mean that was all Thea saw when she looked at him. He didn’t know her. It wasn’t fair to bring his baggage to the table.

  The past had to stay there. That’s what he’d learned over these last couple of years. That he wasn’t going to move forward until he stopped looking back.

  It was harder than it sounded, though.

  It had been hard not to check in with Thea every day. He found himself wanting to call her, ask her how her day was going and wish her a good night’s sleep.

  Considering he barely knew her, he figured that would come across more stalkerish than caring. So, other than the voicemail he’d left her that first night, he hadn’t called or texted her. However, her piece of junk car was now fixed. It was time for his date.

  Settling on his small back porch, he took a sip of beer before picking up his phone. Would she still want to go on a date with him? Maybe once she knew her car was fixed she’d turn away from him. Wouldn’t be the first time that had happened.

  Shit. Sally had really done a number on his self-esteem. He might not be rich or live in a mansion, but he now owned his own garage and house. Well, the bank owned most of it, but he was slowly paying that debt off.

  He was a good guy, had all his own teeth, and kept himself in shape. And he sounded like he was trying to sell himself.

  Just make the damn call.

  Hitting her name on the screen, he waited nervously as it rang. Would she even answer?

  Course she will, she wants her car back, doesn’t she?

  “Hello?” The breathless note in her voice hit him hard. Immediately, he frowned. Had he interrupted something? She’d said she didn’t have a boyfriend but still.

  Stop being a suspicious ass.

  “Carrick? Is that you? Are you there?”

  “Uh, yes, hi. It’s me.”

  Lame, man.

  He blew out a breath. “How are you? Am I interrupting something?”

  “More like rescuing me from something.”

  “What? What’s wrong?” he barked, tensing up. He was way too protective of this woman. It must have something to do with the way they’d met.

  “Oh, nothing except a blocked shower drain and two fighting children.”

  “You have children?” She seemed too young for kids, but that was stupid. She had to be in her mid-twenties, of course she could have kids.

  “Uh, no. They’re my brothers. Would that be a problem if I did?” There was a funny note to her voice that warned him to tread carefully.

  “No problem at all,” he replied smoothly. “I could come help you with that blocked drain if you like.”

  As soon as he said it, he willed the words back.

  Too soon, idiot.

  “Oh, uh, thank you. I think you’re doing enough by fixing my car.”

  She doesn’t want me to know where she lives. That was just weird to offer to fix her blocked shower drain. Fuck it. When did I get so bad at this?

  “Right. Sure. Well, if you change your mind . . . ”

  “Hopefully, it doesn’t take me too long to deal with this drain or I’m going to have some stinky boys on my hands.” She laughed and it went straight through his body, warming him, leaving him wanting to hear more.

  Damn, man.

  That’s why he stuck to cars. He knew what to say to cars, or more accurately, he didn’t have to talk at all. People were much harder.

  “Carrick? Are you still there? Sorry, I wasn’t laughing at you,” she said quickly, her distress clear to hear.

  “I know you weren’t.”

  “Oh, good. I’m sorry, I haven’t had much sleep these last few nights and I’m afraid I get paranoid when that happens. Everything seems much scarier and harder when you’re overtired, you know?”

  Why wasn’t she sleeping? Was everything all right?

  Easy.

  “And it seems I also talk strangers’ ears off and tell them far too much about my personal life,” she muttered.

  He had to grin. “I like when you blurt things out. Gives me some more insight into you.”

  “Right, ’cause you really want to hear about how I’m dealing with a blocked drain, and two grumpy kids on less than three hours rest.”

  “Any reason you’re not sleeping?”

  There was a definite pause. “No, just one of those things.”

  It was a clear lie. And it was on the tip of his tongue to press her for the truth. But it wasn’t his place. That galled him, though. He wanted to have that sort of relationship with her. One where she’d call him without hesitation if she needed a drain unplugged or help getting back to sleep. Now, that sort of help he’d be more than willing to provide.

  A relationship where there wouldn’t be any lies, where everything would be shared. Where things would be equal. Well, kind of. In the bedroom, he’d be firmly in charge. He’d always liked being the boss when it came to sex. Although with the right person he thought he just might take orders.

  Don’t think about him. You’re talking to a hot woman. The past needs to stay there.

  He wondered what Thea enjoyed. If she’d like him to tie her to his bed and eat her out until she came so many times and so hard she couldn’t remember her own name.

  Shifting around, he adjusted his hard cock.

  “Carrick?”

  Shit, had she said something and he’d been too busy thinking about sex to pay attention. Get your head in the game, man.

  “Uh, yeah?”

  “Were you calling about my car?”

  “Yeah, actually. It’s all ready to go.”

  “Wow, that was quick!”

  Yeah, well, he might have spent most of the day working on it for her to get it ready before the weekend. “Got a new head gasket and new disc brakes.” Along with four new tires and a complete service. But he was hoping she wouldn’t notice the tires since he guessed they were a cost she couldn’t afford to bear. He’d driven her car through a few puddles today in order to muddy them up a bit.

  “Oh, thank you. How much do I owe you?”

  “We can chat about it over dinner. If you’d still like to go out?” He knew he’d kind of coerced her into it. But he’d never force her. If she wasn’t interested in him there wasn’t any point. He wasn’t the type to mess around.

  “I’d love to,” she replied, sounding almost shy. “If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

  “I do.” Listen to the two of them. He needed to find that confidence he’d once had. “How about tomorrow night? I can pick you up around seven?”

  “Oh, uh, would it be okay if I met you at your garage? Then I could get my car?”

  “All right. That would work.” Again, he got that she’d rather he didn’t know where she lived. She didn’t know she was safe with him. Likely safer with him than anyone else since he never intended to allow anyone to harm her.

  He rattled off the address for the garage. “Meet you there just before six? I’ll make reservations for six-thirty.”

  “That’s perfect. See you then.”

  The call ended far earlier than he would have liked. But at least he now had something to look forward to.

  A date with Thea. He could tell this was going to be the start of something special.

  Thea was rethinking her shoes.

  She was wearing the same one’s she’d worn on Monday when her car had broken down. She was starting to think they were some sort of bad luck.

  “They’re not bad luck,
Thea. Just damn uncomfortable.”

  Somehow, she’d managed to get off at the wrong bus stop and, instead of having to walk one block in these things, she’d ended up walking six. Her feet hurt. She was running late. She’d had to wear another high-necked, long-sleeved top in order to cover up her fading bruises, so she was also hot.

  All she wanted was to sit down and drink a cold beer with a fan blowing on her.

  Finally, she limped up to the address she’d been given. She raised her eyebrows as she stared up at the sign above the tidy-looking building.

  Jim-Bob’s Garage.

  Hmm. Carrick hadn’t actually told her the name of the garage, just the address. Since his name wasn’t Jim-Bob—

  The large, retractable door went up and there was Carrick. He was even bigger than she remembered. Today he was wearing black jeans and surprise, surprise, a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to show off his tats.

  Yum.

  “Hi, Thea.” He gave her a smile, which dropped as she limped toward him. “You’ve hurt yourself? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing that burning these damn shoes wouldn’t fix,” she told him with a smile. “Sorry I’m late. I got off at the wrong stop and ended up walking a few more blocks than I’d expected. And these shoes were not made for walking. These shoes were made to torture people. It’s probably why they only cost a buck fifty.”

  His eyes widened. “Now, I don’t know much about fashion but a dollar fifty seems cheap.”

  You idiot. Do you really want him knowing you shop from thrift stores?

  “Well, now I know why,” she joked.

  “What do you mean you got off on the wrong stop?” he asked. “Did you take the bus to get here?”

  “You kind of have my car so . . .”

  He ran his hand over his face, looking exasperated. “Babe, why didn’t you call me? I could have picked you up at the bus stop. Hell, if you didn’t want me picking you up at your house, I could have met you someplace public so you didn’t have to take the bus. Exactly how many blocks did you have to walk anyway?”

  “Um, about six.”

  He gave her a knowing look from those blue eyes. “It didn’t even occur to you to call me, did it?”