Jessie's Jewels [Submissive Sirens 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Charlotte Smith

was feeling reckless enough to almost wish that the men would try something, just so that the situation would be taken care of. Almost, but not quite, because she was still uncertain as to exactly what they were trying to accomplish. That thought made her even more nervous.
    Second, and most significantly, Jessie was really fucking tired of Gabriel. The duke had been true to his word and had moved in with her and Liam, arranging to have his necessaries brought over when his driver, Paul, had been well enough recovered to be transported back to Hartley House after a doctor had determined that there was no concussion.
    Since Paul had left, Gabriel had installed himself as lord and master of Jessie’s manor, and it was really beginning to get on her nerves. He decided when they ate and insisted that they eat together—himself, her, and Liam.
    Jessie grimaced as she remembered the extent of his insistence. She’d been sulky about having him around twenty-four-seven, and she’d ignored his request that they dine together. She’d taken her toast and tea back to her bedroom and had been grumbling to herself when a hard knock had sounded on her door. She’d not deigned to answer, and she’d been shocked when the door had been thrown open and Gabriel had stalked into her bedroom, not saying a word as he gathered the tray containing her tea and toast. He’d simply glowered at her before leaving the room, sending the message loud and clear that if she wanted to eat she’d be eating in their company. Since then she’d eaten with them, and that was part and parcel of problem number three.
    Jessie liked having Gabriel around. If she was really honest with herself, she liked having him around a lot, and not just for her own sake. She loved watching the camaraderie between him and Liam, and she found herself becoming more and more comfortable with the situation. She hated that she was starting to like it. She couldn’t believe she liked having someone as domineering and bossy as Gabriel around, but it made her feel better to have someone around whom she could talk to about important decisions. What really surprised her is that, despite Gabriel’s need to be in charge of the whole damn world, he was always gentle with her when he suggested what he thought she should do. She found herself seeking his advice more and more, knowing that he wouldn’t lead her astray.
    Jessie was uneasy about how much she was coming to rely on him. She had fought for such a long time to be mistress of her own future without having her mother and brother take away her control, and now here she was, willingly relinquishing her hard-won agency over her own life to a man who was more controlling than her mother and brother all rolled into one bossy package.
    Gabriel’s role in Jessie’s discomfort extended beyond his need to be in charge. Jessie was incredibly conscious that he’d been doing an awful lot to make her life more comfortable, and she was embarrassed that she was accepting what she saw as charity. When Gabriel had come to stay with her and Liam, he’d quietly taken stock of their living situation, and Jessie had begun noticing changes. He never said anything, just went ahead and did it without asking permission. Liam had new cookware now, a high-end line that was absolutely something Jessie couldn’t afford for him but would have loved to have given. Both their horses had been outfitted with new tack, and all the bedding had been replaced with duvets and sheets so luxurious Jessie sometimes wished she could spend the whole day lounging. Every time she tried to thank Gabriel, he’d lay a finger across her lips and tell her he wasn’t doing it for her, that he was doing it for himself.
    Jessie sighed and hauled herself up from her dangerously comfortable bed. She was grateful for everything Gabriel had done, except for one small thing. She set her shoulders as she began the walk from her bedroom downstairs, hoping she wouldn’t encounter