Watching them walk away, she felt almost giddy to get on with the rest of the day. Her soul overflowed with serenity. As she made her way into the spacious bathroom, Raine was determined to hold tight to the tranquility that filled her.
Raine fidgeted with the belt of the silk robe Liam and Hammer had instructed her to wear. As she descended the stairs, the panoramic view from the windows in the great room revealed a fresh layer of white powder blanketing the ground. The spindles of bare trees rose up to the blue sky. Everything looked hushed, peaceful.
From the kitchen, she heard male voices and laughter, along with the clatter of dishes. The aroma of fresh coffee and bacon filled the house. Her mouth watered and her tummy growled in response.
She smiled as she entered the room and spied the four men seated around the massive wooden table, looking impossibly handsome and thoroughly male. Catching sight of her, they rose in unison. She paused, startled by their intent stares. Testosterone saturated the room. Her nipples pebbled hard and tight against the silk. A flush warmed Raine’s breasts and rose up her neck to heat her cheeks as she glanced from face to face. She saw nothing but welcome in each. Raine marveled that such busy, sought-after men cared enough to give her their time and energy.
Despite the fluttery, female sensation, Raine felt safe and lovely as they suffused her with unswerving attention.
Dropping her gaze to her toes, she greeted them softly. “Good morning, Sirs.”
“Hey, princess. How you feeling?” Beck asked as he plucked up his dirty plate and took it to the sink, along with his utensils.
“I’m fine, thank you. Just famished,” she replied as Beck rinsed the plate.
“Come. Sit beside us, precious.” Shifting forward, Hammer wrapped his hand around her elbow and eased her into the chair between him and Liam.
The rest of the men took their seats and resumed eating.
Settling back, Raine couldn’t forget dinner the night before. Were they planning to spend another day touching and tormenting her? It would be worth it if they ended the night with sizzling pleasure again.
Beside her, Liam wrapped a hand around her thigh and sent her a seductive smile that made her tingle.
“I’ll rustle you up some breakfast.” Beck smiled before filling a plate near the stove. He’d looked out for her for years, long before she’d realized he wasn’t just a sadist, but a friend. He’d been a godsend when she’d sought him out at the hospital. His easy care now filled her with gratitude.
“Thank you.”
Seated across the table, Seth sipped his coffee. “You look well rested, Raine. How confident would you say you feel about completing your task today, on a scale of one to ten?”
Darting a quick look between Hammer and Liam, she tried to decipher their expressions, get some read on their plans. Nothing. “They haven’t given me a clue what to expect, so I’ll say a six for now.”
Beck chuckled as he set her breakfast, exactly as she had requested, on the table in front of her. “And not knowing is eating you up, isn’t it?”
Raine really wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but managed to refrain. Instead, she ignored his question and focused on her food. “Everything looks great. Thanks.”
That only made Beck laugh more.
“Go ahead, precious. Eat,” Hammer encouraged. “Liam and I need to head upstairs and get your room set up. It will only take a few minutes. Beck and Seth will keep you company.”
“And Raine?” Liam leveled her with a formidable stare. “Remember, they’re here for you, too. We expect you to follow their instructions and give your obedience. Is that understood?”
She hesitated. A dozen questions sat on the tip of her tongue, but she silenced them. They’d asked for her trust, among other things. Yesterday, they’d more than earned it. “Yes, Sirs.”
“Good girl.” Hammer brushed a finger across her cheek. Her heart skipped a beat. “Enjoy your breakfast. We’ll see you shortly.”
She nodded, watching as they rose and took their plates to the sink before leaving the room. Nearby, Beck stood facing her, ankles and arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, watching her eat. Normally she’d hate that, but he was on her side. Besides, nothing fazed her too much this morning.
She moaned in appreciation at the first bite, then quickly devoured everything on her plate. Afterward, Raine relaxed back and sipped her orange juice, wondering what Hammer and Liam were preparing for her and if Beck and Seth had more questions this morning.
They didn’t make her wait long.
“Full, princess?”
“Stuffed. It was delicious.”
“Good, then let’s get started.” Seth smiled tightly. “Stand in the center of the room and remove your robe. Fold it neatly on the floor and kneel.
Then she’d be naked. And the looks on their faces told her they knew it. “I, um… Hammer and Liam…”