Seth’s warm hands cupped her shoulders as he moved in behind her. She felt his warm breath against her ear.
“I’m sorry, Raine. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She couldn’t miss the depth of remorse in Seth’s whisper. “I was trying to explain the difference between the mundane and the important. If there’s something you feel you need to hide, that’s a red flag, and you need to say those words aloud. Sharing your feelings is the only way to maintain a healthy rapport with your Doms. Do you understand?”
Raine swiped the tears away and sniffed before she gave a shaky nod. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good,” Seth praised as he turned her back to face him. “Let’s continue.”
She glanced toward Beck as she eased herself down to the robe again. Raine could see the sympathy in his eyes, but his expression was resolute. She needed to find the same determination and see these affirmations through.
Looking down at the list, she inhaled a steely breath. “No one has control over any aspect of my life unless I choose to give them my gift.”
“What comes to mind when you say those words, princess?” Beck urged.
“You know.” She tried to give a nonchalant shrug. “My father.”
“You took back your power from that animal in no uncertain terms. I’m glad I got to see that.” Pride glowed from Beck’s face.
“What does that affirmation mean to you in terms of Hammer and Liam?” Seth asked.
Raine paused, sorting through her thoughts. “That I have the choice whether or not I give myself over to them.”
“Excellent,” Seth praised. “You’re doing that right now, and they thrive on your power. It’s what fulfills them. But how does it make you feel?”
“Centered.”
“I think she’s getting it.” Beck sounded pleased.
“Okay, sweetheart. Last one.” Seth nodded to the paper in her hand.
“I deserve…” Raine stumbled over the words, rereading them again. She felt Seth’s assessing stare. The longer she stalled, the stronger she felt his impatience.
“Keep going. Tell us what you deserve.” Seth’s tone was soft but teemed with Dominant command.
She swallowed the lump of reservation in her throat. “I deserve happiness.” The next words were harder to get out. “And love.”
Did she? Maybe the better question was, why didn’t she? She wasn’t a bad person. She’d never intentionally hurt people. Why shouldn’t she have some happiness? Some love? So many cracks marred her soul. She’d spent her life striving to feel worthy. But the past was behind her, and if she kept her courage intact along this journey, maybe Hammer and Liam would work their magic, and she’d finally smooth away every jagged hurt and be whole.
“You do,” Beck reassured. “I know you doubt that from time to time, but deep down, you know it’s true.”
Seth crouched down in front of her again. “Raine, look at me.”
He waited silently until she mustered the courage to raise her head and show him her uncertainty, her insecurities.
He smiled. “I know this is hard, but we’re proud you got the words out. Next time, convince us that you’re not just reciting these words, but that you believe them.”
It sounded as much fun as being waterboarded, but she knew they only meant to help. “I’ll do my best, Sir.”
“That’s all we’re asking. Now, tell us why you’re having trouble accepting that statement as fact.”
“My father convinced me I wasn’t good enough.” She shrugged self-consciously. “If you hear it enough, you believe it. Liam told me that it was time for my head to start listening to my heart.”
“I think Liam is a very wise man. And he loves you very much. You should listen to him.” Seth smiled gently.
“They’re ready for you upstairs, princess.” Beck extended his hand to her. “Slip your robe back on and they’ll meet you on the landing.”
Raine let Beck help her to her feet. “Thank you, Sirs, for helping me sort everything out.”
Seth watched as she wrapped the sash around her waist, then he took over, tying it into a loose knot. “Think long and hard about your affirmations while you do your task today. They’ll help.”
And with that, Seth placed a sweet kiss on her forehead before he shooed her out of the kitchen.
At the top of the stairs, Hammer tapped his foot impatiently, watching Raine ascend. The little red robe swished around her thighs, cinched her waist, caressed her hard nipples. He squeezed the length of silk rope in his hand. Beside him, anticipation rolled off Liam.
Today wouldn’t be easy, but if it went well, it would be satisfying as fuck.
As she drew closer, her gaze bounced between them, her expression looking a little shaken—definitely more nervous than she had before breakfast—but determined.
Liam took her elbow and led her between them, down the hall, to the playroom. Once inside, Hammer shut the door, watching Raine. She stared at the padded table they’d outfitted in the middle of the room, again lit only by the array of candles, and drew in an audible breath.