With a sigh, Liam turned, stepped into his shoes, then left the room.
As he left Hammer’s bedroom and passed through the man’s office, he tried to savor the bliss he’d found while lost inside Raine. He’d sought solace for his worries and found it wrapped in her arms, along with a sense of balance, home…love.
As he exited into the hallway, he squared his shoulders and dragged in a deep breath, bolstering himself to do battle with Gwyneth. No doubt, she’d be more than stirred up when he dragged her out of Shadows, especially after her verbal spar with Hammer.
Macen had been rattled, so their altercation must have been more vicious than even he’d let on. Juliet’s suicide was still a gaping wound in Hammer’s psyche. He hadn’t let go of the guilt. And blast Gwyneth for knowing that fact and using it against him. It was why Hammer clung to Raine so tightly, why he sheltered her a bit too much. Someday, they’d have to deal with that.
Right now, enough was enough. Liam was ready to battle the dragon.
Gwyneth seemed willing to do or say anything to get him back. Why? She hadn’t given a shit about him when they’d been married. And he wasn’t buying that she simply wanted to atone. She might want a family for Kyle, but why the sudden urgency? Gwyneth had known she was pregnant over a year ago. Why wait until now to decide the time had come to be a family? Why arrive in the middle of the night and demand they start their domestic bliss that moment?
As far as he was concerned, once he dropped off this kid’s DNA swab, he’d be counting every minute of the next twenty-four hours.
Suddenly, Gwyneth rounded the corner at the end of the hall. He cursed under his breath. She looked startled to see him, then pasted on a look of wilted relief.
Liam frowned. Where the hell was the child? Had she left him alone in the room?
“Oh, thank goodness it’s you.” She raised a palm to her heart, gliding toward him.
“Why are you roaming the halls? I told you to stay put.” Liam ate up the remaining distance between them. No way would he have her near Hammer’s office—and Raine.
“I had to find you.” Gwyneth looked ready to burst into tears. “Hammer accosted me, and the things he said… I’ve never been so insulted or humiliated in all my life.”
“I know all about your run-in.” Liam gripped her elbow and tugged her toward the room she occupied.
“Only Hammer’s side of it. I’m begging you to hear me out.” She sucked in a deep breath, clearly preparing to launch into a tirade. Then her whole body stiffened. “Liam, I… How could you do this to me?” she gasped and covered her offended nose. “You reek of sex.”
“Damn good sex, in fact,” he quipped as he propelled her down the far hallway and pushed her into the bedroom, barely resisting the urge to slam the door.
Glancing toward the bed, he saw the baby playing safe and sound with his plush toys, still surrounded by pillows. For the love of god, if Kyle was Liam’s flesh and blood, he’d have to do something to protect the lad from his inept mother.
“Pack your things,” Liam ordered.
Gwyneth jerked from his grip and spun to face him, somehow managing to look both horrified and betrayed. “I came all the way from London to tell you about your son and confess that I still love you. And you…you just…” She reached out for him, curling her fingers around his shoulders, entreating him. “Liam, she’s not for you. I’ll take care of all your needs.”
He shrugged her off. I’d rather become a eunuch.
“Anything you desire. Everything. I’m here for you. Don’t do this to us!” she sobbed. “I know if you’ll give us another chance that—”
“You had your chance. Stop your bleating and move,” Liam growled.
“That tart you and Hammer are f…” She hesitated as if biting back the f-bomb. “Sharing. Perhaps she’s fun to play with, but you need love. An immoral slut can’t give you that.”
With every fiber of his body, he wanted to defend his lass. But Liam knew Gwyneth too well. Doing that would only put a bigger target on Raine’s back.
Liam didn’t reply, just narrowed his eyes and jerked his chin. “Do as I say. And make sure you get everything because you’re not coming back. Then gather up the baby. You’ve worn out your welcome here.”
“Where are we going?” Gwyneth blinked, wiping at her tears.
“I’ve arranged a condo for you and the boy for a couple of days.” He bent to fold up the playpen. “You even have a view of the ocean.”
Gwyneth stared up at him with seeming devastation. “Don’t stow us away like forgotten baggage. Stay with us.”