“Or I can,” Hammer offered. “Whichever you prefer.”
“Thank you.”
She dipped her head again, and he couldn’t stop staring. Or wanting.
“Look at me, precious.”
Raine complied easily and naturally. A million times, in his dreams, he’d imagined her like this, surrendering her power to him. The reality was so fucking heady he nearly staggered. She just glowed with an undeniable purity that radiated from her heart.
“You have no idea how stunning you are right now, do you?” As a slight pink hue rose in her fair cheeks, he grazed her with his knuckles.
Raine tried to look away and smile past his compliment, but Hammer settled a finger beneath her chin, forcing her to focus on him. To his relief, she didn’t fight him or turn away.
“You make me feel that way,” she murmured.
Hammer sent her an encouraging smile. “What do you want to talk about?”
Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited. No doubt, she’d come to ask more questions about Liam’s recent troubles. Raine had likely been eating herself alive with worry all day. A rush of guilt slammed Hammer. He was far more to blame than Liam for putting her through this turmoil. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.
She hesitated slightly, as if unsure of her words. She licked her lips. At the sight, the beast inside him jerked against his mental chains again, growling to sink his teeth into the arch of that soft pink bow of a mouth and devour her whole. He certainly didn’t relish dodging questions he couldn’t answer.
“I know there’s something more going on than a problem involving Liam’s work. I suspect you’re keeping whatever’s happening to yourselves because you’re trying to protect me.”
He’d known she was too clever to keep in the dark for long. Hammer arched a brow at her. “Protecting you is our job as Dominants.”
“I know,” Raine quickly affirmed. “As much as I don’t like how it feels to be left out, I also have to trust that you and Liam will tell me what I need to know when the time is right.”
She struggled between stubborn old habits and the unchartered submission she now gave. Though turning over her control surely chafed her independent side, Macen knew she wouldn’t give up simply because of the discomfort. Not his Raine. He smiled.
“We’ve already decided.” He trailed his fingertips down the hollow of one cheek. “We’ll explain everything at dinner tonight. We just need you to be patient a bit longer, while we get some facts straight and tie up some loose ends. Will you do that for us, Raine?”
Some of the weight left her shoulders. “I’ll do my best. You know I’m struggling.”
“I would have never guessed,” he drawled fondly.
She sent him a smile. “You and Liam taught me at the lodge that I had to be honest.”
They had, and now he felt like a grade-A asshole for convincing Liam to withhold the truth from Raine until they’d dealt with Gwyneth.
“So…” she went on. “After a pep talk from Seth, I came to tell you how I’m feeling.”
Damn it, Liam had been right all along. Macen bit back a curse. He hadn’t given her enough credit. Instead, he’d assumed she hadn’t had time to embrace the lessons they’d taught her over the last few days. Staring at her now, with her heart in her eyes as she confessed her worries, Hammer wanted to kick his own ass. His decision to shield her from the ugly truth stemmed from his own inability to trust in their new commitment, not hers.
Hammer knelt and cupped her chin, drilling his gaze down into hers. “I’m sorry the time hasn’t been right to tell you yet. We never intended to hurt or worry you.”
“I know that logically. But I feel confused and anxious. You’re making me crazy.”
The drastic change in Raine’s demeanor floored him. She spilled her emotions without anger or confrontation. Neither throwing dildos nor—thank goodness—running away.
Hammer felt something shift inside him. For years, he’d been her protector, caring and providing for her. Then he’d claimed her as a lover, taking her body and giving her pleasure. Now, he finally felt like her Dominant.
“I know it’s been a difficult day. Balancing our protective instinct with your independent streak is…an interesting endeavor.”
“You mean, I’m a pain in your ass.” She grinned before she turned serious again. “I’ll admit I want answers. I accept that you’re not ready to tell me and trust that you will when it’s time, but it’s so hard for me not to go down the path of insecurity and fear.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.
God, she’d made herself so vulnerable and she was fucking beautiful.
“Shh,” Macen murmured as he gathered her in his arms and helped her to the sleek leather couch. Easing down, he settled her on his lap and sifted his fingers through her hair. “You’ve come so far, precious. I’m truly proud.”
She stared up at him with a shy smile, as if he were her world. His chest buckled with the weight of emotion.
“I know coming to me today with your feelings took tremendous courage, but you’re doing well,” he went on. “Always remember, we’ll do everything in our power to keep you safe, Raine. You’re the most important thing in our whole world. I love you.” Hammer paused and swallowed tightly. “I always have.”
“I love you, too,” she murmured softly, staring up at him, her big blue eyes brimming with faith and tears.
When a single tear slid down her cheek, Hammer bent and kissed the drop away.
Liam had told him just a few days ago at the lodge that the early days of his relationship with her had been a battle of wills. It had taken a lot of effort for Liam to break through her walls. Hammer wasn’t surprised that Raine had confessed she didn’t know how to cry and bleed in front of anyone.
You do now, and it’s a glorious sight. Hammer kissed the top of her head.
More tears spilled from her eyes as she lifted her head to him. He couldn’t resist brushing them away and taking her lips with his own. The primal need within prowled restlessly but let him have this moment. And as Hammer feasted on her tears, he mourned all the years he’d refused to give her the love she needed. He thanked God every day that Liam and circumstance had conspired to make her stay.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Raine pressed against his chest. Hammer breathed in the scent of her sweet citrus shampoo and basked in the reverent silence they shared.
As he skimmed his fingertips down her back, Hammer held her. Liam deserved more than half the credit for Raine reaching this moment, and Macen wished his friend could be here now to witness their girl’s progress.
Raine sniffed, then shifted to stare into his eyes. Hammer pressed his lips to hers once more.
“Feeling better now?” he asked.
“I think so. It’s still strange, being so open and all.”
Hammer nodded in understanding. “It will be, at least for a little while. Anything worthwhile requires practice.”
“Well, that sounds nifty,” Raine groaned.
He laughed. “You’ll grow accustomed to freeing your emotions. One day, keeping them to yourself will feel as awkward as revealing them seems now. Whether you’ll have half as much success curbing your sarcasm remains to be seen.”
She chuckled. “Don’t hold your breath.”
“I know better,” he assured her. “You’ve grown so much—and so quickly. Don’t minimize your achievements; celebrate them.”
A tiny smile curled her lips. She almost looked proud of herself. “I’m working on it.”
Raine was, and he was thrilled for her. But that subversive part of him just wanted to lay claim to her again.
Hammer drew in a steadying breath and set her on her feet. He couldn’t let her confuse progress with sex. And he didn’t need to derail her thoughts now with pleasure. Hopefully, there would be time for that tonight.
She stood as if she’d unloaded the weight of the world off her shoulders. “Thanks, Macen.”
&nbs
p; “You’re welcome. We’ve got all afternoon before dinner. What are you going to do?”
Heaven help him if she said she wanted to spend the time between the sheets with him. He didn’t think he’d be able to stave off his primal side.
“Actually, I need to run a ton of errands. I’ve neglected getting groceries. I’ve got a package to drop at the post office. Then the drugstore…that kind of stuff.”
Unease skittered through Hammer’s veins. Bill was out there, somewhere.
Macen glanced at the pile of paperwork on his desk. He felt the weight of his silent phone tucked in his pocket. Stay and wait for Liam’s return or go with Raine and make sure she stayed safe?
“I’ll come with you,” he offered.
She frowned. “Why? You hate errands. I think the last time you picked up your own dry cleaning was before I got a driver’s license.”
That was probably true. “I’d like to spend time with you.”
“And I’d like to stop somewhere and get some sexy lingerie for tonight so it will be a surprise.” She batted her lashes.
Damn, he hated to argue with that. Besides, Bill had been spotted twice at Shadows. The sick fuck was mad at him. He wanted money, not Raine. She’d probably be safer elsewhere, in broad daylight, in public.
“Keep your phone with you,” he advised. “We’re going to leave about five thirty, so you’ll need to be back and ready before then.”
“Can’t wait.” She pressed another kiss to his lips.
Macen looked forward to the chance to come clean with her about Gwyneth, the baby, Bill—everything. “Me, too.”
With her hand in his, he walked Raine to her car, scanning the parking lot and the surrounding buildings. No sign of Bill or trouble. He kissed her lips softly and watched as she pulled onto the street. God, he hoped that asshole showed up now that Raine had left. Hammer withdrew the gun from his back and pocketed it. He was ready.
Chapter Nine
The minute Liam pulled into the car park at Beck’s condo complex, he turned to Gwyneth. Finally, he could take control of the situation. She was no longer blindsiding him or tearing into his best friend. He didn’t have to shield Raine from his ex-wife here. No more reacting or putting out fires. She’d be on his turf, following his agenda, playing by his rules.
Let’s see what you’re all about, shall we?
The doorman beeped them up, and as they entered the condo, sunlight streamed through the wall of windows lining the entire back of the place with incredible views of blue ocean as far as the eye could see.
“Liam, this is lovely. A bit cozy…” She glanced around the small space as she wheeled her suitcase in, gliding her fingertips across the back of the leather sofa. She rounded the bar toward the kitchen, fingering the door to the balcony and looked out with delight. “But Kyle and I will be happy here temporarily until the three of us find something together.”
Carting in bags of groceries, he turned to glare at her. He was tired and bloody hungry and he didn’t have much patience for the manipulative wench being deliberately thick. But he intended to set her straight—once and for all.
Liam set the necessities on the kitchen counter, along with Kyle in his new carrier. He put away the food and staples, watching Gwyneth sigh like the cat that ate the canary. No doubt, she had something planned.
Finally, she rolled her suitcase with the playpen folded on top into the only bedroom. Grabbing an apple and a few crackers, Liam snacked, happy to not be in the same room with his ex-wife, even if it was only for two minutes.
He’d barely finished the last bite when she called for him. “Oh, Liam…”
“What?” he bit out.
“Can you set up Kyle’s playpen in the bedroom with us?”
The apple that had tasted so good on the way down suddenly turned sour. “I’ll set it up, Gwyneth. But I’ve told you I’m not staying here.”
She just sent him a smile that said she found his delusion adorable. “Thank you.”
As he bent to set up Kyle’s temporary bed, the babe began to fuss. A whimper at first, then a loud little pant or two. A sniffle, a huff, then the boy began to wail.
Liam sent Gwyneth an expectant expression. She sidled closer to him, ignoring the baby’s cries and drawing a fingernail down his shoulder. “I appreciate it.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d see to Kyle. My head is hurting.”
“I’ll rub your neck the way I used to,” she offered, brushing her body against him.
He tried not to shudder. “No. Find out what ails the boy.” When she still hesitated, he rose and pinned her with a glower. “Now, Gwyneth.”
She didn’t look at all contrite or compliant, reminding him that his ex-wife didn’t have a submissive bone in her body. Instead, she huffed out a breath as she exited the bedroom and called over her shoulder, “We must talk about us soon, darling.”
He’d told her repeatedly that he wasn’t her darling or remotely interested, but playing blonde was all part of her game, no doubt.
As Kyle continued to fuss, Liam glanced around the corner of the bedroom, into the kitchen. Gwyneth had taken to rocking the boy in his car seat and trying to shush him. Besides lacking submissive bones, she also seemed to lack maternal ones.
“Is the boy hungry?” he asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Aren’t you his mother?”
She sent him an annoyed sigh. “Are you finished with the playpen yet? Perhaps he wants to nap again. Or maybe it’s all this drooling. So messy.”
“Is he teething?”
“It seems so.”
But you don’t know? Liam scowled. Definitely time to dig deeper and find out what game Gwyneth played.
With the playpen complete, Liam lined the bottom with a blanket from the bed, then left to find Gwyneth on the couch. Kyle still sat fretting in his car seat at her feet while she filed a fingernail. The tyke gnawed on his fingers, slurping and grunting, seemingly starved. Gwyneth seemed more concerned by her cuticles.
“I’ve set Kyle’s playpen up in the bedroom.”
“Good.” Gwyneth glanced up, a little smile curling her lips. “Come, sit next to me. We have our whole future to discuss.”
When she patted the couch beside her, he scowled. “As soon as I take Kyle’s DNA sample, we’ll talk.”
“Now?” Gwyneth blanched. “Surely we need a doctor for that.”
“No.” Liam patted his pocket. “I’ve got the test kit right here.”
She opened her mouth to argue again, but Kyle interrupted with a lusty howl that demanded their attention.
“I think the lad is hungry,” Liam pointed out.
With a perturbed sigh, Gwyneth rose. “He always is.”
She walked right past the boy and into the kitchen. Sifting through the cupboards, she found what she sought and pulled out a new baby bottle and a can of formula. Kyle’s protests went up another decibel.
She turned to Liam with a beseeching expression. “Can you rock him or something while I make his bottle? I’m beginning to wonder if he’s coming down with a fever. He’s so fussy. This absurd test can wait a few days until our child recovers.”
Liam wanted to ask why she kept objecting to the test, but he had a suspicion. He refused to be played again. Time to turn the table.
“A fever?” Liam frowned. “Why didn’t you say so? We can wait a day or two. Finish fixing the lad his bottle. I’ll change his nappy on the sofa.”
Surprise, then relief, darted across her face before one