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Macen traversed a long hall, then stepped aside and held one of the double doors open to allow Liam through. Kitchen was an understatement. As with every other part of Shadows, it was modern, well laid out, functional, clean, and bright. Any chef would be pleased with such a space.
But the decor wasn’t what caught Liam’s eye. No, it was the raven-haired woman with the alluring heart-shaped ass who washed dishes at the sink.
As Macen sidled up beside him, she turned to them, blinking and startled.
Instant lust zapped Liam as if he’d been punched in the chest. She was petite. Intense blue eyes. Lush mouth. Painfully young.
When she smiled in welcome, his desire—among other things—swelled. Her dazzling warmth burned him. She was a gorgeous, wee thing.
Fuck, how soon could he talk her into bed? She’d be a great balm to help him forget his divorce…
Her gaze zeroed in on Hammer, her expression filled with worship. “Macen, you’re back.”
Liam froze. His old friend only let those closest to him call him by his first name, and never in that breathy tone.
Curious now, he turned to observe Hammer, stunned to see his mate stare at the brunette with hunger. The tension between them bubbled thick.
Who was she? Clearly not just another female in a long, long line of them.
Was she the cause of Macen’s disquiet?
He hadn’t taken this girl to bed yet; Liam would bet his life on that. But it was only a matter of time.
He smothered his disappointment.
Hammer finally ended the awkward silence. “I didn’t expect to find you here.”
“You know me.” She shrugged. “Since I’ve taken care of the payables and the restocking, I came here to relax.”
Hammer smiled—the first genuine one Liam had seen on his face in years. “As always.”
His mate had learned this beauty’s habits. Just how well did he know her?
“Who’s this, then?” Liam asked.
“Uh…yeah.” Hammer turned grim as he shuffled closer to her. “Precious, meet one of my oldest, dearest friends, Liam O’Neill. He’s just arrived from New York.”
Hammer towered over the woman. Hell, they both did.
Liam stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Hello, Precious.” Though that must be her club name, it fit her. “Lovely to meet—”
“No,” Hammer bit out. “Her name isn’t precious.”
“It’s Raine.” With a hint of a laugh, she sent him a long stare from under her thick lashes. “Nice to meet you.”
In all the years he’d known Hammer, Liam had only once ever heard the man call a sub anything other than girl. The fact he called this one precious shouted Raine’s importance.
The relationship must be developing. Maybe that’s why Hammer hadn’t mentioned it yet. But even a blind man could see they were gone for each other. The air between them sizzled and hummed.
Liam arched a brow in his friend’s direction.
Macen didn’t meet his gaze, merely clapped him on the back. “Why don’t I show you to your room?”
“Wait,” Raine called. “I’m starting dinner. Any preferences?”
The domestic question, spoken as if she’d uttered these very words a thousand times, stunned Liam. If they were a couple, why hadn’t he heard about it?
“Don’t bother. Since it’s Liam’s first night here, I’m going to take him out. We’ll be back before the club is in full swing. Can you make sure everything is ready?”
Her shoulders drooped with disappointment, but she nodded. “Of course.”
“Thanks.” As if he couldn’t get away fast enough, Macen turned and grabbed his arm. “Your room is this way. Let’s drop your luggage and go.”
Liam wanted to keep observing Hammer with his…what? Raine’s ring finger was bare, but she was definitely someone to him. Girlfriend? Sub? Significant other? “I don’t mind staying in, mate, if you and Raine already have plans. Or we could bring her with us.”
“Oh, I-I wouldn’t want to intrude…” she demurred.
But she did—badly.
Hammer scowled. “It would be better if you stayed—”
“Nonsense,” Liam cut in. “I’d love to have you join us, lass.”
“Really?” She might have said the words to Liam…but she looked at Hammer with pleading eyes. “I already have the dungeon set up for tonight.”
Hammer sighed. “Fine. We’ll go out.”
Liam frowned. If Macen cared about Raine—and he had no doubt the man did—why the reticence? Why the cold shoulder?
A huge smile lit her face. “Okay. Should I change?”
She made a vague gesture to her oversized T-shirt and short shorts, which exposed her sleek thighs. Liam did his best not to gawk at her.
And Macen couldn’t quite bank the heat in his stare. “Quickly. Wear your yellow dress. Cream-colored heels. Hair up.”
“All right. I’ll be ready in five.” Raine shouldered her way past them and raced down the hall.
Hammer watched her go as if he couldn’t stand not to look at her.
Liam turned to his friend. “So…you and Raine. How long has this been going on? She’s a beauty and obviously besotted with you.”
Hammer gave a sharp jerk of his head. “She’s my employee. There’s nothing going on.”
