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She hesitated, considering. Liam wanted to push, but he didn’t. The time wasn’t right. Instead, he cajoled.
“C’mon lass. You’re ready. Any responsible Dom gives the sub what she needs, and you’ve gone too long without that since Hammer has stifled you.”
Raine stared at him, biting her lip. He could practically see her thoughts working. Time to lean on her a bit.
“Be brave, lovely. Take what I’m offering. I’d be good to you.”
“That sounds great and all, but you’re Hammer’s best friend. And it’s taken you a couple of months to reach the conclusion that I need...whatever it is you think I’m doing without. Plus, you never really told me what’s in it for you. Yeah, you said I’m pretty, but I don’t think that alone would motivate you to spend the weeks or months it will likely take to train me. Not to mention that you danced around telling me what you said to Hammer a few minutes ago. So forgive me if I’m a little suspicious.”
Clever girl. She was smart to be wary. But he couldn’t allow it to continue.
“It seems to me that you have more to gain than to lose by giving me a go. Hammer has already rejected you, and I’m sorry for it. But should you have to lose your home, as well? Rather than leaving, why not take this opportunity to try something new? Test your limits and grow.” He stepped back and put a bit of distance between them so she wouldn’t feel crowded or threatened. “You seem to think I have some ulterior motive, but I’d be lying if I said your plight doesn’t grate at my need to protect and teach you what I believe you crave.”
She sent him a considering stare. “If you have nothing to hide, then what did you two talk about before you came in here?”
He forced a casual shrug. “I’d have thought that would be obvious. We discussed why he was allowing you to get under his skin and create an uproar. Both of you were hot enough to fry eggs. He’s my friend. Why wouldn’t I be concerned?”
“About him, sure. That makes sense. But me? I’m nothing to you.”
Just like Hammer had said, trust was going to be a major issue for her. Earning it while he wasn’t being totally honest was an added challenge. But his plan would ultimately benefit Raine and Hammer both, if it worked. While he trained her, he would have to separate his ploy from her progress and focus on giving her exactly what she needed. She would eventually trust that he wanted her happiness.
“Because my concern for Hammer extends to his responsibilities as a Dominant. If he’s unable to manage them, for whatever reason, then I will. That includes you.”
Her nose wrinkled in distaste. “I’m tired of being someone’s responsibility.”
“That’s not all you are to him. You’re wrong if you think he doesn’t love you. It may not be the way you want him to, but he cares.” He cocked his head. Talking to her was a bit like playing a chess match. He had to carefully consider his every move. “I’ll be more honest than I should when I say you won’t be simply a responsibility to me. You’re an untested submissive. That makes you a very attractive proposition. I’ll enjoy coaxing your surrender. You’ll be a lovely challenge.”
She flushed. “And it won’t bother you that I love him?”
Liam crafted his words carefully, then took a half step closer to cup her cheek and delve deep into her eyes. “I don’t need your love, lass, just your trust. I’ve said I’d be willing to help you become the submissive you’re wanting to be. Leave, don’t leave. The choice is yours. But know this, Raine: Regrets are a heavy albatross to carry around your neck for the rest of your life.”
She turned her attention from him to her own thoughts. He watched her face, practically saw her mind start to spin and race. Fascinating, really. He’d grown so used to women with towering walls guarding their thoughts, especially his ex-wife. Raine was so new, a blank slate in so many ways. Fresh. The idea of molding her excited him. The idea of touching her excited him, too—far more than it should.
“I see your point,” she finally conceded. “What’s the catch to your offer?”
Slowly, but surely, he was reaching her. “Hammer insists that he’ll have his pound of flesh. I can’t stop Beck from punishing you on his behalf. But if you agree to let me train you, I won’t let him touch you. Either way, I’ll be by your side to lend what support I may.”
She lifted her chin. “If I stay, I’ll manage Beck. I’m not a coward.”
Liam fought a smile. Raine was many things—a minx, a smart girl trapped in a woman’s body, a submissive without a Dominant to guide her—but he would never call her a coward.
