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“I’m not trying to play devil’s advocate here,” Beck began. “But are you sure you two didn’t have her so revved up, she responded that completely just to get off?”
Liam shook his head. “No. I’m well versed in the ways she maneuvers from the truth. There wasn’t even a whisper of that today.”
“Don’t get too cocky yet,” Seth warned. “She’s still got a hell of a lot of work ahead of her.”
“We’re not,” Hammer growled as if taking offense to the other man’s words. “We know what we’re doing.”
“I know you do.” Seth raised his hand, staving off Macen’s glare. “All I’m saying is tomorrow might not be as easy as today. I’m just trying to prepare you both.”
“We never said it would be easy,” Liam agreed. “But then I was mostly thinking for her, not us. Seems like she’s not the only one learning a few things.”
“What do you mean?” Beck leaned in to study first Hammer, then Liam.
“Her home life.” Hammer slammed back a gulp as if steeling himself to continue. “Bill did a number on her emotionally and physically, far worse than we’d known.”
“The sick, fucking prick killed off anything she coveted. Her dreams, goddamn puppies she wanted for pets… The son of a bitch needs to die a slow, painful death. And I’d love to be the one to do it, too.” Liam felt his anger boil again.
“Get in line, man. I’m right there with you.” Hammer nodded with a tight set of his jaw.
“Sounds like she’s going to need the first part of tomorrow’s task even more.” The look on Beck’s face revealed the depth of his concern.
Liam had harbored contempt for Beck almost from day one. He’d noticed the friendship between the brash, tattooed Dom and Hammer when he’d first arrived. It had crawled under his skin that another was privy to his best mate on more than a surface level. Even though the resentment made him feel like a girl, it scorched him. But after the day they’d spent working with Raine, Beck had grown on him. And Liam himself had a new understanding; he and Hammer still shared a bond deeper than brothers. Far deeper than Beck or any other could imagine.
“It sounds like she’s needed what you both have to offer for a long time.” Seth tossed back a shot of bourbon with a hiss. “I’m glad you two didn’t make us drag out the two-by-fours.”
“That’s a last resort.” Beck chuckled. “They’d just try to shove them up our asses.”
Seth scoffed. “Good luck with that.”
The sling of insults continued a few minutes longer before they all buckled down and got back to business. They discussed strategy and collectively agreed to a plan of action.
One by one, the other men left for their beds while Liam sat before the dying embers. Pondering all he’d once had with Raine, praying he could have it again…but better than before. He could see a future with the girl so very clearly, and he ached down to his marrow for it.
Placing his empty tumbler on the side table, he thought about Hammer. He didn’t want to focus on how deeply they both loved Raine. But it was a fact he couldn’t deny. Facing the reality that the dream of ever having her for himself again might be nothing more than fantasy chilled him. He hated the way his jealousy made him feel, but he owed himself the same honesty and openness he and Hammer demanded of Raine.
It seemed much longer than a few short weeks ago that his life had been uncomplicated and predictable. The struggles he now faced were nothing compared to her ultimate happiness. Come what may, it satisfied something inside him to see her blossom beneath their hands. Their voices. Their will. She became something more with them both, someone more… He had no words for it yet, just an inkling of something not quite free of the shadows. But when it revealed itself, when they could see all of her soul, it would be the most priceless gift he’d ever received.
Climbing the stairs, he reached her room. With a soft snick of the handle, he peeked inside. She lay just as they’d left her, buried deep beneath the covers, only her nose and dark hair peeking free.
The need to go to her damn near overwhelmed him. It surprised him, too. But it shouldn’t have. Raine had always had that effect on him, from the very first time he’d seen her. He’d been so torn, never sure whether to beat her ass black and blue, fuck her senseless, or hold her against him and feel their hearts beat together—none of which she’d minded too much. And always to protect her, to keep her safe from whatever frightened her that he couldn’t see. But he knew what she feared now, and something inside him raged for the injustices she’d endured. He couldn’t have helped her as a child, but he could love the woman now. Liam hoped it would be enough.
