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“You never have been, precious. That was in your mind, not ours,” Hammer pointed out.
“Don’t you think it might be time to let that pretty little head of yours start listening to your heart?”
Liam’s soft question hit Raine in between the eyes. She smiled his way gratefully. “I think so. I’m definitely going to try harder now. It’s like you’ve shown me there’s light at the end of a dark, awful tunnel. And I want that. It’s been lonely and scary in here these last six years. You two give me hope that I am finally on the right path.”
“You definitely are.” Hammer smiled at her before brushing his lips over her cheek.
Liam moved in for a kiss, too. “Yes, love. You did so beautifully yesterday. Today, we’ll be asking you to give us more.”
Even yesterday, that would have scared her. Their reinforcement just now steadied the ground beneath her feet. While it felt foreign, a confidence she’d never known surged inside her.
“Are you ready for your next task?” Hammer queried.
“I think so. I’m just a little anxious.”
“Anxious? As in scared or excited, love?” Liam probed her with a curious stare.
“Some of both. But I’m eager to start.”
“That’s what we want to hear,” Hammer praised.
Liam nodded. “But before we carry on, tell us how it feels to have us both beside you?”
“Analyze your feelings out loud. Talk it through with us. You’re as safe as you were last night,” Hammer promised.
“When you touch me and tell me I’m doing a good job, I feel…relieved. I feel complete. You make me want to do you both proud.”
“Hold on to that feeling while we take you through the day. Lean on us, Raine. We’re right beside you all the way,” Hammer insisted.
“We’re not going to leave you half done,” Liam promised. “You’ve learned that your growth is worth the bits of pain now, haven’t you?”
“Yes.” She bit her lip. “But there’s always that little voice in the back of my head… I’m terrified of failing you two.”
Liam cradled her face in his hands. “The only way you can fail is if you give up.”
“Just keep trying. As long as you keep reaching for us, we’ll be there to hold you.” Hammer rose and headed for her suitcase, plucking up a little red silk robe. He turned with a mischievous smile. “Time for breakfast, precious.”
That was it? They were done picking through her soul? Funny, it hadn’t hurt a bit. But Raine knew they’d only been assessing her mood and progress. No doubt they still had plenty of difficult hurdles for her to overcome. Butterflies in her stomach dipped and fluttered.
“I’m starved!” she admitted.
“I imagine so. You didn’t eat much yesterday.” Hammer helped her to her feet and slid the robe up her arms, settling it over shoulders.
Neither Hammer nor Liam said another word for several long moments, just stared at her as if they expected something Raine didn’t understand. As the uncomfortable silence dragged on, she swung her gaze between them. Liam’s expression all but screamed: Didn’t we just have a lesson about communication?
With a cocked head and a raised brow, he leveled her with a slightly menacing stare. “I assure you, love, Ngaire has a cupboard full of pickles.”
Raine winced. “Ugh, no pickles. You know I hate them.”
“Indeed, I do.” Liam’s voice was cool and told her he expected more of an answer.
With a frown, she stared at the man. What the hell did he want her to say?
“There might be some of that trout leftover from yesterday’s lunch,” Hammer suggested.
“For breakfast? Gross!” Then she understood the game. Not just communication, but complete communication. “I’d really like two eggs over easy with salt and pepper, please. With that, I want one piece of lightly buttered toast, a banana, and a glass of orange juice—without pulp, if you have it—Sirs.”
Hammer chuckled as Liam flashed a broad grin.
“Much better.” Hammer cupped her chin and held her in a passionate gaze before he bent and pressed a hungry kiss to her lips.
Raine longed for him to devour her whole. She shoved away the tinge of disappointment when he released her.
“I’m sure you’ll earn exactly what you want,” Hammer responded as if he could read her mind. “Now hop into the shower and get cleaned up. We’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
Liam stood and pulled her into his arms, laying a lingering kiss on her lips. “When you come down, be wearing this, love. This—and nothing else. Do we make ourselves clear?”
“Yes, Sir.” Liam’s commanding mien filled her, and Raine felt the jolt of it all the way to her toes as she bowed her head. Warmth and excitement melded with her love for him. “I won’t be long. I promise.”
“Good lass.” Liam lifted her chin to him and kissed her one last time. “Don’t make us wait.”
