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His expression didn’t soften one bit.
Raine swallowed. “Really. I’ve been so…” Preoccupied. “Busy. I didn’t realize that I’d never mentioned it.”
“I had a special surprise planned just for the two of us.”
Shit, she just kept digging herself a deeper hole with him. “I didn’t even think that you might want to do something else. Next year...”
Raine couldn’t finish that sentence. Next year, if nature had taken its course, she’d have an infant, and Liam would be long gone. Even the thought filled her with terror. Still, what else could she do? Hammer and the others were counting on her. Serving this meal every Thanksgiving was one of her greatest pleasures.
“If we can do whatever you had planned on Thursday night, I’d be thrilled and honored to go with you,” she ventured.
And maybe, if she was lucky, Liam would have her somewhere else on Friday so she could avoid Hammer and the doctor appointment he’d threatened. Yes, she was putting off the inevitable, but she just couldn’t face the future now.
He glared at her, his face forbidding.
Raine rushed to reassure him. “Thursday night, I’ll be done with my responsibilities here and I’ll be all yours again.”
“You’re not all mine now, sub?” He rose to his full height. “Am I only your Sir when it’s convenient for you?”
Oh, shit… “That’s not what I meant. Of course I’m yours.” Liam usually wasn’t much for protocol and honorifics, but she couldn’t mistake his demeanor. Raine resisted the urge to shrink back against the headboard. “Sir.”
The title had almost no impact on him. He still glared at her with dark eyes full of disapproval. “Don’t forget it.”
“No, Sir.” God, she hated feeling unworthy, like she never did anything right.
“The private Thanksgiving I had planned for us? I’ll flush that down the fucking toilet.”
Her dread soared. “I feel terrible about disappointing you, especially on Thanksgiving. I want to enjoy what you planned, but I can’t let twenty-five others down. How can I make it up to you?”
“By telling me how late your period is.”
She felt the blood drain from her face. “I told you last week that I wasn’t late.”
A dark brow jetted up. “And this week?”
“Liam…”
“What did you call me?” He glowered, tangling his hand in her hair, pulling just enough for her to feel the sting.
“Sir.”
“Better. Now answer me. Hammer apparently knows exactly how late your period is, while I have no bloody clue.”
Damn Hammer for not keeping his mouth shut. “I didn’t say anything. He’s been counting days. I’ve tried not to upset you—or anyone—until I knew something for sure.”
“You must have some idea whether you’re pregnant, Raine.”
“How should I? I’ve never worried about this.”
Liam whirled away and stormed into the adjoining bathroom. After the rustle of plastic, he returned a moment later, carrying a box. He slammed it on her nightstand.
A pregnancy test.
Her heart stopped.
“I bought this for you last night. Let’s end the worrying.” Liam crossed his arms over his chest. “Take it.”
She backed away. “Don’t make me. Please…”
Her pleading did absolutely nothing but make his expression colder.
“I’ve been patient.”
He had been, just like he always was. She had no right to expect more. But she needed it so badly.
Raine shook her head. “I can’t. I’m too scared to pee on that stick and find out for sure. I’m afraid the truth will drive you away.”
That was as honest as her courage allowed.
His mouth turned down in a disapproving scowl. “Is that why you and Hammer fought?”
She nodded. “He threatened to take me to the doctor on Friday if I still haven’t started.”
“And you wanted to avoid that so badly, you were going to ‘let me’ take you away Thursday night, after dinner at Shadows?”
“No, I really do want to be with you,” she choked. “I’m sorry. About the test, Thanksgiving…” She tried, but nothing would stop her tears. “About everything.”
“I don’t want you to be sorry. I want you to be honest,” he shouted. “Open up and tell me what’s bothering you. Your fears. Your insecurities. What the fuck you want for dinner. Whether or not you’re pregnant. I’m sick to death of being in the dark. I won’t be treated like the bloody wanker you find ways to dodge.”
“You’re not, I swear. Liam…I’m scared.”
“I know you are, but if you won’t face the truth or trust me to help you…” He gritted his teeth. “Then my hands are tied.”
Shame engulfed Raine. She knew she didn’t share things with Liam the way she should. He’d stripped her soul so naked once before, and she’d cowered behind her walls since. They couldn’t have a genuine exchange if she continued this way, but anxiety drove her to shut him out.
“I’m trying.” She couldn’t make the tears and the sorrow stop. “You may not believe me—”
“I’d believe you if you’d take the damn test.”
