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Why couldn’t she, Liam, and Hammer just be happy for five freaking minutes?
Raine made her way down the hall inside Shadows and headed toward the room she’d been sharing with Liam, wishing she could just enjoy a bright new future with the men she loved. Instead, something had gone terribly wrong.
If Liam had business issues, why the hell had Hammer been trying to feel her up in the car, almost flaunting her at Liam? If he’d meant it as a distraction, the ploy had failed miserably. Her gorgeous Irishman almost never turned down the opportunity to touch her. This morning, he hadn’t seemed interested in the least.
Was the fact that he and Hammer had shared her last night troubling Liam now? Or had something else entirely upset him? She hated not having any answers.
Since Liam and Hammer had spent days with her to open up communication, promote trust, and focus on honesty, she’d really hoped they wouldn’t lie. But she suspected they were.
At her side, Seth held her elbow, guiding her down the hall.
Aching to be alone, she tried to shrug out of his hold. “I can find my way.”
“Please prove to me you learned something at the lodge.” It wasn’t exactly a request, as evidenced by the bite in his voice.
Just behind him, Beck carried her suitcase and barked out a laugh. “That’s the thing about the princess. Her temper sometimes overrides her good sense.”
Over her shoulder, she shot Beck a dirty look. “Since when is being factual a problem?”
“It’s all in your tone,” the doctor said, his voice full of soft warning. “If Hammer and Liam haven’t pointed that out yet, I’ll make sure they do.”
Seth tightened his grip on her elbow, scanning the halls tensely, as if he expected a ghost to jump out at him. What was up with all these men this morning? Whatever it was, they had no intention of telling her. She couldn’t blame Beck or Seth. They were simply following Hammer and Liam’s lead.
Raine sighed. “Sorry I’m cranky. I’ll feel better after some food.”
“Hammer will take care of that,” Beck said. “Shower up. He’s got to handle a few things with Pike, then he’ll get cleaned up and take you to breakfast.”
And what would Liam be doing? She couldn’t stand not knowing. She already missed him and had no idea when—or if—he’d be back. Yes, he’d told her that he loved her, that no one was more important. Why did she have so much trouble believing it?
Raine really hated being whiny and insecure.
“Is Liam leaving me?” Tension knotted her belly. “I’m a big girl. If he’s packing his bags, just give it to me straight. I can handle it.”
Some of the stiffness melted from Seth’s face. He shifted his arm around her waist. “No. I’ve known Liam almost ten years. I stood up with him the day he got married. I’ve never seen him love a woman as completely as he loves you.”
Those words should have made her feel better. She wanted them to.
Though Liam had sworn his mood this morning had nothing to do with her, she couldn’t forget that he’d removed his collar less than a week ago. Yes, he’d done it to foster her growth. But after being abandoned by her mother, her siblings—everyone important to her except Hammer—believing that Liam really meant to stay simply wasn’t easy.
Raine knew Seth meant what he said. “Thank you.”
Beck touched the small of her back. “Trust me, no one could pry those two away from you with a crowbar. Liam is just working through some stuff, princess.”
“Is it all business?” Because he seemed affected pretty personally by a strictly professional problem.
The doctor shrugged his beefy shoulders. “I’ve got a major surgery to prep for, so I didn’t ask too many questions.”
Raine turned to quiz Seth, who just shrugged and continued leading her to the bedroom. “I’m not usually up at such an ungodly hour. Mentally, I’m still asleep.”
These guys stuck together. They knew something and weren’t about to tell her.
Beck gave her a reassuring smile. “I’d warn you if they intended to pull the rug out from under you.”
The dungeon’s resident sadist could be a big, ol’ teddy bear. Funny that she used to fear him. In a few weeks, he’d become an essential friend.
“Thanks.”
“I have to head to the hospital. You’re in good hands,” Beck promised, nodding Seth’s way as he handed off the suitcase.
Raine moved into Beck’s personal space, opening her arms to him. He enfolded her against his chest, like the warm embrace of a protective older brother. “I wouldn’t have survived these last few days without you.”
“I’ll let you talk me up next time I find a new sub I’d like to scene with.” He winked.
She gave him a little laugh. “You got it.”
As Beck backed out of the room with a wave, Seth shut the door behind them and nudged her toward the bathroom. “Shower up.”
