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He’d known she was too clever to keep in the dark for long. Hammer arched a brow at her. “Protecting you is our job as Dominants.”
“I know,” Raine quickly affirmed. “As much as I don’t like how it feels to be left out, I also have to trust that you and Liam will tell me what I need to know when the time is right.”
She struggled between stubborn old habits and the unchartered submission she now gave. Though turning over her control surely chafed her independent side, Macen knew she wouldn’t give up simply because of the discomfort. Not his Raine. He smiled.
“We’ve already decided.” He trailed his fingertips down the hollow of one cheek. “We’ll explain everything at dinner tonight. We just need you to be patient a bit longer, while we get some facts straight and tie up some loose ends. Will you do that for us, Raine?”
Some of the weight left her shoulders. “I’ll do my best. You know I’m struggling.”
“I would have never guessed,” he drawled fondly.
She sent him a smile. “You and Liam taught me at the lodge that I had to be honest.”
They had, and now he felt like a grade-A asshole for convincing Liam to withhold the truth from Raine until they’d dealt with Gwyneth.
“So…” she went on. “After a pep talk from Seth, I came to tell you how I’m feeling.”
Damn it, Liam had been right all along. Macen bit back a curse. He hadn’t given her enough credit. Instead, he’d assumed she hadn’t had time to embrace the lessons they’d taught her over the last few days. Staring at her now, with her heart in her eyes as she confessed her worries, Hammer wanted to kick his own ass. His decision to shield her from the ugly truth stemmed from his own inability to trust in their new commitment, not hers.
Hammer knelt and cupped her chin, drilling his gaze down into hers. “I’m sorry the time hasn’t been right to tell you yet. We never intended to hurt or worry you.”
“I know that logically. But I feel confused and anxious. You’re making me crazy.”
The drastic change in Raine’s demeanor floored him. She spilled her emotions without anger or confrontation. Neither throwing dildos nor—thank goodness—running away.
Hammer felt something shift inside him. For years, he’d been her protector, caring and providing for her. Then he’d claimed her as a lover, taking her body and giving her pleasure. Now, he finally felt like her Dominant.
“I know it’s been a difficult day. Balancing our protective instinct with your independent streak is…an interesting endeavor.”
“You mean, I’m a pain in your ass.” She grinned before she turned serious again. “I’ll admit I want answers. I accept that you’re not ready to tell me and trust that you will when it’s time, but it’s so hard for me not to go down the path of insecurity and fear.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.
God, she’d made herself so vulnerable and she was fucking beautiful.
“Shh,” Macen murmured as he gathered her in his arms and helped her to the sleek leather couch. Easing down, he settled her on his lap and sifted his fingers through her hair. “You’ve come so far, precious. I’m truly proud.”
She stared up at him with a shy smile, as if he were her world. His chest buckled with the weight of emotion.
“I know coming to me today with your feelings took tremendous courage, but you’re doing well,” he went on. “Always remember, we’ll do everything in our power to keep you safe, Raine. You’re the most important thing in our whole world. I love you.” Hammer paused and swallowed tightly. “I always have.”
“I love you, too,” she murmured softly, staring up at him, her big blue eyes brimming with faith and tears.
When a single tear slid down her cheek, Hammer bent and kissed the drop away.
Liam had told him just a few days ago at the lodge that the early days of his relationship with her had been a battle of wills. It had taken a lot of effort for Liam to break through her walls. Hammer wasn’t surprised that Raine had confessed she didn’t know how to cry and bleed in front of anyone.
You do now, and it’s a glorious sight. Hammer kissed the top of her head.
More tears spilled from her eyes as she lifted her head to him. He couldn’t resist brushing them away and taking her lips with his own. The primal need within prowled restlessly but let him have this moment. And as Hammer feasted on her tears, he mourned all the years he’d refused to give her the love she needed. He thanked God every day that Liam and circumstance had conspired to make her stay.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Raine pressed against his chest. Hammer breathed in the scent of her sweet citrus shampoo and basked in the reverent silence they shared.
