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She blanched and issued an inward scream. “I’d rather list more things I love about myself. I’m reasonably smart. I can be funny—”
“You had your chance. The affirmations, if you please,” Liam insisted.
Ugh. Raine had memorized every damn word but loathed having to spit them out again. “They make me feel awkward and uncomfortable.”
Actually, they made her itch. Liam and Hammer knew that.
“Because you don’t believe them yet. Say them enough, and you will.” Hammer shot her an expectant smile.
Might as well get this over with… Raine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I will open myself up and share not only my needs but my emotions.”
“Every need—from tampons to kisses,” Hammer reiterated.
“Especially your fears, joys, accomplishments, and worries,” Liam added.
I know. I know. I’m trying to figure out how…
“I will be totally honest at all times without fear of embarrassment or reprisal. Nor will I hold back for fear of hurting someone’s feelings.”
“You know we expect total honesty. Without fail,” Liam emphasized.
“Is that clear?” Hammer asked in that damn hard-assed Dom voice that turned her on.
“Yes, Sirs.” Raine swallowed tightly. They’d already dealt with that mantra a bunch at the lodge.
“Next one,” Liam prodded, gesticulating with his finger.
She sighed. “No one has control over any aspect of my life unless I choose to give them my gift.”
Hammer nodded. “Just remember, you can take back your control any time you want, Raine. But don’t decide to toss in the towel just because things get uncomfortable.”
Been there. Done that. She’d hated the T-shirt. “I understand, Sirs.”
Liam frowned. “Today, you handed your control over to Gwyneth. You gave her the power to hurt you, didn’t you?”
“Yeah.” She hadn’t meant to, but Raine now realized that she’d let Liam’s bitch-faced ex climb inside her head.
“Last one,” Hammer murmured. “You’re doing really well, precious.”
Raine nodded and tried not to wince. On the surface, this declaration seemed like it should be the easiest. Somehow, it hurt the most. “I deserve happiness and love.”
Without a word, they knelt beside her, surrounded her.
“You do.” Liam brushed her hair back over her shoulder and cupped her chin before he pressed his lips to the pulse point on her neck. “We hope you’ll let us fill you with our love and happiness, Raine.”
“Every day,” Macen echoed.
A single tear slipped down her cheek as she raised her hands and cupped each of their cheeks. “I’ll always try to share my emotions and fears with you two—without yelling or cursing. I can’t promise I’ll never hide behind my walls, but if I’m not aware I’m doing it, tell me. I’ll work hard to come out…or let you in.”
The broad smiles that lit up their faces were almost blinding. They hugged her, and Raine felt something shift deep inside. It wasn’t this house’s beauty that made it a home because her home would always be in their arms.
“I think you’re catching on,” Hammer teased.
“Yeah, yeah.” She flashed him a playful pout.
“We’re proud of you, love. Keep your faith in us. We won’t let you down.” Liam kissed her so gently she almost melted.
Hammer stood and extended his hand. “I think it’s time to christen this house properly. What do you say?”
“I agree.” Liam got to his feet, too, and reached out for her.
She took their hands. “I’d love that. But there’s a problem.”
“Besides my blue balls?” Hammer quipped.
“That’s a problem we can fix.” She flirted with a little grin. “But you’re overdressed for the occasion. Here I am, all naked, and no one is joining me.”
They both rushed to tear off their clothes, and Raine had to repress another smile. Today’s conversation had been difficult. She’d made a huge mistake earlier, but Liam and Hammer had calmed her, talked to her, explained. The resulting dialogue hadn’t been easy, but it had been fruitful. Now she felt like the three of them stood on more solid footing. And they had an absolutely beautiful house in which to start their forever.
Then the sights around her completely derailed her thoughts. Hammer yanked off his shirt, exposing a pair of broad shoulders and a wide, muscled chest that never failed to make her hot. Beside him, under him, she felt so small and feminine and protected. Then Liam shucked his pants, and her breath caught. Under his lean shoulders and the muscles bunching all the way down his back, his body tapered to the most sigh-worthy ass she’d ever seen on a man. Taut, lightly dusted with hair, and just round enough for her to want to bite.
She gave a happy little shudder of a sigh.
Suddenly, Liam turned to Macen. “Look at her, gawking at us like we’re a couple of slabs of beef.”
Raine felt a flush rise on her cheeks. “You can’t blame me. You’re both incredible. And not just to look at.”
“As much as I’ve enjoyed fucking you when you’re mad, pliant, or solemn, I think I’m going to enjoy it a lot more when you’re happy.” Hammer wrapped an arm around her and guided her toward the bed, then glanced at Liam. “Hurry up, man. I don’t know how long I can wait before I start without you.”
