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She had barely taken two steps toward freedom when River grabbed a handful of her T-shirt and hauled her back against him.
“Hey,” a man to her right called. “What the hell is going on? Let her go.”
Raine turned to the voice. One of the trainers who worked at the fitness studio next door. Big and bulky, the bodybuilder looked like her brother’s match in size and strength.
“Help me!”
When the guy sprinted headlong toward them, River set her behind him. “She’s my sister. Butt out.”
“She obviously doesn’t want to be in your company. Back off.” The good Samaritan glanced her way. “Go inside and call the police. I’ll hold him here until they arrive.”
“Thank you so much.” She didn’t dare linger any more, so she dashed back to the spa.
“I’m not giving up on you,” River called after her.
Chills shot up her spine, but Raine didn’t stop, just kicked the doorstop aside and wrenched the portal shut behind her. When she heard it lock, she dragged in a relieved breath. Her hands trembled when she swiped at the tears running down her face, grabbed her purse, and dashed into the reception area. Only the bitch behind the counter who wouldn’t help her sat there, acting like she didn’t exist.
But outside the glass door, Raine spotted the most reassuring sight of all.
Hammer leaned against his Audi, waiting on her. When she launched herself outside, she didn’t have to say a word. The moment he zeroed in on her, concern charged across his face. She ran for him as if she couldn’t reach him quickly enough. He ate up the ground between them. As she fell into his arms, he caught her in a tight, protective embrace, then drank in her sobs and held her so close.
Afternoon sunlight blazed into the living room through the picture window overlooking the front lawn. Despite the surprisingly warm day and feeling Raine curled up on his lap, icy resolve filled Liam.
He tried not to think that if she hadn’t kept her wits or if the trainer next door hadn’t been enjoying the temperate day, River might have taken her and Liam wouldn’t be holding her now.
In fact, he might never have held her again.
Liam clutched Raine tighter and nuzzled her neck, breathing her in. She trembled, curling her fingers into his shirt, as he gently stroked her hair.
“Are you all right, love?” he whispered.
“Still a little shocked, but better now that I’m home with you two.”
“Are you sure you don’t need a doctor?”
She shook her head. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me, just scared me. I’m upset that I couldn’t make him understand.”
“From the sounds of it, he didn’t give you much chance to explain. We know that feeling.” Liam wanted to murder the wankstain. And he’d barely been able to let go of Raine since Hammer had rushed her home.
Since then, the police had come and gone. They had interviewed the bodybuilder in the alley, as well, who had corroborated Raine’s version of events. But River had managed to fend off her burly rescuer and vanish without a trace. The LAPD was gunning for him now.
Liam was hyperaware the bastard was well trained to reappear anytime and anywhere. He could pull off nearly anything to take Raine from them without a whisper of warning.
Pacing the length of the room, Hammer looked disheveled and pissed off. He had long ago ditched his cloak of civility, having tossed his coat on a nearby chair and his tie on the armrest of the sofa. He prowled like a caged lion as he clutched his phone and barked into the device.
“What do you mean you don’t know where to find him? I need to talk to Seth Cooper now.”
Whatever the man’s assistant said on the other end did not reassure Hammer. He glowered. If the woman could have seen him, she would no doubt have run screaming.
“I understand cases can be unpredictable. So is the one I’ve given him. Have him call me the moment he surfaces.”
After the woman murmured some platitude, Hammer stabbed at a button on the screen and barely managed not to hurtle the phone across the room. Instead, he flung himself on the cushion beside them with a growl. Liam shot him a warning stare. Macen’s agitation wasn’t helping to keep Raine calm.
“You okay, precious?” He turned to her, his tone surprisingly tender.
“Don’t get worked up, Macen.”
“You’re upset,” he bit out.
“My head is racing. I’m shocked my own brother tried to abduct me. Since he grew up under Bill’s roof, I’m sure he had a rough childhood, too. But I’m not violent, so I can’t make excuses for him. You tried to tell me what he was like, and I didn’t really believe you. I’m just sad.”
Hammer sighed. “I’m sure it’s hard to accept.”
Raine rubbed at her forehead. “Yeah. I just need…”
