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Hammer wasn’t amused.
“Stop worrying. Until they file formal charges, there’s nothing to do but be patient.”
Hammer scoffed. “You didn’t just tell me to be patient, did you?”
Sterling grinned. “Indeed, I did, my boy. Which, of course, is like telling you to become a submissive. But I’m afraid until they tip their hand, all we can do is wait.”
After a restless night, Raine woke with Liam’s heated flesh pressed against her back. She rose with a soft sigh.
Last night before dinner, he and Liam had made love to her. Then Hammer had finally told them about his police interview. After holding her and reassuring her as much as he could without making promises he couldn’t keep, Macen had disappeared downstairs, taking Liam with him.
Then she’d heard the knock late last night, eavesdropped on the guys’ conversation with Dean. Then Liam had disappeared for a bit during the wee hours. Hammer had rolled away from her a few hours later and left the house.
Raine sucked in a breath to hold herself together. Though both men tried to soften the truth, they were worried. It was indulgent and protective, and she loved them for it. But she was part of the problem since her brother had stirred the proverbial shit pot. So she had to be part of the solution.
Hammer and Liam might feel betrayed by her decision, but Raine intended to do whatever it took to explain to her brother all the ways he was ruining her life, then make him fix it.
After the spa incident, she obviously couldn’t see him alone. Hammer had enough on his plate, and Liam might kill her brother.
Those two had to stay behind.
Darting another glance Liam’s way to ensure he still slept, she bent beside the bed and retrieved the sweat pants Hammer had worn last night. She stuck her hand in the pockets, relieved when her fingers wrapped around a scrap of paper. Raine yanked it out. The address and room number of River’s motel.
Tiptoeing past her sleeping Irishman, she threw herself together, then grabbed her phone from the nightstand. Two phone calls, and she’d be out the door.
Raine left the bedroom and smelled something delicious. Her stomach rumbled. Thank goodness Liam’s mother had made herself at home in her kitchen.
As Raine entered the breakfast nook, she found Beck and Seth, devouring golden pancakes and bacon.
She couldn’t hide her surprise. “Good morning. What are you doing here?”
Seth shrugged. “Liam’s mom called and said you needed us.”
Zipping a gaze over to Bryn, she blinked at the woman. “You know what I have planned?”
“Of course I do, lass. And you’re right to think that Liam and Hammer will only hinder you. Go see River and reason with him. Seth and Kenneth will go along, keep you safe.”
Raine smiled gratefully. “My thinking, too. Thanks.”
Bryn bustled her into a hug. “I want to see you all happy, and I think you’re on the right track.”
Beck frowned. “I don’t like the idea of going behind your Doms’ backs, princess. They’ll be plenty pissed off at us.”
“Your brother is a dangerous guy. He’s shown us he can be ruthless.” Seth shook his head. “I’d feel better if Liam and Hammer knew where you were going and why.”
“I’m the only one who can set River straight.” Raine accepted the plate Bryn handed her with a silent thanks. “My brother will find out just how stubborn I can be.”
“It will be good to have your last bit of family in your life,” Bryn added.
Right now, Raine didn’t care about that. Though her brother had once given her piggyback rides and swiped a candy bar from the corner store to see her smile, she’d lived this long without him.
“I’m not counting on that.” She addressed Seth and Beck. “If you’re not comfortable going with me, I’ll go alone. But I’m definitely going.”
The two men were hardly besties, and she definitely sensed competition between them over a certain blond nurse volunteer, but they glanced at one another and promptly got on the same page with a nod.
“What’s this?” Liam stood tall and watchful at the entrance of the kitchen, scrutinizing the scene.
Her heart dropped. She’d really wanted to get away from home without a confrontation.
“I’m going to talk to River and make him listen. Please don’t try to stop me, Liam. This is the only way I can help Macen.”
“We said no. You promised us that you’d not seek out your brother.” Liam’s expression hardened. “There’s no real proof of Hammer’s wrongdoing. I doubt the evidence will hold up in court. We don’t want you risking yourself.”
“I made that promise before the police zeroed in on Macen. The stakes are higher now. So is the price he’ll pay if I don’t do this.”
“River tried to kidnap you. Have you forgotten? Hammer and I never will. We almost lost you again. Do you not realize the hell he nearly put us through? And now I’m supposed to let you go meet that devil?”
