The Break by Shayla Black

As the sun hid just below the horizon, Liam led Raine outside toward his SUV, with her hand tucked in his. Hammer trailed close behind, his palm resting at the small of her back. The guys were so quiet. Tension hovered in the air. Now wasn’t the time to ask questions—but she wanted to.

Liam opened the back door. “Get in.”

Raine frowned. Two men occupied the front seat. Were they letting someone else take her somewhere? That didn’t sound like Liam and Hammer at all. She sent Liam a questioning gaze, then bent to see who sat in the car.

Beck swiveled in the driver’s seat and grinned. “Hop in, princess. Your chariot awaits.”

“Why are you going…wherever it is we’re going?” she blurted. “Aren’t you on call?”

“Hammer, you want to teach her some manners?” Beck suggested.

“I’ve got it.” Liam swatted her ass.

She yelped, then glared at him. “It was just a question.”

“Yes, a nosy one,” Hammer said archly, digging into his pocket. “If you can’t mute your curiosity, I’ll be happy to help.”

He dangled a ball gag in her face. Raine’s eyes widened. She shook her head.

Seth roared with laughter. “This is going to be so entertaining.”

She gave a little huff and sent Seth a stare that let him know he wasn’t helping one bit. He just laughed more.

With her butt still stinging, Raine jumped into the back, as far from Hammer’s ball gag as possible. Liam stopped her from sliding past the middle when he eased into the back seat on the driver’s side. Hammer entered on the passenger’s side and shut the door, sandwiching her between them. She still hadn’t recovered from Liam’s kiss in the bathroom or Hammer’s in the kitchen. Now they pressed in tightly on either side of her. As Beck eased out of the parking lot and headed for the freeway, her heart raced. Perspiration dampened the skin between her breasts.

She had no idea where they were going. But with Hammer and Liam pressing their body heat into her, she prayed the drive wouldn’t be far. She sensed their gazes straying toward her, could feel their hunger. They even smelled fantastic. Damn! Raine closed her eyes and squirmed, looking for some space. There wasn’t any. Her pussy clenched.

Everyone relaxed into their seats, and Beck sipped coffee from a big travel mug. Raine held in a curse. She had a hunch this wasn’t going to be a short trip.

To her left, Liam planted a hand on her bare thigh, just above her knee. She tensed and blinked up at him. It wasn’t an overtly sexual caress, but he still made her heart race. She shifted and tried to cross her legs.

“None of that, love.” Liam stayed her, tightening his fingers on her.

“You never cross your legs around us,” Hammer growled in her ear.

Their deep voices caressed her. Raine pictured her legs open and them touching her intimately, possessively. A flash of arousal burned an electric supercharge hot through her veins. Blood rushed to her nipples, swelled her folds. God, she couldn’t breathe. Dizziness swamped her head.

Before she could recover, Hammer took her hand and slung her wrist over his thigh. His thumb whispered across her forearm in slow, sensual circles. No mistaking the heat rising from his crotch, maybe an inch under her palm.

And Liam didn’t seem to care. What the hell was going on here? He and Hammer were actually touching her simultaneously. Yes, they’d sworn to shelve the animosity between them and operate as one to help her, but Raine hadn’t entirely believed it. And they surely hadn’t discussed sex. Now, with her body on fire, need overtaking her and their hands on her, she felt more confused than ever.

Seth turned on the radio. The band coming through the speakers began singing about their sex being on fire. Yeah, she could relate. The man turned to her and grinned.

Asshole, she mouthed.

His smile disappeared. “Did you say something, Raine?”

Oops, he wasn’t in the teasing mood. Traitor. She shook her head.

Beck chuckled and caught her glance in the rearview mirror. She’d smack him upside the head for being an asshole too if she wasn’t sure she’d get in more trouble for it.

“Problem, Seth?” Liam asked.

Between the two men, she tensed and sent Seth a pleading glance.

“If there is, I’ve got a ball gag and nipple clamps.” Hammer patted his pocket. “Just say the word.”

Raine zipped a stare over to him. Was he trying to goad Liam’s temper? Or just drive her over the edge of desire? God, she’d been dropped into the Twilight Zone.

She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Find your damn Zen.

Yeah, that shit wasn’t working. And it wasn’t even seven a.m. yet.

“No problem so far,” Seth finally said. “I’ve had a cup of Raine’s coffee. I get the big deal now. I’m feeling generous…at the moment.”

Kings of Leon were still screaming about their sex, and she sang along in her head, hoping it would distract her. It worked until Liam sidled even closer, his thigh plastered against hers. Hammer turned to ask Liam if he had enough room…and breathed on her neck.

Raine bit back a moan. How much more sensual overload could she take? As Beck had pointed out back at his condo, BDSM wasn’t about sex. But Hammer and Liam sure were making it hard for her to think about much else.

The sun began to spill into the car as Liam’s hand inched up her thigh. Every cell in her body held a collective breath, along with her, just waiting…

If she slid down and tried to get Liam’s hand closer to her aching clit, would he notice? Yes, and he’d never give her what she wanted. At this point, she suspected Hammer would back him up, too.

She dared a peek at Liam. He stared straight ahead, but wore a smug little smile. Damn it, he knew exactly what he was doing to her.

His fingers crawled up her thigh again, this time taking her skirt with him an inch or two. A little gasp slipped past her lips as her clit began to throb, begging for his attention.

On her right, tingles screamed up her arm with every little circle Hammer drew on her wrist. She could imagine that pattern around her nipples before he drew them into his mouth, sucking, laving, nipping. She blew out a shaking breath. That visual wasn’t helping.

The temperature in the car rose. All she wanted to do was arch to Liam and Hammer, straddle one or the other—or both—and plead with them to fuck her.

As the song finally wound to its screeching conclusion, the singer screamed that he was consumed by what was about to transpire. She wished to hell something would transpire here, too. If it didn’t soon, she might lose her damn mind.

“Seth, can you, um…turn the heater down?” she managed to choke out.

“Gee, I think it’s really comfortable.” Beck shrugged. “You hot or something, princess?”

“I think it’s fine, too.” Seth turned to her. As his stare fell to Liam’s hand on her thigh, a grin crawled across his face. “But the sun is coming up. It’ll warm the car up more, so maybe we should. She’s looking really flushed.”

If she wasn’t so turned on, she’d be totally embarrassed. And Seth was enjoying her discomfort immensely. She wanted to punch him.

“It’s a bit chilly back here,” Liam drawled. “But if you’re hot, you could take off your sweater, love.” He tugged on the edge of her cardigan.

So that she’d be wearing nothing but a tank top and a very short skirt? “I’ll be fine.”

Hammer squeezed her fingers. “Remove the sweater.”

She gave him a long-suffering sigh. They were determined to expose her for reasons unknown. Beck and Seth were getting a huge kick out of seeing her all flustered, but she didn’t imagine Liam and Hammer considered this a joke. They had to be loving the ego stroke of knowing they aroused her. The bigger question was, why did being on display while the guys touched her turn her on?

Raine was loath to part with her sweater, but Hammer had given her a direct command, and she’d agreed to submit. So she struggled out of the little red button-down garment and handed it to Liam. She stifled the urge to ask him if he was happy now—barely.

“Thank you.” Liam draped her sweater over his knee with a smile, then put his hand on her thigh again, higher this time.

“And now your underwear,” Hammer demanded in her ear.

“What?” she gasped at him.

Hammer glowered back. “Did you not hear what I said, Raine?”

Her heart stopped. She blinked at him. A glance around the car told her everyone waited, watched. As much as this made Raine uncomfortable, every nerve ending in her body leapt with life and need.

“I heard, Sir.”

He sent her a stern scowl. “Don’t make me wait.”

God, she must be crazy. Her insides jittered. Her pussy clenched. And damn if his words alone didn’t make her soaking wet.

“Something smells really sweet,” Seth commented, almost in passing.

“Yeah. My mouth is watering.” Beck smacked his lips loudly. Then he shot her a leering grin from the front seat.

This was not happening.

Raine closed her eyes for a moment and forced in a calming breath. Liam’s fingers slid up her knee again, playing along her inner thigh. And Hammer still stared, expectant and impatient.

“You’re stalling,” Liam murmured, sliding his hand completely under her skirt. His fingers passed over her clit, pressing for an electric moment before they curled around the waistband and tugged. “I’ll help you.”

Wow, thanks so much.

“Lift up,” Hammer demanded, grasping the other side of the waistband.

Together, they tugged down, and off the panties came. Then even she could smell how wet she’d become.

“I’m suddenly hungry,” Seth commented.

Liam gripped her panties with a dark, satisfied smile. “Find your own bloody meal.”

Raine wondered if she could die from chagrin…and unfulfilled need. Quick glances at the men on either side showed hard cocks straining against their slacks. They were enjoying winding her up and exerting their control. Why did she like it so damn much, too?

She dug her nails into her palms and pressed her lips together tightly. Otherwise, she’d give into the temptation to ask them the point of this little exercise. If she did, Hammer would surely drag out the ball gag, nipple clamps, and who knew what else was in his pockets. If she had to bite her tongue off, she’d shut up.

Beside her, Liam lifted her panties to his nose and inhaled deeply. As she watched, her eyes widened. Hammer’s wicked laugh rumbled in her ear. Liam reached across her body and brushed her sensitive nipples, causing her to moan, as he handed her undergarment to Macen.

“Problem, precious?” Hammer challenged, lifting the panties to his nose, then closing his eyes as if savoring her scent.

Shit!She stared straight out the windshield. “None, Sir.”

“Excellent.” He sniffed again.

Liam glided his fingers to her inner thigh once more. “You smell divine, love.”

“Definitely delicious,” Hammer murmured into her ear, then passed the panties back to Liam.

Could a girl self-combust from sexual frustration?

Beck worked his way through the thickening rush-hour traffic, but she had no idea where they were going. At the moment, she almost didn’t care. If it contained a bed big enough for these two men to put her out of her misery, she’d be thrilled as hell. If not, she hoped for some privacy soon so she could take the edge off this need.

“How long did you say it would take to get there?” Beck asked from the driver’s seat. “We’ll probably need to stop for gas if it’s more than another eighty miles.”

Hammer leaned forward and clapped Beck on the shoulder. “Plan to, man. With traffic, I’m expecting this to take…three or four hours.” He swiveled a stare back at her. “But don’t rush. We’re in no hurry.”

* * *

At just past noon, they arrived at the lodge. Liam breathed a sigh of relief. Beck had taken Hammer at his word and hadn’t rushed the drive a bit. During those five hours, he and Macen had never stopped touching Raine—but they also hadn’t stimulated any part of her that would grant orgasm. They’d controlled her—every moment, every mile—and it had been heady. The sweet, salty scent of her arousal had filled the car and swirled in Liam’s head, damn near making him drunk. He’d barely managed to restrain himself from pulling her onto his lap, burrowing his rigid cock—hell, his bloody soul—into her completely, then listening to her scream for him as he came like a fucking volcano.

As much as Raine had to learn, Liam wasn’t sure how long it would be before he could indulge in any of that.

Beck stopped the car, and Liam opened the door, turning to help Raine out. She emerged into the brisk afternoon looking flushed and unsteady and completely off-kilter—exactly the way they wanted her. This Raine couldn’t possibly be thinking about ways to dodge him or Hammer, much less scurry behind her walls.

“Are you feeling all right, love?” Liam asked.

“Fine.” But her voice shook. Her breathing wasn’t quite under control.

Taking Raine by the hand, he repressed a smile and led her toward the lodge. Approaching her other side from the vehicle, Hammer claimed her free hand. The scent of her skin lingered on Liam’s clothes and in the air. He wanted to hoard that sweetness for himself. But he no longer had the luxury of being her only Dom. For this “fixing” to work, everything had to be about Raine. And the simple but irritating truth was, she needed Hammer, too.

It hadn’t been easy to watch his old friend touch her, but Liam couldn’t deny that he’d loved the way she responded to them so readily. Her squirming little pants and aroused gasps had filled him with power. Liam had no doubt Hammer felt the same.

Their shared hunger for the same woman had been so familiar—yet utterly different. Unlike their bond with Juliet, this felt strong, raw, insatiable. Connected. Even Beck’s and Seth’s occasional comments had filled him with a strange possessive pride he’d never felt with any other woman.

A few feet from the car, they reached the front door. Liam opened it. Raine eased inside the foyer, gazing around the big open lounge with its blazing fireplace. “I recognize this. It’s your lodge.”

“Yes,” Liam confirmed. “You were a wee bit tired and distraught the last time we arrived.”

Raine cut Hammer an assessing glance before walking into the room. “I like it here. It’s cozy.”

“Good. We want you comfortable,” Hammer said, then addressed Liam. “Gorgeous place, man.”

“It’s peaceful,” Seth added, a couple of steps back as he grabbed some luggage. He closed the back of the SUV, then fell in behind them.

“Amazing views,” Beck put in, juggling a couple of suitcases. “Best of all, no one will hear you scream for miles, princess.”

Raine gasped. “Beck!”

Adam, the caretaker, rushed from the back of the house to meet them. He took the bags from Seth and Beck, then turned to Liam with a smile. “Welcome back. Ngaire has prepared lunch for you. I’ve followed your instructions, and you’ll find everything as you requested. We’ll be just down the hill. Ring if you need anything.”

Liam thanked the older man, then nodded to his pleasing, plump wife. As soon as Adam distributed the luggage to the bedrooms, the pair disappeared out the back door, to their little cottage.

“I’m starved!” Seth complained, prowling toward the kitchen. “Where’s lunch?”

Everyone trailed behind him. Collectively, they began pulling out plates, silverware, and napkins to set the table. Someone found a bottle of wine and a few cans of beer. Fresh baked rainbow trout came from the oven, sprinkled with delicate herbs. Potatoes and asparagus followed, along with a loaf of crusty sourdough. In less than five minutes, everyone dug in, praising Ngaire’s cooking between bites. But Raine picked more than ate, still wriggling in her chair. A glance around the table told Liam that everyone else noticed, too.

When the meal concluded, the whole gang pitched in to do the dishes. Once the kitchen was clean, he and Hammer escorted Raine upstairs while Seth and Beck left to prepare the room in which her training would begin.

Liam pushed open the door to the master suite. With a hand at the small of Raine’s back, he led her inside. Her suitcase sat near the picture windows overlooking the mountains.

With a glance at Hammer, who nodded back, Liam made his way into the bathroom and began to fill the sleek tub with hot water and bath oils. He found scented soaps, shampoo, razors, and shaving cream all laid out on the nearby counter beside fluffy white towels. His cock jerked just thinking about what they planned next.

Satisfied that the caretakers had tended to every detail, Liam stalked back to the bedroom. Raine stood beside Hammer, looking more than a little shaky. But she wasn’t balking or quitting. He’d take little victories like that and hope they added up to bigger ones soon.

Raine glanced his way, and he saw the questions rolling across her face.

“Spit it out, love,” Liam said. “What’s got you worried?”

She fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other. Whatever bounced around in her head, she was reluctant to say it—a bad habit they’d break her of shortly.

“It’s just… I noticed only my suitcase here and I was wondering…” She sighed. “Do you mean to leave me alone?”

“This is your room, but we’ll have access to it twenty-four seven. You won’t really be alone,” Hammer assured.

“But neither of you will be sleeping here?”

He and Hammer exchanged a glance. She hadn’t asked them to stay with her outright. But it surprised them both that she’d voiced her question because having them beside her was something she obviously wanted.

“We’re not,” Liam answered softly.

As her shoulders sagged and she looked down, Liam lifted her chin with a soft smile. “Now don’t look so crestfallen. At times, you’ll be happy to see us go so you can have a bit of peace. But that will only come when we think you need to reflect or rest.”

“Even then, we’ll be nearby and in your head, precious. We’ll be surrounding you. We won’t let you feel lost or abandoned,” Hammer promised.

Liam caressed her cheek. “As you progress, we can discuss sleeping arrangements again. Does that answer your question?”

Understanding—with a hint of regret—flickered in Raine’s eyes as she gave a tentative nod.

“There’ll be none of that.” Liam released her, glowering. “You’ll use your words from now on. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.

“Good.” Hammer reached up and trailed his knuckles down her cheek.

She closed her eyes, clearly finding reassurance in his touch. Watching a delicate contentment fill her face, Liam’s hope brightened. Such a challenge, Raine was…then sometimes she could be so giving and soft.

Hammer dropped his hand suddenly. “Strip.”

Liam heard the man’s impatience. Macen was eager to start testing Raine and having her under his control. Liam shared the feeling.

Her eyes flew open. She blinked between them while they waited for her to process the demand. Finally, she pressed her lips together, resolution overtaking her expression. There was her backbone…

Her fingers trembled, but Raine peeled off her flimsy tank top. Then she reached around to unfasten her bra, thrusting her breasts toward them. It was all Liam could do to keep from gliding his tongue up the soft valley of her cleavage. She wriggled out of her short skirt next, and he watched the sway of her hips, captivated, as she exposed the dark tuft of hair striping her pussy and revealed her creamy thighs. Blood rushed to his cock.

Raine stood naked before them, beautiful and tense, looking like warm ivory velvet. Liam clenched his fists, resisting the urge to put his hands all over her.

Beside him, Hammer caressed her bare curves with his stare and sighed roughly, struggling to hold back. Liam knew it not only by the erection tenting his trousers, but the tick of his clenched jaw.

Bloody Christ, this series of tasks would challenge their control.

Finally, Hammer reined himself in and stood tall, stance wide, hands behind his back.

Liam watched Raine’s gaze fall to the floor as he paced around her, stopping when his chest brushed her back, a mere breath from her skin. “Tell me what you’re feeling, love.”

“Nervous.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “Unsure.”

“Good girl,” Hammer praised. “Are you afraid of us?”

“No.” Her gaze bounced up to them both, reassuring. “I’m afraid I’ll lose my courage, clam up, and disappoint you.”

It wasn’t the answer either wanted but both had inherently known. Still, for Raine, that was bloody honest. Liam met Hammer’s glance.

“You’re doing a fine job now. Just keep trying your best. We’ll work through everything else,” Liam promised. “Take a deep breath.”

Raine drew in a shaky inhalation, then let it out, looking calmer. “Thank you.”

Hammer eased closer, standing in her personal space. “I’m sure you’re nervous because you don’t know what we expect. So we’ll explain now. You will address us as ‘Sir’ when you respond. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.” Her gaze lowered again.

“Very nice.” Liam kissed her bare shoulder. “You will kneel when we enter a room and remain there until we tell you otherwise. Is that clear?”

Raine began to nod, then stopped herself. “Yes, Sir.”

“Wonderful, love,” Liam murmured. “Let’s get you in the tub. We’ll talk more then.”

“Why?” She frowned. “I had a shower this morning.”

With a sigh, Liam bent down and lifted Raine over his shoulder, then turned, putting her ass directly in front of Hammer. Right on cue, Macen whacked both cheeks, one after the other. She yelped.

“We didn’t ask you if you’re clean or if you wanted a bath,” Hammer pointed out. “We want you in the tub. That’s all you need to know.”

“And you didn’t address me properly, Raine,” Liam reminded as he strolled into the bathroom and dropped her on her feet. “What do you say?”

“Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir.” She swallowed, and he could see the worry twisting her expression.

They couldn’t let her self-doubt fester, especially this early in the process. Time to put her at ease.

Each man took one of her arms to steady her as they helped her into the tub. When the warm water enveloped her feet, she sighed. The scents of rosemary and lavender rose with the swirl of steam.

“Sit,” Hammer directed.

Raine lowered herself into the soft, inviting water and sat unmoving as they stripped out of their coats and shirts, then draped them over the back of the vanity chair.

“Lie back. Close your eyes. We’ll take care of you now,” Liam promised as he knelt beside the tub.

He waited until she complied and a little sigh escaped her. Some of the tension left her body.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. “Now spread your thighs and tell us what you think submission is.”

Her eyes flew wide open, and she stared at him as if he’d asked her to explain quantum physics. “Excuse me, Sir?”

“Okay, let’s try one command at a time.” On the opposite side of the tub, Hammer reached into the water and wrapped a hand around her ankle. “Do you have any trouble interpreting what we meant by ‘spread your thighs?’”

The heat of the water had turned her cheeks pink, but she flushed something close to red now. “No, Sir.”

When she didn’t move, Hammer raised a brow. “Do I need to tell you to do it now?”

“No, Sir. But it’s a little embarrassing. I know you’ve seen it all. It’s just… even though this is a common request for a Dom to make of his sub, it feels odd to flash you both.”

Liam grabbed her chin and turned her toward him with a frown. “There isn’t a single part of your body that I’m not intimately familiar with and hasn’t pleased me. I’ve no doubt it’s the same for Hammer. You’re not flashing us; you’re showing us what’s ours. Now do as you’re told.”

“Yes, Sir.” Her voice shook, but she raised one leg to the rim of the tub. Hammer guided the other up until she lay splayed wide. Raine tensed, her blue eyes begging silently for approval.

“So fucking beautiful,” Hammer said roughly as he skimmed his fingers up to wrap around her inner thigh. “Now answer the second part of the question.”

She gasped softly, watching Hammer edge closer to her slick folds. Her gaze swung back to Liam’s face, anxious and tight.

“Say what’s on your mind, love,” Liam coaxed.

“Um…Sir. He’s touching me, and you’re watching.” Raine looked like she searched for words. “That’s okay with you?”

“Did I seem upset when Hammer touched you in the car?” he asked.

“No, Sir.”

“Didn’t we promise you no fighting or disagreements?”

Understanding dawned in her eyes. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good. If you think you’ll learn to submit and open up without us touching you anywhere and everywhere, Raine, you’re mad.”

“Oh.” Her breathy exhalation went straight to his cock. “So…there will be sex, Sir?”

“That option isn’t off the table, but it’s up to you. Your behavior and progress will dictate our decisions.”

Relief and excitement fluttered across her face, and a sense of triumph that she wanted them so much chugged through his veins. Yes, that meant sharing her with Hammer, but he welcomed the chance to touch her again. He was desperate to see how far they could send her spiraling into pleasure.

“Now answer the damn question,” Hammer demanded. “If we have to ask it again, you’ll come out of that tub and over my knee.”

“Submission…right.” Raine nodded and hesitated, clearly gathering her thoughts. “I know it’s a power exchange. I get that I’m supposed to give myself over to you and trust that you’ll both praise and punish me when I need it.” She frowned. “I’ve felt the need to please you both, though in different ways. Disappointing either of you hurts something inside me. Liam, last time we were here, I felt something both painful and amazing. When we talked about my childhood, remember? Blurting all that out was hard, but I knew it would damage us more if I refused to talk. I remember looking at you and hoping that you’d catch me. I was so grateful when you did. And I felt like yours.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ here. Go on,” Liam urged.

“But I’ve looked around Shadows and watched the others scene. It’s confusing. So many different types of Doms and subs. I’ve seen brutal punishment for the tiniest infraction. And I’ve seen almost no discipline for incredibly bratty behavior. And I’ve seen a lot of sex—tender, rough, odd, beautiful. But I have a hard time adding those things up in my head and figuring out how it’s all submission. I know my wants and impulses, but I don’t know if they’re wrong.” She frowned, then seemed to remember herself. “Sir.”

Liam exhaled. Her view was so scattered. Why hadn’t he asked her that question sooner? If he had, he would have started at square one when he’d collared her. Of course, he hadn’t known her well then. Since then, Raine hadn’t talked to him or opened up like she should. But he’d assumed her understanding of the power exchange was far deeper.

“I know putting that into words was difficult for you. Thank you, love.” He leaned in, cupping her face in his hands, and took her mouth in a searing kiss.

Raine yielded her lips to him, opening and allowing him to sink deep inside her. She clung, wrapping her arms around his neck, so welcoming. Her sweetness intoxicated him. Liam moaned, some part of him wishing he could spend all day just worshipping her mouth. The other part of him realized they had work to do.

Easing back, he kissed her nose, then reached for the shampoo.

She blinked up at him, then slid her gaze over to Hammer. “What I said…that wasn’t wrong?”

“No, precious. Today, there was no right or wrong answer. You have a lot to learn, but that’s why we’re here. I’m proud of your honesty.”

He leaned in and tangled his hand in her hair, tugging gently until his lips hovered just over hers. They shared a silent moment before Macen took her mouth, devouring and rewarding at once.

Liam couldn’t afford to think now about how that made him feel. If he did, his heart might break. Instead, he watched, focusing on how Raine was opening, blossoming under their attention. This bath was serving its purpose—showing her how good it could be if she let it. To dwell on the love she might never give him would only be borrowing tomorrow’s trouble today.

As Hammer eased back, Raine smiled softly. Then she looked Liam’s way, and his heart caught when their gazes tangled. She sent him a searching smile, and he gave her the reassurance she sought. He answered in kind. Damn if she didn’t glow, bask in their affection, seemingly at peace.

As she lowered her gaze, that grin brightened even more. Then she looked up at him through her dark lashes, her blue eyes sparkling.

Liam hoped like hell she was truly ready to open herself and be whole—and that she’d still want him afterward. “Tilt your head back so I can wash your hair.”

“Yes, Sir.” Raine complied, closing her eyes.

He plucked at the bathtub’s nozzle and pulled the attached hose up from its base. The spray of water jetted from the head. He urged her to scoot down, then eased her back, supporting her neck in his palm. Slowly, deliberately, he soaked her raven mane, then squirted a dollop of floral shampoo at her crown. Liam plunged his fingers into the strands and kneaded at her scalp until she moaned in bliss. He couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed having Raine put herself in his care.

Meanwhile, Hammer whisked a soapy loofah up her legs, over her belly. He lathered her shoulders, her breasts, dragging it slowly over her nipples. Her breath caught.

Liam watched, thumbing away the suds that drizzled onto her forehead. She groaned as he rinsed the shampoo, then spread conditioner through her hair. Again, he worked it through, this time massaging her neck, rubbing the tension away before he rinsed her hair clean.

Not once did she flinch or open her eyes. In that moment, she gave them total trust. Liam burned for more of it.

“You did so well, love.” He kissed her forehead.

“Thank you, Sir. That felt good,” she purred.

“Now stand up, precious. It’s time to shave that little landing strip you’ve left unwaxed.” Hammer extended his hand.

She frowned. “I thought it would be fun. You don’t like it?”

“No.”

“Why not?” Confusion knit her brows.

“Because when I rake my tongue up your pouty cunt, I want it bare. Is that a good enough reason for you, precious?”

“Oh. O-okay, Sir.” Raine blushed and slipped her slender fingers into Hammer’s wide grasp, rising like a goddess from the water.

Her long, dark hair dripped over the swell of her backside. Drops mingled down her thighs. Swallowing tightly, Liam skimmed his palms over her pert ass and gripped her hips, steadying her.

He watched Hammer squirt a cloud of white foam onto his fingers before painting her dark pubic hair. The man’s stare riveted on the sweet pussy, inches from his face. Liam had no doubt Macen wanted to slide his fingers between Raine’s silky folds and stay.

Hammer’s nostrils flared as he glided the razor over the cottony foam. “Such a pretty pussy, Raine. So soft and slick. It’s wet from more than the water, isn’t it?”

Liam felt her tremble. He soothed her, caressing down her thighs, brushing his fingertips across the sensitive flesh behind her knees. “Answer him, love.”

“Yes, Sir,” Raine choked out, not meeting their stares.

“Good girl. Don’t be embarrassed. We like you aroused.” Hammer dropped a kiss on her hip before he rinsed the blade in the water and shaved off another strip of foam. “Spread your legs wider.”

Gliding his hand up the inside of her thigh, Liam nudged her legs apart, helping her balance her foot on the rim of the tub.

Hammer soaked the swollen pout of her pussy with the nozzle. She gasped as the spray grazed her clit. A moment later, he smoothed his thumb over her now bare mound, so close to her sensitive button.

“We’re done, precious,” he said thickly.

But no one moved. Christ, Liam felt the heat pouring from between her legs and leaned in to brush his lips across the firm globes of her backside. The scent of her pussy filled his nostrils and made his mouth water. Fuck, she crumbled his restraint. He’d last been inside her a mere three days ago, but it felt like forever.

Liam could see that Hammer wasn’t faring much better. His stare still hadn’t left her cunt. Beads of sweat had broken out across the man’s forehead, at his temples. Raine panted, little catching breaths that told him exactly how much she desired them. Liam glanced at the nearby bath oil before staring again at Raine’s ass, remembering all too well how snug and perfect she felt around his cock.

And if they stayed crouched here much longer, he had no doubt they’d be balls deep inside her in the next two minutes. While he’d love feeling Raine tight and hot around him, they couldn’t let her believe their time at the lodge was about anything other than her growth. Sex, if it came, would be the bonus they all reaped for her open, honest submission—nothing less.

“I think it’s time we let Raine dry off,” Liam growled between clenched teeth as he backed away.

Hammer jerked his head in Liam’s direction, and he could see the man visibly fight for control before taking a step back. “Yeah. Time for a breath of fresh air.”

“Couldn’t agree more.”

“Good. I’ll get her damn clothes.”

Liam hands shook as he unfolded the towel and tried to cover Raine.

“Thank you, Sir.” She took it from his grasp, then bent over and wrapped it around her dripping hair—leaving her body entirely bare.

Well, hell.Liam almost envied Macen the task of digging through her suitcase.

“Hurry up, man!” he shouted.

“I’m working on it,” Hammer barked back.

Raine tried to smother a giggle and failed.

“Do you have something to say?” Liam asked her sharply.

She pressed her lips together, suppressing her amusement. “No, Sir. I enjoyed my bath. I hope you did, too.”

“Minx.” He swatted her ass. “Out of the tub you go.” Drawing in a deep breath, he took her hand and cupped her elbow to help her step free. The second she padded onto the fluffy bath mat, he released her. “Hammer, where are you with those clothes?”

The man stormed into the bathroom. “I’m right—” Macen let out a deep breath, devouring the sight of her from head to toe. “Fuck.”

That’s where this was headed, all right. Liam reached over to the counter and snagged another terrycloth sheet, thrusting it at Raine. “Dry yourself off. We’re going to step out for a moment. You’re free to do your hair and makeup. Leave the bathroom door open. There’ll be no touching yourself.”

“Yes, Sir.” A smile flirted at her lips as she grabbed the towel and shook it loose.

Hauling in a shuddering breath, he turned away and grabbed Hammer by the arm. “Let’s go.”

His old friend didn’t argue. He dropped a handful of black lace on the vanity, then raced him out of the room. Hammer beat him into the bedroom by a fraction, but Liam spotted the door to the balcony first, rattling it and cursing at the lock until it fell open.

With a groan of relief, he stepped outside. Macen followed. Instantly, the winter chill blasted them in a mighty gust as they looked across the sweeping vistas of the pine-dotted mountains. It was wintry enough to snow, and right now that felt damn good.

“This is better than a cold shower,” Hammer said.

“It is. I won’t miss my shirt for an hour or two.”

“It will take that long for the blood to leave my cock,” he grumbled.

“This won’t be easy. She laughed at us, mate. Giggled like a girl.”

“We’ll add that to her growing list of infractions.”

Liam slanted Hammer a dubious stare. “And which of us is going to spank her without losing control?”

Hammer grimaced. “Beck?”

“That dodgy prick isn’t touching her.”

“I know. We’ll be more collected after dinner.”

Liam rested his arms on the railing beside his friend, bowing his head. “We have to be.”

Hammer snared his gaze. “She’s responding.”

“Can’t deny that.” And wasn’t that a double-edged sword?

“Are you all right with that?”

“If she learns to open up, then it’s best for her.” Liam shrugged. “There’s nothing else to say.”

Macen clapped him on the shoulder. “I know this is hard on you, but I respect what you’re doing for Raine.”

A couple of ugly replies came to mind, almost like a knee jerk. Liam shoved them down. Petty had no place here now. If he was being honest, as hard as it was to watch Hammer touch Raine, he also felt deep comfort in having his friend back.

“Thanks. Let’s find a cup of coffee. Once she’s dressed, we’ll send Seth up to make sure she doesn’t let her fingers put out her fire.”

“Best idea you’ve had all day. Because this bath…” He shook his head.

“It was a bloody hard exercise in restraint.” Liam grinned. “Shut your whining mug and let’s go.”

* * *

Under the vanity lights in the master bath, Raine guided the little brush through her lashes, applying her mascara in a daze. To say that today had been mind-blowing was like saying the North Pole was cold. Liam and Hammer had both topped her—and touched her—at the same time. No one was bloody or bruised, screaming, shouting, or throwing punches. The next World War hadn’t commenced. In fact, they’d seemed to enjoy taking care of her together.

Liam and Hammer had once been friends, but she’d mostly seen them mix as well as oil and water until today. Sure, they’d behaved civilly enough before Liam collared her, but Hammer’s aloofness had even extended to his best friend, and she’d witnessed Liam’s frustration and hurt. Today everything had been different, and Raine couldn’t put her finger on why. Yes, they’d agreed to put aside their differences to help her, but their rapport now didn’t feel like a forced compromise. It felt more like a kinship, like they’d fallen into a comfortable brotherhood.

Absently putting the wand back in the tube of mascara, she wound it closed and glanced at her appearance. She’d pass muster for dinner. Dark curls framed her flushed cheeks and trailed to her breasts. Red gloss sheened her slightly swollen lips.

In the mirror, she looked the same, but everything inside felt raw, confused, yearning. Different. The need they’d incited breathed just under her skin, lying in wait to hurtle her into aching desire again with their next touch. It was a miracle she hadn’t begged them for relief.

What would it be like to spend every day between them, wrapped in their care, the center of their lives? It sounded ludicrous—mostly because it was—but it was her fantasy. No way she could deny how perfectly happy and whole everything they’d done today made her feel. She’d better enjoy it because it probably wouldn’t last.

“Raine, time for dinner!” Seth shouted up the stairs.

“Be right there,” she called back, shoving her makeup in its case and turning off her curling iron.

She wasn’t really hungry, but when the watchful Dom had left her a few minutes ago to check on the meal, Raine figured she wouldn’t have long to sort out her thoughts alone. Nice to know that something about this day had been predictable.

Raine dashed out of the bedroom, her bare feet padding down the stairs. The scent of something delicious wafted in the air, and the little growl of her stomach surprised her. Then again, she hadn’t eaten much the entire day—too bewildered to consume the big breakfast she’d cooked and too confused to do more than nibble at lunch. The anxiety and arousal simmering inside her would probably kill her appetite for dinner as well. But if she spent the evening surrounded by Hammer and Liam, wrapped in their affection, she really didn’t care.

From the kitchen, she heard Beck’s boisterous laughter and sighed. So dinner wasn’t going to be a quiet evening for three. She had no idea what was on the agenda, but since Hammer and Liam had “requested” she wear this sheer black baby-doll, Raine had her suspicions. Great, more sexual teasing. How the hell was she going to survive even another minute of feeling like an orgasmic time bomb?

Tugging at the lace tickling the tops of her thighs, she shoved back her self-consciousness. Why hadn’t they given her some damn flannel pajamas?

Drawing in a deep breath, Raine rounded the corner into the kitchen and stopped. The four Doms stood, their chairs scraping the hardwood floor. She felt every eye on her, eating up her exposed flesh, and forced herself to stand with her head up and shoulders squared—and ignore that fluttery feeling inside her.

Raine raised her chin. “Hi.”

Liam arched a brow at her.

“Sirs,” she added hastily. She’d behaved casually for so long, she had trouble remembering her protocol.

Liam smiled at her before extending his hand and leading her toward the empty chair between him and Hammer. “You look lovely, lass.”

“Scrumptious,” Macen whispered in her ear as she sat. “I know what’s for dessert.”

As the other men resumed their seats, heat rushed up her face. She sent him a delicate scowl. “Hammer…”

He chuckled.

The men had set the table and laid out the meal the caretaker’s wife had prepared. Everything looked fine, but Raine still frowned. “I would have been happy to cook.”

“We enjoy when you do,” Hammer said. “But we need you focused, not disappearing into the kitchen.”

“Besides…” Liam glided his hand up her thigh, his fingers inching breathlessly close to her silky thong. “You’ll need to save your strength.”

Raine’s breath caught. She zipped a questioning glance his way. He leveled her a smoldering stare. She shifted in her chair, wondering how she was going to make it through this meal.

“So, princess, did you enjoy your bath?” Beck asked with a wicked grin. He was being a jackass.

She answered with sticky sweetness. “It was nice, Sir.”

“Just nice?” Hammer baited as he set a crusty dinner roll on her plate.

She resisted the urge to throw it at him. “Fine. Lovely. Enjoyable.”

Trailing the pads of his fingers down her arm, Liam grinned as goose bumps peppered her flesh. “I’d call it amazing. An experience worth repeating.”

“Very soon.” Hammer smirked as he loaded her plate with chicken and rice casserole.

The men ate with gusto, chugging back a beer. Raine scooted her food across her plate with her fork and sipped at her wine, the appetite she’d had minutes ago now an afterthought. What would the next few days bring? And how would she get through them? Would there be an orgasm in her future?

“I didn’t know you had this place, Liam,” Seth said into the silence. “Do you come up here much? Ski in the winter, hit the lake in the summer?”

“I just inherited it last year, but I hope to visit more often.”

Raine only half listened until Liam grazed his fingers over the silk covering her pussy. An electric arc danced through her body. A vicious ache followed. She grasped the table.

Damn, she’d been on edge all day. She struggled for a breath. A moan clogged her throat, and she barely managed to swallow it down.

“You’re not eating, precious.” Hammer smiled her way, mischief in his eyes. “Something wrong?”

“No, Sir.” Under his watchful gaze, she speared a chunk of chicken and forced herself to chew.

Liam caressed down her thigh, then scooted back from the table. Without warning, he hoisted her onto his lap. “I’m not sure I believe that, Hammer. Do you?”

Raine swallowed tightly, feeling wired and flustered. They were going to dissect her thoughts, and all she could focus on was their touches and hot stares undressing her, with Liam’s heat enveloping her and his steely erection prodding her thigh.

“No. Let’s help her.” Macen glided his fingertips up her calf.

She tried not to whimper.

After tearing apart a steaming roll heaped with melted butter, Liam lifted a piece and coaxed her to open for him. When she did, he slid the morsel into her mouth, his fingers lingering on her lips, urging her to lick them clean. His dark stare held hers captive, and Raine drowned. He anchored her in his steely arms, both giving her tenderness and oozing sex. She clung in return, sucking on the slightly rough pads of his fingers, tasting the salt on his skin.

Hammer moved her plate next to Liam’s and slid closer, occupying her chair. As his body heat assailed her, he reached into his salad bowl and plucked up a thick slice of cucumber, slathered in dressing.

“Open for me, precious,” Hammer commanded.

As she leaned in, lips parted, a drop of the creamy sauce splattered on the swell of her breast, trickling down the pale flesh. His eyes flared with heat as he eased the vegetable onto her tongue. Then he bent and licked the dressing from her skin, his lips brushing down the curve of her chest until he nipped her turgid crest through the lace and sucked hard.

Liam swallowed her moan by fusing his lips over hers and dominating her mouth, tangling his fingers in her hair.

Raine’s body burned. Her heart roared in her ears…but she could still hear Beck groan from the other side of the table.

“Holy shit,” Seth muttered.

Hammer turned his attention to her other nipple, leaving the first hard bud aching and clinging to the fabric. She arched to him, then wrapped her hand around Liam’s nape, drawing him closer and losing herself in his kiss.

He jerked away, then elbowed Macen in the shoulder. “She needs to eat.”

Food was the last thing on her mind.

With a jerky nod, Hammer pulled her into his lap. His erection prodded her backside, every bit as hard and demanding as Liam’s. Meshed against his broad chest, Macen pressed close, his feverish heat surrounding her. She still shivered.

Raine blinked up into his hazel eyes. His breathing was rough. He looked at her as if she was the treasure he’d never expected to find.

Liam cupped her chin and tilted her gaze to him. “Take a nibble, love.”

As he held a chunk of pineapple between his fingers, Raine opened, biting the plump fruit between her teeth. The juice seeped past her lips, dribbling onto her chin as Liam bent forward, sliding his tongue along the sweet path before he claimed her lips in another demanding kiss.

Hammer cupped her hip, his fingers skating over the curve of her ass. She could feel his stare burning into her as he watched. “That’s it. Give yourself to us. Feel me. Open for him. Let us take care of you.”

“Please,” she whispered as Liam eased away. “More.”

God, they couldn’t leave her like this. But apparently they planned to because they spent the rest of the meal passing her back and forth. In between bites of chicken, salad, bread, and fruit, they caressed her, whispered to her, aroused the hell out of her. She gulped down her wine and her mind raced, circling on one thought: how perfect this felt.

When the men’s plates were empty, and she’d eaten enough to stop her stomach from rumbling, Liam stood and lifted her, then set her on his vacant chair.

Beside him, Hammer rose to his feet. “Stay with Seth and Beck. In a few minutes, they’ll give you instructions.”

“Yes, Sir.” What else could she say? She suspected they meant to start the work they’d brought her here to do. Raine wanted and needed to finish it. But she’d be lying if she didn’t admit the whole idea made her nervous as hell. Still, she refused to disappoint them or continue existing as an emotional cripple.

As she watched them go, Raine bit her lip nervously.

“How you doing so far, princess?” Beck leaned in and rested his elbows on the table.

“I’m all right.” She heard the unsteadiness of her voice.

Seth shook his head, then sent Beck a look of annoyance.

“Let’s start again, Raine,” Beck growled in his badass Dom voice. “What’s going on behind those pretty blue eyes? You’re here to open up. Let’s have it.”

Beck and Seth both sent her intent stares, and she couldn’t help feeling like a bug under a microscope. “I’m not sure where to begin. I have all these feelings and questions…and crazy notions. And they’re driving me nuts.”

“Those two haven’t exactly given you a lot of peace today so you could think things through.” Beck grinned. “Of course, that’s on purpose.”

“Of course,” Raine said wryly, rolling her eyes.

“How did you expect it to feel?” Seth asked.

“I don’t know. Everything happened so fast this morning. When I agreed to their bargain, I didn’t have time to picture much. But this is like a dream. I keep expecting to wake up and find myself miserable and alone again. Because when I’m with them, everything is right in my world.”

“It should feel that way.” Seth smiled. “Tell us your questions.”

A million of them circled in her head. “I don’t exactly know why they’re doing this. They’ve told me what they think I want to hear, but… Liam says he loves me, and I guess he wants me back someday, but Hammer treated me like his sister for six years, so—”

“You mean except the night he fucked you endlessly?” Beck cut in.

Raine crossed her arms over her chest and sighed at him. “Except that one. But you’ve seen him do it. You know what I mean. How many other women did he take to bed while I stood there in plain sight? He acted like I was invisible until Liam took an interest in me.”

“Oh, princess. You were a lot of things to Hammer, but never invisible. That man loves you.”

She reared back and scowled. “No, he—”

“Loves you,” Beck insisted.

Equal parts joy and terror sparked through her at the sadist’s emphatic comeback. Still, that familiar self-doubt managed to worm its way back in.

“He cares, but—”

“Cares?” Beck snarled. “Do you think Hammer is the sort of man who goes all out for every waif who crosses his path? Do you think he shelters every lost girl by providing doctors and help, money, time, and support? He gave you almost everything you ever needed, princess.” He laughed gruffly. “Shit, when Liam brought you here the first time, you should have seen Hammer curl up in bed with your clothes and inhale your scent, like that would bring you back. When you ran from Shadows a few days ago, he sounded prepared to burn down the world to find you. And you think he merely cares? Grow up, Raine.”

“Liam loves you, too,” Seth said quietly. “If you’re having trouble believing it, stop. I’ve known O’Neill a long time. It took me less than two minutes of seeing the man with you to know that you’re everything to him.”

Their words hit her squarely in the chest. Maybe they were right. Liam and Hammer wouldn’t talk out their strife and drop everything to help her if they didn’t more than care.

Raine released a shaky breath and closed her eyes. Tears threatened. “I don’t know why they would love me. I’ve made their lives really difficult. Hammer practically had to finish raising me, and Liam has tried so hard… I’ve fought. I’ve hidden. I’ve lied.”

“Stop beating yourself up.” Seth took her hand. “You’re doing the right thing now. That’s what matters.”

“I hope it’s not too little, too late. Up until today, I was convinced that I’d destroyed their friendship. But seeing them together like this…” Raine groped for the right words. “That’s what their bond should be.”

Seth nodded. “You’re right.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Beck added. “All that bickering bugged the shit out of me, especially since I think, deep down, they want the same fucking thing. You should have seen the kitchen after Thanksgiving.”

“I did. What the hell was that?”

“Language.” Seth raised a brow at her.

Raine dropped her gaze. “Sorry, Sir.”

“I think that was them beginning to work it out.” Beck shrugged. “Throwing dishes is for pussies, and if Hammer hadn’t been so wrenched, I would have told him that. But their friendship wasn’t right even before you came along, princess.”

“Hammer told me not to take all the responsibility on my shoulders, but he never explained. So—”

“You didn’t believe him,” Beck filled in.

“No,” she admitted. “But what I saw today… It stunned me. Before now, I would have said it was impossible for them to share a woman again. But their actions together are so seamless. One picks up where the other leaves off. They’re so in tune, it’s like they can read each other’s minds. They operate as if they’re two halves of a whole. Like…they were born to be together in this way. The guilt that I’ve somehow kept them at one another’s throats for so long—”

“Stop there,” Seth demanded. “That’s both their doing and their problem. Focus on you for a minute. How does being with both of them make you feel?”

“Centered for the first time in my life. Secure. Protected. Happy.” She shook her head, still looking for the right words to express herself. “Don’t get me wrong. Every look, touch, and whisper has me completely off-balance. But being with them is so perfect. I don’t ever want to give it up. Juliet must have felt like the luckiest woman in the world.”

“I don’t think so. She had issues.” Seth paused. Something bitter passed over his face. “Hell, she was an issue.”

“You didn’t like her?” That surprised Raine. Hammer had loved Juliet enough to grieve for years—in his way. Liam…she wasn’t sure exactly how he’d felt about the woman.

“Not much.” Seth didn’t hesitate. “She didn’t have a spine. Not like you.”

“Sometimes I have too much spine,” Raine grumbled and shot a guilty look Beck’s way.

The doctor just laughed. “That’s actually a good thing, princess. Trust me.”

“You’ll need it with these two,” Seth drawled. “What’s your end game here?”

“What do I want out of this?” At their nods, she sighed. “I started down this path just to grow, to learn how to be open with someone and not try to protect myself all the time.”

“You’re being pretty damn honest now,” he pointed out.

“Because I can’t go back to being miserable. And no offense, but I can talk to you because my heart isn’t on the line.”

“None taken.” Beck shrugged.

“Besides, I’m guessing they left you here as my sounding boards.”

“Smart girl,” Seth said.

“Yep.” Beck nodded. “If you need help, we’re here. And we’ll be happy to whack Hammer and Liam upside the head if they need it. But we’ll also talk you through anything you’re unsure of or hesitant to address with them.

“I’m really grateful for the help, guys. Thanks.”

“So your goal is simply to not be miserable?” Beck prodded. “You don’t want anything else out of your time with Liam and Hammer?”

“Yesterday, no. Today…I’m afraid what I want is a little more pie in the sky. I know you said it was possible, Beck, but I’m still thinking I should go buy a bridge from someone on a street corner.”

“It’s not farfetched. Say it, princess.”

“I want them. Always,” she admitted softly. “I still think it sounds crazy. But today, they seemed happy. I’m happy. Part of me insists that it can work. But they tried with Juliet and it didn’t.”

“Apples and oranges. You’re different than Juliet. They’re not the same men, either. Liam and Hammer are stronger and more in sync now.”

Raine digested that information. “They weren’t like this with Juliet?”

“No. Not this…intimate. Hammer is more gentle. Liam is more possessive.” Seth searched for words. “I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s definitely not the same.”

She believed Seth, but struggled to pin her finger on why Liam’s friend would be right. They must have cared deeply for Juliet. She frowned.

“Tell me what’s running through your head, princess,” Beck cut in.

“So…how did everything end badly?”

“She didn’t communicate.” A mixture of sadness and contempt crossed his face.

Beck snorted. “That’s an understatement.”

“Um, you know I suck at it.” She tossed her hands in the air.

“You’re doing a great job now. And you can do it with them,” Seth assured. “You’ve got what they need. Juliet was simply the wrong woman for them to share.”

“What makes you think I’m the right one?” Raine held her breath. “I’m not any better than her at communicating, I’ll bet.”

“Well, since she committed suicide without giving either of them a damn clue that she was even unhappy, much less contemplating ending her life, I’m going to disagree.”

Raine backed away in horror, clapping her hand over her gaping mouth. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” Seth winced. “Shit. I thought you knew. Sorry.”

Which of them had found Juliet’s body? Where had she done it? Where had Hammer and Liam been when she’d taken her last breath? What had they done afterward? The shock and the pain they must have felt—and lived with all these years... Raine’s heart splintered for them. Both would have shouldered so much guilt. But it explained why Hammer had kept his distance for so long. And why Liam had been so determined to fix her.

She blinked at Seth, shocked. “I knew she was dead. I wondered if it was something tragic, like a car accident or an illness. The possiblility that her death had been self-inflicted crossed my mind, but… Oh my god.”

“Anyway, it’s safe to say she didn’t communicate at all.” Seth clenched his jaw, then let his gaze wander out the kitchen window as if he was wrangling his own regrets.

Obviously.

“Can you picture yourself doing that to them?” Beck asked.

“Never. Ever!” she vowed. “I want to be with them without tearing their friendship apart. More than anything, I want to be the right woman for them.”

“Perfect. Now tell me why you’ve come here,” Seth barked.

“To be whole. To be worthy.” That meant she had to learn how not to be like Juliet. She must figure out how to communicate.

Ouch.

“Yes. Everything Hammer and Liam are doing now is to teach you what you need to know. Communication is a part of that, princess,” Beck pointed out.

“A very important part.” Seth agreed.

“Amen, brother.”

“I know,” she said softly.

“Make no mistake, Raine. What Hammer and Liam are doing for you is difficult. You’re the first woman they’ve attempted to share in any way in the decade since Juliet died. Hell, I think you’re the only reason they’re really talking now. So when your demons come to haunt you, and you fear they can’t possibly love you…” Seth growled. “You better remind yourself that their love is what’s motivating them to see this through.”

“Exactly,” Beck chimed in. “Their animosity isn’t just because of you. They shared a woman who killed herself. But they’ve put everything aside to help you. If that’s not love, what the hell is?”