The Brink by Shayla Black

Hunched over a glass of scotch at the bar, Liam anxiously waited for Hammer. The burn of the single malt warmed his belly but didn’t calm the turmoil or the ache behind his eyes. Despite their intention to come clean with Raine over dinner, Liam realized that extricating himself from Gwyneth might not be as simple as he’d hoped. He should have known. When had anything ever been easy with that woman?

He glanced at his phone. What the devil was keeping Hammer? No doubt he was still in the sack with Raine. Liam tensed, his anger building again. Can’t go there. Fuck.

Picking up the tumbler, he rolled the amber liquid, watching it swirl within its glass prison. Liam felt just as trapped.

Lost in thought, he didn’t realize Hammer had joined him until the man plopped down on the barstool beside him.

“Why is Gwyneth still in my club?” Hammer groused.

“The baby fell asleep. I told her to text me when he wakes. I’ll get them out then.”

Hammer sighed in resignation. “The sooner the better. Having Raine and Gwyneth under the same roof makes me nervous.”

Liam nodded. “If Raine found my ex, I’m afraid she’d draw the worst conclusion.”

“Gwyneth having a baby on her hip wouldn’t help. And I don’t want Raine talking to that manipulative viper. She’d eat our girl alive. Unless she’s changed?” Hammer raised a brow in question.

“She’s trying to convince me she has. But she’s still a manipulative bitch, just more subtle.”

“So your meeting with her was fun?”

“Shoving my dick in a blender would have been more enjoyable.”

Hammer cringed, then gripped the open bottle of scotch and took a long pull. “That good, huh? Tell me what happened.”

“Not shockingly, Gwyneth claims the baby is mine.”

Hammer swore. “Is it? I mean…can you tell?”

“Not by looking at him. He’s got brown eyes and brown hair, but it doesn’t prove a thing.”

“What does she want from you?”

“She’s got it in her head that we’re going to reunite and be a family.” Liam shuddered. “Apparently, Kyle has emotional problems because he has no father. At least according to the boy’s psychotherapist.”

“Fucker, please.” Hammer rolled his eyes. “A shrink for a baby? She thinks you’re going to buy that shit? What else? Maybe you’d better start at the beginning.”

Liam shared the details of his run-in with Gwyneth, but he was barely halfway through before he could feel Hammer’s rage.

“I don’t give a rat’s ass how much proof she brought. Documents are forged every day,” Hammer erupted. “You’re not buying into her bullshit, are you?”

“Of course not. I told her I needed a paternity test.”

“Damn straight.”

Hammer seemed to calm slightly, so Liam told him the rest.

“The only thing that’s keeping me from tossing her to the curb is that baby,” Hammer grumbled. “Even I’m not that big of a prick.”

“She’s always called you the spawn of Satan, you know.”

Hammer laughed. “I’m happy to oblige her and play the part.”

“Speaking of obliging her, I need to find her a hotel.”

“Let her find her own place to stay.” Hammer scowled.

“She could have found one last night but didn’t. That tells me the only way she’s leaving Shadows is if I drag her, kicking and screaming.”

“The good news is…we’ve got plenty of rope and ball gags.” An evil smile tugged at Hammer’s mouth. “Do me a favor. Find Gwyneth a hotel close to the airport so she can climb on her broomstick and fly back to London faster.”

“I’ll do everything I can.”

Hammer chugged from the bottle again. “You know she wants more than a daddy for this kid. How much money?”

“She didn’t ask for any, just me by her side, helping her to raise emotionally stunted Kyle. God, I’m going to puke. I have to talk about something else. Tell me, how’s our girl?”

“Raine didn’t eat much breakfast. I’m still worried about her, and that fucking pacifier didn’t help.” Hammer growled. “You have no idea how shocked I was when she slammed that damn thing on the table and asked me if you had an adult-baby fetish.”

Liam choked. “I hope you told her no.”

Hammer smirked. “Yeah. Don’t worry, I did. It wasn’t a lie, right?”

“Wanker,” Liam replied with half a snort. “Look, about tonight… After dinner, I’ve been thinking… Let’s show Raine the house. The fact that I bought her a home should make her feel more secure in our commitment. That also gives her a safe place to stay, one Gwyneth knows nothing about, in case my ex lingers nearby.”

Hammer smiled. “Great idea. Is the remodeling done?”

“Not quite. But I’ll give the foreman a call and tell him to clean up a bit when they’re done for the day. We’ll tell Raine we intend to move in by Christmas and to start thinking about what she wants in her new kitchen.”

“Double ovens, for sure.” Hammer nodded. “She’s going to be thrilled.”

“I think she will be, too. Where is she now?”

“Still sleeping in my room.”

Snakes of jealousy slithered through him, hissing, just as they had in the car.

“I guess you finally got to finish what you started on our way back, then?” The words spilled off Liam’s tongue before he could stop them.

Hammer turned and stared. Liam didn’t see anger or guilt in Macen’s hazel eyes, just pity. That stung even worse. Liam wished he could take back the snide remark.

“Stop right there.” Hammer held up a hand. “I took her to breakfast. When we returned, we both climbed into bed. I only held her and stroked her hair until she fell asleep. Even if I’d had sex with her, why would it matter? We share her. You know there will be times I’m not around and you’ll want her. Vice versa.” He shook his head. “I think Gwyneth being here has brought up bullshit you haven’t dealt with.”

Liam tossed back the last of his scotch. “Now who’s psychoanalyzing whom?”

Deep down, he knew he hadn’t resolved his bitterness for Gwyneth, but Liam didn’t want to sit here and dissect his emotions. “How did your talk with Bill go?”

Hammer shrugged. “He threatened… I threatened. Bottom line: I told him if he showed his face at Shadows again, I’d put a bullet through his head.”

“Sounds like a bloody good idea to me. I’ll load the gun.” Liam smirked.

“It’s already loaded and waiting in the top left drawer of my desk.” He took another swig of scotch.

Liam heard footsteps behind him. Had Raine awakened and overheard their conversation? Adrenaline slammed through his body. He and Hammer both whirled.

Beck walked toward them with a grin, clutching a white paper bag. “How are you holding up, Daddy?”

Taking the outstretched bag, Liam looked inside and spied the test kit. It brought relief…and dread. Whether he was ready to face fatherhood or not, he’d soon find out the truth. “I’m doing better now that you brought this. Thanks.”

Pulling the kit from the bag, Beck arched a brow. “I can collect the sample now, if you’d like.”

“The baby’s sleeping at the moment,” Liam replied. “Tell me what I need to do, and I’ll take care of it after he wakes.”

Beck nodded, then walked Liam through the necessary steps to gather the DNA. He also provided the name and phone number of a lab tech, Tom, who would run the sample and give Liam the results twenty-four hours later.

“By tomorrow, you’ll know whether you’re free and clear or writing child support checks for the next eighteen years.” Beck shrugged.

“No shit,” Liam grumbled.

“Where is your ex, by the way? I want to check her out.” He winked. “See if she’s really as psycho as you two say.”

“We’ve got her stashed in one of the back rooms.” Liam jerked his head in that direction. “But we still need to find a place to put her.”

“Put her? You mean like…stash a body?” Beck blinked. “You already killed her?”

“No. We haven’t fulfilled that fantasy yet,” Hammer scoffed. “We need to find her a hotel room. She’s convinced that she and the baby are moving in with Liam.”

Beck turned livid. “Don’t tell me you’re fucking dumping Raine to placate your ex-wife.”

“Bloody hell. No!” Liam barked.

“Good. Then I won’t have to kill you.” Beck shoved a hand into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a ring of keys. After plucking one off, he handed it to Liam. “Here. This is a key to my condo. Your ex-wife and the kid can stay there for a few days since I’ll probably be holed up at the hospital.”

Liam blinked. He and Beck hadn’t exactly hit it off, but he appreciated the gesture. “I’m… Wow. Thank you.”

“No thanks necessary.” Beck nodded at him. “You need all the help you can get.”

“You’re not wrong there,” Liam grimly agreed.

“If you want to cause your ex some pain, I’ve got a nice big toy bag in the bedroom closet.” He leered.

“I’ll bet.” He snorted at the sadist. “If I have to touch her to use those, then no thanks.”

Beck chuckled. “I’ve got to run. Text me if you have any questions. Hell, text me and let me know how Raine’s doing.”

“Will do,” Liam replied, surprised by the emotion thick in his throat. “I appreciate all you’ve done, Beck.”

“You can thank me after we find out that kid’s DNA doesn’t match yours.” He saluted, then turned and rushed out the door.

They sat quietly for several long minutes, Liam digesting the conversation. Then he turned to Hammer. “Is there something you’re not telling me about Raine? About Bill?”

“Not at all,” Hammer assured. “I’m just thinking… I know you said Gwyneth didn’t ask for money, but she’s got to have a price.”

“She’s got more money than god, Macen. She’s here for me.” Even Liam could hear the defeat in his own voice.

“Well, then, I guess for the first time in her pampered life, Gwyneth’s not going to get what she wants.”

“I could give a shit what she wants. I’m more worried about Raine.”

“We’re going to take care of her tonight,” Hammer reassured.

“What if it turns out I do have a son? Will she still want me then?”

“Of course. Raine’s heart is huge. There’s room in it for me, you, and Kyle. If he’s yours, she’ll love him, too, because he’s a part of you.”

“Thanks. I needed to hear that.” Liam sighed. “I want you to know that no matter how the test comes out, I am committed to you and Raine. I’ll do whatever I have to, but I won’t let Gwyneth come between us.”

“Now you’re talking.” Hammer smiled and raised the bottle.

They drank a toast, and for the first time all day, Liam felt as if he had a bit of solid ground beneath his feet.

“Listen, why don’t you go back to my room and slide in bed with Raine,” Hammer suggested. “She’s missing you. She could use the reassurance.”

“I’d like that.” Liam was damn grateful for the suggestion. He needed to feel her wrapped around him, breathe in her warmth. “I’m not very centered at the moment. I may sound like some damn Nancy, but just being near her calms me, Macen.”

“It’s the same for me.” Hammer nodded, then grim determination lined his face. “I’ll be in to join you two shortly. First, I want to talk to Gwyneth.”

“I don’t think that’s a wise idea.” It wasn’t that Liam didn’t appreciate his friend’s help, but things were already fucked up enough without Hammer shoving his stick into the pot and giving it a big stir. “I’d rather you let her be.”

“I know, and I understand why. But she’s put on her best face for you. She might slip up with me, give some hint about why she’s suddenly so eager to make you three a family.”

“You’re only going to piss her off. And if she comes screaming down the hall—”

“I’ll cuff her to a cross and duct tape her mouth shut before I let that happen.” Hammer’s lips curled in a wicked smile.

“And you’d enjoy every fucking minute of it, too, no doubt.” Liam stood. “I’ll put this DNA kit in my car so I’m ready when the baby wakes and I’ve moved him far from Raine. If you can’t possibly live without grilling Gwyneth, I won’t stop you. But for Raine’s sake, keep the fatalities in the war zone to a minimum, will you?”

“Boy Scout’s honor.” Hammer smirked.

Liam rolled his eyes and stood, tucking the sack under his arm. “We both know you were never a Boy Scout, mate. I’ll be back.”

* * *

As Liam left the bar, Hammer stood. Squaring his shoulders, he marched down the hall, jaw clenched. The day had been a fucking circus. He itched to keep all the animals in line with his whip, but circumstances prevented that. He didn’t like things being out of his control.

The thought of waiting twenty-four hours before he knew whether Liam had gotten Gwyneth pregnant seemed as interminable as a life sentence in prison. Which was where Macen would find himself if Raine’s father made good on his promise.

While Hammer had competent, cutthroat lawyers, he knew paying off Raine’s father for so many years made him look guilty. Innocent men didn’t resort to bribery. Even if Raine testified that Hammer never touched her sexually when she was a minor, the DA could claim Raine suffered from Stockholm syndrome or some other bullshit to convict him.

At least Liam would be here to care for Raine if the worst came to pass…unless Gwyneth sank her claws into him.

Pausing outside the newly renovated suite, Hammer dialed back his anger. He couldn’t afford any chink in his armor. If Gwyneth sensed one, she’d go for blood. The bitch had come halfway around the world in hopes of ensnaring her ex-husband. She was in for a rude awakening.

He raised his hand to knock. Fuck that. Instead, he turned the knob and sauntered into the room.

With her blond tresses falling down her back, Gwyneth hummed a soft melody. Her relaxed posture looked smug. In fact, the succubus had a serene air, as if she believed her conquest was imminent. If Hammer let her anywhere near Liam, she’d suck the life out of him.

But she was on his turf, and Hammer intended to get the answers he sought and put her in her place.

He cleared his throat, and Gwyneth turned with a start. When her gaze fell on him, her warm greeting vanished. Ah, she’d been expecting Liam. He gave her a cold smile.

She snapped her polite mask in place over all her flawless ivory skin, big eyes, and plump pink lips. But he saw the calculating cunt lurking underneath.

“Macen, I wasn’t expecting you. I’d ask you to come in, but since you already have…” She sent him a little shrug. “What a surprise.”

Sauntering to the bed, Hammer studied the dark-haired boy. Cute kid, but he saw no particular resemblance to Liam. But then, he knew shit about babies.

“It’s a surprise to see you, too.” He raised a brow at her. “But since you’ve come all this way to my club to see Liam, didn’t you think you’d have to deal with me?”

“I didn’t anticipate you barging in. I see now that I should have.” Gwyneth’s tone, while passive, held censure.

Time to draw the battle lines.

“My place. My rules,” he pointed out.

“Indeed.” Her expression looked placid and matched her noncommittal tone.

Hammer bet she was biting back what she really longed to say. Once upon a time, she wouldn’t have bothered, but Liam was right; this 2.0 version of Gwyneth seemed stealthier.

“If you’ve come to talk, I’m sorry. Now isn’t a good time.” She swept a hand toward the sleeping baby. “Jet lag has taken its toll on Kyle. He’s just like his father. You know how Liam needs his sleep. Another time.” She glided forward as if to usher him out the door.

Hammer met her halfway and wrapped his fingers around her arm. “I prefer now.” He hauled her into the small bathroom and closed the door behind him, leaning against the wooden surface to trap her in. “Here will do. So we don’t wake the baby.”

Gwyneth’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. “Kyle will be unsettled if he wakes alone in a strange place.”

“We’ll make this quick, then, sweetheart.” Hammer slid a slow, appraising stare down her body, before settling on her breasts. “I see you spent Liam’s alimony on a good cause.”

The air around them shifted slightly, and he sensed her subtle rise of temper. He smiled again.

“I know that isn’t what you came to discuss.”

Macen licked his lips and stared as he captured a few strands of her blond hair, rubbing them between his thumb and finger. He dragged her closer. Heat rose from her body.

As much as he hated the whore, he’d play the seduction card if he needed.

When he glanced down at her breasts again, her nipples had peaked. A pink flush blossomed on Gwyneth’s cheeks. He spied a barely perceptible tic of her arm, as if she fought the urge to cover herself.

Bingo.

“What exactly did you want?” She tried to jerk away.

Hammer didn’t let go.

“Remember the night you tried to seduce me?” he murmured as he continued to fondle her hair. “Do you still think about it? Wonder what if—”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m sorry if you misunderstood my attempt to make my husband’s best friend feel welcome.”

“You know, the year I came to visit Juliet’s grave after you and Liam were married. Surely you haven’t forgotten that night.”

Gwyneth refused to meet his direct stare. The pulse point at the base of her neck accelerated. The blush in her cheeks darkened.

Hammer released her hair and brushed his knuckles across her jaw. He relished the opportunity to make her squirm.

She jerked from his touch. “I’m afraid I have.”

“Liam and I were in the study, hitting the scotch hard. You joined us.”

“You must be mistaken.”

Funny how breathless she sounded.

“Oh, but you did, sweetheart. Liam went to bed not long after that. And you climbed in my lap. That ring a bell?”

Her face tightened for a moment, then smoothed again. “I do recall tripping on the leg of the coffee table and falling onto you. Is that what you mean?”

Hammer laughed—long and loud and totally at her expense. “So you just happened to straddle me? And rub your pussy all over my cock?”

She tossed her head primly. “I merely attempted to stand again and had difficulty finding my balance.”

“For nearly seven minutes?” Hammer scoffed. “I’ve had shorter lap dances.”

Another flush swept up her face, this one angry. “You think rather a lot of yourself. I never tried to seduce you.”

Without warning, he gripped her shoulders and spun her against the door. Pressing his body against hers, she gasped. Nudging his knee between her thighs, he rubbed it against her pussy.

Gwyneth’s breathing turned suddenly shallow, telling Hammer she was either pissed off…or aroused. He didn’t care which. Either would make her reckless.

“Maybe you should have. You still look beautiful.”

“You’re standing too close.” She braced her hands on his chest, as if she meant to push him away. But she didn’t.

Hammer glanced down at where she touched him. “What are you doing with your hands there, sweetheart? You going to unbutton my shirt? Cop yourself a nice feel?”

She yanked her palms from his shirt as if he’d scalded her. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“So you only wanted me when you were married to my best friend?” He sent her a mock look of pain. “I suppose it’s not as much fun unless you’re betraying someone you profess to love.”

“You bastard.” She gritted her teeth, then raised her hand to slap him.

Hammer snagged her wrist and shook his head. “Don’t be a bad girl, Gwyneth, or I’ll have to take you over my knee and spank you.”

Her nostrils flared, along with her eyes. “I don’t play your depraved games. Did you come simply to insult me? If you have no point, let me out of this room.”

He’d definitely rattled her. Time to finish her off.

“You know I don’t obey commands. I give them.” He released her wrist, his stare drilling a hole into her. “How much?”

She understood exactly what he meant, and the little air of triumph he’d seen earlier returned. She batted her lashes. “How much what?”

“Stop playing innocent. You’re not good at it,” he bit out. “How much money will it cost for you to take the kid, leave the country, and get out of Liam’s life for good?”

Somehow, she managed to look stunned. “You think this is about money?”

“You bet your ass I do.”

Gwyneth frowned. “I’m disappointed you think I’d be satisfied by something so vulgar. I just want Liam. After all, Kyle needs his father.”

“Then I suggest you approach whoever knocked you up and talk to him. Because that baby isn’t any more Liam’s than he is mine.”

Gwyneth shook her head. “Kyle is his. I don’t expect you to believe me, but I brought proof.”

“You brought documents you doctored.”

“The baby is Liam’s,” she reiterated between clenched teeth. “I’ve been chaste since the night we spent together after the benefit.”

Hammer couldn’t stop himself from throwing back his head and laughing. “Please. You’d fuck the stick shift in your Ferrari if you thought it would get you off.”

She shot him an icy glare before lifting her chin indignantly. Then she pinned her mask back in place. “I’ve changed, Macen. I’m not the same woman I used to be.”

Hammer could test that claim in a matter of seconds. While being lied to by the pretentious whore pushed every one of his buttons, he wouldn’t let his anger get the best of him.

He slid his thigh once more against her pussy, increasing the pressure. She tensed, then wriggled ever so slightly.

Hammer gripped her hips to help her along, grinding her onto his leg. “Tell me again how much you’ve changed.”

She didn’t quite manage to bite back her gasp as she stared at his mouth for a long moment. Animosity and anticipation hung in the air, sharp. Strained. He waited.

Finally, Gwyneth pushed at him and tried to close her legs. “Get off me this instant.”

He didn’t budge, just kept nudging her cunt against him. “I’m still waiting.”

“For what?” Her breath hitched.

He took perverse pleasure in watching her struggle to control herself. Her pulse still pounded visibly in her neck. He felt her trying to pull herself together.

“For you to prove how you’ve changed.” He stared her down, thumbing her collarbone and raked his gaze over her even harder nipples. “Because you look pretty aroused to me.”

Her entire demeanor turned like a chameleon changing its color. Her perfectly waxed brows pinched together in a practiced look of anguish as she shoved at him. “Don’t torment me. You can’t fathom all I’ve been through. But I hope, for Liam’s sake, you’ll try.”

Macen didn’t buy it for a second. “All you’ve been through? You mean, all you’ve caused.”

Gwyneth gave a delicate sigh, her slender shoulders sagging as if she needed to unburden herself. “I wasn’t a good wife. I know. But my life has been hell since Liam and I separated. I’ve learned.”

“Oh, really?” Hammer placated.

“I’d give anything if I could go back and undo the damage I’ve done. I’ve lived with the terrible guilt for destroying our marriage.”

Hammer doubted she was capable of something as deep as guilt.

“I love our son…but every day I look at him, Kyle makes me realize how much I still love Liam as well.” She paused for dramatic effect. “I always will. So I’ve come here hoping that we can be reunited and become a family with Kyle.”

While it came as no surprise that Gwyneth meant to wheedle Liam into her life, watching the manipulative wheels spin in her head made Hammer’s stomach roll.

“I’ll do whatever I can to make it right,” she confessed. “I’m simply not sure what that is.”

“You want my advice?” Wow, did she have nerve.

Her chin quivered. “I’m determined to prove to Liam that I’ve changed.”

Hammer doubted there was any hope of that.

“He’s the sort of man who will be an active father to his son. And for Kyle’s sake, it’s imperative they foster a relationship now.”

“You think the kid needs him, huh?”

“Maybe you think I’m foolish to believe that Kyle’s emotional well-being is in jeopardy.” She sniffled delicately. “But without his father, my little boy will suffer a lack of knowledge, understanding, bonding—love—that only Liam can give.”

Hammer didn’t doubt that Liam would fill those roles without exception…if he were Kyle’s father.

“So will I.” Gwyneth reached up and cupped his face, surprising Macen. “You and I… Well, there’s always been a certain friction between us. I regret that. You’re Liam’s best friend. I’m his wife, so—”

“Ex,” Hammer cut in.

She smiled tightly, as if dismissing that technicality. “You’d certainly like to continue to have him in your life, as would I. So let’s put our hostility aside and bury the hatchet.”

Was she fucking serious?Gwyneth certainly wanted him to think so, based on the pleading note in her voice. He tried not to snort in her face.

He’d let her assume she’d hooked him—for now.

“Actually, I’d like to bury the hatchet, too.” In your head.

“Really? Oh, thank you, Macen.” She stepped toward him and hugged him tight. “I’m so relieved. Maybe…you’ll help me convince Liam that I love him so we can be a family?”

Hammer had to swallow the urge to puke, but he managed to keep his expression benign. “You’ll have to do that on your own. I’ll never lift a finger to help you hurt him again.”

She drew back as if he’d slapped her. “You’re still a bitter, selfish man, thinking of yourself rather than Liam. Pity.”

“And you’re a manipulative hag, so we understand one another.”

Resignation crossed her face. “You know…early this morning, I was sleepwalking. I inadvertently stumbled into Liam’s room.”

Stumbled, my ass.

“When I woke, I was so excited to see traces of Liam. Then I discovered a woman is staying with him. I smell her perfume on you, too. I gather you’re…sharing her?” She sent him a pitying expression. “Macen, what will you do when she becomes your next Juliet?”

At her low blow, a violent rush of fury surged up his body and slammed through his brain. Hammer tensed, curled his fingers into fists. If he didn’t, he would wrap them around her neck and squeeze until every ounce of life left her body.

He stared her down, willing his expression blank. “You’ve got a good nose.”

Gwyneth smiled, reminding him of a fucking politician—all flash, no substance. Total bullshit. “Well, I’m sure your little fling will pass before the poor girl does anything tragic. But Liam’s heart is too big to be content with your leftovers forever simply to help you recover from your terrible mistake.”

Hammer held in a snarl. “I thought we were ending our hostility, Gwyneth? Insulting me and my late wife doesn’t seem very friendly at all.”

“Oh, Macen.” Somehow, she managed to look torn as she reached out to him and cupped his arm. “You’re misunderstanding me again. Of course that’s not what I meant. What I’m trying to say is that my heart will fulfill Liam in every way. And for his sake, I worry about you. I think it’s time you found a woman who can love you for good. Or haven’t you been able to find one?”

Hammer had never hit a woman in anger. I might make an exception for you, you snatch-faced cunt.

Clinging to the last thread of his temper, he pasted on a smile. “Since we’re starting over, I presume we’re speaking honestly?”

“Of course,” she replied with a look of innocence.

“I told Liam not long after you two tied the knot that you were a scheming whore. I hated to be proven right, but I wasn’t surprised at all.”

Hammer watched Gwyneth waffle between a contrived shock and her usual haughty ice-queen demeanor. Her body tensed with an almost palpable hum. “I beg your pardon?”

“You’ve got two choices,” he drilled her in a calm, low voice. “One, you tell me exactly why you’re here. Once you do, I’ll write you a big fat check. Then you’ll haul your ass back to London so that neither Liam nor I will ever see, hear, or speak to you again.”

She peeled back her lips in a scathing, humorless smile. “You can’t afford me.”

“You sure you don’t want to try me? Give me a price and see if I’ll meet it.”

She scoffed. “No. I’m here for Liam.”

“Well, you’re going home empty handed, sweetheart. He stopped caring about you the minute he found you taking your personal trainer’s dick up the ass while you blew his boyfriend. Liam doesn’t love you. He will never love you. And he will never, ever consider being a part of your life again. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her little smile sent a warning prickle up his spine. “We’ll see.”