The Betrayal by Shayla Black

Hammer turned his attention back to Raine only to find her looking toward the stairs, already planning her escape. Even as she defied him, he fought the urge to press his lips to hers. Claim her up against the wall, fuck the attitude, insecurities, and every ounce of hurt out of her. Leave her no doubt that she was his. Even if she wasn’t.

Glancing over her shoulder once again, he was pleased to find Liam had wisely stepped back into the shadows, but had no doubt the other Dom was still listening.

“So I’m just supposed to let Beck do whatever he wants to me? Whatever happened to safe, sane, and consensual?” Raine challenged. “He isn’t safe, and you know it. You’ve thrown him out yourself more than once for taking a sub too far. Putting someone who’s never tested her pain limits with a sadist like him isn’t sane. You know he terrifies me, so any scene between us wouldn’t be consensual. With this mood you’re in, I think you’d be happy to watch me bleed.”

“Is that what you think?”

“What else am I supposed to think? I pushed some button of yours that you absolutely can’t stand. It’s made you mean. But you can’t force him on me or keep me here against my will. I told you, I quit. And I’ll consider myself lucky to have made it out of here with no more than a broken heart because Beck will break everything else.”

She was right, damn it. The urge to reach up and trail his fingers over her cheek, reassure her and apologize, gnawed at him.

“Have a nice life.” Tears rolled down her face. “I really hope you figure out someday that women like Marlie are too shallow to fill the big heart I know you have.”

Panicked and unwilling to let her go, he pressed his body against her, pinning her back to the wall. With one hand braced above her, he looked into her stormy eyes. “Do you really think that after sheltering you for six fucking years, I would ever allow Beck to break you? And you have no idea what’s in my heart, so please don’t waste time guessing.”

Her hard little nipples drove into his bare chest, surging electricity to his cock. Wanting her even as he turned her inside out made him a terrible bastard, and his self-loathing grated.

“I don’t share your confidence in Beck. Right now, I have even less in you. You’ll give your attention to condescending fuck dolls, but when I come to you with pure intentions, even if I might have gone about it the wrong way, you stab me through the heart.” She shook her head and sniffled back fresh tears. “Enjoy little miss Botox. If Marlie and her ilk want to play head games, I don’t know a man more equipped.”

Raine shoved free and brushed his shoulder with her own as she stormed past him, giving him a look that warned him touching her again might mean the end of his balls.

God, he couldn’t let it end like this. Not with anger and bitterness, blame and so fucking much regret. He’d crushed her fragile soul…but what else could he do? He couldn’t explain his rejection without revealing all his nastiest secrets.

Ignoring her silent warning, he grabbed her again and slammed her to the wall, pressing his body so tightly against hers that escape wasn’t possible. His cock jerked. “I told you, I’m not good for you, precious. I hate that you’re hurting, but I won’t let you waltz out the door when you belong here. Get that through your thick, stubborn skull.”

She squirmed in an attempt to get away, shoving at him and stomping on his foot. But he refused to budge. He watched as she drew in a huge sob.

“You’re not at all who I thought. I fell for a giving, gracious man with a spine of steel and a kind heart. You saved me once, but now…I’m already crying, and you’ve gone out of your way to make me feel both stupid and delusional.” She shot him a scathing stare. “It’s taken me a long time, but I finally figured it out. You’re the fucked-up one, not me. All this time I thought I was broken, but your issues run deeper. At least I want to grow past my ghosts. You seem awfully content to let them haunt you.”

His heart clenched. After all the years of shielding her from his demons, she’d still seen through his façade. He’d failed her. A red haze clouded his vision. Fuck!

“What happened to you, Macen?” She shook her head. “Forget it. You’ll never tell me.” Raising her chin rebelliously, she seared him with her blazing blue eyes. “Thanks very much for the last six years, Sir. Now please, let me go.”

Impossible. But now what? No fucking clue.

Anger permeated every cell in his body as he slammed his fist into the wall right beside her head. Drywall exploded and rained onto the floor.

“Damn it, Hammer!” Liam barked in rebuke, tearing down the hall toward him. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” When he reached them, he pried Hammer’s biting hands off Raine. The instant she was free, his friend pulled her shaking body into his arms, and she buried her head in his shoulder. “Look at yourself, man. Have you lost your bloody mind, then? Leave the wee lass alone. You’re scaring her to death!”

Hammer clenched his jaw. Liam was right. How had he ever allowed things to get so out of hand? And why did she nuzzle against Liam so quickly, so naturally?

Raine eased away. “I’m sorry if we woke you. I was going to say good-bye as soon as Hammer let me go.”

“Are you all right?” He stroked the side of her face with a gentle hand that made Hammer want to punch the wall again. When had they started speaking? Why had Liam gotten the idea that Raine would allow him to touch her?

“I’m fine.” A sad smile curled the corners of her mouth. “Thank you for trying. I really wish...” She shook her head. “But I wouldn’t be good for you, Liam. As Hammer pointed out, I’m nothing but a strong-willed brat. Consider that you’ve dodged a bullet. I wish you the best.”

Wouldn’t be good for him? As if…they’d done more than shake hands?

“What the hell are you talking about? I never fucking said that, girl!” he growled. “Did you not hear a single word I’ve said?”

Liam sighed. Then with a patient voice, he tucked a strand of midnight hair behind Raine’s ear, fingers sure and soft, as if he’d done it before. “Go down the hall to wait for me in my private room, would you? I’d like to talk to you before you go.” When she would have protested, he added, “Don’t be making decisions about your future when you’re upset. Let me talk to Hammer. I’ll be in to speak to you soon. Will you do that for me, lovely? This won’t take a minute.”

She bit her lip as her gaze bounced between Liam’s calm demeanor and his own furious stare.

Raine sighed. “All right.”

Hammer didn’t miss the ease with which she submitted to his friend. A silent string of curses filled his head as both he and Liam turned and watched her disappear down the darkened hall and into the other Dom’s room.

Once she’d gone, Liam whirled on Hammer, like Raine’s fucking knight in shining armor, his eyes incredulous and damning.

“What is going on between you two?” Hammer growled.

“What’s going on between the two of you?” Liam countered. “I’ve no idea what ruckus caused you and Raine to reach this point, but it’s obvious you’ve gone mad. Do I have to point out that a wee, raven-haired female is undoing you, Hammer?”

Oh, he knew that. As if dealing with Raine wasn’t enough, Liam had joined the fucking bandwagon. To do what, see how much more he could take before he imploded?

“Do you have a point to make? Or should we just step outside so I can break your jaw?”

“I don’t wish to embarrass you as I mop the car park with your face. That won’t solve a bloody thing. Pull your head out of your ass, mate. You’re worried you’ll hurt her with your needs, but you’re afraid to try because Juliet hid how she felt about them.”

“I never said that,” Hammer snapped. Perceptive bastard.

“Not in so many words, but you’re thinking it. After all I heard tonight, do you think Raine is the sort who would hide her feelings from you? If she wasn’t happy, do you think she’d keep that to herself?”

Hammer bristled. “She’s so damn independent. Do you see her living Juliet’s sort of life? There’s no way she’s ready for that. She wouldn’t let me tell her what socks to wear, much less pick her entire wardrobe. And you know that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

“So you want a more trained submissive, but you’re unwilling to do anything to help her become what you need. That makes perfect sense,” Liam drawled.

“I’m saying I don’t think she’ll ever get there. She’d take on the responsibility of trying and it would go against her grain. We’d both be miserable. Not only is it too much to put on her narrow shoulders, it would damage her. I can’t do that.”

“Then stop holding her to you when she tries to leave.”

“It’s not that simple. Every time she walks into the room, I come to life. Every time she leaves, I fucking fall apart. I’m not trying to hurt her.”

“But do you really think you can order her to stay at Shadows after this? You said yourself she’s impulsive. You told me that she left her home when she was barely more than a babe. You think she won’t do it as a woman grown? And before you let your temper talk, think for a moment about a Shadows without Raine. Honestly, how would you feel?”

He couldn’t fucking breathe. Hammer clenched his fists as panic surged through his bloodstream.

“This will blow over. In an hour, she’ll be fine.”

“Is that what you’re telling yourself? Bloody christ!” Liam shook his head again. “Not this time. You’ve kept Raine on a leash so tight, she’s all but strangling. She’s done with that, I tell you. She’s more than half out the door.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Then how badly do you want her to stay? Because I guarantee she’ll be leaving before the sun’s even up.”

Hammer drew in a rough breath. He hated Liam for butting in and confronting him. Mostly, he hated his friend for being right.

“Goddamnit.” He swallowed the scream inside him. Raine leaving Shadows was never going to be an option, at least not one he could live with.

“Use your head,” Liam urged. “If you let her leave, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. The pain of Juliet might well pale in comparison.”

Liam voiced his worst fear. Hammer swallowed.

“What the hell do you want me to do?” he demanded, tossing his hands in the air. “Since you have all the answers, tell me how I unwedge myself from this rock and the hard place I’m in?”

“Well, if you’re not able or willing to help her down the submissive path, I guess I could.” Liam shrugged nonchalantly. “She’s pretty enough.”

“Don’t you dare!” Hammer saw red. “You’re far more than Raine can handle, too.”

“And Beck isn’t? You said that giving her a red ass wouldn’t fix her. Changed your mind, then? You think a sadist would do better?”

No. But Hammer wasn’t trying to fix her…just make her hate him. “Maybe.”

Liam rolled his eyes. “Give her to me to straighten out. I understand she’s got under your nettle and deserves discipline, but for christ’s sake…What in the hell possessed you to bring that sadistic son of a bitch into the equation? He’ll break her for sure.”

“No. Raine deserves punishment for her deplorable actions this morning. I’ll make sure she gets it.”

“And what about your behavior? Raine was dead on the money when she told you that you’d never allow Beck to touch any of your usual subs. Yet the one you’ve protected and nurtured for years, you’d toss her to him like a goddamn bone to a Rottweiler?”

He tried not to wince. “I’ve already handed down the punishment, and I can’t go back on it. She’s undermined me enough. Raine spends a session with Beck. That’s final.”

Liam turned a scrutinizing gaze on Hammer, as if trying to read his soul. “Very well. But if I can persuade her to stay, I insist on being there. Neither of us should risk Beck losing his head and drawing blood, or forgetting to heed her safe word.”

Liam and Raine’s lack of trust made him fume. Did they both think he’d simply turn Beck loose to do his worst on her? “Fine.”

With a nod, Liam turned away abruptly, striding down the hall to find Raine. Hammer just watched. How the hell had everything turned to shit so quickly? With a sigh of disgust, he watched his friend disappear into the bedroom with the woman who’d consumed his soul, hoping Liam could work a miracle.

* * *

Liam entered his darkened room. Raine twisted around on the bed to watch him. The lighting from the hallway illuminated her big eyes as they fell on him. The silvery paths of tears stained her cheeks. Her nose was a bit red. Her little-girl lost expression made him want to stride across the room, take her in his arms, and soothe her. But he couldn’t yet. She was nervous and distressed. First things first. He had to calm her, then find out where her head was at.

“Are you all right?” he asked, shutting the door behind him, then lighting a candle on his nightstand.

“I said I was fine. I’m sorry we woke you. What happened with Hammer? Is he mad at you? Or me? Yeah, that’s who he’s really mad at. Damn. Sorry, I’m nervous.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “I didn’t mean to babble. I’ll shut up now. It really won’t take me long to pack up and be gone.”

“Stay, Raine. I’d like to talk to you.” He put just enough command in his voice to induce her to respond. “I would hold you, listen, help if I might. Tell me what happened.”

Her face closed up instantly, and Liam tamped down his frustration. He had to reach this girl if he was going to use her to help Hammer. And damn it, Raine was one unfulfilled need after another. It simply wasn’t in his Dom DNA to let her suffer like this.

“Tell me.” He drew closer, sat on the edge of the bed beside her. As she turned her face up to him, he cupped her cheek in his hand. Even in her sorrow and heartache, her delicate features drew him in.

She stiffened, swallowed. Bloody hell, if Hammer was going to be jealous, Liam knew she couldn’t be wary of his touch. He had to fix that quickly…and forget how much he liked putting his hands on her.

“It’s all right,” he assured her. “You’ve had a rough morning. You need to get this off your chest.”

“Thank you, but you don’t have to trouble yourself. This morning just proved that I need to grow up. I’m sorry. I should probably apologize to Hammer, too, once I get my pride out of the way. But talking about it is pointless. I just don’t belong here anymore.”

With a heavy sigh, she rose from the bed. His stare fell on her soft curves, and Liam was suddenly aware of how little she wore. As she leaned down to him, she cupped his shoulder—and the tempting valley of her cleavage drew his gaze. To his shock, she brushed a kiss across his cheek. He had to fight the urge to touch her. “Some sub will be very lucky to have you. I’m kind of sorry it won’t be me. But thanks for your offer.”

He tried to stay calm, think, tread carefully.

“Now don’t leave yet. Sit and tell me what happened.” He’d give her a more direct command if he must, but he didn’t want to come across as the enemy, so he kept his voice coaxing—for now.

She hesitated, then plopped down on the bed, looking somewhere between embarrassed and miserable. “I thought that before I could really consider your offer, I had to see if there was any chance that Hammer could...” She stopped, sighed. “But there isn’t. I went to his room dressed in a lot less and tried to seduce him. Even when I had my mouth on his—” She looked away with a grimace, and Liam had a vivid mental picture of what she’d done to get Hammer’s attention. “He still turned me down. It hurt. We fought. I lost my temper. It got ugly.” She shrugged. “Here we are.”

A smile pulled at his lips. “No doubt you startled the hell out of him. Awakening to the soft, wet heat of a woman’s mouth wrapped around one’s John Thomas is generally something to appreciate. I’d say you surprised him, and he reacted poorly. Surely you’d not hold that against him.”

She jumped to her feet. “I should have known you’d take your pal’s side. I surprised Hammer, all right. And I aroused him. But he didn’t want to deal with me, so he tossed me out of the room and jacked off. He had the nerve to shout my name when...well, you get it. You’ll probably say it’s his Dom’s right or whatever, but I got so mad, I saw a red haze. I went to the dungeon and threw everything I could find on the floor. Okay, so it was stupid. But from that, Hammer decided that I needed a spanking. And to stick his fingers up my—” She shook her head. “He’s not dictating to me when I can have an orgasm, and I made that clear.”

Raine was like an angry wee bird, feathers bristling as she emphasized her words, her hands waving and breasts heaving. She was glorious.

He gave her a genuine smile, picturing only too well the scene she described.

She rolled her eyes. “And you think it’s funny. Fuck, I am so leaving.”

When she marched for the door, Liam leapt up, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her back against him. He surrounded her completely, stroking her back lazily to offset his unyielding hold.

“There now, lass. Christ, I’ll bet the orgasm he gave himself was an empty regret compared to one he’d much rather have had between your lips.”

She snorted. “No. I’m like a sister to him. He doesn’t want me. He never will, and I don’t think I can stay and watch him with women like Marlie anymore.” She fidgeted in his grasp. “Can you let me go?”

Not a chance in hell, and if she thought Hammer truly wanted anyone but her, then someone had to pull back the man’s curtain and show her the truth. Words wouldn’t do it, but actions… Hammer in a jealous rage ought to convince her.

“You can’t really want to leave home and all you know?” he said softly. “My offer still stands. Hammer hasn’t done a good job teaching you or making you feel valued as a woman. So let me do that. Aren’t you even a little curious to see what you might gain?”

She hesitated, considering. Liam wanted to push, but he didn’t. The time wasn’t right. Instead, he cajoled.

“C’mon lass. You’re ready. Any responsible Dom gives the sub what she needs, and you’ve gone too long without that since Hammer has stifled you.”

Raine stared at him, biting her lip. He could practically see her thoughts working. Time to lean on her a bit.

“Be brave, lovely. Take what I’m offering. I’d be good to you.”

“That sounds great and all, but you’re Hammer’s best friend. And it’s taken you a couple of months to reach the conclusion that I need...whatever it is you think I’m doing without. Plus, you never really told me what’s in it for you. Yeah, you said I’m pretty, but I don’t think that alone would motivate you to spend the weeks or months it will likely take to train me. Not to mention that you danced around telling me what you said to Hammer a few minutes ago. So forgive me if I’m a little suspicious.”

Clever girl.She was smart to be wary. But he couldn’t allow it to continue.

“It seems to me that you have more to gain than to lose by giving me a go. Hammer has already rejected you, and I’m sorry for it. But should you have to lose your home, as well? Rather than leaving, why not take this opportunity to try something new? Test your limits and grow.” He stepped back and put a bit of distance between them so she wouldn’t feel crowded or threatened. “You seem to think I have some ulterior motive, but I’d be lying if I said your plight doesn’t grate at my need to protect and teach you what I believe you crave.”

She sent him a considering stare. “If you have nothing to hide, then what did you two talk about before you came in here?”

He forced a casual shrug. “I’d have thought that would be obvious. We discussed why he was allowing you to get under his skin and create an uproar. Both of you were hot enough to fry eggs. He’s my friend. Why wouldn’t I be concerned?”

“About him, sure. That makes sense. But me? I’m nothing to you.”

Just like Hammer had said, trust was going to be a major issue for her. Earning it while he wasn’t being totally honest was an added challenge. But his plan would ultimately benefit Raine and Hammer both, if it worked. While he trained her, he would have to separate his ploy from her progress and focus on giving her exactly what she needed. She would eventually trust that he wanted her happiness.

“Because my concern for Hammer extends to his responsibilities as a Dominant. If he’s unable to manage them, for whatever reason, then I will. That includes you.”

Her nose wrinkled in distaste. “I’m tired of being someone’s responsibility.”

“That’s not all you are to him. You’re wrong if you think he doesn’t love you. It may not be the way you want him to, but he cares.” He cocked his head. Talking to her was a bit like playing a chess match. He had to carefully consider his every move. “I’ll be more honest than I should when I say you won’t be simply a responsibility to me. You’re an untested submissive. That makes you a very attractive proposition. I’ll enjoy coaxing your surrender. You’ll be a lovely challenge.”

She flushed. “And it won’t bother you that I love him?”

Liam crafted his words carefully, then took a half step closer to cup her cheek and delve deep into her eyes. “I don’t need your love, lass, just your trust. I’ve said I’d be willing to help you become the submissive you’re wanting to be. Leave, don’t leave. The choice is yours. But know this, Raine: Regrets are a heavy albatross to carry around your neck for the rest of your life.”

She turned her attention from him to her own thoughts. He watched her face, practically saw her mind start to spin and race. Fascinating, really. He’d grown so used to women with towering walls guarding their thoughts, especially his ex-wife. Raine was so new, a blank slate in so many ways. Fresh. The idea of molding her excited him. The idea of touching her excited him, too—far more than it should.

“I see your point,” she finally conceded. “What’s the catch to your offer?”

Slowly, but surely, he was reaching her. “Hammer insists that he’ll have his pound of flesh. I can’t stop Beck from punishing you on his behalf. But if you agree to let me train you, I won’t let him touch you. Either way, I’ll be by your side to lend what support I may.”

She lifted her chin. “If I stay, I’ll manage Beck. I’m not a coward.”

Liam fought a smile. Raine was many things—a minx, a smart girl trapped in a woman’s body, a submissive without a Dominant to guide her—but he would never call her a coward.

“That you’re not. Come.” He took her hand. “Let me give you a taste of what I think you need. You can hardly say yes to what you don’t fully understand.”

He gave her a gentle tug. This time, she hesitated only an instant before she complied. He settled back on the side of the bed, pulling her onto his lap, facing the dresser mirror. She diverted her gaze.

“Look at us,” he commanded, his words barely above a whisper.

This time, she didn’t hesitate, but peered through the shadowy room to meet his stare in the mirror. As he held her back against his chest, he felt how small she was in his lap. When he brushed the shell of her ear with his lips, she shivered.

“Excellent,” he told her. “You need discipline, and I don’t disagree with Hammer’s idea of giving you a red ass for your antics earlier.”

When she stiffened and opened her mouth to protest, he held up a finger and sent her a stern glance. “Not a word. Let me finish.”

When Raine sagged against him with a sulky little pout, he fought another smile. She’d be a handful, this girl. Something about her enchanted him. God knew that looking at her scantily-clad curves in the mirror was taking an uncomfortable toll on his self-control. He had the urge to find every one of her defenses and plow through them as fast as possible so he’d have her entire soul open to him. The idea was exhilarating. The mental image of her naked and bound, looking up at him with trust and longing… Fuck if that didn’t make him hard. Well, harder.

“What you need more than discipline is understanding and affection. When was the last time you had someone you could truly talk to?”

Panic flitted across her face. “Don’t you just want to tie me down and spank me and…”

Oh, he did, eventually. “Without trust, that’s just abuse. And I’ll never be treating you like that.”

She fidgeted again. “But talking?”

Pain creased her features, as if he’d said he intended to drive stakes under her wee fingernails. He smothered another smile. The amusing little vixen was going to keep him on his toes. “How do you think trust is accomplished?”

Now Raine openly winced, and he didn’t bother to hold in his laugh.

“Oh, that’s right. Laugh it up at my expense.” She gently elbowed him.

But her tart words didn’t hold any heat. She teased rather than sassed. The ghost of a smile on her face pleased him.

“I said I intended to split you wide open like a ripe peach, didn’t I?” He raised a brow.

Her smile fell. Slowly, she nodded.

“If you accept my offer, you’ll quickly learn that if I say it, I mean it.” Liam drilled his stare into her through the mirror, willing her to believe him. But he knew that would come in time. “And I need you to be honest with me as well. Can you do that, lass?”

“I’ll try.” She sounded hesitant.

Any other sub, he might punish. This one needed a different approach. As Hammer had admitted, she was fragile. Beneath her sometimes-saucy surface lay a woman who could easily break, and he wouldn’t risk that. Raine was a potent mix of vulnerable femininity, intelligence, and strong will unlike any he’d met.

“You’ll do more than try. If you feel you can’t be honest, you’ll say that. But you will not lie to me. Can you agree to that?”

“But if I tell you I can’t be honest, you’re only going to want to talk about it.”

“I am.”

“Ugh!” She rolled her eyes and sighed like a teenager talking to a probing parent. “I don’t like to talk.”

Neither did Hammer, and that was part of their problem. Both found it painful. Both were going to have to change if they wanted more in life than they had now.

“I gathered that.” A smile tugged at his lips. “But that doesn’t change anything. Tell me, when was the last time you had pleasure you didn’t give yourself?”

“Ouch!” Her jaw dropped. “Don’t go for the jugular or anything.”

“Neither of us gains a damn thing if I dance around your pretty feet. Answer me.”

She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. Before his very eyes, he could see her walls rising, watch her forming a flippant answer.

“Whatever you’re thinking now, stop.” He infused the words with a sharp whip of demand. “Honesty. Not whatever you were digging out of your sleeve. Now, the last time a man gave you pleasure?”

Raine hesitated for a very long time, her face anxious. The truth was on the tip of her tongue. He just had to work it out of her.

Liam eased a hand under her little cotton halter and rubbed a thumb over her nipple. It hardened in seconds under his touch. She gasped but didn’t push him away. Her pulse began hammering at the base of her neck. His body surged. Earning her trust an inch at a time was going to be arousing as fuck. And he didn’t dare let up. As long as he did this, she would be too distracted to think up smart-assed replies.

“Tell me,” he breathed in her ear.

With a little whimper, her head fell back, and she melted into him. Bloody hell if that wasn’t one of the most arousing sights he’d ever seen.

“Two years ago.”

“Where is he now?” He pinched her nipple, then soothed it with a caress.

She gasped. “Gone.”

“What happened?” He lifted his free hand to her other nipple, giving it equal attention.

Raine arched, thrusting her lush breasts deeper into his hands. God, how had Hammer resisted her for so long? Already, Liam was hungry to fuck her. But hell, she needed his guiding hand far more than sex.

“Hammer always hunts down any man who touches me and sends them away.”

So Hammer had been hoarding Raine. Yes, he’d begun by protecting her, but…the road to hell was paved with good intentions. And as her little backside squirmed in his lap, Liam realized he’d better keep that in mind, too. No way she could mistake his throbbing cock for passing interest.

She twisted around to look at him. He shouldn’t…but he couldn’t fucking stop himself.

Liam cupped her face, then captured her mouth. She opened hesitantly, but that was all he needed to deliver her a deep, drugging kiss. Then Raine went wild, turning toward him, throwing her arms around his neck, and straddling him, pressing herself tightly against his body.

The lass was indeed starved for touch. A groan slipped free from his chest as he gave it to her with a wicked onslaught of his lips and tongue. Her breath caught, and she wriggled her pussy against him like she’d caught fire.

Normally, he might not think she’d earned an orgasm. She hadn’t been formally punished for her defiance yet. But Hammer had hurt Raine far more with his rejection than if he’d opened her skin with a whip. What she needed now was a reason to stay. And Liam needed a way to bind her to him so he could keep her here. He meant to use every weapon at his disposal: kindness, affection, pleasure. He’d steep her in orgasm until she had no interest in leaving. Then, once she’d learned a bit, once he’d displayed her pleasure with him and given Hammer the opportunity to go insane with jealousy, and once his friend had claimed the woman he loved…well, then Liam figured he’d consider it a job well done.

* * *

Raine clung to Liam, ground herself into his thick, steely cock, and whimpered. Every kiss between them was fireworks and rocket launchers. God, he felt incredible. Hot, muscled, persuasive, determined. He kissed like a god. With one seductive whisper, he could distract her utterly. One touch, and she felt her defenses crumbling. But those lips could capture her soul. Yes, she loved Hammer, but…Liam set her on fire.

Why? Why wasn’t her body following her heart?

She pulled away and blinked into Liam’s dark eyes. Why did that matter if Hammer didn’t want her? Liam had given her a host of reasons to consider his proposal. Maybe she should.

“Was that a yes to my proposition?” His gaze drilled into her as he waited for an answer.

Raine could actually feel his desire when he touched her, surging toward her like a tidal wave, big and strong and sure. But what if he got tired of her after a few days? What if he fucked her once or twice then got her out of his system? What if she ended up alone again?

Liam brushed his fingers through the hair at her temple, then palmed her neck—a silent reminder that he waited. Did she have it in her to submit, really and truly? Did she trust him enough to try? Maybe. She wanted to. But she’d probably fail. As tempting as his offer was, she should save them both the trouble now.

On the other hand, what if she said yes? Raine suspected she’d be out of her clothes and flat on her back in less than a minute. Would that really be so bad? Besides being sexy as hell, Liam made her feel like a goddess. And she really needed that now. Kink aside, he seemed like a gentleman. Maybe he’d give her time to learn and adjust...get used to him.

Raine drew in a shuddering breath. “You heard my argument with Hammer. I’m not very good at being submissive, I don’t think. When I lose my temper, I’m awful at controlling what I say. I mean to be good… I think I’m doomed to disappoint you.” For whatever reason, that thought nearly made her cry again. Her throat closed up. Embarrassment stung. “For my own selfish reasons, I want to say yes. But you’ve been beyond fair. I can’t be less so. The truth is, I probably can’t be what you want or need.”

He smiled gently. “We’ll never know unless we give it a whirl. I’ve the desire and patience to help you. What have you got to lose, lass?”

Hammer was already lost to her. “Nothing, I guess.”

“Precisely. We’ll have an enjoyable battle of wills, you and I. I promise, you’ll not be bored.”

A tremor passed through her when his broad hands surrounded her waist. This man could never be boring, not when he ignited every red-blooded cell in her body with a single touch.

“Take a chance, Raine,” he coaxed. “Have you not shed enough tears from these lovely eyes? You could do worse than a big bastard like me.” He chuckled, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “I’d try my best to make you feel good about yourself and the two of us together.”

With every word he spoke, she grew more tempted—and confused. He said all the right things. He echoed so many of the sentiments she’d longed to hear from Hammer. Raine wondered if she should pinch herself…or wait for the punch line. But no denying that Liam made some great points. The idea of taking a chance with him made sense, even though it scared the hell out of her.

“I hear you. I just I don’t know how to take you. You sound like you’re for real, but I keep coming back to the question, why me? You must want a proper submissive. And I… Look, if you just want sex, that’s easy. I’d be interested. We could do that now and call it a day. You don’t have to take me on as a ‘project’ for that.”

Raine couldn’t pass up the chance to feel good and focus on nothing but the pleasure Liam could give her for an hour. She reached for the hem of her halter top, ready to yank it over her head. It wasn’t like Hammer would care.

“Now hold up there.” He stayed her with a light grip on her arm and a shake of his head.

She froze. Shame flooded her. Crap, she’d done it again, thrown herself at a man who had no intention of taking her up on her stupid, impulsive offer. Once more, she’d been put in her place. Though Liam had done it differently than Hammer, the result still made her feel the same. Rejected. Embarrassed. Uncertain. She’d thought Liam wanted her, but...

“I-I’m sorry. Oh, god.” She felt sick. “I d-didn’t mean to presume… I’m going to go.”

When she tried to scramble to her feet, he tugged her back against him. “Stop. I want you, lass, something fierce. But if it were just a fucking I sought, do you think I’d even be talking to you now, hmm?” He cocked a brow. “Why would I seek out a distraught woman for sex who’s been through the wringer when I can find a compliant sub?”

With that deep, lilting voice that turned her on, he made a really good point.

“What are you saying?”

“Let’s go about this the right way, shall we?” Liam lifted her from his lap. “Strip and kneel on the floor here at my feet.”

Raine hesitated. “B-but I was stripping.”

“Carelessly and without a single thought of submission in your head. That’s not acceptable. That’s not how it’s going to be. Go on now. I want to see you bonny and bare.”

With trembling fingers, she locked her gaze on his as she lifted her shirt over her head. Then she eased her skirt down her hips. With a pounding heart she sank, naked and on her knees before him. Breasts thrust out, she knelt with legs spread.

Liam silently praised her with a soft hand down her hair. She could feel the heat of his stare all over her. “You look lovely. What’s your safe word?”

She barely had time to bask in his praise before his question hit her. She blinked. “Do I need one? Are you going to…hurt me?”

“You always need one, no matter what. Tell me yours.”

Her mind went blank. She’d never needed one before, and she’d heard many over the years of working here at Shadows. It had to be something she could say easily, but not something she’d shout in the midst of pleasure or pain. “Paris?”

He raised a brow. “Beautiful city. Is that why you picked it?”

“I’ve never been, but I’d like to go someday. It just popped into my head.” She shrugged.

“Paris it is.” A little smile played at his mouth. “Now, tell me why the devil you would think you’re a project. You’re a woman, beautiful and feisty. But you don’t see that in yourself, do you?”

She grinned a little. “Is that your polite way of saying I’m pretty but a brat…Sir?”

“Maybe a wee bit.” His rich, deep laugh caressed her before he fell serious again. “Raine, you know I can only take what you give me. Submission means you have the control. Always. Like now. Stand up and turn back around. Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see?”

His voice turned deeper, more controlled. Finding the courage to look in the mirror was difficult. She couldn’t force herself to face her own reflection. She bowed her head, fretful that she’d annoy or displease him. Something in her seemed to shrivel up at the thought.

He walked across the room and flipped on the bright, glaring lights overhead. In the terrible hush, she didn’t know what to say. Feeling his silent will, she followed his command and raised her head. She frowned as she got a good look at her tear-stained face.

“Oh my god, I’m a mess!” Raine couldn’t stand to look at her splotchy cheeks, swollen eyes, and wild hair under those intense lights for a second more. She glanced away.

“No, none of that, lass. You’re a beauty. Look again, past the tears. What do you see?”

“I don’t know,” she murmured as she forced herself to gaze at her own reflection, trying not to flinch. “Someone lost. Someone who’s been lingering where she probably shouldn’t. Someone everyone in this club probably thinks is pathetic.”

Liam cupped her face in his hand, raising her chin. Side by side, their faces reflected.

“There’s a wee bit of a lost soul here, but you’re no longer the frightened child you once were. You’re a woman grown, and you need more than Hammer has allowed you. But you haven’t found the Dom willing to give it to you.” He wrapped an arm around her. “Until now.”

Maybe Liam could give her more. Hammer had watched over her, helped and protected her, which was more than she could say for her own family, but he hadn’t nurtured her as a submissive or a woman.

Liam palmed her heavy breasts. She sucked in a shaky breath as his thumbs lightly brushed over her nipples. As she liquefied beneath his touch, she watched the heat grow in his eyes.

“There’s my beauty, right there. Just a little trust... Give me that, and I’ll make it better.”

Or make it worse. In seconds, he’d set her entire body aching and yearning.

“Liam,” she whimpered, arching her back, legs shifting restlessly, silently begging for more.

“There now. Softly does it, lass. Put yourself in my care. I know what you need and I want you to let the longing you’ve kept inside you free. But you’ve got to be still for me.”

Damn it, that voice of his deepened again, turning her on even more. As his fingers pinched her tight nipples, she writhed. Her hips bucked. Her pussy wept. She wanted to close her eyes and savor every sensation, but his demanding stare held her prisoner.

Suddenly, his hands settled gently on the curve of her waist. “I know you’ve been hurting. But if you want me to help you, you’ve got to be still and give yourself over to me.”

It wasn’t easy, but Raine forced herself to relax, stop her movements, and look at the two of them in the mirror.

His smile made her glow. “Excellent. For your effort, you deserve a little reward.”

He lowered one hand, aiming between her thighs. His caress brushed down her abdomen agonizingly slow, but his intent was clear. His other hand continued to torment her nipple as his warm breath skimmed over her neck.

“Please, Liam,” she whispered, struggling to remain still under his slow, teasing touch.

His hand lingered over her, his hovering fingers taunting her. “I feel the heat of your cunt, Raine. I smell you, too, sweet and ripe.”

She couldn’t speak, only look into his eyes with a beseeching hunger. Her hips jerked involuntarily toward his touch. His fingers grazed her bare heat. He quickly removed them.

“Now what did I tell you?”

“To stay still.” She bit her lip. Would he punish her now? “I’m trying, I swear.”

“Try harder. Your will is strong. Be brave enough to surrender your control. If you can do that, you’ll get what you need.”

He was right; she knew that. She’d watched enough scenes to know how it worked. She closed her eyes, focused, not on the way he made her ache, but on hearing his voice in her head and heeding his command. Be still. It took a moment. The urge to lean closer to him, sway into his mesmerizing touch was strong, but she forced her will to be stronger. With a deep breath, she raised her chin, opened her eyes. And didn’t move.

“Now there’s a pretty sight. I knew you had it in you, lass. You’re pleasing me so much. Let me show you.”

His fingers plunged into her swollen, weeping folds, and she arched back, crying out as her pussy gripped his digits tightly. “That’s a good girl. You are one of the most lovely creatures I’ve yet laid eyes on. Feel what I do to you. Center yourself around my touch. I mean to draw you to me, little by little, Raine. I’ll take everything you give and always want more. Are you strong enough to handle that? Do you crave more of the feeling I’m giving you right now?”

It was as if he could see into her soul and know everything she wanted to hear. Liam’s tender dominance made her feel so alive. So free. If this sensation was what all submissives felt…god, no wonder women flocked to this club. No wonder so many wanted Liam.

“God, yes.” On fire and feeling like a desirable woman, the words were out of her mouth before she could think. He devastated her with his voice, his deft touch. Her body reacted as though he plunged his cock deep and sure inside her. And her defenses began to crumble.

When his thumb circled her little pebbled clit, her dormant body ignited, the fire so painfully scalding that she couldn’t hold back the torrent of release rolling inside.

As if sensing the rushing wave cresting higher, he brushed his lips up her neck. “Feel me, my warmth and sincerity. Feel with your heart, not your head. Yes…” he moaned. “You’re surrounding my fingers like a hot, silken glove. Come for me, Raine. Let me feel how the woman and the submissive long to be freed. Shatter for me hard!”

Inside her, the wave of ecstasy crested and broke. She was helpless to do anything but give her pleasure over. Here, in this moment, she felt more protected and cherished than she ever had. Her mind and body splintered, fracturing to pieces before him. Screams of joy tore from her throat and with it, the blissful hope that he would never let her fall.

He held her in his arms as she trembled in the aftermath, gently brushing back the hair from her face and whispering praise. He smiled warmly as she slowly focused back to their images in the mirror.

“Beautiful, lass. Your submission is a bounty beyond compare. I’d all but resigned myself to the status quo of subs here at the club. But a bonnier woman with such fire I’ve never seen. If you let me, I will comfort you and cherish your submission. Hold your head high for me.”

She raised her chin.

“Yes, like that. Now wipe your tears and be brave. Stop your worrying about whatever it is you think I need. Give me all you can so you can be whole.”

No doubt he must see that she was a bigger challenge than he’d intended...but it wasn’t turning him away. If anything, he seemed more determined to have her. She had no idea why he’d turned his goodness her way if it wasn’t for the sex. Maybe he wanted to stick one in Hammer’s eye. Maybe he just liked helping wounded doves. Whatever. She was done looking a gift horse in the mouth.

He wrapped his arms beneath her breasts and pulled her tightly against him. The warmth of his body enveloped her with a comforting promise of protection. His hard, thick cock burned into her lower back, but he made no move to ease himself.

She closed her eyes and savored his touch—the touch of a man who seemed to both want and appreciate her. It was far more than she’d ever had before. Than she’d dared to hope.

“Thank you.” Raine didn’t know what else to say to express all the gratitude in her heart. This man would be so easy to kneel for.

“Will you give me a bit of your trust, then?”

Whatever happened next, Liam had given her a precious gift: hope. She had to stop being so defeated and hold her head up. Face life. She’d always done that before. If Hammer didn’t want her, she wasn’t going to let the son of a bitch break her.

“I need a bit of time to be sure. I’m not in the best frame of mind to make decisions. A day or two... Is that too much to ask?”

“No, that’s wise. Take a couple of days, then give me your answer. For right now, come. Lay with me on the bed and let me hold you. Try and get a little sleep.”

He stepped away, taking the soothing veil of body heat with him. Shivering softly, instantly missing his reassuring warmth, she watched as he held out his hand. She turned and took it, allowing him to lead her to the bed. “Just sleep?”

He settled against the sheets, bringing her close, then stared into her eyes. “You need it, but I’m still a man. I want you naked against me. Rest your weary head for now. We’ll work everything out.”