by Shayla Black
“Not exactly. You were paying Kendall as little as three months ago, so that’s a potential problem. They may try to pin you with something related to bribery or extortion. Human trafficking is another possibility. But without a copy of your contract with Kendall, that would be tough to prove. After all, the purpose of the money changing hands would be your word against Raine’s brother. And he wasn’t around, so I’m hoping you’re in the clear on that, too. The DA will go for the easier case, which probably leaves us with the three P’s: prostitution, pimping, and pandering. But the minute we put Raine on the stand, I suspect she’ll blow the prosecution’s case to hell. And they know it.
“The other thing we have to consider is, if they’ve truly got a witness, we don’t know what that person will say under oath and how compelling their testimony will be. Or…if the witness will be more reliable than Raine.”
And Hammer wished to fuck he could think of who might testify against him. “If those charges stick, what kind of time am I looking at?”
“I’d tell you not to think about it, but you’ll just Google it when you get home.” Sterling sighed. “If they can convince a jury of it all—especially that Raine was a minor when it began—well, your kid could be driving a car by then. You might be able to plea down, maybe be out in half the time.”
“No.” Macen would never admit to brutalizing Raine for profit. He couldn’t live with that.
Sterling’s expression said he thought Hammer was being hasty. “We need to prepare for a potential trial. The prosecution will try to assassinate your character for the jury, especially since they don’t have a tight case. Do you know anyone who can corroborate your claim that you didn’t have sex with Raine as a minor?”
Zak, Raine’s first. Fuck me.
“Yeah. There was a tape,” he said, teeth gritted. “She was eighteen when she lost her virginity and…she was with someone else. I grabbed the tape as soon as I became aware of the situation.”
“Great! We can—”
“I destroyed it.” He certainly hadn’t been able to watch Raine give her innocence to another man. Hammer already knew seeing that would have wrecked him. He would have likely murdered Zak.
Sterling shook his head. “And by the look on your face, no possibility of a backup.”
“No.”
“Know where we can find this guy in case he has to testify?”
Hammer closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. The thought of asking that pile of dog shit for anything scalded Hammer’s pride. Even if he somehow managed to get the prick-assed son of a bitch on the stand, would he do more harm than good?
“I’ll get someone working on that if the case goes forward.” Hammer bit out the words.
“Good. Because if you can’t prove you weren’t exploiting her as a minor, you’ll have to register as a sex offender, too.”
He froze. Why didn’t they just cut off his dick? “I’ll lose Shadows. Hell, I won’t even be allowed to go near it again for the rest of my life.”
“Remember, what they can charge you with and what they can prove are two different things. They’re on a fishing expedition, Macen, because you run a ‘sex club.’ They think you’re one of society’s bottom-feeders.” The older man chuckled softly. “Funny, I thought we lawyers held that title.”
Hammer wasn’t amused.
“Stop worrying. Until they file formal charges, there’s nothing to do but be patient.”
Hammer scoffed. “You didn’t just tell me to be patient, did you?”
Sterling grinned. “Indeed, I did, my boy. Which, of course, is like telling you to become a submissive. But I’m afraid until they tip their hand, all we can do is wait.”
Chapter 9
After a restless night, Raine woke with Liam’s heated flesh pressed against her back. She rose with a soft sigh.
Last night before dinner, he and Liam had made love to her. Then Hammer had finally told them about his police interview. After holding her and reassuring her as much as he could without making promises he couldn’t keep, Macen had disappeared downstairs, taking Liam with him.
Then she’d heard the knock late last night, eavesdropped on the guys’ conversation with Dean. Then Liam had disappeared for a bit during the wee hours. Hammer had rolled away from her a few hours later and left the house.
Raine sucked in a breath to hold herself together. Though both men tried to soften the truth, they were worried. It was indulgent and protective, and she loved them for it. But she was part of the problem since her brother had stirred the proverbial shit pot. So she had to be part of the solution.
Hammer and Liam might feel betrayed by her decision, but Raine intended to do whatever it took to explain to her brother all the ways he was ruining her life, then make him fix it.
After the spa incident, she obviously couldn’t see him alone. Hammer had enough on his plate, and Liam might kill her brother.
Those two had to stay behind.
Darting another glance Liam’s way to ensure he still slept, she bent beside the bed and retrieved the sweat pants Hammer had worn last night. She stuck her hand in the pockets, relieved when her fingers wrapped around a scrap of paper. Raine yanked it out. The address and room number of River’s motel.
Tiptoeing past her sleeping Irishman, she threw herself together, then grabbed her phone from the nightstand. Two phone calls, and she’d be out the door.
Raine left the bedroom and smelled something delicious. Her stomach rumbled. Thank goodness Liam’s mother had made herself at home in her kitchen.
As Raine entered the breakfast nook, she found Beck and Seth, devouring golden pancakes and bacon.
She couldn’t hide her surprise. “Good morning. What are you doing here?”
Seth shrugged. “Liam’s mom called and said you needed us.”
Zipping a gaze over to Bryn, she blinked at the woman. “You know what I have planned?”
“Of course I do, lass. And you’re right to think that Liam and Hammer will only hinder you. Go see River and reason with him. Seth and Kenneth will go along, keep you safe.”
Raine smiled gratefully. “My thinking, too. Thanks.”
Bryn bustled her into a hug. “I want to see you all happy, and I think you’re on the right track.”
Beck frowned. “I don’t like the idea of going behind your Doms’ backs, princess. They’ll be plenty pissed off at us.”
“Your brother is a dangerous guy. He’s shown us he can be ruthless.” Seth shook his head. “I’d feel better if Liam and Hammer knew where you were going and why.”
“I’m the only one who can set River straight.” Raine accepted the plate Bryn handed her with a silent thanks. “My brother will find out just how stubborn I can be.”
“It will be good to have your last bit of family in your life,” Bryn added.
Right now, Raine didn’t care about that. Though her brother had once given her piggyback rides and swiped a candy bar from the corner store to see her smile, she’d lived this long without him.
“I’m not counting on that.” She addressed Seth and Beck. “If you’re not comfortable going with me, I’ll go alone. But I’m definitely going.”
The two men were hardly besties, and she definitely sensed competition between them over a certain blond nurse volunteer, but they glanced at one another and promptly got on the same page with a nod.
“What’s this?” Liam stood tall and watchful at the entrance of the kitchen, scrutinizing the scene.
Her heart dropped. She’d really wanted to get away from home without a confrontation.
“I’m going to talk to River and make him listen. Please don’t try to stop me, Liam. This is the only way I can help Macen.”
“We said no. You promised us that you’d not seek out your brother.” Liam’s expression hardened. “There’s no real proof of Hammer’s wrongdoing. I doubt the evidence will hold up in court. We don’t want you risking yourself.”
“I made that promise before the poli
ce zeroed in on Macen. The stakes are higher now. So is the price he’ll pay if I don’t do this.”
“River tried to kidnap you. Have you forgotten? Hammer and I never will. We almost lost you again. Do you not realize the hell he nearly put us through? And now I’m supposed to let you go meet that devil?”
Liam had always been protective, and she wouldn’t have him any other way…but right now she needed support, not heroics. “If I take you with me, can you be calm and talk rationally?”
“Oh, there’ll be no talking. There’ll be my fist in River’s face.”
“This is why you can’t be going with her, son,” Bryn chided softly. “Let Raine handle this. She must.”
“River won’t lay a hand on her, man,” Seth assured. “You have my word.”
“Mine, too. And if the two of us aren’t enough incentive, there’s always my friends, Smith and Wesson.” Beck patted the bulge beneath his shirt. “The princess will be safe.”
Raine nodded. “I won’t do anything reckless.”
Liam paused as if seeking fortitude. Then he glanced at his mother and sighed. “I must be mad. Fine. I won’t stand in your way.”
“Really? You won’t?” She hadn’t expected him to give his permission—ever.
“Liam and I chatted over tea earlier, lass. He knows I’m right,” Bryn supplied. “He simply doesn’t like it.”
“I don’t.” Liam approached Raine and pressed his hand to her belly. “You’ll both be careful, won’t you?”
“I promise. I’m going to surprise River. This time, everything will be on my terms. Then I’ll come home to you and Hammer because you’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Then go.” Liam caressed her hair, concern pouring from his dark eyes.
“Thank you for understanding. Oh, and Macen is with his lawyer, right?” At Liam’s nod, she bit her lip. “Don’t tell him about this yet. He’s got enough going on without stressing about me. I plan to be home before him.”
“Christ, Raine. You’re asking me to deceive my best mate.”
“No, I’m just asking you to keep this between us until I have good news. Once I’m back here safe and sound, he won’t have anything to snarl and growl about. Well, not much.”
After finishing her breakfast, Raine rose with Beck and Seth in tow. As they headed for the door, Liam set his plate aside and wrapped her in his arms, holding tight before he begrudgingly released her and kissed her hard. “Hurry home. I love you, Raine.”
“I’m doing this for us.” She brushed a hand over the life growing inside her. “All of us. I love you, too.”
Once outside, they climbed into Seth’s rental and headed to River’s address. As they exited the car, the California sun beat down. A strong Santa Ana wind blew, and the hot air whipped at her hair, masking the pounding of her heart in her ears.
She rapped on the hollow wooden door and waited, feeling Seth and Beck hovering protectively behind her.
After pounding footsteps, the door swung open. River stood, frozen, his expression sharp. “Raine. Who the hell are these clowns, more johns?”
Here we go… “I came to talk to you like a reasonable human being. Stop assuming I’m a whore!”
“I didn’t say you were by choice.” The pity in his eyes stung her.
“These are my friends. They’re here to make sure you don’t pull the same stupid shit you tried at the spa.”
River looked downright skeptical. “So they’ve never seen you naked?”
They had—more than once—but not for sex. That answer would only confuse her brother. “Is that really your biggest concern? I’m here to talk to you about the mess you’ve made of my life. And unlike the last time you blindsided me, you’re going to fucking listen.”
“If Liam could hear you now, little one…” Seth murmured behind her.
Yeah, her Irishman hated when she cursed. But now wasn’t the time to think about that. She flashed a glare over her shoulder at the big blond PI.
Seth shrugged. “I think he’d be proud. Go get ’em, tiger.”
Shaking her head, Raine faced her brother, only to find him with his arms across his chest.
“There’s not much you can say to convince me I’m wrong. You’re embarrassed you’ve become a victim. I understand. I’ll help you out of your despair.”
“Oh, my god, are you, like, a brick wall?” She charged at him, poking her finger in his hard middle. “First of all, I’ve never been in ‘despair’ with Hammer or Liam. They have both loved me unconditionally, unlike my own family. Second, I don’t give a shit if you feel as if I haven’t justified my life to you. You left, and I owe you nothing. So don’t for one second, think I’m here groveling for your approval or asking you to rescue me. Third, I will not leave until you admit you’re an impulsive dumb ass who unjustly accused Macen. The police are in his face because you and that morality stick you’ve got shoved up your ass have decided—without hearing my side of the story—that I’m some damsel in distress you have to save. I don’t need you.”
“Wow,” Beck whispered behind her. “She’d make a bitchin’ Domme.”
Seth chuckled softly.
River scowled. “If you don’t need rescuing, why didn’t you say that at the spa?”
“I tried. But no. You just decided I needed abducting.” She tossed her hands in the air. “I didn’t have a speech prepared that day. I do now, so you better be listening.”
“Look, I blame myself for not coming back Stateside sooner and making sure you were all right. It fucking eats at me that I was nearly eight thousand miles away, serving Uncle Sam, when Rowan died and you left home. I wish I could have saved her life and you years of misery, prostitution, and rape. I get that Bill was no peach, and these guys are probably better in some ways—”
“In every way,” she swore, eyes burning. “They love me in ways I never knew men could love.”
He reared back. “I don’t want to hear about your sex life.”
“That’s it! I have fucking had it with you.” She stomped her foot, fuming. “Forget about sex.”
“Hard to do when I’m looking at my pregnant sister.”
She stared upward, grasping for patience.
Beck and Seth were about to hear her vomit out her past. The sadist knew some of it. The PI might be aware, too… But privacy had ceased to matter. Only Hammer did.
“Do you want the truth or do you just want to stand there and judge me like a prick?”
“Oh, no.” River shook his head. “I want to hear this.”
“Good. Can I come in and tell you my story? Without you butting in or adding your two cents?”
“Not without us.” Seth set ground rules immediately.
She turned to her bodyguards for the day. “Of course not.”
When Raine turned back to make sure her brother understood, River stared warily between the other two men, then shrugged and opened the door wide. “All right. Come in.”
The cool, dark motel room was nothing fancy. The bottle-green carpet didn’t quite match the mustard walls. A black-and-white landscape hung above the massive bed. The kitchenette looked well used. A jug of whey protein sat on the counter, next to half a dozen discarded eggshells. Apparently, he’d just finished breakfast.
He gestured her to the desk chair near the door. There was a bistro table on the far side of the room, near the fridge. But when River offered up those seats, Beck and Seth refused to stray from her side.
With a raised brow, River sat on the edge of the bed that looked too rumpled for mere sleep. “I’m listening.”
Now that she had his attention, emotions pelted Raine, short-circuiting her thoughts before she could finish them.
“Start at the beginning,” River encouraged. “Bill sold you to Hammer as a minor and…”
“What?” Where the hell had he heard that? “Not even close. This all started because our dear daddy had a nasty temper.”
River nodded. “I know. I’ve got the scars to prove it.
”
“You’re not alone, though mine are purely emotional now. Hammer took me to a plastic surgeon back when…” She held up her hands and shook her head. She was getting off track. “My last couple of years under Bill’s roof, I slept with a knife under my pillow. I had just turned seventeen when the drunk busted down my door one night to take my virginity.”
“What?” River breathed. “Jesus…”
“I resisted. He beat me. I think he meant to kill me that night, too.”
River pressed his lips into a tight line. “I thought the violent bastard just hated me.”
“He hated everything, especially us. I managed to slash his cheek, grab a ‘go’ bag I had stashed just in case, and sneak out my window. It was three in the morning. I had eight dollars to my name and nowhere to go. He made damn sure I had very few friends.”
“Yeah, he was good at isolating everyone. Manipulating and making those around him feel small.”
So her brother had experienced that firsthand. Maybe convincing him that Macen was the best thing that had happened to her as a kid wouldn’t be a total uphill battle. “Exactly. After I left, I wandered around in a stupor for two days. Dehydrated and starving, I was in agony. Bruises, cuts, a cracked rib. I was ready to give up, throw myself in front of a car or something… I hid in the alley behind Shadows and cried.”
“Storm cloud…” He looked stricken.
“That’s where Hammer found me. He took me in. He…adopted me, for lack of a better description. He fed, clothed, healed, protected, educated, coddled, helped—all the things family should do. For that, the police are calling him a pervert, a child molester? They’re trying to charge him for crimes he never committed.”
“After what you survived with Bill, I don’t blame you for whatever choices you made. You were a kid. If you’d stayed with Bill, he would have killed you. So I’m damn glad you got out. But I blame Hammer. He took advantage of you. In exchange for his care, he forced you to give him sex.”
“No, he didn’t! If any man ever laid a finger on me against my will, I’d do exactly to them what I did to Bill. But Hammer never tried. I worked for him as an assistant, cook, bookkeeper, and errand girl. I kept his life running smoothly. He maintained boundaries between us, even when he knew I’d fallen in love with him. Even when I threw myself at him shamelessly.”
