by Shayla Black
“So he waited a few weeks before taking advantage of your gratitude and molesting you? Touching.”
“Are you the world’s biggest asshole?” Beck gaped. “I’m a doctor. Why don’t you let me cure your condition? A lobotomy ought to do it.”
She shot the sadist a chastising stare. “Please… I got this.” Then she turned to River. “What he said.”
Seth sighed noisily. “Liam and Hammer are right. This is pointless. He’s never going to hear.”
“Dude…” Beck shook his head. “I was at Shadows the night Hammer brought your sister into the club. He. Didn’t. Touch. Her. God knows he fucked everyone else—”
“Thanks for the reminder,” she snapped.
River sat up and pointed at her belly. “Obviously, he took you to bed at some point. When?”
“That’s pretty damn personal, and she doesn’t owe you an answer except that she was over eighteen,” Seth reminded.
She ignored the big blond hulk. “Last November fourth. That’s the first time he ever laid a finger on me, more than six years after he took me in. Macen never touched me, pimped me out, or engaged in any sexual behavior with me until three months ago. I was almost halfway to nineteen when I lost my virginity, and it wasn’t to Hammer. Everything about that was purely my choice.”
And when she remembered how badly she’d hurt Macen, remorse shredded her.
“Lousy fucking choice, too,” Beck grumbled. “Zak was a raving piece of shit.”
Raine gestured toward Beck. She couldn’t argue with facts, but his corroboration didn’t hurt, either.
Her brother took a moment to digest that. “Why did Hammerman give Bill money, if not to buy you for sex? I saw the old fuck just before he died. That’s what he told me.”
“And you believed him?”
River had the good grace to flush. “He kept a copy of every money order Master Pervert sent. It made sense…”
“Well—big shocker—Bill lied. Hammer paid him to stay the hell away from me. He voluntarily gave that bottom-feeding asshole two thousand dollars a month for six years to keep me safe. He bought me a car. He paid for my college.” She teared up when she thought of all Macen had done for her. “He is the first person in my life to ever stay. He could have left me in the alley or called CPS, who might have sent me to a home even worse. But no. He risked everything to help me and expected nothing in return.” She slapped a hand to her chest and began to fall apart as the enormity of Macen’s sacrifice hit her again. “And because your head is in the gutter, you’ve taken his selfless act and convinced the police it’s something dirty. He may be lost to me forever because you can’t fathom sticking your neck out to help a kid in need without wanting sex for it.”
Raine slapped a hand over her mouth as sobs fell free. If she’d pissed River off and he refused to recant his story to the police, Hammer would spend the rest of his life behind bars. Fear sliced its sharp scalpel down her middle and gutted her.
Seth dropped a hand on her shoulder. Raine tried to collect herself and carry on, but the hell Hammer faced drowned out her words.
“Storm cloud?” River sounded concerned.
She swiped the tears from her cheeks with a watery nod. “If it wasn’t for Hammer, I would have ended up like Rowan.”
“Dead in the desert?” River’s voice hardened.
“It was so much worse than that. So, so much.” She bit back more sobs. “You left that July, and she turned thirteen in August. He started raping her on her birthday that year. He’d gotten her pregnant twice by the time she was fifteen, and he had them terminated both times.”
“Oh…” River groaned, looking pale and stunned. “I had no idea. Stop.”
“No. This is the truth, and you need to hear it. Rowan let Bill molest her over and over to shield me because no one else was there to stop him. When she ‘went off to college,’ he killed her for the great sin of wanting to leave him. Then he turned his attention on me. I had no idea what was going on prior to that, and I can’t tell you how guilty I feel for being so fucking oblivious. She suffered and I did nothing…”
Raine couldn’t say more. The regret and guilt undid her.
Seth rounded her chair and knelt in front of her, concern softening his green eyes. She shook her head. If she took his comfort now, she’d only fall apart more.
She had to be strong enough to make her brother see the truth.
River rose from the bed, swallowed. “I had no idea. Bill kicked me out that summer because I challenged him about Mom’s ‘escape.’ I was suspicious and I’d gotten big enough to fight back when he hit me for it. He beat the shit out of me a lot as a boy, but he never touched me like that… Jesus. I’m so sorry I left. I was angry and I missed Mom. After that, I was just a kid with no job or social skills, trying to learn how to feed myself and survive. I ended up street fighting for money. I almost killed a guy with my bare hands, so I went to juvie. The judge told me to enlist when I turned eighteen or go to prison, so I joined the service. Once I was there, I just wanted to forget it all and be someone normal.”
“We were all Bill’s victims. But why didn’t you listen when Hammer and Liam tried to tell you what my life was like? Or when I explained?”
He shook his head and raked a hand over his scalp. “I’m a soldier, storm cloud. Until seventy-three days ago, that’s all I’ve ever been. I left a commanding officer, trained to look at facts and make quick decisions. I called it like I saw it.”
On shaky legs, she rose. Seth and Beck were both there, offering her their hands. She took them because she’d cried out so much of her fortitude. Damn it, she’d sworn another Kendall man would never hurt her.
“You were wrong. Hammer doesn’t even know I’m here. He would never want me begging on his behalf.” Her proud, strong Dom would rather go down with his head held high. But she’d give up her soul over and over to save him. “Liam didn’t want me here, either. But I insisted because I would do anything for the man who’s done everything for me.”
“Princess,” Beck whispered. “Take a deep breath. Liam and Hammer wouldn’t want you upsetting yourself this much.”
Raine knew that. She felt decimated and spent and empty of everything but the gnawing fear that she wouldn’t get to grow old with Macen.
“There are only two people in my life I can’t do without, and you’re trying to send one of them to prison. I’m in agony and I’m begging you to stop this. Please…”
Slowly, River approached her. On either side of her, Beck and Seth tensed, poised to defend her. She stared at the stranger who had her eyes, the only other person left on the planet who knew what it meant to grow up under Bill Kendall’s iron fist. Raine didn’t know what she expected, but her mountain of a brother wiping tears from her cheeks with the gentlest of touches wasn’t it.
“It’s hard to understand, my kid sister living with two men both older, previously married, and so much more experienced. They’re Doms, so I have a really good idea what they demand of you. The visual is burned into my retinas, and I’m sick at the thought of you kneeling for anyone. And you’re pregnant.” He rubbed at his eyes with thumb and forefinger. “It’s hard to accept. But I’m trying.”
“I’m not asking you to love it. I’m asking you to tell the police you got your facts wrong and make these terrible charges go away. I’ve said all I can. If you need to see my life for yourself, follow me home. If you don’t believe how happy and adored I am then, you never will.”
Praying River would come along so the healing—and her future—could begin, she released Beck and Seth and left the motel.
* * *
Liam sighed.
Fifteen minutes ago, Hammer had come through the front door and deduced that Raine was with River. He hadn’t taken a breath since.
“I can’t believe you just let her walk out the damn door. Seriously, Liam. We’re supposed to protect her from that prick, and you just…what? Usher her out with a smile and a wave. ‘Sure, love,’” he
mimicked. “‘Go have fun with your crazy brother. Hope you come back!’ Are you fucking kidding?”
“She was determined to see him—with or without our permission. What would you have me do? Tie her up?”
“Maybe. Or maybe you should have chained her to the bed, like I told you to.”
“Is that your solution to everything?”
Hammer surged into his face, turning three shades of red. “At least we’d know she’s safe.”
“We both know how she handled restraints last time we tried. Be reasonable. We can’t make Raine a prisoner in her own home. I worry about her, too. But she’s strong-willed, a survivor. And she’s no one’s fool.”
“No, we’re the fools for letting her walk out the door!”
“She’s well within her rights to come and go as she pleases.”
Macen looked as flexible as a brick wall. “River’s unstable. Maybe he took too much shrapnel to the brain. Or hey, maybe he’s as fucked up as their old man. Either way, we’re here with our thumbs up our asses, and she’s god knows where.”
Liam didn’t need Hammer’s rant to remember what was at stake. In fact, the longer Raine was gone, the more worry began to creep in.
Doubt was a sly son of a bitch.
“I told you, she’s not alone. Beck and Seth are—”
“Not you and me. What if they can’t stop River and something happens to her?”
That possibility had skidded through Liam’s brain more than once. “I know it’s a risk, and I’d never be able to live with myself if—”
“Trust me. You wouldn’t have to.” Hammer speared him with an angry glare, pacing across the living room floor.
“I have to believe she’ll come through that door any minute now.” That gut instinct his mother had told him to home in on said so.
And if he was wrong, if Raine didn’t return, he’d end River Kendall in every gory way he could conceive.
Before Macen could start the argument again, Raine slipped in the house with a jangle of her keys, Beck and Seth flanking her. Relief spread through Liam.
He clapped Macen on the back. “See, mate? She’s good as gold.”
Hammer wasn’t listening. He scooped her up in his arms and crushed her against his body for a long heartbeat. Then he reached down and swatted the hell out of her ass.
“Ouch!” she yelped.
Liam maneuvered his way between Hammer and their girl, rescuing her backside—for now.
When Raine skittered back, they caught sight of her face. She’d gone blotchy, her eyes red and puffy. Worry choked Liam by the throat.
Hammer gripped her shoulders. “What happened? Are you hurt?”
“No, Macen.” Her soft voice sounded weary. “I’m perfectly fine.”
“Bullshit. You’ve been crying. What did that motherfucking bastard do to you?”
“Nothing. Talking to him, dredging up the past, was just very emotional.”
Hammer clenched his jaw, clearly trying to rein in his temper. “But nothing else is wrong?”
“No.”
“Good,” he barked. “Do you have any idea how out-of-my-fucking-head I’ve been? You promised you’d stay away from that nutjob, yet the first time I turn my back, you run off to meet him.”
Beck and Seth sidled up to Raine as if they weren’t finished protecting her. She merely raised a hand to stop them and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Sir.”
In a graceful swoop, Raine lowered herself to her knees at their feet, palms up over each thigh, head bowed.
Liam’s heart skipped a beat. Clever girl. Pride swelled inside him.
A hush fell over the room.
Macen released the pent-up breath he’d been holding and dropped to one knee, cupping her chin so he could lift her gaze to his. “Why?”
“To help you.” She met his stare, as if willing him to understand. “I had to convince River to tell the police he’d been wrong about you.”
“Did I ask for your help?” Hammer arched a brow.
“No. You never would. But my family has brought us enough grief and pain. I felt like it was my responsibility to end that for good. I’m sorry I worried you.”
Liam cast a sidelong glance at Macen, who clenched his teeth, looking ready to explode.
“Mate…” Liam tried to be the voice of reason.
“Responsibility?” Hammer’s nostrils flared. “The responsibility for your mind, body, heart, and soul belongs to Liam and me. What your family does is not a reflection on you, so it’s not your job to clean up their fucking messes. Assuming the role of your own protector is the equivalent of taking back your submission.”
Liam couldn’t argue with that. He hoped Raine didn’t try.
“That’s not how I meant it,” she assured. “But I’ll accept whatever discipline you decide to mete out.”
“Damn right you will. Later. And when I’m done, you’ll remember never to play one Dom against the other again.”
“Yes, Sir.” She bowed her head.
Her acceptance seemed to ease Hammer. He lifted her to her feet and hauled her against his chest once more. “If anything had happened to you… Jesus, Raine.”
Then he claimed her mouth with brutal tenderness. Liam’s heart kick-started back into a regular rhythm. He gave them a moment more before embracing them both, peppering kisses up Raine’s neck.
When Macen released her lips, Liam swooped in, framing her face with both hands and kissing her soundly, savoring her softness and warmth. “We were worried about you, love.”
“Are you going to punish me, too?” Confusion furrowed her brow.
“No. It’s Hammer’s permission you didn’t have. But I’ll not stand in his way. You could have waited to ask him, too, and you chose not to.”
“But—” Raine pressed her lips together, shelving her argument. “I didn’t.”
“Be glad I’m not the one dishing out the punishment, princess. It’s possible Hammer will go easier on you.” Then Beck glanced at Macen’s face. “Or not.”
With a slap on Seth’s shoulder, Liam turned to the lads. “Thank you both for watching over our girl and bringing her back safely.”
Hammer leveled a cold glare at them. “I’m sure I’ll thank you one day, but it won’t be today.”
Beck laughed. “Didn’t think it would. If you want pointers on really making her ass glow—”
“We don’t,” Liam cut in.
Seth tried to repress a smile. “Raine did a fine job of getting her point across.”
Beck scoffed. “She lit a fire under River’s ass that would put an Eagle Scout to shame. I should have snapped video of that shit for you. Hammer, she made you sound like a fucking saint.”
Raine bit her lip. “I really did.”
Liam wasn’t surprised in the least. He took their girl’s hand.
“C’mon, Hammer,” Seth ribbed him. “You’re berating her for trying to help you, and it’s Valentine’s Day.”
Macen glared. “Someday, I hope you love a woman who scares the shit out of you.”
The smile slid off Seth’s face. “I have, and you know it.”
Liam wanted to smack Hammer upside the head for opening his mouth and inserting his loafer.
At least he had the good grace to wince. “I didn’t mean—”
“I know,” Seth cut him off. “Just remember to enjoy your someone special. Not everyone has that. Beck and I are going to raid your refrigerator, give you three a minute.”
“That cool, princess?” Beck shot Raine a meaningful glance.
She looked a little nervous but smiled. “Perfect. Thanks.”
The whole exchange struck Liam as odd.
Hammer frowned as he watched the guys amble into the next room. But with a shake of his head, he turned to Raine. “Before you tell me everything that happened with River—and I mean every last detail—Liam and I want to give you something.” He reached into his pocket and drew out a little red box, then placed it in her palm. “Open this, pr
ecious. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“There’s a lot happening now, but we wanted to give you something memorable.” Liam stroked her hair and pressed a kiss to her temple.
Raine lifted the lid and her eyes widened. She sucked in a happy gasp as she plucked the delicate silver bracelet from the box.
“Oh, my… It’s beautiful!” Tears of joy filled her eyes as she clutched it to her heart. “The pendant my mother gave me… You found it.”
“In your closet back at the club.” Macen nodded.
“Mom gave me that necklace when I turned seven. She said that although I was her baby, I was grown up enough for something pretty.” Raine pressed a hand to her trembling lips. “I wore it every day after she died. The chain it came with broke the night Bill…” She shook her head and refused to finish the sentence. “I put it in my pocket, then tucked it away at Shadows. Thank you so much. And more charms!”
She examined the three entwined filigree hearts—one representing each of them. She had to wipe her eyes again when she spied the tiny silver baby booties. Unconsciously, she placed a palm on her belly.
Liam turned to look at Hammer. They shared a glance of uncertainty.
“We didn’t mean to make you cry, love.”
“These are happy tears. It’s perfect!”
He grinned in relief. “I designed the trio of hearts myself. Hammer and I found the baby booties together.”
“I can’t thank you enough.” She wrapped her arms around them and held tight.
“It’s just as beautiful as the photo you texted me when you picked it up. Her mother’s pendant was the perfect addition. See, you’re not all bad with the touchy-feely shit,” Liam whispered in Hammer’s ear.
Macen smiled. “We’re glad you like it, precious.”
“I love it. I couldn’t have asked for anything more meaningful.”
He and Hammer worked together to latch the bracelet around her wrist. She beamed as she looked at it gleaming in the light.
