Liam shook his head and gave her a wicked grin. “I see what you’re wanting. None of that now.”
The words came out of his mouth, but his cock said otherwise, rising quickly until it looked big and ready and demanding. She eyed him hungrily, remembering all the ecstasy of his gentle claiming in the dungeon, then his softly fierce loving in his room afterward. She didn’t want Hammer any less than before…but she definitely wanted Liam more.
Raine didn’t understand how she could have feelings for two such different men. And she probably wasn’t going to figure it out in the next five minutes.
As she sighed, he slid between the covers and took her with him beneath the sheets, nestling her at his side. His erection lay against her hip, but he didn’t make any move beyond kissing her lips softly. “Close your eyes. Breathe deep. Stop worrying for now. We’ll solve everything later.”
She did as he bid, her heavy lids sliding shut. She focused on his breathing, the comfort and warmth of his arms around her, and clearing her mind. With Liam’s body protectively against hers, she could almost pretend that all was well.
Peace began to carry her away. She felt weightless, floated in a carefree bliss.
“That’s a good lass,” he murmured. “Someday, you’ll tell me your secrets, every one. And after, I promise I’ll still be here.”
She slept like a child, deeply, finally letting go of all the trauma and fears. The pain and anxiety left her face and body at last as she let sleep take her. He watched her. Wasn’t it ironic that, despite everything, he’d gone from using her to “fix” Hammer…to coveting her as his own? He gently stroked her skin and drew her closer. She looked all mother-of-pearl and satin soft. Her hair, a dark raven’s wing, curled over her shoulders and shrouded her breasts.
A delicate pink nipple peeked through, and the memory of her under him, her breasts pressed against him, made Liam ache to lay claim to her once more, without Hammer watching, hovering, and jealous. He shoved the thought aside. Despite what tomorrow might bring, right here and now she was in his bed and lying in his arms.
But if he didn’t get up now, he’d likely shove his aching cock into her. And he’d hurt her.
So he reluctantly eased from the bed, used the bathroom, and returned. He picked up a book and settled into the corner armchair where he could watch Raine. He tried to read, but spent far more time staring at her.
Until his phone chirped softly.
He jumped up, finding the device in his pants pocket. He silenced it, checking to make sure the chime hadn’t disturbed her. He need not have worried. The lass was exhausted and hadn’t moved one muscle since drifting off.
Turning his attention to the phone again, he saw a slew of messages from Hammer. Each revealed the man’s mood. First, wildly angry and accusing, spewing fury. That gave way to stern demands, then a foolish attempt to negotiate. Finally, an obviously drunken Hammer who’d forgotten how to spell had begged him to bring Raine home.
Not bloody likely.
He set the phone aside, jaw clenched, texts unanswered.
With a sweep of his gaze, he studied Raine’s battered body. Every visible mark on her ate at him. He couldn’t yet answer Hammer without losing his temper. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to.
Picking up the book again, he read a bit more, despite the phone’s soft vibrating buzz over and over on the table beside him. Liam ignored it and watched over Raine.
The sun finally set. As the dinner hour approached, he made his way to the kitchen, fixed a cup of sweet, hot tea, and brought it to her.
Setting it by the bed, he roused her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Time to wake. You all but died on me, you slept so heavy. How are you feeling?”
Raine rolled over, looking disoriented and bleary-eyed. Her limbs hung heavy, moved slow. She rubbed at her eyes, clearly fighting to keep them open. “Tired.”
“Here, then. Stretch a moment and let this tea cool, then take a wee sip. It’ll help wake you up, then we’ll see about going downstairs and finding some food.”
She watched him through the shadows as she rose up on her elbows. He heard her stomach growl.
“How long did I sleep?” Raine yawned as she glanced out the darkened windows and stretched, then eyed her pillow consideringly.
“Four hours.”
“Oh, wow…” She struggled to sit up.
Chuckling, Liam set the tea aside, wrapped his arms around her, and helped her. The blankets dropped, revealing her plump, soft breasts. The cool air beaded her nipples, and he fought the urge to lay her back and take them in his mouth.
When she reached for the blanket to cover herself, he shook his head. “Stop. I like you bare. Have a sip of your tea, then let’s head downstairs.” She leaned out for the mug, and he shook his head. “Let me.”