“The plan we discussed last week…” Liam swallowed tightly. “I don’t know if I’ve ever done anything more difficult.”
“You told me then that she’s crumbling. If she doesn’t get what she needs, what then?”
Liam raked a hand through his hair. “I know, you bastard. Shut up.”
“You came to me for help—twice. We came up with this plan together.”
“I told you then it was fucking terrible. It could all blow up in my face.”
“It could. But if you do nothing, it will. Unless you’re not sure Raine is worth the effort and sacrifice?”
Liam didn’t hesitate. “She is.”
“Then do what you know you’ve got to. I’m here if you need anything, but you have to keep it together and focus on the needs of your submissive.”
“You’re bloody good at nagging,” he groused.
Seth chuckled. “Do you want me to come out there and help you keep your head screwed on straight?”
It would be damn nice to have someone in his corner. “If you can, I’d be grateful.”
“I’m on my way, Faultline U.S.A.”
Liam let out half a laugh. “Thanks, Seth.”
“You’re welcome. Now fuck off and leave a man in peace. I’ll let you know when I land in L.A.”
After a somber trip back to Shadows, Liam sat at the foot of his bed, watching Raine sleep as he gathered his fortitude. She looked so damn beautiful—peaceful—in his bed.
The serenity on her face wasn’t real.
The lass would never be whole if he didn’t follow through with his plan. And he would never be whole without her. Dread nearly crushed him. But Seth was right; he had to put his fears aside and help her. The worst part was knowing that it wouldn’t matter how gently he proceeded, the impact could be vicious.
Fuck.
His heart twisting, Liam reached out for Raine, stroking the luscious leg she’d thrust out from the covers, reveling in her soft skin. It was his…at least for the moment—just like she was.
How had the girl branded his soul so quickly? Raine was everything he’d never known he sought. Parts vulnerable, funny, tart, giving. Mysterious. Clever. She oozed sex. The Dom in him wanted to own her. The man in him wanted to conquer her. Liam shook his head. Hell, he sounded like a knuckle-dragging ape.
What he should be pondering was the ways in which he could imprint himself on Raine in return. He’d told her he loved her a hundred times. She’d never returned the sentiment. Liam felt sure it was, at least in part, because she didn’t believe him. How could he make her understand his devotion before their conversation? How could he make her believe his love?
“Raine, wake up.” He caressed his way up her body, then scooted closer, bending to smooth the dark locks back from her sleep-soft face, willing himself not to get lost in her.
God, he wanted to make love to her again. It had been eleven days, but it felt like forever.
Her dark lashes fluttered open to reveal her sleepy blue eyes, her expression welcoming as her lips curled up in a little smile. “Morning, Liam...”
She sat up and snuggled into his arms. He embraced her, savoring her closeness while he could, breathing her in, tangling his fingers in her silky hair, nuzzling her smooth cheek.
“Raine,” he whispered finally. “I need to talk to you.”
“Hmm.” She purred into his neck, her breasts soft against his chest. “It’s so early. Come cuddle with me again. You’re so warm, and I’m happy when you’re next to me.”
In typical Raine fashion, she stalled any discussion that might result in him peeling away her layers and exposing her vulnerabilities. She kissed her way up his neck, across his jaw, angling toward his mouth, enticing him. Liam gritted his teeth.
“Not now. I’ll give you ten minutes to use the bathroom and ready yourself. Then I want you back here, flat on the sheet, hands above your head, with your thighs spread wide and that gorgeous pussy open. And I want your full attention. Understood?”
Her eyes opened wider at his low demand. “Yes, Sir.”
Sparks ignited down his spine. “Best get a wriggle on, then. The clock starts now.”
Raine sent him a kittenish smile as she rose and disappeared into the bathroom. When he heard the soft snick of the door closing, Liam prepared the space with everything he might need, methodically setting items in their place. He slid into that heady Domspace he always enjoyed with Raine. Not since their time at the lodge had he felt so in control of himself and their scene. He’d allowed too many distractions to derail him since then, but now, thanks to his conversations with Seth, he felt focused, steady.
He just hoped like hell that Raine understood the message his actions meant to convey.
Moments later, she emerged from behind the closed door, hair and teeth brushed, face scrubbed and glowing, collar on. She wore nothing else, and that was precisely the way he liked her. His cock stood tall.