The Break (Unbroken Raine Falling 2)

“No,” Hammer admitted.

“I’ve tried ‘modifying’ her behavior in every way you can think of. I’ve punished and rewarded. I’ve coaxed. I’ve praised. I’ve demanded and expressed my disappointment. Nothing.”

All that? Then again, Liam had never been less than thorough. Why would he have started slacking with Raine? He wouldn’t. In fact, as devoted as Liam seemed, he would have tried even harder than usual to reach the girl. And if Raine was truly giving that little… Hammer wondered if he wouldn’t have released her, too.

“Are you saying she’s more shut down than either of us realized?”

“Now you’re getting it.” Liam leaned back against the seat, looking exhausted. “I made it crystal clear that I wasn’t giving up on her, that I would be there for her. She didn’t listen to me.”

“All she heard is that you didn’t want her,” Hammer confirmed.

“Of course I want her. I tried to show her how much. Just because I’d released her didn’t mean I’d stopped caring or stopped protecting her.”

Who the hell was protecting her now? Hammer’s inner voice screamed that he needed to go faster. Hot and urgent, his thoughts raced as he tried to focus on the road. But terror clawed—an ominous déjà vu—back to when Liam had taken Raine from Shadows and sequestered her far away. While he’d nearly lost his mind then, there’d been comfort in the fact that Liam was caring for her. She’d been safe. But now…

“Raine is out there alone, upset, feeling unworthy and unwanted by both of us. I hope to fuck she doesn’t do something impulsive, like visit her father. Bill might be an old bastard, but he’s still mean.”

“Why would she go anywhere near her father? That makes no sense.” Liam rubbed the back of his neck.

“It does and it doesn’t. Raine will eventually realize that she needs to confront her past. Then it wouldn’t surprise me if she paid daddy a visit. But I hope I’m wrong.”

Ten long minutes later, Hammer pulled into the parking lot of the drugstore. The two men hurried inside and approached the young cashier. Her nametag read Tonya. The need to find Raine and hold her in his arms rode Hammer hard.

“Excuse me, lass,” Liam whispered in a buttery soft lilt. He’d used this verbal seduction on women for years. “Might I have a wee minute of your time?”

“Sure,” the young woman sighed with wide eyes and pink cheeks. She looked awestruck.

In unison, Hammer and Liam whipped out their phones, flashing the cashier different photos of Raine. Both turned to scowl at the other.

“Have you seen this woman today?” Liam asked.

Tonya stood nervously, nodding. But she didn’t speak.

Fucking hell. Hammer reached for anything resembling patience. “So she was here?”

The blonde with the heavy black eyeliner and nose stud jerked her head in his direction, apprehension flashing in her pale eyes. She nodded again.

He’d had enough of her goddamn bobblehead bullshit. “How long ago? What did she buy? What direction did she go when she left? Was she with anyone, girl? Tell me now!”

“Hammer,” Liam growled and shoved him to the side. “As you can tell, it’s rather important we find this woman. Can you tell me anything about her?”

Tonya twirled her finger around a chunk of pink hair streaked through her platinum tresses. After what seemed like an interminable lifetime, the young woman stammered, “She, um, b-bought a bottle of tequila. About twenty minutes ago.”

Hammer looked at his watch. It was almost eleven. Raine was either planning on getting shit-faced drunk or she’d bought the bottle to ply her father with so he wouldn’t put up a fight when she confronted him. Or killed him. Hammer’s blood ran cold. He wished to hell he knew where Raine’s head was at, along with the rest of her hot little body.

“Did you happen to see which direction she left in, lass? Catch a glimpse of a car or taxi cab, perhaps?” Liam urged, turning on his Irish charm.

“I…I don’t know where she went. She wasn’t with anyone, just carrying a suitcase and looking sad.” Tonya cast her eyes toward the floor. “I’m sorry I can’t be more help to you.”

Hammer let out a heavy sigh. Damn it, the girl standing before him screamed “submissive.” He shouldn’t have been so harsh. “You’ve done well.”

Liam reached beneath her chin and tipped her head up, then gave her a warm smile. “Thank you. You’ve been very helpful, indeed.”

As they raced outside the drugstore, both men scoured the streets in either direction, looking for Raine—a hotel, a bar, a restaurant, anything that might have snagged her attention. He saw all of the above and more.

“She could be anywhere.” Liam gave voice to his concern.

Hammer pulled out his mobile again. “Raine’s phone is still off.” He pressed a few more buttons. “No activity on her bank account.”