“I’m sensing a ‘but’ here. Go on,” Liam urged.
“But I’ve looked around Shadows and watched the others scene. It’s confusing. So many different types of Doms and subs. I’ve seen brutal punishment for the tiniest infraction. And I’ve seen almost no discipline for incredibly bratty behavior. And I’ve seen a lot of sex—tender, rough, odd, beautiful. But I have a hard time adding those things up in my head and figuring out how it’s all submission. I know my wants and impulses, but I don’t know if they’re wrong.” She frowned, then seemed to remember herself. “Sir.”
Liam exhaled. Her view was so scattered. Why hadn’t he asked her that question sooner? If he had, he would have started at square one when he’d collared her. Of course, he hadn’t known her well then. Since then, Raine hadn’t talked to him or opened up like she should. But he’d assumed her understanding of the power exchange was far deeper.
“I know putting that into words was difficult for you. Thank you, love.” He leaned in, cupping her face in his hands, and took her mouth in a searing kiss.
Raine yielded her lips to him, opening and allowing him to sink deep inside her. She clung, wrapping her arms around his neck, so welcoming. Her sweetness intoxicated him. Liam moaned, some part of him wishing he could spend all day just worshipping her mouth. The other part of him realized they had work to do.
Easing back, he kissed her nose, then reached for the shampoo.
She blinked up at him, then slid her gaze over to Hammer. “What I said…that wasn’t wrong?”
“No, precious. Today, there was no right or wrong answer. You have a lot to learn, but that’s why we’re here. I’m proud of your honesty.”
He leaned in and tangled his hand in her hair, tugging gently until his lips hovered just over hers. They shared a silent moment before Macen took her mouth, devouring and rewarding at once.
Liam couldn’t afford to think now about how that made him feel. If he did, his heart might break. Instead, he watched, focusing on how Raine was opening, blossoming under their attention. This bath was serving its purpose—showing her how good it could be if she let it. To dwell on the love she might never give him would only be borrowing tomorrow’s trouble today.
As Hammer eased back, Raine smiled softly. Then she looked Liam’s way, and his heart caught when their gazes tangled. She sent him a searching smile, and he gave her the reassurance she sought. He answered in kind. Damn if she didn’t glow, bask in their affection, seemingly at peace.
As she lowered her gaze, that grin brightened even more. Then she looked up at him through her dark lashes, her blue eyes sparkling.
Liam hoped like hell she was truly ready to open herself and be whole—and that she’d still want him afterward. “Tilt your head back so I can wash your hair.”
“Yes, Sir.” Raine complied, closing her eyes.
He plucked at the bathtub’s nozzle and pulled the attached hose up from its base. The spray of water jetted from the head. He urged her to scoot down, then eased her back, supporting her neck in his palm. Slowly, deliberately, he soaked her raven mane, then squirted a dollop of floral shampoo at her crown. Liam plunged his fingers into the strands and kneaded at her scalp until she moaned in bliss. He couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed having Raine put herself in his care.
Meanwhile, Hammer whisked a soapy loofah up her legs, over her belly. He lathered her shoulders, her breasts, dragging it slowly over her nipples. Her breath caught.
Liam watched, thumbing away the suds that drizzled onto her forehead. She groaned as he rinsed the shampoo, then spread conditioner through her hair. Again, he worked it through, this time massaging her neck, rubbing the tension away before he rinsed her hair clean.
Not once did she flinch or open her eyes. In that moment, she gave them total trust. Liam burned for more of it.
“You did so well, love.” He kissed her forehead.
“Thank you, Sir. That felt good,” she purred.
“Now stand up, precious. It’s time to shave that little landing strip you’ve left unwaxed.” Hammer extended his hand.
She frowned. “I thought it would be fun. You don’t like it?”
“No.”
“Why not?” Confusion knit her brows.
“Because when I rake my tongue up your pouty cunt, I want it bare. Is that a good enough reason for you, precious?”
“Oh. O-okay, Sir.” Raine blushed and slipped her slender fingers into Hammer’s wide grasp, rising like a goddess from the water.
Her long, dark hair dripped over the swell of her backside. Drops mingled down her thighs. Swallowing tightly, Liam skimmed his palms over her pert ass and gripped her hips, steadying her.
He watched Hammer squirt a cloud of white foam onto his fingers before painting her dark pubic hair. The man’s stare riveted on the sweet pussy, inches from his face. Liam had no doubt Macen wanted to slide his fingers between Raine’s silky folds and stay.