The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

“I know,” Raine softly whispered.

River appeared contrite enough, but Liam wasn’t convinced the man could possibly understand the depth of love the three of them shared in a five-minute glimpse.

“As touching as your apology is, it doesn’t solve the mess you’ve made of our lives,” Hammer hissed. “Or the fact that you upset your sister even more with this fucking stunt. They hauled her downtown yesterday for questioning. She’s pregnant, you stupid ass. And she had to put up with strangers calling her a whore and grilling her about her sex life.”

“I’m sorry. If I could take it all back—”

“The damage is done,” Liam snapped. “Unless you can fix it, I don’t think we have anything to say.”

“I’ll do everything possible.” River met Liam’s sharp gaze. “I’ll visit Detectives Winslow and Cameron and explain that I should never have believed the bullshit my father fed me before he died. If Raine defends you, too, I don’t see how the police have a case worth pursuing.”

Liam didn’t, either. Except the supposed witness and the missing security footage disconcerted him.

Trying not to borrow trouble, he stood. “Don’t be letting the door hit your ass on the way out.”

Raine blinked at him, mouth agape, while Hammer stared River down coldly. “Guys…”

“No, it’s okay,” River insisted. “In their shoes, I’d be pissed off, too. Assumptions in war can save your life. In love…apparently they’re dangerous. I’ll fix things. I want to keep you in my life, Raine. And I want you happy.”

“Then start by apologizing to our girl,” Liam demanded. “You fucking made her cry, you—”

“Liam,” Raine interrupted, settling her hand over his. “Fear of losing Macen and the life we share is what made me break down. Well, that and hormones.”

“You want to fix things?” Hammer challenged, obviously not quite believing River’s contrition. “Start by telling us who you’re working with inside Shadows. Who’s your mole?”

River looked confused. “I don’t have an informant.”

“Really?” Hammer scoffed. “How did you know about Raine’s apple spice muffins, then? And where the fuck are the missing security drives?”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about,” River swore.

“Bullshit.” Hammer looked ready to throw punches once more.

River held up both hands. “I might be hardheaded, but I’m not a fucking liar. You wanted me to listen to you? I’m on it. But I’d like the same.”

Hammer studied the man with a steely gaze, then finally gave a grim nod. Not seeing another option, Liam followed suit.

But he knew they’d be putting their heads together later in private to figure this out.

Raine sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

“We like to make you smile, love.” Liam could at least say that with honesty.

He didn’t trust River, but if the bastard was telling the truth, that was good for Raine…and bad for them all. His dread ratcheted up.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asked her brother suddenly.

Liam flipped her a scowl. Did she mean to invite the meddlesome git to dinner?

“Looking for a job.” He shrugged. “But I’ll make time for you.”

“Would you, um…” Raine bit her lip.

Liam had a suspicion he knew what his lass was reluctant to ask. “Raine, you don’t have to—”

“I do,” she countered softly, then regarded her brother. “I’ve never visited Mom’s and Rowan’s graves. I think I’m ready now. I’d like it if you came with me.”

He and Hammer should be the ones to accompany her on such an emotional undertaking. Liam bristled. “Maybe you should wait until after the babe comes.”

“The extra stress isn’t good for either of you,” Hammer pointed out.

“Why don’t you all consider going?” Bryn bustled to the table, carrying a fresh pot of tea. “That way Raine and River can say their good-byes, and you two will be there to comfort her.”

Raine darted a hopeful gaze between him and Hammer. They exchanged a silent glance.

Hammer sighed. “All right. We’ll go with you, precious.”

“Thank you.” Raine’s smile looked both wobbly and tender. “How’s noon tomorrow?”

“Great,” River said. “I won’t say I’m looking forward to it, but it’s time I paid my respects.”

“Excellent.” Bryn kissed Liam’s cheek. “Sounds like you’re all getting along. Your da and I are going to pop out for an early Valentine’s Day dinner, then. We’ll be back in a bit.”

After Mum hugged Macen and Raine, his parents left.

Liam no longer had to be polite. He stood, hoping River would get the hint. “We’ll meet you at the cemetery, then.”

Raine’s brother did, indeed, grasp his unspoken suggestion. “Okay. I’ll…head over to the police station and clean up the mess I made. Night, all. Happy…um, Valentine’s Day.”

As Raine rose and enfolded her arms around the man, Hammer pinned him with an icy stare. Liam shot a warning glare of his own, promising a slow and painful death if River backstabbed them again.

He and Hammer both wrapped a protective arm around Raine as they walked River to the door and watched him drive away.