The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

“Son of a bitch,” Hammer cursed as he released her hair, then clutched her to his chest, gripping her tightly.

In less than a heartbeat, Liam was there, wrapping the two of them in his arms and kissing her lips. Raine drank in his comfort, absorbed the heat of their bodies, savored the completion of her soul.

As Liam pulled away, Hammer swooped in. “I love you more than words can say.”

He claimed her mouth with a burst of passion that curled Raine’s toes.

“Now that your punishment is over, lass, let’s play in the dungeon. Would you be up for that?”

The mischievous glint in Liam’s eyes sent a rush of excitement to thunder through her veins. “I’d love that, Sir. And don’t you two owe me some Valentine’s Day sex?”

“Cheeky wench.” He shook his head. “We do. We also owe you a little torment for that racy scrap of silk you’re wearing that’s driving me mad.”

“Absolutely.” Hammer paused and studied her, head cocked. “Would you be willing to try something for us first?”

Raine nibbled her bottom lip, wondering what he had up his sleeve. But she’d survived that surprisingly tender whip. She could handle more.

“Anything.”

Emotion rolled over Hammer’s face before he crossed the dungeon and gathered a bundle of rope. Logic told her they would never hurt her, but that didn’t stop a ribbon of dread from winding through her. She fought the urge to back out of the room.

Picking up on her sudden mood swing, Liam gently tugged her close to his chest.

“I won’t tie you down or dredge up the past, precious,” Hammer promised. “And this isn’t a test of your submission.”

“We want to help you enjoy again something you once loved,” Liam added tenderly. “To do that, we need to learn where your breaking point lies.”

“Exactly. When it becomes too much, we expect you to tell us. If you don’t, I’ll get the whip out and use it in earnest.

She hesitated. “You really won’t be disappointed if I use my safeword?”

“We’ll be sorely disappointed if you don’t,” Liam vowed solemnly.

“But I don’t want to ruin our night. I wanted it to be special…perfect. And—”

“I can only think of one thing more special and perfect than pushing your limits.” Hammer sidled in with a sexy grin.

“And we fully intend to make time for that soon.” Liam winked.

Oh, goody. “All right. I’ll try.”

“You won’t be lying down for this. Standing should give you a different perspective. Just lean against the cross, like before,” Hammer instructed as he handed a short length of rope to Liam.

Raine’s nerves were already rattled as she pressed her chest against the wood once more. Her breath sounded loud in the room. Behind her, she could hear the two men whispering, plotting. It sent her heart racing. She had to remind herself this wasn’t a test of her fortitude.

Suddenly, both men stepped behind the cross, shoulder to shoulder. Their faces filled the open V in front of her.

“Keep your eyes open and on us, lass,” Liam demanded.

“Yes, Sir.”

Hammer gripped her shoulder and squeezed. “Be brave. We’re right here and we won’t leave you.”

“I know.” She did, but it was little comfort when the rope in their hands made Bill’s face flash through her mind.

“Take a deep breath, precious.”

Nodding, Raine filled her lungs while he and Liam each looped the rope loosely around her wrists.

Before she had a chance to react, her Irishman feathered his fingers down her cheek. “This rope is nothing more than scraps of silk twisted together.”

“Tell us where you are.” Hammer’s voice sounded low and concerned in her ear.

“I-I’m good.”

“Let me rephrase. Are you here with us in the dungeon or someplace else in your head?”

“I’m here with you both,” she assured. And so far, she was.

“Good.” Hammer brushed a kiss over her lips as they slowly cinched the ropes a bit tighter.

She focused on the smooth texture of his mouth, drowning out everything else. Then he pulled away. But Liam was there, seamlessly taking over where Macen left off.

Their soft, reassuring kisses kept her anxiety at bay. Her men were diligent and beyond patient as they showered her with reassurance and praise until the soft silk cord pressed tightly against her wrists. Victory filled her. When Liam rewarded her with a sweep of his tongue inside her mouth, tangling and dueling, she whimpered softly. He drank in her delight. Raine clutched her hands into fists, wishing she could touch her Doms.

Then tingles prickled in her fingertips. The sensation raced down to her palms. The last time her fingers had fallen asleep because she’d been restrained…

Bill’s face suddenly swam in her vision.

Without any warning, Raine dropped into a vat of inky darkness. Panic and fear engulfed her.

She tore from Liam’s lips. “Paris!”

As Raine tried to jerk away, Hammer and Liam dropped their ropes.

“Easy…” Macen soothed as he wrapped his arm around the cross and captured her waist. “You’re here with us. You’re safe.”