The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

“Very well. But if they don’t have answers to your woman’s intuition, you and I are going to have a long talk.”

“We will.” She nodded and turned her attention toward the window once more.

He shook his head and smirked. “You’re bloody marvelous at a lot of things, but being patient isn’t one of them.”

“I can’t help it. Waiting drives me crazy.”

He nibbled the sensitive spot beneath her ear. “Hammer and I will gladly take you upstairs to occupy your mind—and your luscious body. That would make going crazy a lot more fun.”

“Did someone say my name?” Hammer strode into the room, merging himself in their hug.

“I thought you were out.” Raine blinked up at him. “I went to the garage to get some apple juice and your car was gone. I was hoping you’d bring me back some chocolate donuts.”

Macen blanched slightly. “No, but I’ll pick some up for you tomorrow morning.”

The two men had sat at the pool the other night, polishing off a half bottle of scotch and tequila, respectively. They’d shared curses and even a few tears while Liam delved into his friend’s psyche. Knowing the man had been so near the edge scared the bloody hell out of Liam. But by five that morning, he was confident he’d reached his pal and even more secure the fuckwit wouldn’t pull a stunt like that again—ever.

Then Hammer had called for a tow truck, which arrived as the sun rose. Liam had watched gratefully as the demolished Audi was hauled to the graveyard, instead of his mate. Still, Liam couldn’t help but feel they’d somehow buried a body. Maybe it was Hammer’s fears. Either way, all evidence of the man’s breakdown was gone.

“That would be nice but where’s your car?” she asked suspiciously.

“Well…” Hammer looked his way. “My frustration got the best of me. I sort of…beat it up with a tire iron.”

That was as much explanation as Raine needed.

“You what?” she gasped.

“It’s all right, precious. I needed to vent, and it was time I got a new car anyway.”

“That’s an awfully expensive way to take out your frustrations.” She scowled, then turned toward Liam. “So you yank the phone out of the wall and Hammer beats up his car. Do you two need anger management classes or something?”

“No. We plan to expend all our energies on you from now on,” Hammer assured.

She cupped his chin, concern written all over her face. “Do you feel better?”

He bent and kissed her tenderly. “I feel alive, precious. The only way I could feel better is if we resolved this fucking mess.”

A secret smile tugged the corners of Raine’s lips. Liam hoped whatever she was hiding might make their most profound wish come true.

As Bryn and Duncan descended the stairs, the doorbell rang.

“Would you like me to get that?” Duncan asked.

“I’ve got it.” Raine peeled herself from their arms and ran to the door.

She yanked it open. Beck and Sterling stood on the porch, wearing expectant expressions.

Liam wondered why those two were dropping by since Raine had said she was waiting for Seth and her brother. So she hadn’t told him everything. Liam planned to remind her about her vow of honesty with several well-placed slaps on her milky ass soon. His palm began to itch.

“Come on in,” Raine invited.

As the two men stepped into the foyer, she poked her head out the door and looked both ways, as if scanning the street. With a heavy sigh, she shut it again, then followed Beck and Sterling into the family room. The guys all shook hands before taking a seat on the couch.

“What brings you two here?” Liam asked curiously.

“I’ll get us all some tea,” Bryn announced, blatantly preventing the other men from answering his question.

What are you up to, Mum? he asked with a mental nudge.

She simply smiled.

“Do you have a beer?” Beck asked.

“It’s two o’clock in the afternoon, Kenneth,” Bryn pointed out.

He flashed her a mischievous grin. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”

“You’ve melted your share of hearts with that smile, but it’s going to take more than that to snare a heavenly heart.”

Beck scowled. “I’d rather have a beer than predictions.”

Liam snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“I’ll get you a pint, mate.” Duncan slapped Bryn on the ass. “Come on, wench. You’re scaring the kids with your riddles again.”

Sterling looked confused but shrugged.

“Exactly why are we here, princess?” Beck peered at Raine.

She nibbled her bottom lip, then cast a hopeful glance at the door. “Well, um… Seth and River will be here any second. We’ll explain then.”

Hammer frowned and turned to his lawyer. “So you don’t know what’s up?”

“Haven’t a clue.” Sterling shook his head. “Raine called and said it was urgent, so I cleared my afternoon.”

“I’m sorry you had to rearrange your schedule,” she apologized. “They should—”

The doorbell rang again. She raced across the room, yanked the door open, then ushered Seth and River in.