The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

“I know we should go down, but I’m so happy. I just want to stay in your arms all night. I guess I should thank my brother for taking that plastic whore to bed to help us.” Raine grimaced. “It was above and beyond the call of duty.”

Hammer kissed her. “Way beyond. Focus on his sacrifice, precious.”

“It’s in the past now, where it belongs.” Liam’s voice was full of hope for the future.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Hammer grinned.

He and Liam wrapped an arm around Raine’s waist, then headed down the stairs.

Bryn ran toward them and kissed each of them on the cheek with tears in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you. It was touch and go there for a little bit, but you all stuck it out and fought for your family. You succeeded.”

“Congratulations, storm cloud!” River scooped her up in a big hug.

“We did it. You did it.” She wrinkled her nose. “I hope you don’t have to do it again.”

“You mean Marlie? Yeah, you and me both.”

“Make sure you see a doctor before you use that thing on anyone else,” Raine recommended.

“Trust me. I will.” River made his way to Hammer, offering his hand in congratulations.

“Fuck that.” Hammer embraced him. “Thank you. Believe me, I know what you did was a hardship.”

Beside him, Liam laughed and brought him in for a hug, too. “Welcome to the family.”

Bliss brightened the air. Joviality ensued. Within minutes, champagne corks were popping and glasses were filled.

Hammer lifted his flute. “Thank you all for the help you’ve given and the sacrifices you’ve made. To freedom, life, love, family, and happily ever after.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Liam cheered.

“I wish I could,” Raine groused until Bryn handed her a glass of apple juice. She held it up with a smile. “To us!”

Macen was thrilled to see their girl freed from all the stress and looking so happy.

As they clinked their glasses together and drank, Hammer’s phone rang yet again. He tugged it from his pocket as Liam shot him a quizzical glance.

Macen checked the screen. “It’s Dean.”

“Maybe they’ve already arrested Marlie and the AUSA.” Raine bounced with excitement.

“We can only hope.” Liam arched a brow.

Forcing down his trepidation, Hammer pressed the speaker button. “Hey, Dean. What’s going on?”

“A shit load. I assume you’ve heard that your neck is no longer on the chopping block.”

“Yes. Sterling called a few minutes ago.”

“Great. I’m so fucking happy for you, man. For all of you. I wanted to call and let you know that Internal Affairs at the Justice Department has Wellington locked in an interrogation room across town as we speak. I doubt highly he’s going to see the light of day anytime soon.”

“Thank god.” Hammer shuddered with relief.

“That’s not the best part.” Dean chuckled. “Guess what I get to do tonight? I’m leaving the station in about an hour to arrest the fucking cunt who almost put you behind bars. Want to join me?”

Raine gasped and nodded.

“Where?” Hammer grinned. This night just kept getting better.

“After what I went through to get her confession, I want to see it, too.”

“You must be River,” Dean said. “Hell of a video, man. Outstanding job. Thank god you don’t suffer from performance issues.”

Raine’s brother laughed. “I just couldn’t think about who I was doing too much.”

“Anyway,” Dean continued, “if you all want to watch me haul that coldhearted bitch to jail, come to the M Grill on Wilshire.”

“I know where it is,” Hammer assured.

“Good. Rumor has it Internal Affairs confiscated Wellington’s phone. After he put his kids to bed, he planned to hook up with Marlie there. I’ve checked out the restaurant’s blueprints. There’s a banquet room in the back. I’ll call ahead and tell the maître d’ that I’m meeting you there on police business so he’ll give us that space and some privacy. I’ll escort little Miss Plastic Twat straight to your table and arrest her there. You’ll all have dinner and a show.”

Hammer didn’t hesitate. “We’ll be there. But you might tell the maître d’ to hide the knives. I think we’re all ready to stab Marlie right now.”

“Oh, yeah.” Raine nodded. “I want to cut the bitch.”

After Hammer ended the call, everyone found something more suitable to wear for the upscale restaurant. River headed back to his place to change and meet them there. Duncan and Bryn opted to stay home.

When the trio arrived at the eatery, River was waiting in the lot. Once inside, the maître d’ seated them in the empty room in the back of the building, just as Dean promised.

“Is anyone hungry?” Hammer asked.

Raine shook her head. “Maybe after Dean arrests her, but I’m nervous right now. What if something goes wrong?”

“My stomach is as clenched as my fists,” Liam agreed in a clipped tone that told Hammer the man was ready to snap.