The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

Hammer didn’t answer him, just paused to send Raine a mock glower. “Precious…”

“Oh, have fun.” She pouted. “Everyone is here to celebrate you.”

Not just his birthday but the fact that he was free. It dovetailed nicely with a send-off for Duncan and Bryn, too. Just one of those shimmering pearls of an evening where everyone gathered, happy, raising their glasses and celebrating life together.

“I’m not mad,” Hammer confessed. “It’s perfect.”

“Good.” Liam slapped his back. “Oh, Pike even helped. You can thank him in a bit.”

Hammer turned to him with a raised brow. “So that fire at Shadows?”

The Dungeon Monitor stepped forward with a hearty laugh. “I liked playing with matches as a kid. It came in handy.”

“River, Beck, Seth… They all helped, too.” Liam grinned.

“Because they love you, just like we do. So be the center of attention for one evening and smile,” Raine pleaded. “We have something else for you…”

Macen peeked down the front of her dress. “Under that sexy red halter number I wish you weren’t wearing?”

She rolled her eyes and skipped away. “No, perv. Over there.”

Liam followed her finger. Macen did, too. The group stepped aside. A new sporty Audi sedan in a sexy, sophisticated gray came into view. Raine raced down the steps to the yard and dragged a huge red bow she’d made onto the hood.

“Happy birthday!” she yelled.

Macen gaped for a long moment, then broke out in a huge smile as he caught Liam in a headlock and shook him while everyone clapped. “What the hell did you two do?”

“Well, there was an empty spot in the garage that needed filling. Some asshole took a crowbar to the last vehicle parked there, so we’ve removed all those from the house, brother. This car seemed to have your name on it so…” He shrugged. “And Raine thought you’d like it.”

“I love it.” He kissed her. “I love you both. Thank you.”

A pile of presents grew in one corner of the living room that made Hammer scowl and Liam grin. The music and food were a hit, and everywhere Liam looked, people were enjoying themselves.

For once, dread wasn’t breathing down their necks…

While Hammer and Raine danced, Liam made the rounds, visiting and checking their guests.

“Hello, Master Liam—”

“Good evening, Vivian. It’s just Liam here. Are you enjoying yourself?”

The older woman smiled. “I’m sorry, Sir. I mean Liam. Yes. Donald and I are having a great time.”

“Thank you for coming. It means the world to Hammer.” Liam hugged her warmly.

He liked these two. They were totally committed to one another and beautiful to watch together.

Moving on, Liam joined Beck, Seth, Heavenly, Dean, River, and Pike. Heavenly held all their attention, which clearly didn’t thrill Beck and Seth. Liam grinned. It was a rare sight to see those two actually united on anything, even if it was simply scowling.

A few single submissives sat on the outskirts, watching the byplay, hoping for a glance—mostly from River, by the looks of it. Like bees to honey… Liam wondered how long before River realized it. If it took him more than two shakes, no doubt Pike would be content to pick up the slack.

“Well, I’m not really sure…” Heavenly said nervously. “I’m just a volunteer. I made the mistake of asking about his scar—”

“Well, shit. Who hasn’t got scars?” Pike grinned at her, twitching the metal stud in his brow.

Beck gave him a glare that ordered him to zip it. Seth looked ready to punch him.

Liam chuckled, beyond glad that he didn’t have to swim through the kinky singles scene anymore.

“I got shot once.” Dean lifted up his shirt to expose his corrugated abs with a little circular scar between his ribs.

“Put that shit away.” Beck rolled his eyes.

“That’s nothing.” River tugged up his shirt to reveal a whole collection of scars—and muscles. “I’ve been tagged and have so many holes and repairs from back-to-back tours—”

“Oh.” Heavenly leaned in to peer closer.

“Stand down, soldier boy,” Beck growled.

“She doesn’t need to see your”— Seth waved in the general direction of his abs—“stuff. Put it away, man.”

River and Dean shared a glance, then cracked up.

“Just making conversation.” River winked.

“How about you fuck off, too?” Beck suggested.

Heavenly blinked at him, looking like she’d never heard that word in her life.

Suppressing a smile, Liam grabbed a couple of drinks from a passing waiter and handed Heavenly a fresh one. “You all right?”

“Um, yes. Fine. Thank you. Your home is really lovely. I appreciate you inviting me.”

Liam cocked his head at her. While the Emily Post answer was deeply polite, he’d bet her actual thoughts weren’t anything close to that. Beck and Seth were going to have a devil of a time figuring out what was going on in that lovely head of hers. He sensed it was dark—and getting darker. He made a mental note to warn them both.