The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

For now, he simply nodded at her. “It’s our pleasure. We’re glad you could join us.”

Beck sidled over to Heavenly and took her hand, guiding her back to his side. Funny but Liam had never imagined the good sadist could hold anyone so tenderly. “Thanks, man,” he said to Liam. Then he turned his attention back to her. “Stay close to me. Lots of riffraff here tonight.” He glared at Seth.

The smile she gave them had the group of men circled around her hooked. Shaking his head, Liam moved on.

Barnes was sitting in a quiet corner having an in-depth conversation with Knotty Master about…the law?

“Gentlemen, anything I can get you?”

They paused and looked at him.

“No, we’re good. Thanks, Liam.”

“Good piece of legal work, Sterling. Thank you for presenting our evidence to Judge Ayers.”

“He hated Wellington anyway, so he grinned from ear to ear when I showed him everything. He was also damn amused by Marlie’s aggressive blow job technique. He got divorced last year, you know. He asked me why he couldn’t find a woman half so comfortable on her knees.”

Liam laughed. “Send him over to Shadows. I’m sure we could find him one.”

The other men chuckled as Liam drifted toward the dance floor. He watched his parents sway to the music. It brought a lump to his throat. He’d grown accustomed to having them here and would miss them terribly when they left for Ireland in the morning. But his mum had already assured him she would be back when Raine gave birth. Knowing he’d see her again in a few months made him less wistful.

A sentimental ballad played. As Liam circled the dance floor, Hammer and Raine came into view, all smiles, clinging to each other like two people in love. He decided to join them, crowding in behind Raine and latching on to her hips.

“This looks like an excellent party to crash,” he murmured.

“I can’t remember ever being this happy. Tonight is like a dream come true.” Raine clutched Hammer as she leaned back, putting her head on Liam’s shoulder.

“It’s perfect. I can’t thank you two enough for everything, especially my new car.” Macen looked up at Liam. “I’d been eyeing that one. It’s extravagant.”

“But well deserved.”

“And to think, when you hit me up to buy you a new car, I told you to fuck off.” Hammer laughed.

Raine wriggled between them. “If anyone needs a new car, it’s me. I don’t think schlepping the baby around in a two-seater is a good idea.”

“Good point. I’ll take care of that, precious.” He nuzzled her neck. “Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight? Hmm. Completely fuckable and good enough to eat.”

“I saw you coming down the stairs earlier. You broke my heart with your loveliness.” Liam sighed in her ear, drinking in the moment. “I wish I could make time stop, hold on to tonight for a bit longer than a heartbeat. I’d like to remember you just as you are now with the light catching your hair, your eyes alive with love and laughter, and the life in your womb making you glow.”

“Aww, Liam…” she breathed, craning her head to smile up at him.

“Show-off.” Hammer laughed as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

She turned back to Macen and cocked a brow expectantly.

“What?” He shrugged in mock helplessness. “I said you look completely fuckable and good enough to eat. That’s romantic, isn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes. “Coming from you, I suppose it is.”

“Wait,” he commanded softly. “Let me try again.”

Raine waited with a placid patience she almost never had.

He cupped her cheek. “You take my breath away, precious. You always have. I love you and I intend to spend the rest of my life proving it every day. How’s that?”

She gave Hammer a radiant smile and drew him down for a kiss.

“Now who’s showing off?” Liam smirked.

They all laughed. Both men kissed her soundly, then each offered her an arm. They got cozy in a shadowy corner of the living room, away from the guests, noise, and revelry.

Raine plopped down on the sofa. “I’m so excited. Our first real party in our new house, surrounded by family and friends. And finally, all our troubles are behind us. I have the two best guys in the world. I’m lucky.”

“We have the most amazing woman.” Hammer belted his arm around her waist and leaned her back against his chest. “You put up with me when I was a womanizing ass.” He looked Liam’s way. “You stood by me when I wasn’t anyone’s definition of a good friend. You both hung around, even when I was an uncommunicative prick. If anyone is lucky, it’s me. You two have always done your best to be loyal, genuine, and honest. From now on, I’ll do the same. Yes…” He nodded, his teasing expression saying he must be insane. “Even if it kills me.”