The Bond (Unbroken Raine Falling 4)

It was time they negotiated with their girl.

“Precious, I would love nothing more than to tie you to our bed and make love to you again. But I need you to be honest. If the trust between us isn’t strong enough right now—”

Raine looked up at him as if he’d landed on a spaceship in the front yard. “After that night you opened up about your past, I’ve never been more sure of you in my life.”

“But I left you to Liam these past few months, ran away from you both. It’s totally understandable for you to doubt—”

“Macen, stop assuming you know how I feel, especially when you’re wrong.” Raine eased out from between them. “First of all, I now understand why you put distance between us. My god, your wife killed not only herself but your unborn child. I can’t even let myself dwell on the fact that I came close to being another woman with a child in her womb to die on you. I wish you’d told me sooner. But if you think for one minute that I’m angry or blame you for trying to deal with your demons, maybe you’re the one who lacks faith in me.”

Hammer stood, dumbfounded. When had she gotten this fucking strong? “Christ, I’m so proud of you, Raine. You amaze me over and over.” Macen gripped her shoulders and yanked her in tight against his chest, bending close to her ear. “And yes, we’re going to tie you up and make sweet love to you all night long.”

“I’ll get the rope, mate.” Liam grinned as he pulled open the nightstand drawer and tossed three bundles to Hammer.

“On your knees.” Macen turned to Raine.

She sucked in a stuttered gasp, then lowered herself to the carpet, stunningly submissive.

As Hammer admired her, pride exploded in his chest. “Wait there.”

Silently, he and Liam braided the three strands of silk into a symbolic, unbreakable bond.

When they were done, Liam smiled down at their girl. “Fucking gorgeous.”

“She always has been… always will be in our eyes, brother,” Hammer whispered.

Raine’s cheeks blossomed. She smiled at their words.

Peace settled into his chest. Not only had they all saved one another, they’d managed to help each other grow, become better lovers and people. Raine was no longer the insecure, impulsive girl who expressed her anger with tantrums and petulance. In an unbelievably short time, she’d matured into a resilient, strong, self-assured woman who would fight not only for herself but those she loved.

He was a fucking lucky man.

“Rise and lie on your back in the center of the bed, precious,” Hammer instructed.

She followed his command without a word. He and Liam shared a smile, then crawled onto the mattress—each an anchor at her sides. Macen laid the rope on his pillow as he and Liam glided their hands up and down her body, preparing her for pleasure. They infused her with the heat of their touch and branded the feel of their hands onto her heart and mind.

When her milky white flesh had turned rosy and her breathing was rough, Hammer worked with Liam to thread the rope through the frame of the headboard, binding her wrists in the soft coil. They watched her intently, looking for any sign of panic or distress.

“Talk to us, lovely,” Liam instructed.

“I’m good, Sir.” She swallowed but nodded decisively. “I’m better than good.”

The confidence in her voice filled Hammer with reassurance. A look of silent understanding passed between him and Liam. For now, they would take turns suffusing her with love while the other watched for signs of panic. It was the only safe, sane, and consensual way to help her scale her unpredictable trigger.

As if sensing their concern, Raine stared up at them. “I’m fine, Sirs. I’m safe. I’m loved. I’m protected. Don’t stop.”

“We have no intention of stopping,” Hammer promised.

Unless you need us to.

He kept the thought to himself. She’d proven she was strong and capable. And now she was choosing to give over the power of her will in helpless surrender. He intended to bask in it and fill his primal needs, giving ecstasy back to her.

“You’re going to do just fine, lovely.” As Liam bent to kiss her lips, he flashed a knowing nod Hammer’s way—a silent guarantee that Raine would find comfort in the ropes now.

Trusting his friend’s sixth sense, Hammer paused to watch their heated kiss. His heart skipped as the palpable love ebbed and flowed between them.

His mouth watered. He wanted a taste of her, as well—everywhere. Macen eased down her lush body, leaving a trail of feather-soft kisses as he positioned himself between her legs and gripped her soft thighs. Before he could spread her open, Raine willingly parted her legs, offering herself fully.

Lifting her calf, Macen kissed her ankle, pressing his mouth to her all the way to her inner thigh, imprinting a promise to cherish her with each touch of his lips and gentle flick of his tongue. He would show her every day with his words and actions that he was worthy of her unfaltering love. Hammer wasn’t letting this second chance slip through his fingers.