The Chase

Hammer raised a brow. “Well, there’s the first lesson you boys need to teach her.”

“It’s definitely on our agenda.” Seth grimaced. “But there’s a wrinkle in the situation.”

Beck sent him a side-eyed glare. “What he’s trying to say is—”

“Kenneth Beckman!” Raine leapt to her feet across the room and stormed his way, face red. “You’re fucking married? Are you kidding me? All this time… And all those—” She bit her lip, obviously deciding she’d better not blurt out Beck’s parade of subs in front of Heavenly, who still didn’t know much about his proclivities. “You’re a pig.”

“And there’s the wrinkle.” Seth smiled acidly.

“Language, love,” Liam warned, then turned to Beck with a disapproving stare. “Married?”

“Technically, but—”

“There is no technically.” Raine wagged a finger at him. “It’s a yes-or-no question.”

“You didn’t fucking tell her?” Hammer sighed.

Raine whirled on her man. “You knew? Macen!”

“Settle down, precious.” Hammer sent her a censuring stare. “It’s a long story, and I doubt I even know half of it.”

All eyes turned to Beck, who downed his alcohol in one swallow. “You don’t.”

Seth cut a glance his way, lowering his Scotch and his voice. “So…yeah. Heavenly didn’t take the news well, especially since we had just…um, deflowered her.”

Raine gasped and glared at Beck. “Oh, I should find that rubber paddle and use it on you.”

Seth tried to picture that and snorted his drink through his nose.

“Let’s focus on what’s important,” Beck insisted. “Like helping Heavenly.”

“You want to help? Fix this and make my friend happy.” Raine spun around and marched back to the family room.

But Heavenly was no longer curled on the sofa. He caught sight of her through the window, arms wrapped around herself against the chilly darkness enveloping the expansive patio. Raine shuffled outside after her, not stopping until she embraced the pretty blonde, whose hair shined like a beacon in the moonlight.

Hammer eyed them with a shake of his head. “Maybe I should squash Raine’s little tirade and adjust her attitude. But I like her fiery streak. And it’s hard to be stern when she’s right.”

“I have every intention of explaining the situation to Heavenly, but she’s in no state to hear me now.”

They all murmured their agreement. The timing sucked, but the details would have to wait.

A tromping on the stairs interrupted the silence as River cantered down from the second floor and into the kitchen to join them, face somber. “Hey, guys. I’m sorry to hear about Heavenly’s dad.” He looked out the window and grimaced. “I’ll go out and see if I can help my sister cheer her up.”

“If you can get through to her at all…” Beck shrugged.

“You got it.” River turned for the patio and disappeared outside.

Once the four of them were alone again, Seth raked a hand through his hair. “Do you think you could ask Raine to talk to Heavenly about her father’s funeral?”

Hammer nodded. “She’ll find out what your girl wants, and we’ll take care of everything.”

“Beck and I will cover the costs. We just need information.”

“Yeah.” Beck nodded. “Predictably, she’s not speaking to me right now.”

“Don’t let that linger,” Hammer warned. “Or she’ll shut you out for good.”

“If Raine’s reaction is anything to go by, he’s right.” Liam frowned, then pointed to the patio. “Um…you two should have a look outside.”