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“Do you really have to guess? You couldn’t wait to tell hiue answers, trying not to worry hi to worry about But you basically goaded hinancy test When I refused, we stu is a fucking mess Don’t be surprised if he packs up and leaves” At the thought of never being with Liaain, tears spilled like acid fro between you and your best friend, and driving away one of the kindest men I’ve ever met”

Raine stood, her chair scraping the tile floor She tried to dart past Hammer Since he sat between her and the door, he rabbed her wrist He stood, his heavy brows slashing dohat? Anger? Concern?

“If you’re unhappy with me, take a number” She swiped at the hot tears on her cheeks “I should have left, you know That night we fought If I had just walked out, you and Liam would still be pals You’d both be happier And I wouldn’t be around to fuck everything up”

“Sit down, Raine, and stop beating yourself up” Hammer exhaled, his stare heavy He waited until she coain “Now talk to me”

God, she didn’t want to spill her guts Just the thought of this conversation made her stomach roll And Liam would be furious if she opened up to another man, especially Hammer

Shaking her head, Raine blinked back more tears “I can’t”

“Okay, then listen You didn’t coht on your narrow shoulders, girl This isn’t the first tiuarantee it won’t be the last We ht be pissed as hell at him now, but I still love him like a brother”

He tried to smile, but she could see it was strained at best Another avalanche of guilt pressed down on her

“Why did Liaain “If it’s because you haven’t started your period yet, I’ll kill him”

She shook her head “That’s not why, and you can’t What happened yesterday between Liam and me is our business But you’re smart You can read between the lines Put yourself in his shoes and iine why you’d be deeply disappointed You won’t be far off the mark”

“Yes, I can read between the lines, but I want you to explain it to me Let me hear your interpretation”

“Why do you do this toto pry me apart It’s over It’s done The lesson for me is that I suck at relationships”

Ha the plate of muffins and her nerves “Tell me”

“Apparently, he didn’t like the way I tried to spare hicare of myself”

“Answer the fucking question”