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“I—” Herelse

Raine sucked in harsh breaths She paled

“Be brave”

“I need to go to the bathroom,” she sobbed and tried to roll from the bed

As he grabbed her arret dashed the satisfaction spiraling through hiripped her tightly, willing her to look at hi, damn it But she wouldn’t face him

Maybe he wanted h for her He sed Maybe she just didn’t love hih

“Wait,” he rasped

The truth was, she was too afraid to tell him how she felt Because of her father? No, she’d had no trouble telling Hammer But his old pal had shoved her love back in her face over and over, bruising her ego Breaking her heart? Yeah, probably

His hopes of saving her dissolved He’d been kidding himself that he could It seemed he was years too late for that

How ironic that he’d taken up with Raine to build her confidence a bit and prod Hah Liam knew he’d never be the same

With a heavy sigh, he lifted a finger and tilted her chin The collar at her throat looked so lovely in the light His heart clutched as he brought her mouth to his for a soft kiss

As he brushed her lips with his own, he reached behind her neck and slipped the latch on the collar The preciousruby arm from her skin The catch fell open, and the piece slid into his waiting hand

She froze—her kiss, her stare, her breath Raine pulled back slowly, then looked at the collar in his pal with shock and confusion Questions clouded her eyes Anxiety tightened her face He dragged in a sawing draught of air He fucking hated hurting her

“What are you doing?”

He set the collar on the nightstand “I told you we needed to talk, Raine”

She tried to jerk away “You used me before you decided to tell me to kiss off”