Page 38 (1/2)

“I didn’t think it mattered to you Since she died, you shut down and pissed off So I moved on Am I supposed to be sorry for that?” Liam finally turned to him with a scowl “What’s the point now? All this retrospective crap doesn’t change a thing” Liam made to rise from the stool

“Wait! I’m not done, damn it”

Rolling his eyes, Liam settled back onto the barstool “Hurry the fuck up”

Hae?”

Lia”

He clenched his fists “Dao Sorry Just let me finish”

“You’ve got thirty seconds”

Hah his hair Christ Clearly,their fractured friendship would require more than words—if it was even possible The brittle olive branch he’d been trying to extend Lia far What he planned with Raine would probably break the da in half

But Hauise of protecting her He’d caused her farwo Beck’s advice, he realized that If he took her training slowly, gave her a lot of praise and compromised, she could handle his needs He would assure her that he didn’t expect her to be his slave Hammer vowed to teach, hold, and love her so he could complete her, just as she would him But he had to let her decide for herself…even if she chose Liam instead

That very real fear made his stomach twist For years, his selfishness had prevented Raine froive him, either?

“Well?” Lia this conversation? The bloody horse is dead I think we’ve beaten hih”

“He’s just in a fucking coma” Hammer tried to crack a smile, but it felt forced and insincere “Look, I ad choices We’ve both paid a price I just want you to know that I’ out of malice”

“Got it Thanks” Liam nodded absently, then looked around the room

A prickle of unease raised the hairs on the back of Ha?”

“It would take y now Besides, I’m not in the bloody mood to hear ‘I told you so’”

They’d only ever really argued about one person And if she had been here, she would have made far better coffee “Where’s Raine?”

Lia in his head