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“Right So what’s in your way?”

What wasn’t? All her e abandoned or hurt had been carved into her soul Reacting to them was a reflex How did she stop that?

Raine had to find a way The last twenty-four hours had proven that living without theo home, wanted the familiar shelter of Shadows, of their arms Despite what he’d said the last feeeks, Hammer would never commit to her But that was okay; she could love hi, she was a pro She loved Liam so very much He filled her heart They could be happy—if she could hurdle her fears and move forward

The first step was brutal honesty

“My dad” For starters, anyway “He had all the power in the house when I was a kid”

“And he abused it, along with you”

Raine resisted the urge to grab the covers up to her chin and protect herself From what? Beck was only here to help her, and she had to stop hiding from everyone It only led to self-destruction

“Yeah I’ve avoided really thinking about it, but…I know it—he—is a stu block”

Beck sat back and stared “Have you talked to anyone professional about it lately? I know Haht after you came to Shadows”

She sighed iuess your dad’s behavior made you mad?’ Um, you think?”

He stifled a laugh “So she wasn’t the therapist for you She wasn’t very good in the sack, either”

Raine batted Beck’s shoulder “TMI, dude”

“That sounds a lot like back talk, princess”

The warning was too obvious to miss She dialed back on the banter “Sorry It wasn’tyou’ve done I know you didn’t have to”

Beck waved her away “You haven’t seen or talked to your dad since you left hoht?”

“No” She recoiled “God, no”

For a long tihed his words carefully Finally, he rose froe of her bed “Okay, then Food? It’s after noon, but I figure you’re hungry”