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The significance of her austere surroundings didn’t escape her They didn’t want her distracted by anything They could please or punish her at will And they probably wanted her to rely on the—food, comfort, companionship

This room put her on notice They meant business

Turning slowly, she pinned Beck with a questioning gaze Raine didn’t want to second-guess herself, but…could she really do this?

“They’re giving you what you asked for, princess,” Beck pointed out “It’s yours for the taking So are they, if you do this right”

“I’m scared,” she whispered “What if I fuck this up?”

“Language” Seth scowled

“Sorry, Sir” She had to watch her tongue “But you knohat I mean”

“Yep” Beck pulled her closer and cupped her shoulders “Princess, you can do this You knohat you want You know the stakes You have the strength”

“We’ll be here after…if you need us,” Seth promised

“Got it” Raine nodded resolutely, trying to ignore the way her stomach flipped “Thanks”

“Good Wait here Don’t leave this room,” Beck commanded

“Yes, Sir”

He shut the door, leaving her very much alone The te fro fan overhead caused the shadows cast by the candles to dance on the walls She turned in a slow circle, studying the rooling quiet that poked at her anxiety

Raine paced The urge to run and hide swah her veins was unco weary of being off-kilter, but she knew that wasn’t going away anyti that she would never be what they wanted and start learning how she could be everything they needed

As she nibbled on a ragged nail, the snick of the doorknob stopped her in her tracks Spinning toward the sound, she held her breath Her heart stuttered

Hammer and Liam prowled into the room

Let the gain…

They eased the door closed in a whisper and stepped toward her, inches away Almost in unison, they clasped their hands behind their backs and widened their stances as they squared their broad shoulders Identical solemn expressions filled their stern faces An absolute sense of their co over her body Her breath caught She shivered

Her Doms—at least for noere united

“I’htened in displeasure, and she stopped in ht… On your knees

Raine sed tightly, then lowered herself to the carpet Resting her backside on her heels, she drank in one last gliaze to the floor Cool air swirled around Raine’s shoulders as the tips of four Italian loafers came into view She waited, her entire body tense Vulnerability and yearning washed over her What did they see? What did they think? Why didn’t they say or do so? Despite all the worry and uncertainty, a joy she’d only ever experienced once, here at the lodge with Liahtness that seemed so familiar with them settled over her