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The place wasn’t crowded on a Tuesday night In the corner, a jukebox played a happy country-western ditty that scraped her raw A few people at nearby tables laughed and chugged back beer They looked happy

The hollow feeling in her stomach and the ache deep in her chest served as painful reminders that her life had fallen apart

Beck seated her in a corner, then grabbed the chair across froht beside her He took her shaking hand and pulled her closer Without a qualm, she laid her head on his beefy shoulder and let out more tears He smoothed a palm over her crown and murmured soft assurances

God, she was so tired of crying Of being upset and disappointed, confused and…torn between two lovers

She lifted her head and looked at Beck A o, he was the last person she would have called her friend Tonight, she thanked goodness he was in her life

“I don’t knohat to do,” she confessed

“Start by talking to ht you how to coful because of what happened tonight”

Raine dragged in a breath as she sorted through her thoughts Finally, she nodded “You’re right”

“Break it down Tell ument upset you most”

“They weren’t supposed to fight That wasto their proposition Itbehind my back”

With a shrug, Beck considered her words “Princess, you’re talking about two strong-willed alpha Doht It’s unrealistic to think that just because you coerced a pro, they could do it twenty-four seven”

She sat back to consider his words A waitress in a short denim skirt and an eye for Beck came over to take their drink orders He asked for coffee Fuck that

“Bring me tequila shots Let’s start with five of those and—”

“She’ll have a glass of white wine,” Beck cut in

Raine glared at him “What the hell?”

“You have to go back and face theuilt her into sobriety

“No, I don’t” She crossed her arms over her chest “They broke their promise”