* * *
She could do this.She had to do this.
Samantha stood with the other Lady Ravens, waiting for the club to open.Every night, men queued outside the doors of The Raven’s Den anticipating its entertainments, and as of tonight, she was part of those entertainments.
She wore a black feathered gown and mask, like the others.She’d practiced and knew all of the choreography.But tonight was her first time performing in front of men, and fear made her entire body tremble.
As the doors opened, she waved and blew kisses along with the others, even as her heart lodged itself in her throat.She forced her lips up in a smile and followed along as they danced their way to the side of the gaming floor.
She could do this.She was safe here.The men weren’t allowed to touch her.The words played like a mantra in her head.
She just wanted to make Simon proud.Not that this was something a brother should be proud of; his sister dancing in a gaming hell with her wares on display.But what other choice did she have?And after everything else, he’d likely only ever be ashamed of her, anyway.She was soiled goods of the highest magnitude.
She looked up at the balcony.It wasn’t visible from the gaming floor, but it was there.And as the head of security, he often observed from it.Was he watching her, even now?
She continued to move with the others, forcing herself to focus on the task.She leaned in tandem with the ladies, their fans sweeping up in an arc.She could do this.She was safe here.The men weren’t allowed to touch her.
But then she noticed a man watching her intently, and everything else ceased to exist.Cool air whispered over her decolletage, reminding her how exposed she was.His eyes were locked on her and a hunger filled them as his gaze swept over her body.A hunger she recognized, and it sent a chill up her spine.
No.She shook her head.
She felt the color drain from her face, and her resolve fled.The knowledge of what that man’s thoughts probably were sent panic racing through her as a barrage of images from her past flashed in her mind.Images of men with that same look, forcing her to do unspeakable things.
Overwhelmed by a sudden urge to flee, she scurried along the wall to the back of the club and through the curtain.Thank God, the security man didn’t stop her.Dropping her fan, she raced down the hall and surged through the back door of the club.The man standing guard outside was so startled by her sudden appearance, he didn’t stop her either, so she sprinted into the dark alleyway.
Not surprisingly, someone was soon behind her, calling her name.Mercifully, it was one of the owners and not her brother.She couldn’t face Simon.
Michael came around to stand before her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.“You’re safe, Samantha.No one here will hurt you.”
Something about him made her feel like she really was safe.He had always been so kind to her.Even now.He didn’t shout at her or grab her and haul her back inside.He simply stood with her, promising his protection.
With a sudden need to show her gratitude, she dropped to her knees and reached for the buttons on his trousers.
He stilled her hand and crouched.“We don’t do that here, Samantha.Not only is it not expected, but it’s not allowed.”
Heat rushed up her neck, filling her cheeks.“I’m sorry, Michael.I didn’t mean to break the rules.Please don’t send me back.I won’t do that again.”
“Send you back to Auburn Ridge, you mean?”
She swallowed, remembering her constant fear of being punished while she was in that place.But even the asylum was easier than what she'd endured before it.
Gently, he took her hands and looked into her eyes.“You’re never going back there, Samantha.I promise you that.Now, let’s get you back inside, so you can change out of that dress and have a nice cup of tea to calm your nerves.”
Did that mean she wasn’t going to be punished?He stood and urged her back to her feet.
“How am I ever going to repay your kindness?”she asked quietly.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her back toward the door.“That’s the thing about kindness.It doesn’t have to be repaid.”
Once inside the hall, he opened the door that led to the stairs, but she stopped.“Is Simon up there?”She didn’t want to face her brother.
“He is, but if you’ll promise to stay right here, I’ll go up and get him out of our way.”
She nodded.“I promise.”
Michael disappeared through the door, but he was only gone for a minute or two before he returned.He escorted her up the stairs and across to Raven House, stopping at the end of the hall that led to her room.
“Go change into something more comfortable.I’ll wait right here, and we’ll have a cup of tea when you’re ready.”
