He was not someone who was easily controlled or manipulated, and yet these people were smothering him. Herding him with gentle yet determined persuasion that was like being buffeted by soft wind. Ash wasn’t sure how to combat it.
“Did you know that Emily’s brother attempted to kill James but actually ended up poisoning Eden?” Harry said.
“Lilly was kidnapped by a man who did not like that she was trying to find out why children were being taken off London streets,” Wolf said.
“I have heard some of these stories,” Ash said.
“And you believe we cannot look after you?”
“After what you’ve just told me I would have doubts, but as I do not need looking after it will not present a problem,” Ash gritted out. “I have no wish to discuss this further. I am here but will leave upon our return.”
“Point taken,” Harry said. “But I assure you we can look after you should you need it. And the events you have heard did not kill any of us, which should tell you we will protect ours.”
“I am leaving.” He was not one of theirs.
“Tomorrow,” Wolf said. “It’s likely to be dark when we return.”
“Tomorrow,” Ash muttered.
They placed bets and drank ale, and Ash was nudged from one place to another until he found himself in the stands, unfortunately seated beside Dorset Sinclair.
“Well as I live and breathe, it is the beauteous Dorset Sinclair.”
Ash looked down the seated patrons to where two men now stood. Elegantly dressed, the resemblance was clear. They had to be brothers.
“Even here we cannot escape you bloody Devilles,” Warwick Sinclair said.
“Oh come now, you know you missed me. And besides, I am to race,” the younger of the two men said.
“You bloody knew I was racing too and said nothing about joining me.” Warwick frowned.
“Sit down in front, Deville,” someone called from behind.
The elder raised a hand, and the younger started climbing over the two rows of spectators to reach Warwick, who sat to Dorset’s right. He then squeezed himself between the siblings.
“Hello, Dorrie. May I say, you are looking quite stunning today.”
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” She fluttered her lashes at him.
Ash ground his teeth.
“Mr. Charlton, meet the Earl of Raine and Mr. Zachariel Deville,” Dorset said.
“Another Raven,” the earl said, smiling at Ash.
“My cousin,” James said.
“My brother,” Gus said.
They were claiming him, and he should not be happy about that. But he was human, and he may have told himself continually that he didn’t want connections, but he wasn’t made of wood. He wouldn’t stay here, but it felt good to be wanted while he was.
The earl then fell into conversation with James and Devon, while Zachariel Deville flirted with Dorrie.
“I will of course beat your brother, but if you give me your handkerchief to carry into battle, then that will ensure it,” he said.
Dorrie laughed. Surely she was not fooled by those words?
“I would hardly do that if I want my brother to win, which I assure you I do.”
