Page 43 of A Raven Repents

When she’d called out in pain, he’d stopped in an instant. All of his concern had been directed at her, as if nothing else mattered. I’m sorry, sweetheart. It was clear he was. He’d said he would never abuse her, but until that moment she hadn’t understood how true that was. Her pain had filled his voice with anguish. She squeezed the hand that rested against her stomach, and he pulled her in a little more tightly, pressing a kiss against the top of her head.

There was even more, though. He’d forced her to be strong. Forced her to prove she wanted this. To demand it, even. And in doing so, he made it fully her choice. He’d provided her the freedom to take what she wanted, and when she asked for it, he brought her incredible pleasure.

How was this the same man she’d run away from just days ago? She never wanted to leave this. But that meant she never wanted to leave him. It was a strange place she was in. She had trusted him completely, somehow knowing he would be gentle and wouldn’t hurt her. But would he still show her that same kindness outside of the bedroom? Her thoughts and questions continued until she eventually slipped into sleep.

When next she woke, it was just beginning to lighten. For a moment, she panicked, afraid he might have seen her, but he hadn’t yet woken. Thank God.

Carefully, she slid from under his arm and out of the bed. She crouched and threw her nightgown over her head, buttoning it shut before she stood, just in case. But he was still asleep, and he was beautiful, even with his eyes closed. His light brown hair was ruffled, and the corners of his mouth seemed to be lifted in a smile as he slept.

Now that her birthmark was covered, there was no reason to leave him. Dawn was still an hour away. She lifted his arm and climbed back underneath. He groaned softly, and pulled her in, but didn’t speak. She could get used to this.

By the time she woke again, she was alone in the bed, and sunlight glowed brightly through the sheer curtains. It was lucky she’d woken up earlier and donned her nightgown.

When she was dressed, she left the room and went in search of a library, or some other place she could hide. Facing Giles in the light of day after the way she’d behaved with him last night, just thinking about it made her cheeks burn. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed it. She most certainly had, and had every intention of doing it again… when it was dark.

She was only in the library for a quarter hour before he appeared in the doorway, a wolfish grin turning up his lips. Her cheeks immediately flushed.

“Do you mind if I close this?” He nodded toward the door, just like their first encounter.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach just as they had then, but this time, she didn’t also feel duplicitous. And this time, she wasn’t afraid of him.

“I don’t mind.”

He closed the door and crossed the room to kneel before her. He pressed his lips gently against hers, but only for a brief kiss. “Are you hiding from me?”

She shrugged and ducked her head. “I know I said I’m not a shrinking violet, but now that the sun is up, I’m feeling decidedly shy about how I behaved last night.”

He lifted her chin and shook his head. “You were magnificent last night. My only regret is that I hurt you. I promise that pain will never happen again. How are you feeling now?”

Embarrassed, she tried to look away, but he held her chin. She swallowed and stared into his piercing eyes. “I’m well,” she assured him.

His lips thinned just slightly, and his demeanor became more serious. “There is one thing I want from you as my wife. Complete honesty. Especially, in matters that concern your body or your health.” He raised his brow and waited, still not allowing her to look away.

“I’m a little sore,” she confessed. It was difficult for her to talk openly with him about her body, now that it was light. Especially, while being forced to look him straight in the eye. “But it’s nothing to worry about.”

“Thank you.” He smiled and let go of her chin. “I am sorry. I hope you know I didn’t intend to hurt you.”

She held his chin between her thumb and finger, just as he had hers. “I know you didn’t. No more apologies.”

He nodded, and pressed his lips to hers again. His second kiss was a little more passionate, but he still didn’t breach her mouth. “We’re leaving within the hour. We’ll have a short stop in London before going up to Glenwood. It’s time for you to meet the other important people in my life.”

A few hours later, as Giles helped her down from the cab, Christina’s pulse fluttered with nerves. Two imposing men stood at the gates, greeting him with a quick nod, before allowing them to enter.

When they stepped into a large entry hall, she leaned toward him and whispered, “This doesn’t look like what I imagined a gambling den would.”

“That’s because it isn’t. This is Raven House, where the Lady Ravens live. But it’s also where we’ll find the person I want you to meet.” He gestured across the hall with a nod.

A man stood in a doorway, dressed in black from head to toe. He carried a raven-topped cane, but it hardly touched the floor as he walked toward them. His smile was welcoming, but still, he made her nervous.

“You must be Mrs. Henderson.”

“Whether he likes it or not, I’m afraid.”

The man chuckled and gave her an approving nod. “I think you may be exactly what he needs.”

“Ash, this is Christina.”

Ash. The man who had sent her the money.