Page 58 of A Raven Repents

Sunshine seeped in around the curtains as Giles stared down at Christina. Her eyelids were moving, and her lips twitching at the corners. Hopefully it was a good dream. Unfortunately, she’d once again donned her nightgown while he’d slept. He wouldn’t push her, but he’d sure like to see her body. “I already know you’re beautiful,” he whispered. His mind had created a picture of what she must look like, based on what he had felt. And if he had to guess, her nipples probably matched her beautifully pink lips, and the flesh between her thighs was just a shade darker.

He donned his robe and crossed the hall before his thoughts went any further down that path. Unlike his mother, Michael had requested two rooms be made up for them, but Giles had only used this one for dressing. He’d never imagined how nice it would be to sleep with his wife in his arms.

“Good morning, sir,” Thistle said when he entered.

He was efficient, as ever, having him shaved and dressed in short order.

“Will you get us packed, please, Thistle?”

“Are we leaving?”

Giles nodded. “With the baby already born, and everyone well, we’ll only be in the way. Besides, I have work to get back to.”

“I’ll see to it, sir.”

Giles went in search of the one person he still needed to apologize to, and found him waiting outside Belle’s chambers. The sight triggered a vague memory of asking if he was the father. Isaac must not have shared that particular piece of information, or Michael definitely would have punched him last night.

“Good morning, Isaac.”

“Good morning, sir. I’m sorry about last night.”

“You certainly have nothing to apologize for. I hope Christina’s antics didn’t land you in trouble.”

Isaac shook his head. “He trusts me these days.”

“As he should. How is Belle?”

“She’s very well this morning. Has her color back, and her spirit.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Are you looking for Michael? I can let him know, if you’d like.”

“No, it was you I came for. I owe you an apology. And probably a thank you, as well. I was a drunken fool, and you made sure I didn’t get myself killed somewhere. I’m afraid you saw me at my worst. You probably should have given me a beating after the way I treated Christina, and you. I’m embarrassed of my behavior, and I’m sorry.”

“I appreciate that.”

“I also vaguely remember saying something horribly offensive, and inappropriate, and I’m grateful that you didn’t repeat it.”

“I know you wouldn’t have said it sober. I just hope you don’t believe it’s true. Not that it’s any of your business, but it’s not like that between us.”

He nodded, feeling like a lout. “It was disrespectful to you and to Belle, and I’m sorry.” Giles held out a hand. “I hope we can move forward without any hard feelings.”

Isaac gave him a nod and shook the offered hand.

“They’re lucky to have you, Isaac.”

That evening, after returning to London, Giles was loath to leave his wife. He wanted to spend the night making love to her. But he needed to talk to Ash. Not to mention, with everyone else gone, Ash and Fitz had been carrying the entire responsibility of the club. It was time for him to step up in any way they’d let him.

“It will be the wee hours of the morning by the time I get back. So get some sleep.” He placed his hat on his head.

“Is this how it’s going to be from now on? You’ll be working at night?”

“Most nights.”

“I guess I’ll have to get used to sleeping alone again.”

He didn’t like the sound of that either. “You can still sleep in my bed if you’d like, and I’ll climb in next to you when I get home.” He squeezed her hands. “Are you going to be alright?”