Page 70 of A Raven Repents

“Will you tell me about this area? Or tell me stories? I just need something to focus on.”

He didn’t hesitate to indulge her request. He told her about all the different shops and homes and told her about the tavern with the best steak pies. He told her about Ella’s Emporium, owned by the woman who made all of the raven dresses.

More than an hour passed before they turned back for Raven House.

“What did you mean when you said you doubt it will make any difference at this point?”

“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.

“Please tell me.”

He shrugged, and sadness settled on his features. “I’m going to lose my job.”

“No you’re not. I’ll make sure of it.”

He shook his head and smiled at what he obviously thought was naivety. “I was just barely getting back on Ash’s good side. There won’t be another chance for me. It’s best if you just stay out of it.”

He might think so, but that wasn’t going to happen. Her actions had already led to so much misery, she would not allow Ash to sack him. When the cab stopped behind Raven House, she jumped down, and rushed through the back door. She marched straight to Ash’s office, prepared to do battle, but he spoke before she got the chance.

“Were you hurt last night, as well?” His brow was furrowed as he assessed her injured cheek.

It took her a moment to process the question, but then she nodded. “Yes.”

“No,” Brennan said from behind her. “She wasn’t.”

Ash’s eyes traveled between them twice before he spoke. “It would seem you both need to come in. Close the door, Brennan.”

Christina scowled at Brennan, and hissed, “I told you I would take care of it.” He merely stared back silently.

She looked at Ash, and with a huff, settled into one of the chairs across from him. “He didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t give him any choice but to take me. Please, please don’t punish him. I cannot have one more thing on my conscience.” Tears flowed down her cheeks, her voice stolen by a sob.

It all went back to that night, when she’d selfishly lured Giles into that study. Because of that decision, he’d lost his freedom, the keys to his club, and even his eye. And now Brennan was in danger of losing his job, and her father, his life. All because of her. She wanted to make demands, but she barely managed to gasp in a breath.

Ash crouched before her. “Just breathe, Christina.” He drew in a deep breath to model it, blowing it out slowly through his mouth. He repeated the exercise, and on the third one, she did it with him, even if hers was shaky. He nodded, encouraging her to do it with him again.

“That’s it. I know everything is scary right now, but it’s going to be alright.” Ash returned to his seat. “Do you think you can tell me the story? Or would you rather Brennan did?”

“I can tell you.” She looked down at her lap and wiped her tears, feeling two pairs of eyes on her. “The attack on Giles wasn’t random. The man was sent by my father. I’m guessing you already know that?”

Ash inclined his head in answer.

“I needed to confront him. Brennan wouldn’t allow me to leave on my own, so I made him accompany me. I didn’t give him a choice. Please don’t punish him for it.”

“And how did you sustain the injury?”

“My father hit me.”

Ash turned his eyes on Brennan. “Did you not accompany her inside?”

“I did. I should have secured him, though. Should have realized that he might turn violent.”

“How could you possibly have realized that?” Christina said, facing him. “He’s never struck me before. Never even threatened to. So how could you have predicted that he suddenly would? You reacted with incredible speed, catching me before I hit the floor.”

“Is he still alive?” Ash asked simply.

“Yes. Unconscious but breathing when we left him.”

“It sounds like you did the best you could, Brennan. Go back to your post. We’ll talk more later.”