Page 35 of A Raven Reformed

The day had been grueling and by the time the dark finally drove them all back home, he was cold, exhausted, and frustrated. His injured arm throbbed in time with his footsteps as he made his way to his chambers.

To his surprise, Belle was waiting for him when he entered. Her enchanting smile evaporated when she saw the state of him, and she immediately rang for Jones. He hadn’t seen his reflection, but he could feel sweat and dirt covering his entire body.

“Sit,” she said, pointing at the chair she’d just vacated.

“Belle, there’s no need to fuss.”

Jones entered then and she turned to face him. “Have a bath prepared for his lordship as quickly as possible please.”

Michael shook his head. “See that our guests are taken care of first. There’s no rush.”

“Yes, my lord.” Jones gave a nod, but before he could leave, Belle stopped him.

“No. I am Lady Dalinridge, and you will do as I say without needing to consult with my husband.”

Michael had to bite his lip to stop himself from bursting out laughing. Jones’s eyes flicked back and forth between them, and he looked slightly terrified. Michael gave him a discreet nod.

“Yes, my lady,” Jones said with a bow before scampering from the room.

As soon as he was gone, Belle turned back to him. “That goes for you too. Sit.”

It was hard not to chuckle. His sweet, little Belle, ordering people about as lady of the manor. “Yes, my lady,” he said softly and settled himself into the chair.

She dropped to her knees before him and began working to remove his boots. He wanted to tell her she didn’t need to wait on him, but he probably wouldn’t win that argument. Besides, there was something so intimate about the act, even though it should’ve been utterly benign. When she finished, she sat back on her heels. “Did you find him?”

Michael shook his head and exhaled an exasperated sigh. “Not yet.”

Belle’s lips scrunched to one side. “Does that mean you’ll be going back out again tomorrow?”

“Probably. I’m afraid it may be a fool’s errand, though. We really don’t have any idea where to look for the man, or if he’s even still around.”

“What will you do if you find him?” She nibbled nervously on her lip.

He held a hand out and she placed hers within it. “You don’t need to worry, Belle. He won’t hurt me again.” The words didn’t seem to ease her concern any.

Jones stepped into the room. “Your bath is ready, my lord.”

Belle got to her feet. “Thank you, Jones. You may go.”

He hesitated, looking to Michael for help. “With his injury, he may need some assistance, my lady.”

“I’ll see to him,” she assured him.

Jones appeared completely flabbergasted.

Michael did chuckle then. “I’m afraid there’s no use arguing with her once she’s got the bit between her teeth.”

“Yes, my lord… lady?” With a huff he shook his head and left the room.

“You, wife, are going to scare off my valet. You’d best start behaving yourself.” He walked up behind her and slapped her bottom, hating all the layers of fabric covering her skin.

She turned around without a word and began undressing him. Every time he tried to help, she simply slapped his hand away. It was slow torture, each brush of her hand against his skin fanning the flames of his desire. By the time all his clothes were in a heap on the floor, he was hard and desperate for her. But she didn’t touch him, or kiss him, and the only hint that she reciprocated his desire, was the way her throat worked as he stepped out of his trousers. Her gaze had lingered for a brief moment, on his swollen manhood.

“Tub,” she said, pointing toward the door to his dressing room.

It was a little difficult lowering himself into the water slowly without causing more pain in his left arm, but he managed. At least the wound was fairly easy to keep above the water, but washing his body would be a task.

“Perhaps you should send Jones in. I think he may be right about me needing a bit of help.”

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