Page 47 of A Raven Reformed

“He was angry.”

“I’m angry!” she shouted.

“I would expect nothing less.” He nodded and tried to smile again. “He’s a good man, Belle, and you need to show him some grace. He cares for you, deeply.”

“Then why did he abandon me and run off to London again?” Tears pricked her eyes.

“He probably needed to blow off some steam. He’s been through a lot these past few days, but he’ll be back. Be patient with him, Belle.”

“How can you be so understanding after he hurt you the way he did and locked you in this terrible place?”

“It’s all about perspective, Belle. After everything I’ve done, he should have just shot me. Quite frankly, I assumed he would. Instead, he gave me a chance to tell my side of the story, I have a roof over my head, and he even made sure I had food brought down to me before he left.”

“Did he?” That was more like the Michael she knew.

Isaac nodded. “Best meal I’ve had in days.” He tried to wink at her, but his swollen eyelid didn’t cooperate very well. “I know patience isn’t something you excel at, Bells, but try your best. That husband of yours is a good one, and the two of you are lucky to have each other.”

“I know he is. But he's a stubborn fool sometimes.” She let out a long sigh. She just wanted him to hold her, if she was honest. Why did he have to run off? “Thank you for talking me around, Isaac.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

“I’ll get you out of here somehow.”

“Your five minutes are up,” Ash announced.

Isaac gripped her hand. “Don’t argue with him, Bells. Just go.”

Belle pressed her lips into a thin line. “You men.”

He squeezed her hand one last time then nudged her to go. “Patience, Bells,” he called from behind her as she preceded Ash to the staircase and back outside.

“Thank you, for allowing me to see him, Ash,” Belle said, if somewhat grudgingly, after the door closed behind them.

“I’m sorry if I frightened you down there, Belle. I can be a bit overly protective of the people I care about.”

She shook her head. “I think these past few days have been a trial for all of us. Perhaps Isaac is right, and we all need to afford each other a bit of grace.”

Ash gave a reluctant nod. “As much as I hate to admit it, your friend in there was right about something else as well. Michael cares for you. Deeply. He would sacrifice anything for your happiness and safety.”

She rested her hand lightly on his forearm. “I care for him too, Ash.”

“I know you do.” He patted the back of her hand.

“Do you think we could at least provide Isaac a blanket? His hands were as cold as ice.” Her voice was tremulous, unsure of how he might react to the request. He’d been so angry down there.

To Belle’s surprise, he nodded. “I’m sure I can arrange that.”

“Thank you, Ash. And thank you for being there for Michael in his time of need.”

* * *

A punishing blow landed against Michael’s face, sending him stumbling backwards. “Wait,” he mumbled. “Not the face.” He’d been in such a hurry to start this pummeling, he’d forgotten to make the request. And it was a pummeling. His opponent huffed a laugh before slamming a fist into his stomach. He landed two more solid punches before Michael’s body gave out and he crumpled onto the floor.

Michael tried to get up, but the other man shook his head. “We’re done. You need to go home, Michael. You’re not even giving me a challenge tonight.” He removed one of his gloves and helped Michael to stand.

It wasn’t quite the beating he’d been hoping for, but he supposed it would have to do. Even with the nap he’d had on the train, his body was still tired. Between the unrelenting pain from the wound in his arm and now the one in his heart, it was definitely taking a toll. At this rate, he’d be lucky to make it home.

Michael didn’t keep any alcohol at his townhouse. But tonight, he definitely needed some, so he’d stop at the Den on his way past. It might help to erase the image that was flashing relentlessly in his mind. Belle’s legs forced open, and her eyes clamped shut as she braced herself for Michael to—he jammed the key into the back door of his club. He kicked it shut behind him and stormed to the bar, grabbing a bottle of their cheapest liquor. It wasn’t for him to savor, after all. A resonant pop echoed through the empty room as he yanked out the stopper and lifted the bottle to his lips.

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