Page 58 of A Raven Reformed

“Well, perhaps not everyone. I don’t think the servants like me very much. But maybe if I spend more time there, that will change.”

Michael’s features turned instantly dangerous. “Have they been disrespectful to you?”

“No. Of course they haven’t.”

Michael lifted his legs from the arm of the sofa and sat up to look into her eyes. “Belle? What has happened?”

“It’s nothing, Michael. I don’t want to cause any problems.”

Michael continued to stare into her eyes. Clearly that was not a good enough answer for him.

“There may be a bit of unflattering gossip spreading amongst the staff, or at least there was.”

Michael took her hand in his again. “I had hoped you wouldn’t hear any of that nonsense.”

“You knew about it?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry, Belle. I can assure you, though, it has been dealt with.” Michael cupped her cheek in his palm. “I never want you to feel unwelcome in your own home. If you knew about the gossip, why didn’t you tell me?”

Belle shrugged meekly. “I was ashamed, I suppose. I’ve only been your wife a short time, and I had already created questions about my reputation, and thereby yours.”

Michael’s chuckle was filled with amusement. “Belle, I’ve owned a gaming hell for a dozen years. I’m sure the respectability of the earldom has weathered worse than a minor misunderstanding.”

That did make her feel a little better.

“Now,” he said, pulling her into his lap. She happily snuggled into his warmth. “Speaking of said gaming hell, if I do, indeed, split my time between Raven Row and Glenwood, what will you do?”

“I don’t know. Maybe sometimes I’ll travel with you and sometimes I’ll stay behind. I’m sure we can work out the details. I really just brought up this idea because I don’t believe your club needs to be all or nothing for you. I know how much joy it brings you.”

“You are what brings me joy, Belle.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and squeezed her tight.

A warm glow grew in Belle’s heart at the words. She pulled back to see his face. It wouldn’t be unlike him for it to be just innuendo. But his blue eyes didn’t sparkle with their usual devilry. Instead, they were filled with tenderness and admiration.

Belle’s heartbeat accelerated inside her chest. She was still too cowardly to speak her feelings aloud, so instead, she kissed him. She pressed her lips against his, softly at first, but quickly she was devouring his mouth, just as he’d taught her to do. As her tongue plunged into his mouth, she poured her heart and soul with it. Michael crushed her to him, taking all she had to give, one hand held the back of her head and the other slid down to squeeze her bottom.

The drawing room door burst open with a crash. Belle wrenched herself back and gasped at Isaac’s tall form in the doorway. God, how embarrassing. Heat instantly blossomed in her cheeks. In her haste to extricate herself from the position she was in, she tumbled onto the floor.

Both men rushed to offer aid, but Michael turned a scowl on Isaac. “Out!” he ordered.

“Apologies, my lord.” Isaac scrambled out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Michael crouched down beside her. “Are you hurt, Belle?”

“Only my pride,” she said with an exasperated sigh. Her cheeks burned, even still. With a sweet smile, he helped her back onto the sofa. But as he stood and turned toward the door, the smile disappeared and was immediately replaced by a furious glower. Isaac was in trouble.

* * *

Michael closed the drawing room door as softly as he could manage, not wanting to upset Belle any further. “You’d better have one hell of a good explanation for this, Isaac.” His voice shook with his effort to contain his anger.

Isaac’s eyes were wide and aghast. “I’m so sorry, my lord.” Panic had pitched his voice much higher than usual. “I didn’t know—. I didn’t mean to—. But it is important.” The words tumbled out in a rush.

“Well?” Michael said, irritated when Isaac didn’t explain quickly enough.

“It’s Ash.” Isaac held up his hands. “He’s alright, but there was an attempted robbery at the Den, and he was shot in the leg.”

“Not by you, I hope.”

Isaac’s mouth fell open. “No, it wasn’t— I wouldn’t— I swear!”

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