Page 32 of A Raven Reformed

“Well that isn’t much to go on.” This was Michael’s estate, and he did not like feeling unsafe in his own home. “Although, if the doctor didn’t recognize him, that makes me think it’s someone from outside our village. Perhaps it’s someone who lost money at The Raven’s Den?”

Ash crossed to the table and picked up his drink. “I’ve sent for McKinnon and O’Connell. They should be on the first train tomorrow morning.”

Giles spoke up. “And what are we going to do in the meantime?”

“Nothing,” Ash answered. “If Michael really has no idea who it could be, then it’s best we just stay inside rather than wander around out there in the dark. We’ll start searching for the miscreant as soon as we have reinforcements and light.”

The four of them eventually joined Belle and Rosie and spent the remainder of the evening trying not to talk about the madman running amok on the estate, which was impossible, really. They inevitably circled back to speculation over and over again. Ultimately, they all eventually decided Michael should get more rest and went up to bed early.

“Why are we stopping here?” Belle asked when Michael stopped in front of her bedroom door.

He rubbed her shoulders gently. “Your body needs a rest. I’ve already been too rough with you.” He cupped her soft cheek with his palm.

Her pout tugged at his heartstrings, but he shook his head. Gathering her in his arms, he held her snugly. After a moment’s resistance she sighed, slipping her arms inside his jacket and around his back. He smiled against the top of her head before placing a gentle kiss there. He didn’t dare to give her a proper one. Lord knew he couldn’t be trusted not to change his mind and carry her to his bed.

“Goodnight, Belle.”

* * *

When Belle entered her chambers, Lizzie was just putting something away in the armoire.

“I wasn’t sure if I’d see you tonight,” she said.

Belle’s cheeks grew warm at the implication. “Michael thought it best,” she said with a shrug, not meeting Lizzie’s gaze.

Lizzie crossed the room and lifted her chin gently. “Are you alright?” Her eyes were filled with concern.

“Of course I am.” She shook Lizzie off, but she grabbed Belle’s shoulders.

“You didn’t sleep in your own bed last night, and I need to know that you’re well. That he didn’t hurt you terribly.”

“Lizzie!” Belle covered her burning cheeks with her hands. “He didn’t hurt me. If you must know, Michael has been nothing but kind, gentle, and wonderful.”

“Well, that’s good.” She finally let her go. “I’d rather not have to test his benevolence. And if he had hurt you…” Her words trailed off and she began helping Belle to undress.

It was sweet that she was so protective.

“Thank you, Lizzie.” Belle wrapped her arms around her. She didn’t say that often enough.

When Belle was tucked into bed and alone, her thoughts immediately returned to Michael. He had been kind, gentle, and wonderful, just as she’d said. Except when she’d demanded hard and fast. Warmth grew in her belly remembering how incredible that had been. But even tonight, his decision to make her sleep alone, had been a kindness. He was right, of course. She was sore from all their lovemaking and her body probably did need a break. He was also right that they wouldn’t have been able to manage that if they were in the same bed. In spite of the pain, she would still have begged him to make love to her again.

It wasn’t just the physical pleasure that made those times with him magical, although, that was marvelous. It was the care he took. Even when he was overcome by his own pleasure, he checked to make sure she was also enjoying everything. Just lying next to him, feeling the warmth of his skin pressed against hers, was positively blissful, and she never felt safer than when she was wrapped in his arms. She sighed a dreamy sigh.

Her heart fluttered inside her chest as a stark realization washed over her. She was falling in love with him. Oh, who was she kidding? She was long past falling. The first step down that path had happened the very first time she’d met him, even if she had been determined to hate him. When he’d said, “It’s my lord,” the deep edge in his voice and the command he’d radiated had caused her first experience of what she now recognized as desire. Heat pooled in her belly at the memory. Oh yes, it had definitely been desire. And back then, it had terrified her.

She had to get her mind onto something else or she’d never be able to sleep. If it weren’t for the fact that his body also needed time to heal, she might have simply marched into his room and climbed right into his bed.

Why had someone shot him? She had spent much of the evening speculating with Rosie, but they were still none the wiser. Did Michael really have no idea who it could be? Or was he keeping something from her? He had said there would be no secrets between them, but he had also kept their marriage contract a secret from her for her entire life. Could she really trust him? Belle’s mind continued to spin and spin until eventually exhaustion finally pushed her into oblivion.

When she woke, there were men’s voices coming from outside the window. She stretched and padded across the room, squinting through the bright sunshine as she pulled the curtains aside to peer out. Two extra men had apparently joined the group. Belle had seen the larger one at the Raven’s Den. It would seem they were taking this seriously enough to request extra security. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make out what they were saying, but Ash seemed to be giving instructions as he pointed in different directions. Presumably, they were starting a search. A search for a madman who seemingly wanted her husband dead. Well, she wasn’t about to sit back and let him just run off into danger, especially when he was supposed to be resting. Had he forgotten he’d already been shot? She threw on her wrapper and slippers and marched downstairs.

The chilly air easily penetrated the thin layers of clothing, and she folded her arms across her chest.

“Michael,” she said as she approached him. “You can’t mean to go off looking for a madman.”

He turned and his eyes traveled from her head to her toes and back again. “You must be freezing, Belle. Please go back inside.”

“No.” She was not going to be brushed off that easily.

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