Page 38 of A Raven Reborn

Ash let out a sigh. “Look, it’s cold, so we’re going to continue this conversation in my carriage. You can either walk with me, or you can ride there on my shoulder. Your choice.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” she said, taking a step back. The look that came over his face was the same one she’d seen on Patrick’s face when she’d challenged him. That had not ended well, and she knew instantly she’d made a mistake.

“Wait!” she shouted just as he lunged for her. He stopped, poised to continue the movement. “I’ll walk,” she said stiffly. “But please promise me you won’t take me back to Patrick’s.”

With a nod, he threw her hood back over her head and held out his arm. With a huff she placed her own on top of his, and allowed him to escort her to his coach.

Ash’s carriage was black with no markings and pulled by a beautiful pair of large, perfectly matched black horses. Up top, the driver paid her no heed. He also wore all black, including a scarf that covered most of his face. Inside, the carriage was lavishly appointed, but also black. As she sank onto the black leather seat, Ash dropped a plush blanket into her lap. What was he doing with her? He settled himself in the seat across from her and then thumped his cane against the ceiling. The carriage jolted into motion.

“You promised you wouldn’t take me back!” Rosalyn protested pushing herself out of the seat. Ash simply raised his cane, blocking her way to the door.

“My word is my bond, Rosie.”

After a moment, Rosalyn plopped back onto the seat. “What then? I’m just supposed to go and live with you now? I’m not some sort of toy that you can pass around to all of your friends.” Tears of frustration began to sting at the corners of her eyes. Ash simply sat, his hands resting lazily on the stick that lay across his lap. He looked bored.

“Are you finished?” he asked, raising one eyebrow.

Rosalyn folded her arms across her chest and sat back, glaring at him. How dare he taunt her. He picked the blanket off the floor where it had fallen and dropped it back into her lap.

“You may as well be warm while we talk.” Her pride didn’t want to admit to any weakness, including being cold. But the truth was, she was freezing. Soon enough, her chattering teeth would give her away anyway. She spread the opulent fur over her legs and pulled it up to cover her arms as well.

“Why are you here?” she asked. “How did you know where to find me? Did Patrick send you?”

“No,” he shook his head. “I haven’t any idea what happened between Patrick and you, and quite frankly, it’s none of my business. Since I haven’t heard from him yet, I assume he doesn’t even know you’re missing.” He brushed some dirt from his knee. It probably came from the bottom of her shoe when she’d been fighting him. “As for how I knew your whereabouts, I know everything that happens around here.”

The answer was a bit vague, and she still didn’t understand. “But, if you’re not here for Patrick, then why did you stop me?”

Ash shrugged. “I have an opportunity for you that will be far better than anything you were going to find at Maison Rouge.”

Rosalyn’s heart began to pound inside her chest. He wanted her to be his mistress.

“And no, I’m not offering you a position as my mistress,” he said, as if he had read her thoughts. “Again, Patrick would kill me.”

“What then?” Rosalyn was so confused by everything that she didn’t even know what to ask, and a tiny part of her was offended that he didn’t want her to be his mistress. Not that she wanted to be.

“You are familiar with The Raven’s Den. But what you may not know is that we have women who work there.”

Again, not knowing what to ask, she simply nodded and waited for him to continue.

“In addition to their wages, we provide the women with a roof over their head, plenty to eat, and opportunities to learn skills to enable them to find other employment, should they choose.”

“Really?” She might still be a whore, but it was, indeed, sounding better than Maison Rouge.

“I would prefer you just live in the dormitories with the women without doing the work, perhaps partake of some kind of training, but I already know you won’t agree to that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had to track you down outside of that brothel.”

Rosalyn laughed despite the direness she felt. “Should I be proud or ashamed?” She looked down at her lap, shame definitely winning that battle.

“You certainly should not be ashamed,” he said, tapping her ankle gently with his cane. She raised her eyes and he looked at her earnestly. “You were only doing the best you could with the options you were given.” He stared at her silently and eventually she nodded.

“Now, as for what the job would entail,” he twisted his cane between his hands. “You would be fitted for a gown. They are raven themed, and somewhat revealing, but you’ll also wear a mask to conceal your identity. And then mostly, you just pose.” He shrugged.

“Pose?” Rosalyn furrowed her brow. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, Iris, she’s the head Lady Raven, as it were… she designs different configurations and poses for you all to do as a group, and once or twice every night you’ll dance.”

It still didn’t make any sense. “But what about,” she paused, unsure of how to phrase it delicately. “So we do it as a group?” she asked.

“Yes.” Ash nodded.

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