Page 40 of A Raven Reborn

“She wasn’t in my room!” Patrick shouted. Alfred took a quick step back, looking at the floor.

Patrick closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This certainly wasn’t the boy’s fault. “Apologies, Alfred.”

Patrick turned on his heel and hurried back to his study. She must be in there somewhere. He must have missed her somehow.

She definitely wasn’t there. But then he spotted a folded sheet of paper lying in the middle of his desk, his name scrawled across it. The page rattled as his shaking fingers opened it.

Dearest Patrick,

Thank you for all you have done for me. Your kindness and generosity have allowed me to experience countless things I would otherwise never have known. I’ve even taken a few items with me, and I am beyond grateful for each one.

You are an amazing man, Patrick, and you deserve an amazing woman by your side. One who is your equal in every way. I cannot allow you to sacrifice your future for my own. One day, you will be glad of my departure.

Please don’t come looking for me. Move forward with your own life and know that I will always treasure the memories and gifts with which you have provided me.

I will always remember our time together,

Rosalyn

Rosalyn? Patrick blinked and read the letter again. He laughed cynically under his breath. He hadn’t even known her real name. He pounded his fist against the desktop, sending a burning pain through his shoulder.

She’d left him. In his attempt to keep her safe, he’d sent her running right into harm’s way.

He had to find her, and for that, he was going to need Ash’s help.

He raced down the steps and sprinted as fast as his feet would carry him toward Raven House. Ash was outside, talking to two of their largest henchmen. Raven House was always well secured. He looked up at Patrick as he approached.

“She’s gone,” Patrick gasped as he neared.

“I am aware,” Ash said with a nod.

“You’re aware?” What did that mean? “Is she here?”

“Yes.” Ash gave another nod.

“Is she alright?”

“She’s fine.”

“Oh, thank god.” Relief flooded through him. She was safe. “I need to talk with her.” But as he took a step towards the door, Ash placed a hand on his chest.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” He blocked the way to the door, the large man on either side making it impossible to go around.

“What the devil do you mean?” He pushed Ash, trying to get him to move. “Get the hell out of my way, Ash. I need to speak with her!” But he simply shook his head.

“I gave her my word that I would not return her to you, and as you know, I always keep my word.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Patrick pushed again, but Ash wouldn’t budge.

“I don’t know what you did to scare her off—” Anger reared up in Patrick like a serpent and he swung, his fist stopping Ash mid-sentence. Ash turned his face but didn’t stop the punch that landed squarely against his jaw. The two doormen moved toward Patrick, but Ash held up a hand to stop them.

He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before turning back to look at Patrick. “I’ll give you that one.” His eyes were cold and dark. “But if you try to hit me again, I’ll have you hogtied and carried home where you’ll stay until you’ve calmed down.”

“Damn it, Ash! I need to speak with her!” His entire body trembled with rage.

Patrick wanted more than anything to pummel Ash, landing one punch after another, but he wasn’t stupid. Ash wasn’t bluffing or exaggerating, and there weren’t many who could take on Brennan or McKinnon and come out on top. And even though they technically worked for him too, there was a hierarchy, and Ash was at the top, especially here at Raven House.

“Rosie!” he yelled. “Rosie, I need to talk to you!”

---