Page 57 of A Raven Reborn

“Good. Go over it with me one more time.” He held up a finger and waited for her.

“No…” She closed her eyes briefly, trying to keep her embarrassment at bay. “Seeking out privacy.”

Ash nodded and held up a second finger.

“No leaving Raven House.”

“Good, and number three?” he said, holding up a third finger.

“If at any time, I want to be left alone, tell the doorman or one of the other ladies in the house.”

“Perfect!” He smiled warmly. “You are now excused.” He cupped his hand around the side of his mouth and whispered, “Although, you’re always allowed to leave my office at any time and don’t need my permission.”

“Now you tell me.” She threw up her hands in feigned exasperation.

Rosalyn stood and reached across the desk to take hold of one of his hands. “Thank you, Ash. For everything.”

* * *

Patrick tried to calm his nerves before entering Raven House. He was determined to tell Rosie exactly how he felt about her tonight. The fear that she may not feel the same way about him, that she might actually want nothing to do with him after everything he’d put her through, made him feel as if he might cast up his accounts.

“Evening, Stockton,” Patrick said to the doorman. He’d already been allowed through the front gate, so surely he’d be able to enter the building. The man nodded and pulled the door open. Thank God for that.

To his surprise, Rosie was waiting for him in the foyer, her smile welcoming him.

“Good evening, Patrick.”

“It is now.” He closed the distance between them. “I’ve brought you something.” He held up a bouquet of roses, all different colors, just like the ones he’d sent her throughout the week. “Beautiful roses for my beautiful Rosie,” he said as he handed them to her. He could hear the nervousness in her laughter.

“Thank you.” She breathed in the flowers’ aroma. “Your gifts were the highlight of my week.”

“I’m so sorry, Rosie.” He pressed his lips gently against her forehead.

“You’re sorry I enjoyed your gifts?”

Patrick chuckled. The little imp was teasing him, and for some reason, it filled his heart with absolute joy. “I’m sorry I caused all of that mess. And Ash, bloody tyrant.”

Rosie laughed gently. “As much as I’d love to rail about the injustice, the truth is, Ash has been nothing but kind to me.” Rosie slipped her arm through his and they slowly made their way to a small sitting room.

“I thought, for old time’s sake, perhaps we could talk over a game of Battle.” Patrick pulled a deck of cards from his breast pocket.

Rosie’s answering smile was brilliant.

Before they could seat themselves at the small table against the far wall, Daisy entered the room. “Why don’t I take those and put them in some water?” She took the flowers and leaned in to whisper something in Rosie’s ear that made her laugh. They squeezed each other's hands before Daisy left with the flowers.

“It looks like you’ve made at least one friend since you arrived.” Patrick pulled out the chair for Rosie and then seated himself opposite her.

“Everyone has been so wonderful and welcoming, Daisy especially. She’s been incredibly caring and sweet, and I hope wherever life takes the two of us, we can always remain friends.

Patrick was relieved, but not surprised, that she’d been able to make friends so quickly. He dealt the cards and they each turned over their top one.

Rosie won the first pair of cards and snatched them up with a triumphant smile.

They turned over two more cards. “I hope Ash wasn’t too hard on you this week.”

“I told you, Ash has been nothing but kind to me.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “If I’m honest, I’m glad all of this happened. The punishment forced me to really look inside myself. I’ve realized things that I’m not sure I ever would have otherwise.”

Patrick felt a bit lost. “Would you mind explaining what you mean by that?”

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