Page 6 of A Raven Reborn

As Patrick sat down, he pulled his prop of choice, a coin, from his breast pocket, and spun it on the table. As the “spare”, he had no value at home, and was happy to be anywhere but there. Being part owner of a night club was not only a great way to pass the time with his closest friends, but it also had the added benefit of infuriating his pompous older brother.

Michael pulled out his watch and opened it. “It’s not like you to be late.” It was a question rather than an accusation.

“Apologies,” Patrick offered, “I overslept.”

Ash raised a single brow. “I overheard some gossip about a scene that took place last night with Madame Bustier,” he paused and sipped his brandy, “and you.” He tipped his head toward Patrick. “Is any of it true?” He swirled the golden liquid in his glass.

Of course Ash would have heard. He knew everything that happened within a mile radius of The Raven’s Den. “Unfortunately, I imagine most of it is true.”

And here came the disappointment. Ash let out a long sigh. “So where is she then?”

Michael looked back and forth between the two of them. He obviously hadn’t heard about Patrick absconding with a woman from Maison Rouge.

“She’s at my flat,” Patrick said quietly.

Ash’s brows lowered with something akin to derision. Not something he often saw on his friend’s face. At least, not directed at him.

“You know we can’t take her in if you’ve slept with her.”

“Oh for Christ’s sake, Ash. I didn’t bloody sleep with her.”

“Then why didn’t you bring her to Raven House?”

“Because of this,” Patrick said angrily. “I knew you wouldn’t approve of me using the services of—well—we’re not all like you, Ash. We can’t all just be celibate for the rest of our lives.”

“Whoa.” Michael pointed a warning at Patrick.

Ash’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he nodded slowly. Patrick had lashed out, selfishly wanting to blame someone else for his poor choices. He hadn’t really intended to hurt Ash, but had managed it all the same.

“Fuck!” He slammed a hand over his coin. “Where the hell is my brandy?” He stormed over to pour himself a glass. He took a large swallow and allowed its warmth to calm him. He was being a selfish bastard. As he returned to the table, his friends eyed him as if he were a wild animal that might strike at any moment. It wasn’t like him to behave that way. He winced at the pain in his shoulder as he shrugged out of his coat and draped it over the back of his chair.

“I’m sorry, Ash,” he said as he slumped into the seat. “That was uncalled for.” He took another drink. “The truth is, I don’t know why I didn’t bring her to Raven House.”

He looked up into Ash’s eyes, surprised that there was no judgment there. No anger. Why couldn’t he ever just be angry?

“She was so scared, Ash. So vulnerable. And so exhausted she fell asleep in my arms, even after I’d been nothing but a terrifying beast getting her out of that place. I couldn’t just abandon her somewhere else, even though I know you would have kept her safe.”

Ash nodded his understanding. He still hadn’t said a word, and somehow that was so much harder than if he’d yelled and cursed and told Patrick what a fool he was.

It was Michael who finally spoke. “You should probably at least give her the choice, Patrick.”

It just didn’t feel like much of a choice. Sure, it was better than Maison Rouge, but it still just felt wrong. Why did it feel that way with Rosie when it never had with any of the others? They currently had 18 Lady Ravens, and so many others had already come and gone. They offered the women the ability to earn money without having to take their clothes off and also the opportunity to learn skills for a better life.

“I will.” He meant the words, but still struggled with the idea of following through on them.

Ash cleared his throat. “Why don’t we get back to business? That is why we’re here, afterall.”

* * *

Rosalyn plopped into the chair in Patrick’s room. Who knew being fitted for gowns could be so exhausting?

She took a moment to just breathe.

At least she was dressed now, and in a gown that was far too fine for her. From the sounds of it, they were planning on making her several more. What did that mean? How was she ever going to pay Patrick back? What was he expecting from her in return?

She let out a long sigh. At this point, she was already obligated to repay him in whatever fashion he demanded. She needed some answers.

She pushed herself out of the chair and stepped into the hallway.

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