Page 62 of A Raven Reborn

“Has he really given his blessing?” Rosie was afraid to get her hopes up. How could that even be possible? But Patrick nodded.

“He even offered to host the wedding here and throw his full, not insubstantial, influence behind the match, in order to give our reputations a leg up in society.”

Rosie blinked several times. She wasn’t certain how to feel about any of that. It was incredibly kind, but also not what she wanted.

“Don’t worry,” Patrick squeezed her hands. “I thanked him, but then I told him that, at least for now, our home is in Raven Row.”

How was it possible for him to know her so well? She must be the luckiest woman alive. Before she could even think to stop herself, she pressed her lips firmly against his. He kissed her back, briefly, but with a soft groan, pulled away. “As happy as it would make me to kiss you all night long…” he tipped his head. Rosie’s cheeks grew warm.

“We have an audience.”

“Quite.” He nodded. “And we wouldn’t want to shock them.”

“Since you know your way around this place,”—she leaned in close to his ear—”perhaps you could find your way to my room tonight.”

A hum reverberated from him. “You are making it really hard to keep my word.”

“Your word?” She sat back so she could see his face. “Your word to whom?”

“Ash.” They said in unison.

“But you’re my betrothed, Patrick.”

“I know,” he said with a sympathetic smile, “but even so, right now, you’re under Ash’s protection, and I gave him my word.”

She rolled her eyes. “You men and your honor.”

He leaned in close to the side of her face that was out of view for Edward and Ariana. “I promise I’ll make it up to you on our wedding night.” The tip of his tongue seared the edge of her ear as it slid all the way from the bottom to the top. Desire pooled in her belly and her nipples instantly hardened behind her corset. The bounder.

Mischief and desire sparkled in his eyes when he pulled away. “I think perhaps Rosie and I should turn in.” He stood and faced his brother. “It’s been a long day of travel, and we have another tomorrow.”

“Do you really need to leave so soon?” Ariana asked.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like.”

“I find I’m impatient to wed the love of my life.” He wrapped his arm around Rosie’s shoulder. It was surprising to hear Patrick say something so open about his feelings, especially to his brother.

“We will see you both again soon, then.” Ariana smiled broadly. Did that mean they would be attending the wedding? Ariana took hold of one of Patrick’s hands. “I’m happy for you, Patrick.”

He bussed her cheek. “Thank you, Ariana.”

Rosie had hoped Patrick was going to show her to her room and give her a proper goodnight kiss but wasn’t really surprised when he asked Ariana to take her. He took his vows very seriously, which she should be grateful for, considering the vows he would soon be making to her.

The room Ariana left her in was enormous, and Rosie had never seen such opulence. Thick, lush carpets covered the floor, luxurious blue silk curtained the windows and lighter blue silk was tied at the posts of the bed. Rosie made her way through a door into a smaller, adjoining room, where Daisy was staying for the night.

“Finally!” she said exasperatedly. “I’ve been in here forever waiting for you.” She ushered Rosie to a chair and dropped into the other one nearby.

“Did they fight?” Daisy sat on the edge of the chair tapping her fingers together excitedly.

Rosie laughed. “No, they didn’t fight.”

Her shoulders drooped in disappointment. “Patrick didn’t punch him? I thought for sure Patrick was going to punch him. I’ve never seen him look so angry before.”

“Oh, well, yes, he did punch him, actually.”

Daisy clapped her hands together. “He deserved it after the way he treated you! I wanted to punch him myself, honestly, but I was afraid he’d have me arrested.”

Rosie giggled.

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