Page 65 of A Raven Reborn

Ash burst through the door, “What’s going on, Patrick?” He asked frantically.

Rosie tried to pull away, but he didn’t let her go. He held up a hand to Ash. The man could wait ten seconds while he gave his love a proper kiss.

Ten seconds was not nearly enough, but he forced himself to pull his lips away. “I have to leave, Rosie, but I promise I will make sure your mother is taken care of.”

“I know you will.”

* * *

Rosie turned before closing the door behind her. Patrick was already deep in conversation with Ash, explaining everything that had occurred. His broad shoulders took on the weight of all of this as if it were nothing.

When she entered her room, her mother sat on the edge of her bed. She scooted back and lay down, holding up an arm. Rosie climbed in and pushed herself back against her. Her mother wrapped her arm around her and began rhythmically rubbing her hand over her hair and ear. Rosie had spent many a night of her childhood, just that way. It was comforting and took her back to simpler times. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

When she woke the next morning, she gradually started the task of telling her mother everything. She may not need the details, but she needed to at least know what this place was, and who the women were who lived there.

Once every hour or so, Rosie made her way down to check for any sign of Patrick or Ash, but every time Ash’s office door was locked and no Patrick. Throughout the day, ladies welcomed her mother warmly, and she happily stepped into the role of surrogate mother to a few of them. By nightfall, her mother was happy to retire to the room that had been made up for her, assuring Rosie that she needed some time alone with her thoughts.

Rosie kissed her goodnight and then took up a post outside Ash’s office. After what felt like an eternity, Patrick finally appeared. Clean shaven and dressed in crisp, clean clothes. Rosie threw herself at him, knowing he would catch her. He chuckled and squeezed her so tightly she could barely breathe.

“Don’t mind me,” Ash said as he made his way around them and unlocked his office door.

“I missed you,” she whispered in his ear, and then she slid the tip of her tongue along the shell of his ear, just as he had done to her.

A growl vibrated in his chest. “You little imp.” He swatted her backside playfully.

Before she could even laugh, his lips covered hers, his tongue darting into her mouth. She followed his lead, her tongue dancing with his. All too soon, he pulled away. “Now look at what you’ve done.” His arousal was obvious as he slowly slid her down his body until her feet touched the floor.

Ash cleared his throat and Patrick let out a sigh. “I know. Go on ahead, Ash. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Alright, but don’t forget your promise.” Ash pulled his office door shut and locked it once more.

“I won’t forget.” Patrick glared at him until he turned and headed for the stairs that led to the corridor that connected to The Raven’s Den.

“I have good news,” Patrick said, smiling down at her. “I got our marriage license today.”

Rosie’s heart filled with excitement. “Does that mean I’ll be able to move back in with you now?”

Patrick raised a brow. “Under the nose of your mother, and Ash, who might as well be your mother?”

Rosie laughed. “Ash is worse than my mother.” Patrick nodded in agreement.

“I lived with you before.” She pouted her lips.

“I know, and I miss having you there. I especially miss your stew.”

She laughed and his wink made her stomach flutter just as it always had.

“I think it’s best if you move back in with me once we are officially wed. But how about a goodnight kiss before I leave?” He grabbed her hand and strode down the hall toward her room. To her disappointment, he didn’t go inside. Instead, he pressed her up against the wall next to the door, his mouth plundering hers, until she could barely draw breath. His thumbs flicked her nipples through her nightgown sending bolt after bolt of desire straight to her core.

His lips left her suddenly and he whispered into her ear. “Think of me tonight and touch yourself, here.” He flicked her sensitive nipple. “And here.” He plunged two fingers between her legs, pressing against the place that was begging for him to touch. She moaned quietly and rocked against him.

“Why do you have to leave?” she asked desperately.

“I’m sorry, love. I don’t want to go either.” She continued to rock wantonly against his fingers.

“We’ll be married in ten days, and then I promise I’ll make it up to you. But for tonight, will you pleasure yourself?”

He flicked her nipple again and she gasped, the pleasure burned through her body.

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