Page 17 of A Raven Returns

He pushed the door open and strolled in before nearly tripping over his own feet as they lodged in place at the sight that met him. Warwick stood in the middle of the room, his hand resting on the head of a young maid who was on her knees before him. The two sprang apart at his sudden intrusion, Warwick hastily stuffing himself back into his trousers. A simmer of rage instantly rushed through Ash’s veins. He would kill the man. To hell with trying to figure out what he’d been doing on the estate.

The maid jumped to her feet, her gaze firmly on the floor and her cheeks as red as apples. It took every ounce of control he had not to fly into a rage, but he needed to make sure she was safe first and then he’d deal with Warwick.

“A word,” he said quietly. He didn’t know her name so he simply gestured toward the door. When she realized he was addressing her, she darted out of the room.

“I’m sorry, my lord. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong. I’m so sorry.” Tears sprang from her eyes.

“Did he hurt you?” Ash kept his voice as calm as possible.

She shook her head.

“I want you to go up to the countess’s chambers. Find Mrs. Lawrence. Tell her that I sent you and that I want her to stay with you. Do you understand?”

The girl’s brow was furrowed and she seemed unable to speak.

“She will see that you’re taken care of. Go on.” He gave her a little nudge, and with a nod, she hurried off, sobs following in her wake.

Ash finally allowed his fury to rampage fully through him as he entered the drawing room, once more. “How dare you?” he growled as he advanced on Warwick.

The filth held up his hands. “Apologies, my lord. Your father never minded if I had a little fun, so I just assumed?—”

Ash didn’t let him finish. He slammed his fist into the man’s jaw, sending him sprawling onto the floor.

“I amnotmy father.” This charade was over. Seething anger coursed through his veins as he stood over the lecherous snake cowering on the floor. He pounded his foot into Warwick’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him. “If you ever lay a finger on a woman under my protection again, I will end your life before the sun rises. Do I make myself clear?”

Warwick sputtered and choked, seemingly unable to speak, but he did manage a nod of understanding. Just then, a footman entered with a tea tray, his eyes wide at the ensuing chaos, the contents of the tray rattling.

“Get someone to help you and lock this cretin in a room somewhere so I can deal with him later. Otherwise, I might kill him.”

The man appeared to be frozen in place with shock. “Now!” Ash shouted, slamming his cane against the floor.

The footman jumped. “Yes, my lord.” He deposited the tray and sprinted from the room.

Ash looked down at Warwick, who was still groaning on the floor, and pressed the end of his cane against his chest. “You’ll want to cooperate so I don’t have to knock you unconscious.”

Warwick finally found his voice. “She was just a maid. Hardly a reason to be upset. I didn’t realize you wanted them all to yourself.” Ash slammed his foot into Warwick twice more.

“I suggest you stop talking now.” A chill hung on the edge of Ash’s words and Warwick closed his mouth.

Three footmen entered and hauled him to his feet. “You can’t do this, Ashdown,” he spat angrily.

“I think you’ll see I can, and I will.”

They dragged him out of the drawing room, his shouts echoing behind him as they forced him through the house.

Ash poured a glass of brandy and drained it down his throat. For a moment, he’d seen himself standing there where Warwick had been. How many times had he done the same, or worse? With a roar, he hurled the empty glass into the fireplace where it shattered. He dug the heels of his hands against his eyes wishing desperately that he could erase his past. With a weary sigh, he turned to see his butler standing in the doorway looking uncharacteristically ruffled.

“Do you need anything, my lord?”

Ash shook his head slowly. “Thank you, Moulton.”

The man was confused by Ash’s sudden show of patience. Perhaps this whole plan had been a mistake.

“Of course, my lord,” he said slowly. He bowed, and left Ash alone in the drawing room.

* * *

Gwen may have been disappointed to wake up alone in Ash’s bed, but she hadn’t been surprised. She also wasn’t surprised that he stayed away all day, out on his estate. She didn’t expect him to drop what he was doing to entertain her, but she had a feeling he was avoiding her because he was ashamed of the vulnerability he’d displayed last night. Which was ridiculous, of course, but also, not unexpected. Gwen would treasure the night they’d spent together for the rest of her days, never forgetting the warmth of his body against hers or the tenderness of his head resting against her shoulder while she’d comforted him.

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