Page 31 of A Raven Returns

“That’s more like it.” Ash shrugged. “Turns out I have a half-brother.”

“When were you going to tell me about that?”

“When you decided to stop being a prat.”

Fogg choked on a laugh. “Touché.”

ChapterTen

It took Gwen a bit of wandering before she eventually found the library. Ash hadn’t exaggerated when he’d said it was grand. As she skimmed her hand over the spines of countless books, her mind seemed unable to focus enough to see what any of them even were. There were so many thoughts tumbling about in there. She could still see Ash’s hand disappearing under her nightgown and his tongue flicking her nipple through wet cotton fabric. Even now, the thoughts made warmth settle in her belly. How was it possible that his touch could make her feel so incredible?

He was so gentle and so kind and caring. It made it difficult to imagine him being violent with anyone, but he’d talked of killing Greg as if it were nothing. He said he’d dealt with worse than him, so he’d presumably killed before. It was such a conundrum, such a strange juxtaposition to have in one person. But perhaps it all actually came from the same place, a fierce need to keep those around him safe and protected. He certainly wasn’t prone to brutality or violent outbursts. He would never hurt any of the women in his care. He didn’t even raise his voice around them.

Her mind conjured his smile. There’d been so much compassion as he’d shown her that incredible pleasure. He’d been tender and gentle, his eyes constantly checking to make sure she was comfortable. She let out a long sigh. Her heart was in serious trouble. And yet, she knew without a doubt that she would go to him again tonight.

She forced herself to focus on the titles of the books before her and eventually saw one she recognized, Jane Eyre. She’d never actually read it, but she’d heard of it. She pulled it off the shelf and slowly made her way from the library. Her mind was still swirling, and it was unlikely she’d be able to concentrate enough to actually read, but she had to try.

When she reached the end of the wide corridor, where it led into the entrance hall, Ash was coming down the stairs. He leaned on his cane but had a smile on his lips that took her breath away. She stopped and just watched him.

* * *

Ash had barely made it to the bottom of the stairs when Maggie came running across the entrance hall toward him. “Uncle Ash!” she called, her curls bouncing, a smile beaming on her face.

He crouched down to greet her and she held up a doll. “Look what I got!”

“A doll? You lucky girl!”

She nodded animatedly and pointed at her own chest. “And I got this dress that’s the same as hers!”

“Wow! You must have been an awfully good girl to deserve something so special.”

“I was!” She hugged the doll to her chest and moved closer, holding out her free arm.

Ash didn’t have much experience with young children, but presumably that meant she wanted him to pick her up. He lifted her into his arms before settling one of them under her bottom. Only then did he see Gwen looking on from the hallway that led to the library. Ash smiled sheepishly at her and shrugged.

Trent stood in the drawing room doorway. “I’m sorry. She was too excited to wait for you.”

“Can you blame her? Her brother bought her a new dress, and a doll with a matching one.”

His lips turned up in a grateful smile. Ash summoned Gwen with a tilt of his head. She followed them into the room. He set Maggie back on her feet and moved to the tea tray. “Are you hungry, Poppet? There are some delicious looking cakes here.” He leaned down and spoke softly. “The lemon seed ones are my favorite.”

“Mine too!” She snatched one from the plate and took a bite. “Mmmm.”

He stood to make introductions. “Gwen, this is Trent, my half-brother.” Gwen did a good job of hiding her shock at the news, but he could tell she was bursting with questions. “Trent, this is Gwen, my employee.”

Ash saw a hint of guilt settle on Trent’s features. He was remembering his disparaging words from the night before, which was exactly what Ash had hoped for. He wanted Trent to see that the women who worked for him were respectable and deserved to be treated as such.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gwen.”

“Likewise,” Gwen replied.

“And this beautiful young lady is Maggie.” Maggie skipped over, her mouth full with another bite of cake.

Gwen crouched beside her. “That sure is a lovely dress.”

Maggie shimmied to make the fabric sway, a giggle bubbling up in her joy. How could her happiness bring him so much warmth? He couldn't have any actual nieces or nephews, and he certainly didn’t plan to have any children of his own, but this little girl was already so precious to him.

“Maggie,” Ash said, getting the girl’s attention. “Your brother and I have some business to take care of. How would you feel about going up to the nursery with Gwen to see what toys you can find there? Surely there must be something up there you’d enjoy playing with.” Her eyes grew wide and she nodded.

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