Page 34 of A Raven Returns

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Gwen groaned with bliss as she lowered herself into the hot bathwater. She would miss this tub when they left this place. Perhaps she could convince Ash that he should get some like this for Raven House.

Ash was definitely putting things into place quickly for their departure. Not that she could blame him. She didn’t know what all had happened in this house, but she knew that he had nightmares here. Nightmares that terrified him enough that he had allowed her to sleep in his bed again last night to avoid them. His rules were rigid, and he never broke them, so it spoke to the horror of what awaited him in his sleep.

But tonight, they had dined with Trent and Maggie. She was a delightful little girl and Ash simply doted on her. He’d laughed and smiled and teased. Gwen’s heart warmed remembering the scene. He would be a wonderful father if he ever had children. Although, he’d never talked of settling down or finding a wife. He’d certainly never said anything about producing an heir. The truth was, that was none of her business.

Soon, they would be back in Raven Row and things would go back to how they had been once before. He, the illustrious, if kind, club owner, and she his employee. He treated all of the Lady Ravens as one might a sister. She sighed as she rubbed the washcloth over her shoulder. She didn’t want things to go back to the way they had been before. Not that she wasn’t grateful for what he would provide for her. Of course she was. Who knows what would have happened to her if he hadn’t appeared at that cabin on the very night she had taken refuge there. It wouldn’t have been good, that was assuredly true. For saving her from a horrible fate, she would be eternally grateful, but she would still wish it could be like this with him forever. She’d simply have to enjoy whatever time she could with him, for as long as it lasted. Perhaps tonight, she could convince him to give her more of that exquisite pleasure he’d introduced her to.

After Mary finished plaiting her hair, she excused her for the night. Feeling very wicked, she removed her nightgown and wrapped herself in nothing but her robe. Perhaps it was a bit immodest, but if Ash was to repeat what he’d done last night, it would provide easier access for his magical fingers. Her stomach fluttered just thinking about it.

She tied the sash at her waist and slid her feet into her slippers. Excitement brewing within her, she made the now familiar walk through his dressing room and listened at the door to his bedroom. All was quiet. Slowly, she opened the door and peered inside. A fire burned in the grate, but Ash wasn’t there. Not in the chair or in the bed. Perhaps she would wait for him by the fire.

She sat for an hour, but he never appeared. He was probably avoiding her again. She couldn’t accept that. The time she had with him here was limited. He couldn’t be ending it already. She wasn’t ready to let him go.

She left his room and set out in search of him. Before she got far, the resonant sounds of piano music filled the air. All she had to do was follow them to their source, and there he was. His back was to her as she entered the dimly lit ballroom, his broad shoulders flexing as he moved with the unfamiliar melody. He’d dispensed with his coat and waistcoat and his black sleeves were rolled to just below his elbows. His body moved lithely as the music poured out of his soul through his fingers. No wonder his fingers had been so good at bringing her pleasure. Her cheeks warmed at the thought.

Moving slowly, careful not to make a sound, she made her way closer. The notes crescendoed, forcing her to draw in a breath and goosebumps to rise on her skin, and then they slowed, the volume ebbing. The music lulled her into such a beautiful calm before it trailed to an end.

“Good evening, Gwen.” He picked up the glass of brandy from on top of the piano and took a sip.

“Don’t stop on my account. I was very much enjoying that.”

He patted the bench beside him, and a thrill rushed through her. She’d thought for certain he was going to tell her to go to bed. The chill of the bench quickly penetrated her robe to her skin beneath, reminding her just how little she was wearing.

Ash turned to look at her, his gaze dipping to the front of her robe. He closed his eyes and whispered, “Lord, give me strength.”

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “How did you know I was here? I didn’t make a sound.”

His eyes slid open, hunger darkening their already rich depths. “Your tantalizing aroma filled the air as soon as you entered.”

“Mary did put rose in my bathwater.”

“I’d ask what you’re doing here, Gwen, but your choice of attire makes that fairly obvious.”

“I waited for you in your bedchamber, but you never came.”

He rubbed a hand roughly across his forehead. Turning toward her, he took hold of one of her hands. “We have to stop this, Gwen. Tonight is our last night here. Tomorrow we leave for Raven House.”

The words cleaved her heart in two. She wasn’t ready for this to end. She certainly wasn’t going to give up this one last night with him.

“But that’s all the more reason you shouldn’t send me away tonight.”

ChapterEleven

“You really do make it impossible for me to say no.”

Gwen hesitated for a moment, uncertainty settling over her. “Am I pressuring you to do things you don’t want to do, Ash? That wasn’t my intention.”

He huffed a laugh and rolled his eyes. “Quite the opposite, Gwen. I want these things with you more than you can possibly imagine, but I also know I shouldn’t. As your employer it isn’t right for me to take liberties.”

“Well, we’re in luck, then, because tonight, here in this house, you’re not my employer. You’re just a man.” She rubbed a hand over his shoulder and down his arm. “A handsome, strong, kind, intelligent, wonderful man, who I adore.” She cupped his cheek in her palm. His gaze was locked with hers and she watched as his throat worked with a swallow.

“I must be the luckiest man alive to have the privilege of having you in my life again.”

“Or the unluckiest.” She giggled. “All I’ve ever been for you is a headache, picking your pockets and breaking all your rules.”

“Mmmm.” He lifted her chin and pressed his soft lips against hers. “But you’ve also been my angel. The truth is, I was terrified of finally returning here. I knew the nightmares would haunt me again once I was within these walls. But then you arrived, brave and kind and unyielding, chasing them away. You’ve held them at bay these past nights, keeping me safe from my terrors, and I will be eternally grateful for that.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

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