Page 63 of A Raven Returns

“Ash?” She dragged her fingers slowly up his thigh and arousal burst into life inside him, once more. “Will you make love to me so we can forget about everything else?” She cupped her hand around the growing bulge in his trousers and his whole body jerked.

“Christ. You do know how to drive me mad with lust for you.” He claimed her mouth, his hand desperately seeking out her breast. He would never tire of having its softness in his palm. “Angel, I will make love to you anytime, anywhere, and I don’t need a reason. Now get those clothes off and get into bed,” he growled. With giggles floating back behind her, she ran on tiptoes into his bedroom, her robe dropping into a heap on the floor along the way.

It was hard to believe this was real. It was a life he never thought he could have. Ash downed the remainder of his brandy and grabbed his cane. He would be more than happy to bring her pleasure and make her forget everything else.

* * *

Ash sat at the head of a long table that had been set up inside The Raven’s Den, his wife at his side. He couldn’t stop smiling. Never could he have imagined this day. All of the most important people in his life sat around the table, celebrating his marriage. It wasn’t possible for his heart to be any fuller.

Gwen got to her feet, and Ash squeezed her hand on top of the table. “Are you alright, love?” She nodded, and began to speak over the din.

“I know it isn’t usual for the bride to give a speech.” She shrugged. “But nothing about any of this is usual.” Everyone around the table laughed and then quieted down to listen to her.

“I mostly want to acknowledge everyone here and thank you all for coming and for supporting and celebrating our union. I’ve never had a family before, at least not for a very long time, but you have all welcomed me with open arms.”

She was the most beautiful thing Ash had ever seen. Her skin glowed with happiness, her cheeks flushed from a combination of exhilaration and champagne.

“Daisy, you were the first one to welcome me back. You have been so sweet and kind, even when I was difficult to deal with.”

Daisy blew her a kiss and dabbed the corners of her eyes.

“And Rosie, you recognized my pain immediately, and without even knowing me, took me under your wing as if you were my sister.”

Rosie reached across the table for Gwen’s hand.

“And Patrick.”

Patrick looked surprised to be called on by name.

“I think you may have kept my crying a secret from”—Gwen leaned her head in Ash’s direction—“and for that I’m grateful.”

“What’s this?” Ash asked over the table. “Keeping secrets from me?”

“I don’t know what she’s talking about,” Patrick said, placing a hand over his chest with feigned exasperation. But then he leaned in and spoke quietly, cupping a hand around his mouth. “It was only fair since you didn’t tell him you’d caught me kissing my wife.” Everyone around the table laughed.

“Belle, thank you for helping me get the perfect gown, and Michael, thank you for keeping Ash occupied during my fittings so he wouldn’t see me in it before the wedding.”

“Why do I feel as if my partners have shifted their loyalty to my wife?”

Gwen continued to make her way around the table. “Trent. Thank you for always being kind, even when I didn’t really know who I was. Thank you for stepping up, allowing Ash to return to his home here. And thank you for permitting him to act as uncle to your adorable sister. I never thought I’d see the day that a sweet little girl would have him wrapped right around her finger.”

Ash shrugged and nodded. Gwen looked down at him with a disarming smile. She certainly had him wrapped aroundherfinger.

“As for Sarah, thank you for putting up with me. I know I caused more than my share of problems in a very short period of time. And the same goes for the rest of you ladies. I hope you’ll forgive me, and I love you all.”

They all got up from their chairs and hurried around the table to crush her in a giant hug. Ash was nearly brought to tears by the love these people had shown his wife. He really was surrounded by the most incredible people.

“And last, but certainly not least, Fogg. I am aware that you have done far more for me than I will ever know, but in addition to that, thank you for so graciously welcoming me into your home. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

Fogg actually smiled. That was a rare treat, indeed, but he bestowed it upon his wife and gave her nod of appreciation.

The group of people around the table perfectly summed up the life Ash had built. Earls, sitting down and celebrating with his valet and the women who danced in his club. That was what he’d spent his life working for, and pride blossomed within him to see it.

“And then there’s Ash.” She turned to him, her eyes filled with so much love. “The most incredible, generous, kind, wonderful man I’ll ever meet. Somehow, I was lucky enough to have him rescue me… twice.”

Ash got to his feet. “She’s got it backwards. In truth, she was the one who rescued me. She saw my blackened heart and my tattered soul,”—he shrugged and let out a long sigh—“and somehow, she decided to love me anyway.”

“Well, perhaps we rescued each other, then.” She pressed a soft kiss against his lips.

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