Page 1 of A Raven Revived

ChapterOne

Bollocks. Another winning hand? The last thing Fitz wanted was to draw attention to himself.

He picked up his winnings and his drink and wandered to a different table, his gaze passing over every inch of the place, taking it in. They must turn a healthy profit.

Originally, he’d intended to open his own club, but in the short time he’d been here, he’d grown to really like The Raven’s Den. Everything about it was perfect. Luxurious surroundings, beautiful women on display, good liquor, and even the raven theme seemed just right.

One of the best things about this particular gaming hell was the prohibition of titles. That meant third sons like himself were treated the same as any earl that sat down beside him. The only thing that mattered within these walls was money, and he had plenty of that.

Fortunately, his luck turned at the craps table.

One of the owners sauntered over to the table. Long blond hair tied back at his nape, this one was named Michael. Fitz had at least done enough probing to learn their names. There were four owners, but the leader of their group was apparently a man called Ash. He didn’t spend much time on the gaming floor, but supposedly he often made an appearance to bring the night to a close. Fitz had yet to see him.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” Michael said to the group spread around the table. “I hope the dice are treating you all well tonight.”

Fitz nodded his response and raised his glass in greeting with the rest of the men, but even with the cheers that rose up as the dice landed, he didn’t miss Michael’s eyes settling on him for a moment. Try as he might to be discreet, he must have caught someone’s attention. Perhaps tonight it would be best for him to leave early rather than waiting for closing time. He stayed for a few more rolls of the dice before cashing in his remaining chips.

He threw back the last of his brandy and dropped his winnings into the receptacle for tips for the Lady Ravens. They all bent and blew a kiss in his direction. There was something enticing about their synchronized movements, not to mention their decolletage on full display as they leaned forward. Low cut dresses, masks, and fans, all black and feathered in homage to their raven mascot. Perfect. The place was perfect.

He made his way reluctantly through the door and out into the dark night. He’d barely made it ten feet before a large hand wrapped around his upper arm.

“Why don’t we take a walk?” It was one of the many oversized bouncers he’d seen in and around The Raven’s Den.

Fitz let out a long sigh but didn’t put up a fight. Another large man came up on his other side and they escorted him into a nearby alley.

“Look, gents. I wasn’t cheating. I just had a string of good luck. I made sure you won most of it back before I left, and anything extra I gave to the ladies.” They pushed him against the wall. Wonderful. Just what he needed was a beating.

A deep voice spoke from the shadows.

“I didn’t think you had been cheating.” A man stepped into the light that filtered in from the main street, dressed in black from head to toe and carrying a raven topped cane.

This was Ash.

“But I’ve been watching you as you’ve sat in my club every night for a week. Your eyes have surveyed every inch of the place, so I thought I’d give you a warning. If you are thinking about trying to rob my club, just know that you will not make it out alive.”

Fitz choked on something akin to a laugh. “I don’t doubt that, but I can assure you, I have no intention of trying to rob you, Ash.”

“Well then, perhaps you can explain yourself, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

Ah, so Ash had already been looking into him. Tonight wasn’t the first night he’d been noticed then. “My friends call me Fitz. You may do the same.”

Pure disdain fell over Ash’s features. “Are we friends now then, Fitz?”

He chuckled. Somehow, Ash was exactly what he would have expected, and he liked him already. “I’d like to think we might be eventually. I had hoped to have this conversation over a drink, but I suppose this will have to do. I’d like to invest in your club. I find I enjoy everything about it.”

Ash raised a haughty brow. “I only do business with people who are loyal to me.”

“And what makes you think I wouldn’t be?”

The man’s eyes narrowed, but eventually he gave a slow nod. “Well then, Fitz, deliver to me pertinent information about yourself so that I may look into you and your background. If I’m interested after that, perhaps we’ll talk.”

Well that was promising. At least, he hoped it was. “I will make that happen. Thank you.”

With barely a move of Ash’s chin, the men let him go. “In the meantime, I don’t want to see you in my club again.”

“Oh come now. I’ve quite enjoyed my time there. Lord knows, I’ve given you plenty of my money.”

“You have, and thank you. But if you only want to invest for the money, this isn’t the club for you. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Fitz.” And with that, the three men left him alone in the dark alley.

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