Page 11 of A Raven Revived

“I was actually going to offer you a drink, but if it’s a beating you’re looking for, Branson's is a good club for that. About a half mile west from here. Michael likes to go there and let someone pummel him when he thinks he deserves to be punished for something. They'll spare his face if he asks, and he knows I won’t let him on the gaming floor with two black eyes.”

“That does sound tempting. I am infinitely grateful to you for keeping her safe, and I am so glad to know she’s alive and well, but I don’t want to hurt her again. I think perhaps it’s time for me to move along.”

“Well, if you don’t think there’s anything here worth fighting for.” He stood to the side and gestured toward the door with his cane.

Fitz had never hated himself more than when he walked through that door.

ChapterFour

Fitz walked and walked and walked some more. There was something special about Raven Row, something quaint about the whole place. A charming tea shop, a bakery with miniature biscuits for young children to enjoy while mum picked out a loaf of bread, a modiste with both fine gowns and garments for working in displayed in the windows.

Now that he knew about Raven House and what they did to help women, bringing them in off the streets so that they could find a way to work that didn’t involve selling their bodies, he understood why there were no brothels here. Ash didn’t allow them. It was no wonder Daisy had come here and stayed. And then Fitz had come along and ruined it for her.

It was long after dark when he finally made his way to the tavern. Thank God Anderson was there. He could use the company. He raised a brow as Fitz sat down across from him.

“You look like you could use a drink.”

“Or two,” Fitz said, raising his hand to summon the barmaid. He needed to get some brandy into him before he'd be able to tell Anderson about Daisy.

After the drink was delivered, he poured half of it straight down his throat.

“Daisy is alive, and she’s here in Raven Row.”

Anderson stopped with his glass halfway to his mouth. He blinked a few times before taking a long draw. He set the glass down slowly and nodded.

“I’m not sure what to ask, so I think you’d better just tell me everything.”

“Well, first of all, this information stays between us. I can’t have it getting back to her family.”

Anderson nodded.

“She’s been here for three years.” He paused and took another drink. “She works at The Raven’s Den.”

His eyes widened slightly. “Oh.” He nodded. “And what are your feelings about that?”

Fitz choked on a laugh. “I don’t bloody well know. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled that she’s alive and well, but Jesus, what am I supposed to do now?”

Anderson simply shrugged.

“Precisely.” Just thinking about her made his heart race. He wanted her just as much as he always had, even after all this time apart. “I kissed her tonight.”

“And?”

“She slapped me.”

Anderson closed his eyes and pressed a hand to his forehead. “What did I tell you about trifling with these men, Fitz? If she works there, she’s under their protection.”

“I’m well aware. Ash was there when this all happened.”

His cheeks puffed out as he blew out a breath. “It may be time for us to move along, Fitz.”

He nodded dejectedly. “I know.” He drained his glass. After all this time, he’d finally found her, and he was going to have to walk away. Not because he was afraid of Ash. If Ash was going to hurt him, he would have already done it. He needed to leave before he broke both of their hearts. His presence here had already caused her enough turmoil. “I’m going up to bed.”

He let himself into his room and took off his coat, then blew out a long sigh before flopping onto his back on the bed. Why couldn’t he just be happy that she was alive and well? Why did he have to want more? He ground the heels of his hands against his eyes. He always had wanted more. That was the truth.

There was a knock on his door. Either Anderson had forgotten something, or he was about to pay the price for what he’d done with Daisy this evening.

It turned out to be neither of those things.

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