Page 20 of A Raven Revived

Anderson’s mouth was open slightly as he slowly blinked. “Are you going to marry her?”

Fitz shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I’m not going to abandon her again, though. But I need a better place to sleep than at that inn.”

“And what makes you think they’re not going to kill you?”

Fitz took another drink. “I’ve just come from there. Well, I’ve been walking for a while, but before that I was in Ash’s office.”

Confusion settled over Anderson’s face. “How is that possible? All four of them threatened you just for laying your hands on her shoulders.”

“I know. It doesn’t really make sense to me either. Strangely, it feels as if Ash is encouraging me to pursue her.”

Anderson just sighed and shook his head.

“Unfortunately, he’s not going to allow my investment.”

“And you want to stay anyway? Are you sure she’s worth it?”

He didn’t have even a whisper of doubt. “She’s worth it.”

* * *

Daisy sat in her room, unable to focus on the book that lay open in her lap. It was only day two of her confinement, and she was already bored beyond measure. Somehow not being allowed to go out had a way of making her want to so much more. She was permitted to leave her room if she wished, but all the other ladies would know she was being punished, so it was better just to hide in here and leave them to speculate about what she’d done. Ordinarily, she liked the company of a roommate, but this was one of the few times she was actually glad she didn’t have another lady sharing her room.

Despite the boredom, her brain just couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything other than replaying what had happened the other night with Fitz. She couldn’t stop seeing herself spread wide open for him while she touched herself. She should be humiliated by the memory, but the way he’d looked at her, the hunger that had come over him, only made her want to do it again. And when she wasn’t thinking about that, she was reliving that kiss. He’d kissed her before, back when they were close, before her sister died, but it had never been like that. That kiss was desperate. Ravenous. As if he would perish if he didn’t have all of her. Warmth filled her belly, making her long to touch herself again now.

A tapping noise sounded against her window startling her out of her wanton thoughts. She shot to her feet, the book tumbling from her lap onto the floor. Flustered, she had to catch her breath before she could go investigate.

She pulled the curtain back just far enough to peek out. Fitz was standing outside her window, and when he saw her, his mouth turned up in an apologetic smile. But he certainly didn’t have anything to be sorry for. These windows didn’t open, but he held up a slate that had a daisy drawn on it, his brows hitched up waiting for her approval. She giggled as joy burst to life inside of her. He held a finger over his lips, and she tried to subdue her laugh.

Using a rag, he wiped away the daisy and began writing on the slate before holding it up to the window.

I thought you might like some company during your confinement.

She pressed a hand to her heart, where so much warmth suddenly blossomed. Why was he doing this for her? She laid her other palm against the cool window and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

He placed his palm opposite hers and nodded. They just stayed like that for a moment before he pulled his hand away and mimed giving her a hug.

She copied the gesture. It wasn’t nearly as good as the real thing but having him here made her heart sing. It reminded her of the time they used to spend together. There was a time when he was her dearest friend.

He wiped the slate again and began writing.

Are you doing alright?

She nodded. She wanted to say more, but he’d never be able to understand her without shouting. She sighed and nodded again.

I can’t stay. Security is about to send me away.

She nodded her understanding and pouted her lips. He wrote another message.

I’ll be back tomorrow.

Then he wiped it and drew a quick, sloppy daisy to hold up and pressed his hand over his heart. He turned and gave a salute, presumably to whoever was on security duty out there, and jogged away from her window.

He might not have been there long, but his visit made her whole day better. She couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She even caught herself dancing a few times while sweeping.

The following day, from the moment she woke, she waited impatiently for a tap on her window. The only time she left was to hurry down and grab a scone and some tea, which she brought right back to her room.

Around midday, there was a knock on her door. Ash stood in the hall when she opened it, and her stomach dropped. Of course he would have heard about Fitz’s visit, and he undoubtedly put a stop to it.

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