Page 33 of A Raven Revived

How was any of this even real? And how in God’s name was he ever going to be what she needed? He didn't have the faintest idea how to be a good husband. At least he could trust that she would be strong enough to tell him if he was doing it wrong. She’d always been forthright and plainspoken, but now she had a fire within her that hadn’t been there four years ago. She carried herself with more confidence and a sense of independence. He loved that about her. She wasn’t going to sit around and wait for him to take care of her. She’d just take care of herself, even in the bedroom.

The floor was getting hard. It was time to get her into bed. Carefully, he pulled himself away from her and got to his feet. God she was beautiful. Her lips were still swollen from their kisses and even in sleep, they turned up just slightly at the corners. He pulled the blankets back, then scooped her up and placed her gently on the bed. As he settled the covers over her, she stirred and reached for him.

“Don’t worry, Daisy. I’ll be joining you in just a moment.” He pressed a kiss to her hand and tucked it beneath the blanket.

She nodded and her eyes drifted closed again. He walked over and retrieved his pajamas and slipped them on. Spots of blood marred the beige blanket they’d made love on. The sight made his heart hurt. He rolled it up and tossed it into the corner. At least she wouldn’t have to endure that pain again. It was done now.

He climbed into the other side of the bed and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back against him. Her skin was warm and soft, and he delighted in the feel of it. He didn’t sleep, though. His mind was busy with questions about their future. Would she still want to live in Raven Row if they were married? What was going to happen with her family? And his, for that matter?

Eventually, the sky began to lighten outside the window, and there was another thing he needed to face. Trent. He wasn’t foolish enough to think the man hadn’t noticed Daisy was gone from her room. Reluctantly, he slipped from the bed, immediately grieving the loss of her warmth. He wrapped himself in his robe and tied it shut.

He didn’t know his way around this house, but the layout was similar to the one he’d grown up in, so he found what he was looking for. The door to what was obviously Trent’s room was open, and he wasn’t inside. But almost immediately, there were footsteps behind him. He turned and barely registered the anger in the man’s eyes before a fist slammed into his stomach.

He doubled over, coughing and sputtering. As he struggled to draw breath, Trent leaned down and spoke quietly into his ear.

“My office.”

He turned and walked back down the corridor without even waiting to see if Fitz was going to follow.

He did follow, eventually, once he’d caught his breath. Trent was already seated behind the desk by the time he entered. He may have underestimated the man. He was young, but apparently fully capable of handling himself and had a hot temper.

“I may have deserved that.”

Trent simply glared at him. After a moment, he came around and closed the door.

“Trent, I know you’re upset. That’s why I came looking for you. I didn’t want you to be worried she might be missing. She’s safe.”

“Well, thank you for that, at least.” With a sigh, he returned to his seat, dropping his forehead into his palms and rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for you to be this troubled, Trent. We are engaged, after all.”

“Ash sent her to me for safekeeping. You’ve met the man. How do you think he’s going to feel about this?”

Fitz shrugged. “I don’t think it’s any of his business, quite frankly.”

“Wrong answer. Until the two of you are officially married, she is under his care. And I may be his half-brother, but my position here is not guaranteed, so I don’t appreciate you repaying my hospitality by putting it in jeopardy.”

“It wasn’t as if I went and stole her out of her bed. She was scared and wanted to talk about our future.”

“And that’s all that happened? You just talked?”

“That’s definitely none of your business.”

After a moment, he nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Listen, we’re all on the same side here. We all just want to make sure Daisy is safe and cared for. She is and will continue to be.”

Trent nodded and let out a long breath. “I suppose you’re right. I may have overreacted.” He grimaced slightly. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have punched you.”

“Oh, you definitely should have. I would have punched me if I were you.”

ChapterTen

Daisy woke to the sound of the bedroom door closing, and for a moment she just assumed it was a maid coming in to tend to the fire. But then she remembered she wasn’t in her own bed and sat bolt upright.

“It’s alright, Daisy. It’s only me.” He sat on the side of the bed and took one of her hands.

“Where have you been? The sun hasn’t even dawned yet.”

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