Page 34 of A Raven Revived

“I went to talk with Trent and assure him you’re safe.”

She dropped her forehead into her other palm. “Oh dear. I’m in trouble again, aren’t I?”

He lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers in a brief kiss. “You most certainly are not. You’re in my care now, Daisy, and will never be in trouble for coming to my room.” He winked and kissed her again.

“Trent wasn’t angry with me?”

He got up and shed his robe. “He was angry with me, not you, but I talked him around.”

“Why would he be angry with you? You didn’t even do anything.”

“Didn’t I?” He raised a brow. Her cheeks warmed at the memory of all he had done.

“You only did those things because I begged you. And you never did show me.” She flicked her gaze to his groin.

He chuckled. “I’m not going to show you now, either. It will only make me want to make love to you again, and you need time to recover. I would like to climb back into bed and hold you for a while though, if you wouldn’t mind.”

“Mmmm. Yes please.” Daisy had never felt safer than she did with his strong arms wrapped around her.

That afternoon, Daisy was both nervous and excited when they entered Raven House arm in arm. Trent had agreed to wait a day before sending a telegram so they could tell Ash everything in person. But even still, he didn’t seem terribly surprised when he looked up from his desk and saw them together.

“You know the routine,” he said, waving them into his office.

Fitz closed the door behind them, and they settled themselves across from Ash.

“Well, I don’t think there’s any reason to beat around the bush,” Fitz said with a shrug. “I don’t know how I’m deserving, but Daisy has agreed to marry me.” There was such love in his eyes as he took her hand.

When she looked back at Ash, he was simply observing, a slight smile tipping up the corners of his lips.

“Congratulations. You must have done something right. We’ve already seen the lengths she’s willing to go to in order to avoid marrying someone she doesn’t wish to.”

She laughed. Even in the two days she’d been away, she’d missed his teasing.

His smile was indulgent. “Who will I tease after you’ve left us?”

“Oh, you won’t be rid of me that easily.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He got up and came around the desk, his arm out inviting her in for a hug. He squeezed her shoulders and leaned down. “It’s good to see you smiling again.”

“Thank you, Ash. I don’t know what I would have done without everything you’ve provided, but especially your kindness. You’ve become like a brother to me, so I hope I’ll always be welcome to visit.”

He squeezed her shoulders a little tighter. “You’ll always be welcome here for any reason, Daisy.”

She swallowed and lowered her voice. “Even if I tell you I went to Fitz’s room last night?” She wasn’t naive enough to think Trent wouldn’t mention it, and she'd rather Ash heard it from her.

He pressed a light kiss to the top of her head. “Always.” He squeezed her one last time and then settled himself behind his desk once more. Gratitude filled her heart. No lecture and not even a hint of judgment. “Are you staying here tonight?” he asked instead.

“Yes,” Fitz answered for her. She turned and scowled at him, but he ignored her and continued. “She will stay here tonight, and we’ll leave in the morning to go pay a visit to both of our families.”

Ash continued to look at her. “Is visiting your family what you want, Daisy?”

She nodded slowly. “It’s time for me to stop living in fear of them.”

“Is there anything I can provide that will make that easier for the two of you? Security, a chaperone, anything?”

Daisy shook her head. “Fitz will take care of me.” She took his hand again, and her heart warmed at his smile.

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