Page 57 of A Raven Revived

When they reached their destination, one of Lord Epworth’s country estates, Michael carried Samantha into the house. Ash stood at the carriage door and held out his arms.

“Here. Your arms need a break. I’ll carry her inside.”

Fitz shook his head. “I’m not letting her go.” After a moment, Ash moved out of the way.

Epworth directed Fitz to Daisy’s room where everything was clean, the fire was lit, and the bed had been warmed. A maid hurried ahead of him to pull back the blankets and he laid her limp body onto the bed. He brushed her hair out of her face and whispered into her ear, “You’re safe, Daisy.”

The sleeves of her nightgown were pushed up, revealing bruises that covered her arms. He’d never been a violent man, but right now, he wanted her father to suffer. He wanted the men in that horrible place to suffer. As gently as he could, he pulled her sleeves back down. “I’m so sorry, my love.” His heart ached for her. What had they done to her? He pulled the blankets over her and let out a long sigh as he stared down at her. She was pale, dark shadows beneath her eyes.

“These were put out for you in the next room,” Epworth said from just inside the doorway. He held up a set of pajamas. “Why don't you get some sleep in there? A servant can watch over her until morning, or at least until she wakes.”

Fitz shook his head. “I'm not leaving her. Not even for a moment.”

Epworth nodded and handed him the garments. “If you insist.” He looked down at Daisy. “I’m glad she’s safe. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you might need. I’ll make sure someone is available throughout the night.”

“Thank you, Lord Epworth. For everything.”

When he was gone, Fitz pressed a kiss to Daisy’s forehead. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I love you, Daisy.” He’d said the words so many times, but what else could he possibly do? He couldn’t take back any of what she’d been through.

He changed into the pajamas and climbed into bed, pulling her pliant body against him. At least warmth was something he could provide. He held her tight, silently promising that he would never let anyone hurt her again.

* * *

Daisy’s dreams had once again been of Fitz rescuing her. She’d dreamt it so many times. But as she slowly came awake, he was there, holding her tightly against his body. She didn’t even have to look to know it was him, his warmth, his love.

He’d come for her.

She wasn’t sure if she was capable of speech yet, so she simply lay there in his arms, enjoying every second of it. She was safe. Her body still hurt, but at least he’d removed the horrific jacket they’d strapped her into.

She swallowed and tried to speak. “You came.” It was a scratchy whisper, but he’d heard her. He pulled her even more tightly against him, his chin resting on her shoulder and his lips barely an inch from her ear.

“Of course I came,” he whispered. “I would have crawled through hell itself to find you and get you back.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Daisy. I never should have left you alone with your father.”

She pushed against him, and he scooted back, helping her to turn so she could see his face. For the first time in days, her lips tried to turn up in a smile she didn’t despise. Her body was still so tired and weak, even the most basic of things were a struggle. Her shoulders ached from being trapped in that horrible device.

He kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life than your face right this minute. My God, I thought I’d lost you. I am so sorry, Daisy.”

She shook her head and rested her palm against his scruffy cheek. “Fitz.”

He closed his eyes and pressed another lingering kiss to her forehead. “Daisy.”

“Are you hurt? Or just sleepy?”

“Both,” she said with a nod.

His eyes grew wide with worry. “I’ll send for a doctor.”

The words sent panic racing through her. “No!” Her voice finally made a bit of sound. “Please no doctors!”

“Shhh. It’s alright, love. No doctors.” He shook his head and pulled her close. “Tell me what hurts.”

She huffed a quiet laugh. “Everything, but nothing is broken. Can we just sleep a bit longer?”

“You can sleep as long as you’d like.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“No one could pry me away.”

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