Page 59 of A Raven Revived

Ash shrugged it off, as he always did. He didn’t like people thanking him or reminding him he was a good man. “The others will want to see you too, when you’re feeling up to it.”

She looked under the blanket to see if she was still wearing the same gown. “I’m not really dressed for company.”

“There’s a clean gown and wrapper in the armoire when you’re ready to get out of bed.”

“I’m ready.”

Ash’s smile was filled with pride as he nodded. “We’re all just sitting down to eat breakfast. If you’re feeling up to it, we’d love for you to join us. If not, I’ll have a tray sent up for you.”

“I’ll come down.” She didn’t want to stay cooped up in a bedroom.

“Are you sure you’re feeling up to that?” Fitz asked after Ash was gone.

“Yes. I may be a little slow, but it will be nice to move around and see some friendly faces.”

He pressed his lips to hers in a brief kiss before climbing out of bed and pulling the clothes from the armoire. He turned the blankets down and helped her to stand.

“Lift your arms.”

ChapterEighteen

Daisy gasped and stumbled backwards, shaking her head. Those words sent her instantly back to that horrible place and panic ripped through her. Her skin burned from the memory of the cold water and dread filled her as she saw those men peeling off her wet gown. Her body shook as if she really was back there again.

“It’s alright, Daisy.” His eyes were wide, his hands fisted at his sides. “Would you prefer I send in a maid to help you?”

“No. Don’t leave me.” Sobs suddenly overcame her, and she reached for him.

His strong arms pulled her in tight. “Daisy, sweetheart, you’re safe. I’ve got you.” She nodded against his chest as he held her.

“I know.” His strength brought her so much comfort. Fitz would never do anything to hurt her. She knew that, but apparently they had broken her in more ways than she’d realized. Slowly, her panic ebbed and she wiped her tears, stepping back from him.

“I think perhaps I should remove the nightgown myself.”

He nodded. “Would you like me to turn around?”

She shook her head. He was so sweet and gallant. “It’s not that I don’t want you to see me. Those words just sent my mind back there again.” It sounded silly, but how could she possibly explain it in a way that didn’t?

He closed his eyes, his jaw clenched. He took a long, shaky breath. Unshed tears glistened in his eyes when he looked at her again. “I’m so sorry for whatever happened to you in there.”

“It isn’t your fault, Fitz.”

“I never should have left you.”

“You only did what I asked of you.” She knew she’d never convince him, so instead, she carefully pulled the gown off over her head, hoping her naked body might distract him.

It did distract him, but not in the way she’d wished for. He looked grief-stricken. His gaze swept over her, his eyes lingering on every bruise, of which there were many. There wasn’t a trace of hunger or desire, and her heart withered. Would he ever want her that way again?

“Dear God. What did they do to you?”

A whisper of a laugh escaped her lips. “I did most of it to myself, probably. I fought them like an unbroken stallion.”

“Of course you did. My brave girl. You wouldn’t know any other way.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry you had to do that.”

She hated that he harbored so much guilt. “Will you take this off?” She tugged on his pajama top.

He didn’t hesitate for a second. His skin was so warm, and she melted against him, wrapping her arms around his body. It was heavenly. She’d been so afraid she’d never feel that again. She stayed there, savoring his embrace for several minutes before she finally pulled away. She slipped the clean gown over her head and donned the wrapper.

“Are you sure you want to go down and join the others?”

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