Page 62 of A Raven Revived

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The only other time Fitz had seen the inside of this place, it had been completely empty. Ash had seen to the furnishings, and he hadn’t disappointed. Every detail was taken care of. He’d apparently even secured some staff. A man named Jasper greeted them at the door, all of the fires were lit, and he even offered to pour Fitz a glass of brandy.

“Thank you, Jasper. I appreciate your assistance, but I’ll pour myself a glass if I decide I want one later. It’s been a long couple of days, and this evening, we’d like some quiet time alone, please.”

“Yes sir,” he said with a nod. “You’ll know how to find me if you need anything.”

Fitz seated himself at the end of the plush sofa and held out his arm, inviting Daisy to snuggle against him, which she immediately did. He squeezed her gently and pressed a kiss on top of her head. This was their home, and with her here, it would be perfect.

There was something bothering him, though.

“Why did you refer to yourself as broken?” Even saying the word made his heart ache. She was the best thing in his world. How could she possibly think of herself that way?

She took a deep breath before answering. “Because I am. I started crying because you said…” Her words trailed off and a cynical laugh whispered from her lips. “I can’t even say the words myself.” He couldn’t see her face, but could feel her anguish.

He turned so he could wrap both arms around her and pulled her tightly against him. “Daisy, I can’t begin to imagine what they put you through and the untold pain they must have caused you. I am so, so sorry you had to endure all of that, but you are still perfect to me in every way.”

She sighed softly and it wrenched at his heart. She didn’t believe him. Perhaps it would just take time. Tomorrow, he’d take her out of the house for some sunshine and to visit the ladies at Raven House.

“Will you tell me about this place? Did you buy it so you could invest in The Raven’s Den?”

He shook his head. “I bought it so I could be close to you. I realized I couldn’t leave you again, but then you went up to Ash’s estate before I could tell you that.” Only a few days had passed since then, but it felt like a lifetime ago.

“You were going to stay, even without your investment?”

“I decided to stay because of you. Nothing else matters.”

“Why didn’t you mention it when we were at Woodburn Hall?”

“I forgot about it. If you’ll recall, you had me occupied with other things while we were up there. Other, wonderful things.” He breathed in deeply. The smell of Auburn Ridge still lingered on her. Tomorrow, he’d wash that away too.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Fitz.’

“Well, I guess we’re even then, because I don’t know what I did to deserve you either.”

“I’m not sure if it’s still from the drugs, or just from everything that has happened over the last few days, but I’m sleepy. I know it’s barely dusk, but would you mind if we went to bed early tonight?”

“I will happily let you sleep for a week straight if that’s what you need. Just as long as you don’t mind my arms being wrapped around you.”

“They’d better be.” She looked up at him and her smile made warmth fill his chest. It also made him believe she’d be alright, in time.

When morning came, Fitz was determined to make this a good day for her. He’d sent Jasper to find some raisin scones, had a bath readied, and made sure the fire was nice and hot. When that was taken care of, he sat in a chair beside the bed and watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful. Thank God. At least for now, she wasn’t tormented by nightmares.

It was only a few minutes before her eyes fluttered open. A smile grew on her lips when she saw him, and it filled him with gratitude.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Her smile grew even wider, and she stretched her arms above her head. “Good morning to you, handsome.”

“I have managed to procure your favorite scones.”

She eagerly threw back the blankets and sat up on the side of the bed. He held one up for her to take a bite. Her eyes closed and she savored it as she chewed. Thankfully, she was able to still find joy in something so insignificant.

“Is that from Raven House?”

Fitz shrugged. “It might be. I told Jasper to get them wherever he had to.”

She laughed softly and opened her mouth for another bite. He gloried in this moment. Such a simple thing and she appreciated it so much. Happiness shone in her eyes as they met his. He held out a saucer and her feet swung slightly as she lifted the cup to her lips.

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