Page 68 of A Raven Revived

“Fell down a flight of stairs, apparently. I just assumed it was one of yours, honestly.”

Ash shook his head. “This wasn’t me.”

“Well,” Giles finally spoke up. “Cheers to whoever it was. By all accounts, the world is a better place without the bastard.”

“Hear, hear!” Patrick held his glass up and a round of laughter broke out as they all clinked their glasses together. Fitz raised his glass with them, but he now had a responsibility that the others didn’t. He’d have to tell Daisy.

“I thought I was bringing good tidings, Fitz, but you don’t look all that happy.”

“Oh, I’m happy he’s dead, but I’m not sure how Daisy will feel about it. Not to mention, now I’ll have to seek permission from whoever his heir happens to be.”

“It’s his nephew. He’s a reasonable sort, so I doubt there will be any trouble.”

“Well, that is good news.” He raised his glass again and took a swig. “Otherwise, we’ll be heading for Gretna Green, because wearegoing to marry. I will not lose her again.”

When he returned to Raven House a short time later, he found Daisy… sweeping. “What are you doing, love?”

Her smile was bright when she turned to face him. “It needed to be done, and I just wanted to do something that felt normal, I guess.”

“Are you going to come over here every afternoon and sweep?”

She giggled. The sound was music to his ears. “Perhaps I will.”

He took the broom from her and propped it against the wall before wrapping his arms around her. “You, my gorgeous girl, can do whatever makes you happy.”

“What would make me happy right now is a kiss.”

He pressed his lips gently against hers, but they eagerly opened and demanded more. She kissed him with a hunger that caught him off guard, plunging her tongue into his mouth. His body’s response was immediate. He wrapped a hand around the back of her head and matched her ferocity.

The sound of Ash clearing his throat startled him, and he pulled back. A light blush tinged her cheeks and she giggled. She reached over and grabbed the broom.

She pointed at Ash. “Not a word from you.” That surprised a laugh from Ash and Fitz both. Thank God she still had her spirit. It was a miracle that she did after everything she’d been through.

“I’m going to finish sweeping.” She went back to the chore as if nothing had happened, disappearing down the hall.

Fitz turned to face Ash, his hands up. “Apologies.”

“You’re forgiven this time, but only because I got to see that response from Daisy.”

Fitz nodded, and they both sighed with relief. She was going to be alright.

“Listen,” Ash said, “what happens between the two of you is none of my business, until it happens in this building. Here, it has the potential to cause awkwardness with the other ladies.”

Fitz nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Especially if you become their employer.”

Fitz froze at the words, afraid to allow the excitement that was bubbling within him in case he’d somehow misunderstood.

“Does that mean my investment offer is back on the table?”

“Are you still interested, now that you know it’s not just about the money and we have a responsibility to these women?”

“More than ever.”

“Glad to hear it. Let's get you two married, and we’ll go from there.”

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