Page 78 of A Raven Revived

“The truth, of course.”

“Would you still marry me if I were a pauper?”

“Of course I would, but I know you aren’t. Investing in The Raven’s Den isn’t a mere pittance, and neither was this townhouse. But you just said you’d buy me a country estate, as well. That’s an entirely different level of wealth.”

“I’ve made a handful of very profitable investments, and then my father also left me a hefty sum when he passed.”

“But what does that mean?”

He bent down and traced the tip of his tongue along her collarbone, sending a shiver through her. “It means—” His hot mouth moved up her neck. He was distracting her, and she wasn’t sure she cared. Finally he whispered in her ear, “If ever there is something you want, you need but to ask, and it is yours.”

His mouth moved down to place hot kisses over the tops of her breasts, his tongue searing a path to dip between them. She groaned. “You are a devil, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

He laughed before pushing her skirts to the floor and dropping to his knees. “You’d better believe I’m a devil.” He wrapped an arm under her leg and lifted it over his shoulder, then ducked beneath her chemise.

His tongue licked over her sex making her gasp. She reached for the bedpost to steady herself, as his hands brushed up her thighs and grasped her bottom. Somehow, the cotton barrier of her split drawers beneath his palms made what he was doing between them feel even more intimate. She tipped her hips to give him better access and cupped the back of his head, pulling him tightly against her flesh. God he was incredible. Down on his knees, bringing her unimaginable pleasure. It was as if he was worshiping her.

She rocked herself shamelessly against his mouth and called out his name as a torrent of sensation ripped through her. If not for his strong hands on her backside, she would surely have collapsed. Her body continued to tremble as he slowly lowered her leg and looked up at her with a wicked grin.

“What was it we were talking about? I got distracted.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

Daisy stared at her reflection in awe. The white lace gown with its long train was incredibly beautiful.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Ella.” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she looked around at the smiling faces surrounding her. Rosie, Belle, and Gwen were all so incredibly supportive of her upcoming marriage.

“It’s beautiful,” Rosie said, dabbing at her own eyes.

“I’m not sure I’m supposed to be wearing white, though.”

“Oh pish.” Ella waved a hand through the air. “One is notdeservingof wearing white. It is simply a color, and you look ravishing.”

It was the final fitting to make sure every last detail was perfect, and it was. Two days from now, she would be married.

The four of them left Ella’s Emporium and walked down to their favorite tea shop, McKinnon and Isaac following in their wake. The two of them waited outside while the ladies settled in for some tea and cakes.

“Do we really need chaperones everywhere we go?” Daisy asked.

Rosie giggled. “The burlies are just part of the package when you marry one of the ravens.”

They all laughed and Gwen raised her tea cup in a toast. “Welcome to the raven wives’ club, Daisy.”

Two days later, she officially did join their ranks, and was honored to be one of them. Love surrounded her as she sat at the long table in The Raven’s Den. There had been a few wedding celebrations hosted there now, but she never thought hers would be among them.

Fitz sat at the head of the table. Her husband. He was beautiful with his locks of wavy hair and his vibrant smile. As he stood, he took her hand in his and encouraged her to stand beside him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close.

“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve to be at the head of this table, surrounded by the most extraordinary people. And I certainly don’t know how I am lucky enough to have the hand of this amazing woman, and to have her by my side for the rest of my days.”

“I don’t know if I’d call it lucky, but you’re stuck with me now.” She pointed at Ash. “And don’t think you’ll be rid of me, either.” Everyone around the table laughed and it warmed her heart.

“I know my darling wife hates too much sentiment, so without getting too maudlin, I want to give a genuine thank you to all of you for welcoming me into your group. Into your family.” Fitz raised his glass. “To new friendships and to love, in whatever form it comes.”

“He isn’t wrong, sentiment does tend to make me uncomfortable, but this time, I agree with him. I, too, am grateful to be a part of this magnificent family.” They all raised their glasses and cheered.

“Now, before I start crying, it’s time for us to dance.” Laughter broke out around the table followed by the scraping of chairs as they all got to their feet.

Ash cued the musicians to start playing, and after sharing the first dance with her new husband, he was the next person she went to. Ash would always be one of the dearest people in her life. He propped his cane in the corner before leading her onto the floor.

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