Page 77 of A Raven Revived

“He may be happy to do anything for you, Ash, but might feel differently about coming to work for me.”

“He’s going to be working for you either way.”

Fitz blinked, trying to process that statement. He blew out a long breath. He looked back down at Daisy and then at the rest of the ladies around her. His stomach tightened.

“I don’t know if I’m worthy of this, Ash. How can I possibly deserve the loyalty of those men and the trust of these women?”

“That question”—Ash tapped the raven top of his cane gently against Fitz’s shoulder—“is how I know you actually are worthy.”

Fitz nodded slowly. “I will be,” he promised. “I’ll make sure of it.”

* * *

As Daisy climbed the stairs to return to Raven House, Ash’s eyes locked with hers. He gestured to the room behind him. She was in trouble… again. But what could he possibly do now? He couldn’t very well suspend her. Even tonight, she wasn’t supposed to dance, but she’d needed to. One last time.

She wasn’t surprised to see Fitz standing inside, but what she was expecting was a raised brow and a lecture. Instead, what she saw was hunger, urgent and fierce. His eyes raked slowly over every inch of her body, his breathing accelerating.

She reached for him, but he shook his head, his eyes flicking to Ash, who stood in the doorway, seeing the rest of the ladies off for the night.

“Go get changed,” he whispered. “And don’t dally. I want you in my bed as quickly as possible.” His gaze swept over her once more before he gestured toward the door.

His obvious desire made her desperate for him. She strode from the room, her nipples already pressing themselves against her corset as she hurried down the stairs.

As they walked, hand in hand toward home, the prolonged anticipation was nearly unbearable. Once inside the door, she raced up to the bedroom ahead of him. He closed the door, but then he stopped and took a breath.

“You do want this too, right? I’m not pushing you?”

Daisy rolled her eyes, but he crossed to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I’m serious, Daisy. I don’t want to put pressure on you. You’ve been through more than I can possibly imagine, and I only want this if you really want it for yourself.”

He was so sweet. She cupped her palm against his cheek. “Not only do I want you desperately, but I need you. I need you to want me. I was afraid, when I got out of that place, covered in bruises and broken?—”

He shook his head. He didn’t like that word.

“Alright,” she said. “Not broken, but changed, at least.”

He closed his eyes and breathed out a long sigh, but eventually he nodded.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t want me in that way anymore. In this way.” She reached down and gently brushed her fingers over the bulge in his trousers.

Without another word, he claimed her mouth. Her momentary calm was shattered by the hunger of his kiss. When he eventually pulled back from her, they were both breathless.

“I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you, Daisy. Nothing will ever change that.” He unbuttoned her bodice, and his eyes widened. He took a step back and his lips turned up in a slow smile.

“That’s not your usual corset and chemise.”

Warmth blossomed in her cheeks and she shook her head. “Ella makes us special undergarments to wear beneath our raven dresses. Apparently, the lower the neckline, the looser the men will be with their money.”

He licked his lips and continued to stare. “Well, you can certainly have as much of my money as you want.”

“Be careful what you promise. I might say I want a country estate with horses and plenty of land to ride on.”

He wrapped his arms around her, reaching down to settle his hands on her backside. “If that’s what you wish, it’s yours.”

“Really?” She hadn’t taken any time to consider what his financial situation was like. “Are you wealthy, Fitz?”

He chuckled. “Do you want the modest answer or the truth?”

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