Chapter 10 #3
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach just as they had then, but this time, she didn’t also feel duplicitous. And this time, she wasn’t afraid of him.
“I don’t mind.”
He closed the door and crossed the room to kneel before her. He pressed his lips gently against hers, but only for a brief kiss. “Are you hiding from me?”
She shrugged and ducked her head. “I know I said I’m not a shrinking violet, but now that the sun is up, I’m feeling decidedly shy about how I behaved last night.”
He lifted her chin and shook his head. “You were magnificent last night. My only regret is that I hurt you. I promise that pain will never happen again. How are you feeling now?”
Embarrassed, she tried to look away, but he held her chin. She swallowed and stared into his piercing eyes. “I’m well,” she assured him.
His lips thinned just slightly, and his demeanor became more serious. “There is one thing I want from you as my wife. Complete honesty. Especially, in matters that concern your body or your health.” He raised his brow and waited, still not allowing her to look away.
“I’m a little sore,” she confessed. It was difficult for her to talk openly with him about her body, now that it was light. Especially, while being forced to look him straight in the eye. “But it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you.” He smiled and let go of her chin. “I am sorry. I hope you know I didn’t intend to hurt you.”
She held his chin between her thumb and finger, just as he had hers. “I know you didn’t. No more apologies.”
He nodded, and pressed his lips to hers again. His second kiss was a little more passionate, but he still didn’t breach her mouth. “We’re leaving within the hour. We’ll have a short stop in London before going up to Glenwood. It’s time for you to meet the other important people in my life.”
A few hours later, as Giles helped her down from the cab, Christina’s pulse fluttered with nerves. Two imposing men stood at the gates, greeting him with a quick nod, before allowing them to enter.
When they stepped into a large entry hall, she leaned toward him and whispered, “This doesn’t look like what I imagined a gambling den would.”
“That’s because it isn’t. This is Raven House, where the Lady Ravens live. But it’s also where we’ll find the person I want you to meet.” He gestured across the hall with a nod.
A man stood in a doorway, dressed in black from head to toe. He carried a raven-topped cane, but it hardly touched the floor as he walked toward them. His smile was welcoming, but still, he made her nervous.
“You must be Mrs. Henderson.”
“Whether he likes it or not, I’m afraid.”
The man chuckled and gave her an approving nod. “I think you may be exactly what he needs.”
“Ash, this is Christina.”
Ash. The man who had sent her the money.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He inclined his head respectfully.
“Ash is the reason this whole place exists.” Her husband raised a goading brow. “Isn’t that right, old chap?”
“I’m certainly the man who holds the keys.”
“Oof. Straight for the jugular?”
Guilt slithered in at the reminder that he’d lost his keys because of her. “I’m not sure he’s the one who should be punished. I’m the reason he took that money.”
“Whoa,” Giles said, holding up his hands. “Are you trying to get me signed up for another beating? That is the opposite of what I said.”
“I know it is, but it’s still true.”
Giles shook his head and looked at her with sad eyes. “No it isn’t.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. “You don’t need to protect me, Christina.”
There was a quiet squeal, and Christina turned to see a woman hurrying toward them. “You must be the new addition to the raven wives’ club!” She clapped her hands together excitedly. “I’m Daisy.” The woman threw her arms around Christina.
When she was free, she looked back at Giles for an explanation. “What is the raven wives’ club?”
He shrugged. “I’m afraid Daisy is going to have to explain that to you.”
Daisy rolled her eyes at him. “We call all of the partners ravens. Ash, Patrick, Michael, Giles, and Fitz, my husband. And there are certain things that come with being married to them that most women wouldn’t understand. Like the constant worrying and around the clock security.”
That only created more confusion. She definitely didn’t have those things. “I didn’t realize I was joining a club.”
Everyone around her laughed, but was she supposed to laugh with them? She wasn’t entirely sure the woman wasn’t simply mad, and they were all just placating her delusions.
“Daisy, this is my wife, Christina.”
“I’m so happy to meet you, Christina.” She held out a hand. “Let’s go up and find Gwen. We’ll show you around Raven Row while the men have their meeting.”
“Is that alright?” she asked Giles.
“Only a fool would argue with Daisy.”
“We’ll make sure she’s taken care of, Giles. And McKinnon will be with us, so you’ve no need to worry.”
Nervously, she took Daisy’s hand, but finally, she was going to learn something about this mysterious part of her husband’s life.