Page 52 of A Raven Repents

Somehow, she was soon stretched out beside him, his warm chest against her back, and his arms holding her tight. He even managed to pull the blanket up to tuck around them.

“What about the rest of it?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

“Greedy little thing, aren’t you?”

“I was thinking of you, actually. I am more satisfied than I ever knew was possible.”

“Then it would be a shame to ruin it with something that might hurt you.”

“But—”

“Shhh. Your body is exquisite, and I am thoroughly looking forward to being inside it again. But I will survive a night without it so that you can recover.”

She snuggled back against him, and that’s when she realized only his chest was bare. This whole thing had been solely for the purpose of bringing her pleasure.

“If you’re not careful, Mr. Henderson, I might just fall in love with you.”

Christina’s words lingered long after she’d drifted off. So powerful, they seemed to fill not only his head, but the entire room. What if she did fall in love with him? What if he fell in love with her? What if he already had? That couldn’t happen so quickly, could it?

She was incredible. He knew that much was true. And he certainly no longer regretted marrying her.

Eventually, he did sleep for an hour or two, during which, she must have crept out and donned a nightgown. For some reason, she didn’t want him to see her body. Did she still not trust him? Even after all they’d done? He rolled his eyes at the thought. A few nights of intimacy couldn’t possibly make up for all the ways he’d wronged her. She just needed more time. And in the meantime, he would savor everything she was willing to share with him.

Their train ride passed mostly in silence. A few times, pink tinged her cheeks when he looked at her, and he could guess where her mind had gone. He’d also been replaying the night’s events in his head. He was only disappointed he hadn’t been able to see them. But perhaps it wasn’t all bad. Not being able to see seemed to heighten the rest of his senses. He could still imagine her delectable flavor and aroma. He’d felt each twitch of her pleasure against his tongue. He’d enjoyed it so much, in fact, if he could, he’d do it again, right here on the train.

He shook himself. She was watching him, and her green eyes sparkled with hunger.

“Tonight,” he promised. No other explanation was necessary. It was strange how quickly he’d gone from despising her to needing her. And it wasn’t just about the sex. He liked her fire. Liked that she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him and put him in his place. She made him want to be better. Be something she could be proud of.

But first, he had to face his cousin, which had every potential to be humiliating and painful. Especially after his last visit.

“Where’s Michael?” Giles asked the footman when they walked through the front door at Glenwood.

“In his private sitting room, I believe, sir.”

“Well, into the bear’s den we go.” He took Christina’s hand and led her up the stairs.

“First you take me into the dragon’s lair and now into the bear’s den?”

He chuckled. “Thank you for braving it with me.”

“Should I be nervous?”

“No, of course not. Michael will be nothing but a gentleman with you. And perhaps protective. It’s in his nature.”

“Are you nervous?”

He laughed and there was definitely an uneasy pitch to it. “A bit, if I’m honest. I expect he’s furious with me after the way I behaved on my last visit.”

“Is that when you came to rescue me?”

He groaned at the reminder. “I definitely deserve whatever consequences I have coming after that.” He squeezed her hand, but he wasn’t sure whether it was to reassure her or himself.

Michael stood looking out the window when they entered his sitting room.

“I know I have another beating coming. A well-deserved one. But I need to introduce someone to you first.”

When Michael turned, he held a little bundle of cream colored blankets in his arms. “As it happens, there’s someone you need to meet, as well.”