Page 54 of A Raven Repents

“His name is Michael. And I believe so, yes. Unless he’s otherwise engaged.”

“I don’t want you to.”

Giles looked at the butler. “Will you please leave us, Pearson?”

He gave a quick nod, and he and the footman both left the dining room, closing the door behind them.

Giles walked around the table and pulled out the chair beside her. “I’ll walk you up, and Winnie will be there with you if you don’t wish to be alone.”

“I’m not afraid of being alone, Giles. But is Michael really going to beat you?”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry, he won’t leave any lasting damage. I’ll be sure my lips are still perfectly kissable.”

“It’s not funny, Giles, and I’ll not allow it.”

“You’ll not allow it?” It was time to head her off before she started shouting at him. He leaned close, and slipped his fingers into her hair, holding her tightly in place. “Are you challenging me?”

Her voice was immediately breathless. “You’re messing up my hair.”

He pulled her head back, trailing his tongue all the way up her throat. He gazed into her eyes before plunging into her mouth. She gave a soft whimper.

“Did you enjoy last night?” He flicked her earlobe with his tongue.

“We’re in the dining room, Giles. Anyone could walk in.”

“I’m not suggesting we repeat it on the table. Although, that does sound tempting. But if you want something equally enjoyable tonight, I suggest you obey me.”

Her breathing was rapid, but her lips thinned. “You are impossible to deny. Do you know that?”

“It was you who told me to fight fire with kissing.” He winked, and pressed a last, brief kiss to her lips. “I’ll walk you up.”

He didn’t dare to cross the threshold to her room, lest he forget all about Michael. He stopped, and lifted her hand to his lips.

“You’d best not keep me waiting too long,” she said before letting go of him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Chapter

Thirteen

Michael was waiting for him when he entered the sitting room a few minutes later. His stomach tightened. As nonchalant as he’d acted about the whole thing with Christina, he wasn’t looking forward to this. Michael had every reason to be angry with him.

“I take it you got a report of my behavior from Isaac?”

“Of course I did. But you can relax. I’m too tired to give you a beating tonight. Even if you are deserving of one.”

“I’m sorry, Michael. I know I’ve been nothing but a disappointment lately.”

Michael handed him a glass of port. “I don’t need an apology. Just as long as you’ve groveled adequately to Christina.”

Giles took a drink and settled into the chair with a sigh. “I don’t know if I can ever make it right, but I am trying. I was an absolute blackguard to her, Michael. Part of me was hoping you would give me a beating.”

“Now that, I do understand.” He sat down and set his glass of barley water on the side table. “Have you tried letting her hit you?”

“What?”

“I did that with Belle.”