Page 55 of A Raven Repents

“You did not.”

“I did.” He shook his head and sighed. “I made so many mistakes with her in the early days. I still do, but she’s pretty good about putting me in my place when I step out of line now.”

“I need to hear more of this letting her hit you nonsense. I don’t believe it for a minute.”

Michael chuckled. He reached for his glass and took a deep swallow before sitting back in the chair. “It was early on in our marriage. I went into her bedroom after doing something to upset her. I simply stood there quietly, with my eyes closed, and allowed her to air her grievances… with her fists. It’s worth a shot,” he said with a shrug.

Perhaps it was.

“Certainly better than starting a fight with Isaac. He would have had you face down before you even realized what was happening. You’re lucky he refrained after you took a swing.”

Giles groaned. “Another person I need to apologize to.”

“It wouldn’t go amiss, but I doubt he’s expecting it.”

“How’s Belle?”

“She’s doing well.”

“And Olive?”

Michael smiled. “Perfect.”

“So how is it? Being a father, I mean.”

“It’s the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. Hopefully, you’ll experience it yourself.”

For a moment, he was rendered speechless. Stupidly, that hadn’t even occurred to him. “It’s definitely a possibility.”

Michael raised his brow. “Well, it would seem she has forgiven you then.”

“Mostly, I think.”

“And what about Ash? Has he forgiven you?”

Giles took a sip of his drink. “I don’t know. You know how it is trying to read that man. But perhaps mostly, as well. I don’t have my keys back, but he has started teasing me about it, which I think is a good sign. And he’s also tasked me with delivering important information to you.”

“Well, it sounds like you’ve become an expert at groveling.”

He nodded. “I certainly have been humbled.”

“You’re a good man, Giles. We all need to be humbled from time to time. Now what is this important information you have for me?”

Giles went over everything Ash had talked about involving Maison Rouge and Auburn Ridge. Not surprisingly, Michael was fully committed to it.

“I’ll need a few weeks, obviously. But I’m in. Both of those places are wretched, and the world will be better without them.”

The sound of hushed voices came from the hall. Michael was to his feet just as quickly, but Giles leapt over the sofa and beat him to the door, yanking it open.

Isaac and Christina both took a quick step back, shock registering on their faces.

“What in God’s name is happening here?” Giles asked. Not only had they been eavesdropping, but Christina was wearing nothing but her nightgown.

Isaac held up his hands and took another step back.

“A word, Isaac.” Michael’s voice was quiet, but left no room for questioning.

“Yes, boss.”