Page 86 of A Raven Repents

“I’m glad you enjoy it.” The food was good, no doubt about that. But he was enjoying her company far more. He hadn’t been sure they’d be able to rekindle a friendship. He still wasn’t sure she could ever want more with him again, but if this was all he ever had, it would be enough.

When they finished, she lifted his arm over her and snuggled against him. “I’m glad you insisted on a coat.”

He pulled her closer. “If you’re cold, I’m sure Donoghue is close by with the carriage.”

She shook her head against his shoulder. “Don’t remind me. I’ve been pretending it’s just the two of us, and I want to enjoy the colors of the sunset with you.”

“I won’t argue with that.” He pulled her in a little tighter.

Gold became orange, then salmon, until it faded to indigo and darkness slowly crept in around them. He could have stayed like that forever, just holding her. But she had to be getting cold. The street lamps were brought to life one by one, glowing just enough to light their way home.

“Are you ready?” he asked her.

“I suppose.”

She continued to hold his hand all the way home. He led her upstairs to her chambers. “Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.” It was such an understatement, but he wasn’t sure how to put what he was feeling into words. He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “Goodnight, Christina.”

Chapter

Twenty

Christina went into her room without a fuss, but this was not the end of their night together. She rang for Winnie. Preparing for bed would be quicker with her help.

Dressed in a nightgown, her hair in a plait, she steeled her nerves. Without knocking, she opened the door to Giles’ bedroom and stepped inside, praying he wouldn’t send her away.

He sat on the side of his bed, dressed in his pajamas. “Christina? Is something the matter?”

“No.” She walked across to stand before him. Not knowing what to say, she pressed her lips against his instead. It was heaven. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed it. She traced the seam of his lips with her tongue, as she slipped the buttons of his pajama shirt open, one by one.

He groaned, but pulled back and took her hands in his. “Are you doing this out of some sense of obligation? There is none, Christina.”

“No, you fool. I’m doing this because I want you. Because I miss you.”

“You want me?” He shook his head. “How can you want me like this?” He pointed to his eyepatch.

Was it possible Brennan had been right? She folded her arms across her chest. “Have you been staying away because you thought I wouldn’t want you anymore?”

He nodded. “I’m not the man you married. I’m no longer whole.”

“Giles. You fool.” She blew out an exasperated breath. “It wasn’t only your eyes that drew me to you. They are beautiful, of course. But losing one of them, doesn’t make the remaining one any less so. Even still, it wasn’t those that I fell in love with. It was your heart, your kindness, your sense of humor, your protectiveness.”

“Fell in love with?” He stared into her eyes. “Are you saying you love me?”

She cupped her hand around his cheek. “Of course I do. There was just never a good time to say it. I hope, one day, you’ll be able to love me again, too.”

“I’ve never stopped loving you, sweetheart.” He pulled her down to sit on his lap. “Nothing will ever change that.”

Tears pooled in her eyes. “Not even the things my father has done to you?”

“Nothing.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. She’d been a fool too.

He sighed, and she could see him withdrawing from her. “Are you really sure you want me, though? Would it be easier if I turned out the lights?”

“Need I remind you I’m not perfect either?” She stood and pulled her nightgown over her head. “Would it be easier for you with the lights out?”

He pulled her in, pressing open-mouthed kisses over every inch of her birthmark. He drew her nipple into his mouth, then looked back up at her. “You are perfect.”