Page 1 of A Raven Revived (The Raven’s Den #4)

Chapter One

B ollocks. Another winning hand? The last thing Fitz wanted was to draw attention to himself.

He picked up his winnings and his drink and wandered to a different table, his gaze passing over every inch of the place, taking it in. They must turn a healthy profit.

Originally, he’d intended to open his own club, but in the short time he’d been here, he’d grown to really like The Raven’s Den. Everything about it was perfect. Luxurious surroundings, beautiful women on display, good liquor, and even the raven theme seemed just right.

One of the best things about this particular gaming hell was the prohibition of titles. That meant third sons like himself were treated the same as any earl that sat down beside him. The only thing that mattered within these walls was money, and he had plenty of that.

Fortunately, his luck turned at the craps table.

One of the owners sauntered over to the table. Long blond hair tied back at his nape, this one was named Michael. Fitz had at least done enough probing to learn their names. There were four owners, but the leader of their group was apparently a man called Ash. He didn’t spend much time on the gaming floor, but supposedly he often made an appearance to bring the night to a close. Fitz had yet to see him.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” Michael said to the group spread around the table. “I hope the dice are treating you all well tonight.”

Fitz nodded his response and raised his glass in greeting with the rest of the men, but even with the cheers that rose up as the dice landed, he didn’t miss Michael’s eyes settling on him for a moment. Try as he might to be discreet, he must have caught someone’s attention. Perhaps tonight it would be best for him to leave early rather than waiting for closing time. He stayed for a few more rolls of the dice before cashing in his remaining chips.

He threw back the last of his brandy and dropped his winnings into the receptacle for tips for the Lady Ravens. They all bent and blew a kiss in his direction. There was something enticing about their synchronized movements, not to mention their decolletage on full display as they leaned forward. Low cut dresses, masks, and fans, all black and feathered in homage to their raven mascot. Perfect. The place was perfect.

He made his way reluctantly through the door and out into the dark night. He’d barely made it ten feet before a large hand wrapped around his upper arm.

“Why don’t we take a walk?” It was one of the many oversized bouncers he’d seen in and around The Raven’s Den.

Fitz let out a long sigh but didn’t put up a fight. Another large man came up on his other side and they escorted him into a nearby alley.

“Look, gents. I wasn’t cheating. I just had a string of good luck. I made sure you won most of it back before I left, and anything extra I gave to the ladies.” They pushed him against the wall. Wonderful. Just what he needed was a beating.

A deep voice spoke from the shadows.

“I didn’t think you had been cheating.” A man stepped into the light that filtered in from the main street, dressed in black from head to toe and carrying a raven topped cane.

This was Ash.

“But I’ve been watching you as you’ve sat in my club every night for a week. Your eyes have surveyed every inch of the place, so I thought I’d give you a warning. If you are thinking about trying to rob my club, just know that you will not make it out alive.”

Fitz choked on something akin to a laugh. “I don’t doubt that, but I can assure you, I have no intention of trying to rob you, Ash.”

“Well then, perhaps you can explain yourself, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

Ah, so Ash had already been looking into him. Tonight wasn’t the first night he’d been noticed then. “My friends call me Fitz. You may do the same.”

Pure disdain fell over Ash’s features. “Are we friends now then, Fitz?”

He chuckled. Somehow, Ash was exactly what he would have expected, and he liked him already. “I’d like to think we might be eventually. I had hoped to have this conversation over a drink, but I suppose this will have to do. I’d like to invest in your club. I find I enjoy everything about it.”

Ash raised a haughty brow. “I only do business with people who are loyal to me.”

“And what makes you think I wouldn’t be?”

The man’s eyes narrowed, but eventually he gave a slow nod. “Well then, Fitz, deliver to me pertinent information about yourself so that I may look into you and your background. If I’m interested after that, perhaps we’ll talk.”

Well that was promising. At least, he hoped it was. “I will make that happen. Thank you.”

With barely a move of Ash’s chin, the men let him go. “In the meantime, I don’t want to see you in my club again.”

“Oh come now. I’ve quite enjoyed my time there. Lord knows, I’ve given you plenty of my money.”

“You have, and thank you. But if you only want to invest for the money, this isn’t the club for you. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Fitz.” And with that, the three men left him alone in the dark alley.

What did that mean? Of course he wanted to invest for the money.

He headed for the tavern next to the inn where he was staying. Anderson would likely be there. Although it was a bit unconventional, his solicitor had become his closest friend. He’d had a few chums at school, but since leaving Cambridge, Fitz had mostly been a lone wolf. Anderson was of a similar nature and followed him around on his adventures as he looked for ways to spend his fortune. The man could also uncover anything about anyone, which was extremely useful when investing and undoubtedly accounted for much of Fitz’s success.

“Just the man I was hoping to find,” Fitz said as he seated himself across from his solicitor.

“You’re back early tonight.”

He shrugged. “I was having too much good luck.”

Anderson laughed. “Only you would complain about winning money.”

“I got to meet the infamous Ash tonight, though. He was exactly what I would have expected.”

“Was he open to your investment offer?”

“He had me escorted into a dark alley. Apparently, he thought I was studying the place so I could rob them.”

Anderson choked on his brandy as he laughed. “Not off to a good start then.”

Fitz shrugged. “Actually, he asked me to get him information about myself and my past so that he can look into me, so I think perhaps it was.”

He gave an impressed nod and raised his glass.

“I need more information about them. I barely even know their names, and obviously Ash is as much his name as Fitz is mine.”

Anderson nodded. “I’ll see what I can dig up.”

* * *

After being cooped up for almost two weeks with a cold, Daisy was thrilled to finally be out with Belle and Rosie, enjoying a sunny spring day. Rosie’s belly was growing more rounded by the day, and she wanted to get a few more things for the baby.

“How’s your mother doing at Langley Hall?” Daisy asked her. Up until a few weeks ago, she’d been the manager to all the Lady Ravens, but now that Ash was married, Gwen had taken over that role giving Sarah the chance to be a doting grandmother, instead.

Rosie blew out a sigh but smiled. “Don’t misunderstand me, I am happy to have her support, but she never stops fretting.”

“Aww, you can’t really blame her,” Belle said. “You’re her only daughter, and on top of that, she’ll soon be a grandmother.”

Rosie nodded. “I know, and I do love her so.” She rubbed a hand over her stomach. “At least I know this child will be surrounded by people who love them.”

Daisy squeezed her hand. “They will be loved by so many people they won't know what to do with it all.”

“You won’t mind if we call you Aunt Daisy, right?” she asked.

“I’d better be Aunt Daisy. And to yours too, Belle.” Her pregnancy wasn’t far behind Rosie’s.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They may only be friends, but she loved these women like sisters, even if they were married to her employers.

“Lady Jane!” a man's voice called from behind them.

A brick dropped into Daisy’s stomach, and as the blood drained from her head, a wave of dizziness swept over her. Jane was a common name. He could have been calling for someone else. What wasn’t common was a lady in Raven Row, present company excluded. But no one here knew her as Lady Jane. Not even the people she was closest to. It had been three years since she’d run from her old life, but it would seem someone had finally found her.

Without looking back, she lifted her skirts and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she turned up the nearest alley, but she wasn’t fast enough. Pounding footsteps grew closer until suddenly, his hands clamped onto her shoulders.

He spun her around and stared into her face, and for some reason, her stupid heart tripped over itself.

“Lady Jane. You’re alive.” His beautiful emerald eyes were wide with disbelief. Eyes she used to dream about.

“I don’t know who you’re referring to,” she stammered desperately as she tried to pull herself free of his grip. She knew, of course. She knew who he was, as well. Gerard Fitzwilliam. Youngest brother of the powerful man she’d jilted. Although, to her, he’d always been just Fitz.

His eyes narrowed and he shook his head. “I’d recognize you anywhere.”

She’d run from that life three years ago, intent on never looking back. “Gerard, please. You never saw me.”

His brow furrowed with confusion, but before he could say anything else, he was slammed back against the wall. Isaac, Belle’s bodyguard. She’d forgotten he was even with them. Daisy started to run, but Isaac shouted at her.

“Stay!”

Fitz used the brief distraction to get loose.

“Damn it!” Isaac cursed as the man sprinted away. He turned quickly back to Daisy. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”

She shook her head, saying nothing for a few moments. “He didn’t hurt me,” she managed eventually. Her entire body was beginning to tremble. How was he here? How had he found her? What was she going to do?

Daisy was shuffled along as Isaac herded the three women together and ushered them in the direction of Raven House. Panic pushed her heart to beat ever harder. Her head whipped from side to side. She needed to hide, to get away. She couldn’t stay here now that her family would know where to find her. Isaac’s hand suddenly wrapped around her upper arm.

“Don’t wander off. We’re going back to Raven House.”

She shook her head frantically. “I can’t. I need to go. I have to run.”

She tried to do just that, but when she attempted to pull out of Isaac’s grip, he shook his head with a sigh and scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

“You two, move, now,” he said to Belle and Rosie in a tone that brooked no argument.

Daisy stopped fighting, her mind suddenly focusing on strange things that didn’t really matter. What did one do with one’s arms when slung over the shoulder of a man? Letting them dangle didn’t seem right. She couldn’t really fold them. Ultimately, she opted for wrapping them around his chest. At least that kept her from flopping about so much.

Soon, they were at the gates of Raven House, and Isaac was giving instructions to the doormen before carrying her inside. She shouldn’t have come back here. If Fitz had seen or followed, she would no longer be safe.

Isaac slowly placed her on her feet, holding her shoulders to keep her steady. It was as if her ears had quit working. Belle and Rosie fretted about her, but she couldn’t understand what they were saying. She just kept shaking her head. This couldn’t be happening. They couldn’t have found her here.

Her father would come for her. He’d force her to acquiesce to the marriage contract. Or worse. She sprinted for the door, but Isaac’s arm wrapped around her waist.

“I’m sorry, but you have to stay here for now.”

There was a loud thundering noise, which turned out to be Ash, Patrick, Michael, and Giles all galloping down the stairs. They’d come from their weekly meeting at The Raven’s Den, and immediately surrounded her. Ash placed his hands gently on her shoulders and stared into her eyes, forcing her to focus.

“Are you alright?” His voice was soothing and her heart gradually began to slow its breakneck rhythm.

Eventually, she nodded. Nothing had even happened, and yet all of these men had rushed to her aid, not hesitating to make her their first priority. She’d stumbled into this place three years ago, and with almost no questions, they had all simply taken her in as one of their own and kept her safe. They’d given her a place to live, food, clothing, and a job she loved, as a Lady Raven. She didn’t want to leave this. But she’d have to now. Tears began to well in her eyes.

Ash continued to gaze down at her. “What do you need right now, Daisy?”

She closed her eyes for a moment, a single tear escaping from the corner. She didn’t want to face any of this, but she didn’t have a choice. Her past had caught up with her whether she wanted to deal with it or not. Eventually, she met Ash’s gaze once more. “Can we speak privately? Just the two of us?”

He nodded without hesitation. “Of course.” As he ushered her away from everyone else, she could feel their eyes on her back as she entered his office. They undoubtedly continued to stare, even after the door had closed behind her. Ash made sure she was settled before seating himself on the opposite side of the desk.

“I’m sorry, Ash. I didn’t mean to create such a stir.”

“You haven’t done anything wrong, Daisy. Just tell me what happened.”

“The truth is, nothing really happened.”

Ash’s mouth drew into a thin line. “I’m not completely daft, Daisy. You looked ready to faint by the time I arrived.”

Daisy let out a long sigh and looked down at her hands in her lap. “I suppose what I meant was, he didn’t do anything to me.” She raised her eyes to meet Ash’s. “I had hoped to never have to do this. I wish I could stay just Daisy forever.” She nibbled nervously on the inside of her cheek. “But somehow I always knew this day would come, or at least, I feared it would. My name isn’t Daisy. My real name is Lady Jane Daisy Kemp, and that man recognized me.” Just saying the words was a struggle. She didn’t want any of it to be real.

“Well, I suppose you’d better tell me how you came to be here, then, Daisy.”

Her heart warmed and she smiled appreciatively at Ash. She was still Daisy here, with him.

“Three years ago, on the eve of what was supposed to be my wedding day, I ran. I just ran.” She breathed a long sigh. “I should have been happy to marry Geoffrey, I suppose. He was heir to a powerful earldom, after all. But he was originally betrothed to my older sister. After she drowned, I was suddenly the eldest daughter, which was written in the marriage contract, so it became my duty to fulfill the terms. Geoffrey was always so cold and unfeeling toward me, as if I were some annoyance he had to endure when in my presence. I couldn’t spend the rest of my life with someone like that. So I ran. No plan, no money, no clothes except the ones on my body.” She breathed in a shaky breath at the memory of the fear that had pushed her forward. “Eventually, I saw women coming and going from this place. They seemed to be happy and safe, so out of desperation, I decided to come here. But after a few days without food, I merely collapsed outside the gates.” She shrugged. “You know the rest.”

Ash’s brows dipped a bit. “What about your family? Your parents?”

She shrugged again. “I assume they believe me to be dead. Gerard obviously had.”

“Gerard is the man who recognized you today?”

Daisy nodded, but wasn’t sure what else to say. The truth was, he was one of the reasons she’d decided not to marry. Her heart had longed for Fitz in a way it never had for Geoffrey, and being wed to his brother would have been a kind of torture.

“And who is he to you?”

“He is Geoffrey’s youngest brother.”

“Don’t you think your family would like to know that you are alive and well?”

A panicked laugh bubbled up from her and she shook her head almost violently. “Lady Jane being dead is the best thing for everyone involved. By jilting Geoffrey, I will have brought scandal and shame down on two powerful families. If my father discovers the truth of where I’ve been all this time, he’ll likely have me committed to an asylum.” He had threatened that very thing when she’d said she didn’t want to wed Geoffrey. “I can’t go back there, Ash.”

Ash came around the desk and crouched beside her taking her hands in his. “You’re safe here, Daisy, even if this Gerard fellow does tell your family you’re here.”

“My father is a powerful man, Ash.”

Ash raised his brow. “Have you forgotten who you work for?” Daisy was one of the few people here who knew the truth about Ash and the others.

“Sometimes I forget you’re all from that world, too. But even still…”

“Now, tell me this man’s full name, and I’ll see if my men can track him down and convince him to keep your secret.”

“No! Don’t hurt him!” The words tumbled out of her in a rush.

Ash’s eyes widened and then he nodded with some kind of understanding. “So perhaps a bit more than just the brother of the man you were supposed to wed.”

She shrugged and eventually nodded. “Perhaps he was once.”

He watched her for a moment before speaking again. “You’re safe here, Daisy.” He looked into her eyes. “Do you believe me?”

“Mostly.”

“We won’t let anything happen to you. You have my word, and I hope by now, you know what that means.”

She sighed. It was hard to convince herself he was right, but Ash didn’t give his word lightly. “Thank you, Ash.” Her heartbeat was finally almost back to normal.

He squeezed her hand. “If you don’t feel like working tonight, you don’t have to.”

“I do want to work. It will help to keep my mind off everything else.”

“Very well. I’ll fill in the others so you won’t have to repeat your story.”

He opened the door and Gwen immediately wrapped a protective arm around her.

“She’d like to work tonight, but why don’t you take her to her room for now?”

“Of course,” Gwen said with a nod.

“See if you can help her find her smile. She seems to have lost it somewhere.”

His words made her do that very thing.

“There it is. Not lost after all.” He gave her a wink and she laughed softly.

Gwen shepherded her away from the crowd of onlookers and down the long corridor to her room.

Only a short time ago, they had shared this room, both of them Lady Ravens. But when Gwen married Ash, she moved upstairs into his private quarters.

Daisy looked around the room. She didn’t want to leave this place. It was her home. With a sigh, she sat on the side of her bed. Gwen settled herself in the nearby chair.

“Do you want to tell me what happened?”

Reluctantly, she shared the same story she’d told Ash.

“I’ve probably just overreacted,” she said once she’d finished.

“Don’t be silly. Of course you haven’t. I understand more than most what it’s like to have someone out there you’re terrified might find you.”

Daisy nodded. “I suppose you do.”

Gwen reached for one of her hands. “You're safe here, Daisy.”