Page 49 of A Raven Repents

“Yours will be my first, so I’m looking forward to tasting it.”

“Two orders, coming right up.”

“Three,” Giles corrected before the man turned away from the window.

A quarter hour later, Arthur handed three cones of newsprint out the window, along with a strong waft of vinegar. Giles held out some coins, but the man shook his head.

“Call it a wedding gift.”

“Don’t be silly. Take it, or I’m giving it to someone else.” He nodded his head toward the boy.

“Give it here, then. I’ll save it for a day when he’s hungry. You’re a good man, Giles.”

“Let’s not go overboard.” Giles shook his head and turned away from the window. “Share it with your brother,” he said before handing over one of the meals.

“I will, sir. Thank you.” The boy scampered off down the alley.

“Congratulations,” Arthur called from the window.

Christina turned back and gave him a wave. The place might be shadowed, and a little dingy, but somehow, it felt magical.

“It’ll be too hot to eat for a few minutes, so be careful.” He handed her one of the meals and wrapped a protective arm around her as he escorted her out of the alley.

“How often do you come down here?”

“About once a fortnight.”

“Why do you do it?”

“Because it’s the best.” He broke off a small piece of his fish and blew on it to help it cool before holding it to her lips.

“Mmmm.” It was delicious. Crispy, salty, and tangy from the vinegar. She opened her mouth for another bite, and he popped in a chip. The food was utterly blissful. “You’d better bring me with you from now on,” she said after she finished chewing. She broke off a piece of her own fish and fed it to him. “But that’s not really what I meant. You paid that boy to shine your shoes when you have a valet at home you already pay to do it. And you fed him, even though he isn’t your responsibility.”

“If not my responsibility, then whose? The boy needs to eat, and I’m fortunate enough to never have to wonder where my next meal might come from.”

She took another bite of the scrumptious fish, pondering all this new information about her husband. “And what about the women? Taking them in off the streets and giving them a chance at a better life?”

He looked a bit bashful. “I don’t get to take much credit for that. The Raven’s Den existed long before I joined. I’ve only been a partner for a few months, but I do try to help where I can. The truth is, I didn’t join them for that. The club is amazing, and I thought it would be fun. I didn’t even know about all the good they do.” He shrugged. “Before Ash asked me if I’d like to join them, I was lost. My life had no purpose other than finding ways to entertain myself. But helping those women, and doing what we can to make Raven Row a place where others can flourish, brings my life meaning. I don’t know what I’d do without it now.”

It was probably silly, but she hoped he might one day feel that way about her. “I’m sorry I lost you your keys.”

He stopped, his gaze boring into hers. “Do I need to take hold of your hair and kiss you right here? In front of all these people? Because I will if I hear you say that again.”

Her breathing accelerated. “Is that meant to be a deterrent?” Darkness was settling around them, and she wanted him. She’d tried to ignore her burgeoning desire, but the more she learned about him, the more time she spent with him, the more impossible it became.

“Would it be more effective if I threatened to not do it?”

“Perhaps.”

“Well, that would only be a bluff. It wouldn’t be possible for me not to kiss you now that I know how incredible it is. But no more blaming yourself.” He squeezed her hand. “Please?”

She nodded. “If you’ll take me home right now so you can kiss me.”

Chapter

Twelve

The front door hadn’t even clicked shut when his lips captured hers. The searing frenzy made desire rip through her. This was still so new to her, but she wanted it. She wanted him.