Page 65 of A Raven Repents

She talked with Lucy for another half-hour before Giles returned. “I hope you haven’t told her all of my darkest secrets, Lucy. You ladies know everything that happens around here.”

She shrugged. “I’m afraid I’m not privy to very many secrets yet.”

He held out a hand to Christina. “Are you ready to see it in all its glory?”

“You look awfully excited for being so stubborn about bringing me here.”

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have been. I think you’ll enjoy it.” He led her up the stairs where the Lady Ravens had gone. Down hallways, and through doors that were immediately locked behind them. And finally, into a room where two other men stood leaning against a half-wall, looking over the side. It was dark, but light filtered up from below.

“You’ve already met Ash, but I don’t believe you’ve met Allister, our head of security.”

“Mrs. Henderson,” he said with a nod.

With all the hulking men around the place, she would have expected the head of security to be larger. But he was surprisingly average. “I guess that means you’re the one who makes sure everyone is safe?”

“I certainly try.”

Giles placed his hand at her back and led her up to the half-wall to join them. She was nearly bowled over by the onslaught. Music played from the far corner, cards were shuffled and dealt with ease, dice were thrown, followed by a loud round of cheering. Even the barman seemed to be performing a kind of dance as he poured. The Lady Ravens stood in a group off to the side, moving in synchrony. Their masks made it impossible to discern one from another. They used their oversized feathered fans to hide their decolletage, allowing it to be visible for only short increments, making it all the more enticing.

A group of men groaned around a long table, and she laughed. “Does that mean they just lost?”

“Usually,” Giles said quietly beside her.

“Is that Fitz?” She pointed to a man who was walking about the floor, stopping at each table to converse with the men around it.

“Yes.”

“And is that what you do when you’re working? Socialize with the guests?”

Giles laughed softly. “That’s what it looks like. But it’s more than that. Whoever is on the floor is in charge of making sure everyone is behaving themselves and having a good time.”

“This is incredible.” The light sparkled against his eyes, making them stand out in the darkness. “You are incredible.”

Desire filled the space between them, and a charged moment passed before he cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, I’m just going to walk her out.”

He didn’t take her back the way they’d come in. Instead, he led her down a different set of stairs. Raucousness floated through the curtain at the end of the hall. That must be the gaming floor. But Giles went the opposite way.

He stopped suddenly, looking both ways, then backed her against the wall and claimed her lips. She moaned as his tongue slipped into her mouth. It only lasted a moment before he wrenched himself away from her. “I hope you won’t mind if I wake you when I get home later.”

“You’d better.” She reached around and squeezed his backside. Even in trousers, it was irresistible.

He gave her one more, quick kiss, and led her to the door.

“Good evening, Doyle.”

“Boss,” he said with a nod. “Donoghue has a cab waiting for you down at the end.”

“Thank you.” Giles took her hand and led her briskly down to the end of the alley.

“This is Donoghue. He’s going to see you safely home.”

“You’re not taking me?”

“No, I’m sorry. I have to work.”

It seemed obvious now, but for some reason she had assumed he would take her home, and then come back. She’d been hoping for at least another kiss, but she’d have to wait.

He helped her to step up, and Donoghue sat beside her, but she wasn’t ready yet.