Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

W hen Gwen woke the following morning, he was still there beside her. His warmth and his spicy scent wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. She shamelessly threw an arm and a leg over him and snuggled herself against him.

“Mmmm. Don’t make me wake up,” she mumbled. “I’m enjoying this.”

His chest shook with a soft chuckle, but he just rubbed her shoulder. Eventually, she opened her eyes and smiled up at him.

“You’re still here.”

“And I’m glad I am. Otherwise, I would have missed that lovely smile.” He rewarded her with an affectionate smile of his own. Her heart stumbled a bit, warnings flashing in her brain. She knew she was setting herself up for heartbreak with Ash, but these moments would make it all worth it. Or at least, that’s what she told herself. She’d have these times to look back on forever, once he was gone. And he would be gone, at least emotionally. Once they returned to Raven House, he would put his walls back up and separate himself from her. He’d have to. But for now, she had him here, in her arms, and in her heart.

“We need to talk, and if we do it here in my bed, no one would dare to interrupt us.”

“Well, that sounds ominous. Should I be worried?”

He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Nothing to worry about. I just want to tell you some things before you hear them from someone else.”

She nodded, trepidation settling in her stomach, despite his assurances.

“Warwick is going to be arrested today.”

“For what he did to that maid?”

“No, unfortunately, the only punishment he’ll get for that is the black eye and broken ribs I provided yesterday.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear he’s at least in some pain.”

Ash chuckled. “I didn’t have you down as someone who enjoys violence.”

“That poor girl will never be the same because of him. So if that’s not the reason he’s being arrested, then why?”

A brief shadow passed over his face before he answered. “He’s been providing fake marriages for people.”

Gwen gasped, pressing a hand over her mouth. Bile tried to make its way up her throat. She swallowed, forcing it down along with the anguish that flooded through her.

“Do you mean my marriage?”

His eyes held the answer as they filled with sorrow, but he nodded anyway.

“I knew he was somehow familiar, but I still just can’t place where I could have seen him. It’s like he’s just not quite right.”

“It was probably his brother you’re remembering. I haven’t seen the man, but presumably they share some resemblance. He’s an actual vicar and is the one who has been performing these sham weddings.”

He was right. It was the vicar. She hadn’t really paid that much attention to him at the time, she’d been fixated on Greg, but now she could remember him. Fear and anger knotted inside her belly. “Do you mean there are others like me?”

“I’m afraid so.”

She was scared to ask, but she needed to know. “How many others?”

“We don’t know yet, but this has been going on for years, so it won’t be only a few.”

Tears ran, unbidden, from her eyes. She wasn’t entirely sure why she was crying. Was it pain knowing that other women had been through what she had? Or relief that she wasn’t alone?

“I’m so sorry, Gwen. If I had been here to take care of my responsibilities rather than running off to build my ridiculous raven empire, perhaps I could have prevented all of it.” He rolled so he could wrap both of his arms around her.

After a moment, she slowly pushed him back so she could look into his eyes. “If you had been here, Ash, who would have rescued me from the streets in the first place? What other man would have allowed me to pick his pockets, and then rather than seeing me punished for the deed, given me warmth, food, shelter, and a soft place to lay my head?”

He closed his eyes for a moment before a small, tentative smile grew on his lips. “You were the cutest little pickpocket, though.”

Gwen pressed herself back into his embrace. Life had been so difficult before she’d met him that day. When her father died, all he’d left her with was debt. She’d quickly found herself on the streets, and somehow, she’d been successful enough at picking pockets that she’d never had to resort to selling her body. And then, that day, she’d seen Ash. Immaculately pressed and groomed, dressed in his usual black from head to toe, sunlight gleaming off his perfectly shined shoes. His raven topped cane swung as he walked and a ring adorned his little finger. On that particular day, she’d had no idea who he was, but she’d seen him look at an expensive watch, and slip it into his pocket. That was what she was going to take, and she had thought she’d succeeded, until he’d whirled around and snatched her wrist.

“That ridiculous raven empire saved my life. It is your legacy, Ash. I know this is your title and your lineage, but it isn’t all that you are. The good you’ve done in Raven Row, the lost souls you’ve saved and the women you’ve lifted up and given an opportunity for a better life, that will live on even long after you’ve gone.”

Ash pressed a lingering kiss against her forehead. “Thank you, Gwen. That may be the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

It broke her heart that he couldn’t see what a good man he was. Although, perhaps that’s why he was so good. She obviously wasn’t going to convince him, no matter how hard she tried, so she steered the conversation back to where it had begun.

“Will others be arrested for this marriage scheme, as well? I guess what I’m really asking is, will Greg be arrested?”

“Not if I get to him first.” His voice was hard and as cold as ice. There were moments she’d glimpsed this side of him. The side that everyone in Raven Row seemed to know was there, but few had ever actually seen. If you had an ounce of sense, you didn’t cross Ash, and you certainly didn’t harm someone who was under his protection.

“Will you really kill him?” She spoke softly, a nervousness filling her belly.

“Without a moment’s hesitation.”

Gwen swallowed. “What if I don’t want you to?”

Ash leaned back, his eyes scouring her face. “I know you cared for him, Gwen, but he’s been nothing but an abuser to you. He led you straight into hell with his lies. If he had succeeded in getting you pregnant, what do you think would have happened after the baby was born?”

“I don’t know.” She’d never taken a moment to think about that. Until just a couple of days ago, he was her husband as far as she’d been concerned.

Ash’s expression clouded with anger. “He would have stolen your child and abandoned you.”

Nausea roiled in her stomach. How could she have been so naive? How could she have fallen for his falsehoods and his fake charm?

Ash’s warm hand brushed soothingly along her arm. “I will see that he’s punished for all the pain he caused you, Gwen. I promise.”

“But he’s not the reason I don’t want you to kill him, Ash. It’s you.”

His brows lowered in confusion. “You don’t need to worry, Gwen. He won’t hurt me. I’ve handled worse than him.”

“But what of your soul?”

His answering laughter was filled with cynicism. “My soul is long past hope of redemption.”

“Don’t say that.”

He ignored her plea and instead pressed another kiss against her forehead. “I need to get up and face the day, but you are welcome to laze around in my bed for a while longer if you’d like.”

“Do you have to leave right away again?”

“I have a few things to take care of, but I won’t be away all day today.”

“Is there any chance there’s a library in this house? A book would really help with the boredom.”

“There most certainly is, and a grand one at that.”

“Do you mind if I have a look around in there?”

“You’re not a prisoner here, Gwen. You are free to do whatever you’d like.”

* * *

Christ. Ash was in trouble. He sat at the desk in his study, staring down at paperwork but not really seeing it. All he could see was Gwen. He needed to finish up here and get back to Raven Row where everything could return to normal.

It wasn’t even just Gwen, everything in his life seemed to be changing. He seemed to be changing. Sleeping with Gwen in his arms and pleasuring her in his lap.

So much for his rules.

Showing his scars to Trent, a virtual stranger. No one ever saw his scars, aside from his valet. Even Patrick and Michael had only ever seen glimpses of them. But he hadn’t wanted Trent to be under any illusions that their father might have been a good man. He needed to know the truth. And then there was Fogg. Ash still wasn’t sure what he was going to do with him. He’d gone back to arrange Warwick’s arrest, which was for the better. Ash needed to put some other things to rest before he could decide Fogg’s fate. Benson had been taking excellent care of him, although he still looked a bit haunted every time he saw Ash’s back. He just couldn’t see Benson at Raven House, though. He belonged in a country estate.

Just then, Fogg appeared in the doorway of his study looking unusually trepidatious.

“They’re here to take Warwick.”

Ash nodded, and slid the paperwork he was looking at into the right hand drawer. He followed Fogg from the room.

“Do they know about Gwen?”

Fogg shook his head. “I removed her name, and his, from the list I gave them. I assumed you’d want to deal with him yourself and that you wouldn't want Gwen’s name dragged into this mess.”

Ash nodded. “Thank you.” This was why he didn’t know what to do with Fogg. He’d never been anything but loyal. If any other servant had laid hands on him, they’d have been gone, immediately, but Fogg was more than just his valet.

Ash greeted the officers and then watched in disgust as they escorted Warwick through the entrance hall. He was still going on about how he hadn’t done anything and that maid was a whore, until they explained that he was actually being arrested for facilitating fraudulent marriages. His eyes bulged at the words and he finally went quiet as they led him out the front door.

One man stayed behind and came to stand beside Fogg.

“My lord, this is Simon Allister, the man who’s been leading the investigation into Warwick and his associates.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lord. I am in your debt for helping to bring this all together and for detaining the main perpetrator so that we could simply come and collect him.”

“It’s unfortunate that Fogg wouldn’t allow me to just kill the blackguard.”

Allister chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’ll be sure he gets what he deserves.”

“What kind of punishment is he looking at?”

Allister shrugged. “The church, and therefore the crown, takes this sort of thing very seriously. Suffice it to say, he won’t be a problem again.”

Ash nodded. “Glad to hear it.”

“Before I go, my lord, I was hoping that, sometime in the near future, you and I could have a conversation. The intelligence services have a proposition for you.”

Ash raised a skeptical brow. “Somehow I doubt that the intelligence services really want help from someone like me. Besides, I will be returning to my club in London, as soon as possible.”

“The proposition involves your club, my lord.”

What was this? Ash didn’t like surprises, especially ones that felt a bit suspicious. “Well then, you know where to find me when I’m back in London.”

“Thank you, my lord.” He bowed before turning and nodding at Ash’s valet. “Fogg.”

The man left, but Fogg didn’t follow. “Are you not going with him?” Ash asked.

Fogg hesitated before answering. “I wasn’t planning on it.” He inhaled a nervous breath. Nervous was not something Fogg often seemed to be. “Can we talk, Ash?”

“I suppose we ought to,” Ash said gruffly. He turned and stalked back toward his study. This was a necessary conversation, but one Ash wasn’t sure he was ready for yet.

He sat down behind his desk while Fogg closed the door.

“I know you’re angry with me, Ash.”

“I’m not angry with you, Fogg.” He paused for a moment. “Alright, that’s not true. I am bloody furious. But I’m also conflicted, and I don’t know what to do with you.”

“I know it doesn’t change what I did, but I am sorry. I made a mistake, Ash. An inexcusable mistake.”

“A day and a half you were gone, and when you return, you’re suddenly questioning my judgment and putting your hands on me?” He stared directly into the man’s eyes. “What am I supposed to do with that, Fogg?”

Fogg wrapped his arms around his stomach, as if physically protecting himself would also protect him from his emotions. For anyone else, Fogg was difficult to read, but Ash’s livelihood depended on reading people, and he’d known Fogg a long time. Right now, the man was genuinely remorseful, and uncharacteristically scared.

“My actions were unacceptable, but my heart was in the right place, Ash.”

“I know that. You wouldn’t be sitting here otherwise. But your job has never been, and will never be, to protect me from my own actions.”

“I understand. I also understand if you have to let me go, but I can promise, if you do keep me on, I’ll never do something like that again.”

“Damnit, Fogg!” Ash slammed his palm against the top of the desk and the man jumped. “Why did you put me in this position?”

“I’m sorry, Ash.”

It was obvious he was, but that didn’t make it any easier.

“Is it truly a one-off? Or have you just gotten too big for your britches? Because you sure were comfortable slamming me, bodily, into a chair.”

“Perhaps I did become a bit full of myself, but it was a momentary lapse, and I won’t let it happen again.”

Ash let out a long sigh. Fogg had clearly been humbled by this experience, which was good. He really didn’t want to lose him. Despite his actions, Ash didn’t question his loyalty.

“See that it doesn’t,” he said quietly.

Fogg nodded, but it took a moment for the meaning of the words to sink in. His eyes flicked to Ash’s face, his breathing accelerating. “Does that… does that mean I can stay?”

“Yes.”

Fogg exhaled a huff of relief. “Thank you, Ash. I promise I won’t make you regret it.”

Ash nodded once. “Let’s not talk any more about it. It’s in the past now.”

“Thank you.”

“So what happened to the footman I left you with?”

“I let him go back to work. I assume you scared him straight.”

“Me? You’re the one who threatened to cut out his tongue and send it to his mother.”

Fogg chuckled. “I did, didn’t I?” He shrugged. “I wanted to be sure he wouldn’t tell anyone what I’d just done to you.”

“I think you accomplished that. I suppose I should probably talk to the poor young man and assure him he’s not going to meet a violent end. He’s probably scared half to death working here now.”

Fogg shrugged. “Perhaps, but I bet he’ll never steal from you again.”

Ash shook his head. He preferred his employees to not be terrified of him. “Now, what have you managed to discover about the man who took advantage of Gwen?”

“Well, we know the address where he was living from the letters, but he seems to have run off and gone into hiding. I have assigned someone to watch the house, as well as his townhouse in London. He’s going to be a little bit tricky to… see to.”

Ash raised a brow. “Why is that?”

“He’s the third son of a very wealthy baron. Which seems to be the reason for this whole charade. Apparently, in order to inherit anything, he has to produce at least one son. He’s been married for five years with no offspring.”

“It seems like a lot of effort to procure a child. There are plenty of desperate women, pregnant out of wedlock and happy to sell their baby.”

Fogg shrugged. “Perhaps he was set on it being from his own loins?”

“Or perhaps he saw an opportunity to live out some depraved fantasy.”

“I don’t know any of the details of what occurred with Gwen while he had her.”

“She has marks on her body, and he’s been forcing himself on her for a year in an attempt to get her pregnant.”

A shadow settled over Fogg’s eyes and a muscle ticked beside his eye. He loathed mistreatment of women as much as Ash. They were kindred spirits in that regard.

“We’ll find him, Ash, and baron’s son or not, we’ll deal with him.”

“I”—Ash pointed to his chest—“will personally see to him. Make sure everyone knows that. He needs to still be alive and conscious when I meet him. I want to see the fear and pain on his face as I inflict it.” A shiver raced through Ash’s body as rage washed over him.

“Understood.”

There was a knock at the door. “Come,” Ash called.

Moulton opened the door. “My lord, you have a visitor. A Mr. Gibson. I’ve put him and the child in the blue drawing room.”

The announcement raised his spirits immensely. “Excellent, Moulton. I’ll be down shortly. Please see that they have tea and some scones or something to eat.”

“Yes, my lord.” He bowed and was gone.

Fogg’s brow was raised, but he didn’t say a word.

“Don’t you dare to start walking on eggshells, Fogg.”

He chuckled. “Very well. Who the devil is here to see you? And with a child?”

“That’s more like it.” Ash shrugged. “Turns out I have a half-brother.”

“When were you going to tell me about that?”

“When you decided to stop being a prat.”

Fogg choked on a laugh. “Touché.”