Page 24 of Married to a Highland Brute

Jonan watched the council leave the room and left the keep with a renewed determination to improve life for his clan. After the men had left, the staff began bringing in their meal. Dinner was fairly blackened potatoes and a simple stew, but hisattention was diverted from them when Amelia entered the room.

She wore her hairin a bun andwas dressed in a lovely blue gown. The bodice of the dress clung to her figure beautifully, revealing just how attractive she was. If she had been in England, Jonan knew that many men would have fought for her hand.

“Good evening, my lord,” she said quietly.

Jonan noticed that her eyes did not meet his. He didn't like it, but he decided not to push her. Amelia sat down beside him before Callan did too.

Everything around Jonan required hisattention. He had to admit that there was a lot of work to be done, especially since his new wife was open about her dissatisfaction with the quality of the meals.

He cast a glance at her, who was nibbling on the food on her plate.

“Ye daenae seem to have much of an appetite,” he said.

Amelia jumped a little and he realized that she hadn’t been expecting him to speak to her.

“I do not have a large appetite, my lord,” she said simply.

Jonan nodded. After a moment, he tried again. “Would ye like yer cup refilled? “

“No.”

Her brief and curt responses annoyed him but hewould respect her decision if she did not wish to speak. Jonan concentrated on his food and tried to ignore her.

“I wish to be excused, my lord. May I?”

Jonan let his spoon fall to his plate and turned to her. “I would appreciate if ye look at me when ye speak to me,” he said, but he regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, because he saw her stiffen.

“Yes, my lord,” she looked to him and held his gaze, but her eyes were dead, barricaded, and guarded.

Jonan had seen that look before. It was the same one she had given her father.

“Amelia.” He leaned forward to touch herbut she flinched.

Jonan's heart began to sink. He'd never hit a woman in his life, but it appeared that his new wife expected him to.

“May I be excused?” she asked again.

Jonan hesitated but eventually gave in. “Aye, ye may.”

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