Page 60 of Married to a Highland Brute

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Jonan was tired from riding all day, and he knew that if he headed forhis study, as he had told Amelia, he would only find a troubled mind. So he walked toward his chamber.

“My lord!” Amelia called behind him.

“Amelia?” he asked and turned back. “Ye wish to speak with me?” He walked towards her.

“Oh, I will not take much of your time,” she said as she met him halfway.

Jonan stopped when he was only a step away from her.

“I was wondering if I… if we… can expect you downstairs. Callan is back, and all of the men who aren’t on duty have volunteered to help us fetch water and lift all that we need to be carried.”

Without a thought, Jonan nodded. If the keep is goin’ to be changed, I might as well be a part of it.

“The keep is quite huge, and we would appreciate whatever help we can get,” she said, thankful.

Even after they had finished talking, Jonan and she both remained silent. He was drawn to her beautiful green eyes and the way her lashes fluttered shyly.

“May we help, milady?”

Jonan noticed a group of maids at the bottom of the steps. Amelia seemedrealize atthe same time because shehad a visible blush on her face. Jonan decided to help his shy bride and tookher hand in his.

“Our lady will be quite happy with any help. Ye may spread the word!”

The excited maids exited the room with Jonan and Amelia closely behind them.

“How do you do that?” Amelia suddenly asked.

“Do what?”

“Make me forget where I am,” she said with obvious frustration.

Jonan found her honesty refreshing. He also found her bashfulness alluring.

“Milady, I haven’t the slightest idea what you speak of.” He winked at her shamelessly before stepping into the kitchen.

He didn't have long to tease herfor she started assigning complicated and difficult tasks, and soon everyone was working.

Brooms were distributed in groups of three to agile young women — Amelia was a meticulous cleaner who left no corner untouched.

“You may gossip among yourselves, but no slacking,” Amelia reminded them with a smile on her face.

Jonan found himself helping Amelia in detaching the lamps from the walls so that she could clean them. All around, soldiers were accompanied by men detaching lamps meant to be polished.

Rayuk had offered to help her, but Jonan had been quick to assist her instead. If any man were to be pressed so close to his wife, it would be him.

The atmosphere around the keep was light and welcoming. Jonan had no recollection of it being that way, not even during his father's lifetime, and his father had been truly loved.

Callan worked diligently unhooking the lamps andwas surrounded by three maids who wanted to clean them.

“I wonder if they'll unscrew them and clean each piece properly,” Amelia said beside him. Jonan found himself chuckling at her words.

“Can a man nae appreciate women?” he asked her innocently and she glared playfully.

“I didnae ken it could shine so brightly,” he said to her.

“I am glad you are pleased, for we need more water.”

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