Page 39 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“I wasn’t the one raising my voice, and neither did I deserve the chastising tongue-lashing I just received.”

“What do you mean? What’s going on?” He closed the door so Gerold wouldn’t wake up, and walked over to talk to Jonathon. “What are you doing? I thought we were done working for the night.”

“I need something to hit,” snarled Jonathon, picking up a hammer and banging it down against the hot metal, over and over again, filling the air with a loud clinking noise.

“It didn’t go well between you, then?” asked Avery.

“Actually, it went a little too well,” he answered. “However, I won’t make that mistake again.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“It means that tomorrow I am going to tell Lord Corbett that I no longer wish to stay here at Blake Castle.”

“You’re going to quit your job? Lord Corbett won’t like that. You made a deal with him and need to honor that.”

“I know you are right. Honestly, I don’t know if I can get out of my commitment without losing too many customers, anyway. However, all I know is that I cannot continue to be around Lady Raven anymore. If I am, I’ll lose my mind.”

“I’m confused,” said Avery, looking at Jonathon as if he thought he was already out of his mind. “So, do you like the girl or hate her?”

“A little of both at the moment, but it doesn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t? Why not?”

Jonathon threw the hammer onto the table, picked up a cloth, and wiped his brow and then his hands. “I kissed her, Brother. And I damn well liked it.”

“Well, who wouldn’t?” asked Avery with a wide smile. “So, why did she leave? Oh God, did she slap you?”

“Nay. She seemed to like the kiss and even encouraged more to happen.”

“Really? Nice,” said Avery, nodding his head. “Then, I don’t understand. Why did I hear yelling?”

“I sent her away.”

“Are you mad?”

“I’m beginning to think so. Mad for a woman I can never have. I made a mistake, but it won’t happen again.”

“Oh, you think she’ll mention it to her father, don’t you?”

“Nay. I’m sure she won’t.” Jonathon sadly stared into the glowing fire, thinking of the way she’d moaned. It was something that he had never expected. She sounded so full of passion from just a kiss and a touch. “The wench liked what happened between us just as much as I did. That’s the part that scares me.”

“It sounds to me like you’re a lucky dog, Brother. Don’t knock it. I’d give anything to kiss a beautiful woman like her.”

“Avery, think about it. I’m supposed to be watching and protecting her and reporting back to Lord Corbett. It’s not like I can I tell her father that I want to bed his daughter.”

“Nay. I’m sure that wouldn’t go over well,” said Avery, finally catching on. “So, what are you going to do?”

“What can I do? I’m committed to this, just as much as I am to making armor for a lady who doesn’t need it and will never wear it. I’m in too deep to ever get out. I won’t be able to change anything until after the tournament. Once the wench is married, my job is over and I’m out of here. I guess I’ll just have to put up with it until then.” Jonathon plopped down on a chair and rubbed his hands over his face.

“Is it going to be hard seeing Lady Raven marry a noble?” asked Avery.

“Yes,” he answered, his eyes closing. In his mind he saw the beautiful face of a woman he craved but could never have. Just thinking of touching and kissing her made him feel hot all over again. “Harder than you think, Brother. Much harder than you think.”

Chapter 10

“Raven, why were ye gone so long?” asked Lark, as soon as Raven had returned to her room. “I was afraid yer handmaid would come to check on ye and realize ye werena here.” She ran over and looked up and down the corridor, checking for anyone who might have seen her. When she realized no one had, she hurriedly closed the door.

“I kissed Jonathon. Again,” said Raven, letting out a sigh. She removed her cloak and fell atop her bed fully clothed.