Mysty McPartland Read Online Free PDF Page B

though she knew that Rieph’s people would probably not like her at first, she was unprepared for all the malevolent glares thrown at her. Though she could feel the color leach from her face, she wasn’t about to let them disconcert her. She lifted her head in defiance and stared straight ahead.
    Jaw set with disapproval over the antagonism shown towards his bride by his clan and even though he expected it. He could not help miss that she did not show any fear and held herself proudly. He leaned down slightly and whispered in her ear. “Ye please me immensely lass. ‘Tis proud I am of ye.”
    Warmed by the praise and t urning slightly in his arms, she gave him a weak smile. “They may dislike me now, but one day soon they will see the error of their ways.”
    Amused by her boast, he threw back his head and laughed at her bold statement. “Aye my Lady that I can already see and I’m sure they will soon regret their actions.”
    The people who were watching their laird frowned when they heard his laughter, for it was unusual for their leader to be amused.
    Unable to stop herself from smiling at the sound of his rich laughter and a swirl of heat twisted in the pit of her stomach as the rich deep sound washed over her.
    When they entered the bailey, he pulled his horse to a stop, as did the rest of his party. Everyone dismounted as men, women and children of the clan quickly surrounded them. For a few moments, he forgot about his betrothed as he happily spoke to his clan. Glad and relieved that he was home again.
    Patiently and a little fearful, she still sat on Rieph’s large black horse and waited for him to finish greeting his clan and help her down.
    When the silence began to fall, he noticed the scowls on the people’s faces. He turned and grinned sheepishly up at Trista, “Forgive me, lass.” And reaching out grasping her around the waist helped her down. Once her feet touched the ground, he wrapped one large hand around her shoulders keeping her close to his side. “Let us go inside and I will show ye, ye new home.”
    The people stepped aside to let them pass and as he led her up the stone steps to his keep, he smiled down at her. “I hope ye will be happy here. And any changes ye want to do to make it feel more like home to ye, I willnae mind.”
    ****
    Warmed by his words and consideration when he opened the huge doors and they stepped inside, she gasped. The room was so large and so plain. Even though it might be filled with many tables and benches, it was unadorned of anything that would make it a home, or even a welcome haven. She was about to say something when a woman’s shrill cry of pleasure split the air, she could only watch as a tall red haired woman came rushing down the staircase.
    When the lady came closer, her eyes narrowed in displeasure when she noticed how very beautiful the woman was and wondered who she might be. Stunned when the woman threw herself into Rieph’s arms and kissed him passionately, it didn’t take her long to guess what she was if not who. Furiously she took a step away so that his arm no longer held her. She stood stiff with outrage and humiliated she turned her back on the embracing couple.
    A hissing curse rolled of his tongue when he heard the high-pitched cry and knew instantly that it was Devena McCrawley, his mistress. Damn it to hell, she wasn’t supposed to be here. When she came flying across the great hall and threw herself against him, he grew even more enraged when she started to kiss him hungrily. He felt Trista slip away and his arm fell to his side. A moment later, with both his hands, he pushed Devena away from him and glared with eyes burning with anger at her pouting face.
    “ ’Tis glad I am that ye have returned home today, my love, for if ye hadnae I wouldnae be here tomorrow.” Devena said softly as she reached up and was about to stroke his cheek but he caught her hand before she could do so.
    “ What has bought ye here, woman? Ye knew that I