The Highlander's Woman (The Reckless Rockwoods #3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

during her first and only stay at Crianlarich Castle.
    The Scotswoman was a childhood friend who the Crianlarich had made clear was the bride he’d hand-picked for Julian. The woman’s flirtations with Julian had been just as upsetting as her father-in-law continuing to point out Patience’s inadequacies whenever possible. Why was Una in London, and why here at their house? Her attention swiftly jerked back to Julian who nodded at something the woman said.
    The instant she saw Julian start to look upward, Patience dropped the curtain and drew away from the window. When she believed it safe, she peeked through the slit in the curtains again. She regretted doing so as she watched Julian climb into the two-seat cab with Una. Worse, she saw the woman looking up at her with a smile that reminded Patience of a cat who’d stolen cream from the pantry.
    Patience immediately dropped the window curtain as jealousy reared its head. Why hadn’t Julian mentioned he would be seeing Una this morning? It was a rhetorical question. He’d most likely chosen to remain silent so as to not upset her. No doubt he’d remembered the fight they’d had about the woman during Patience’s one and only stay at Crianlarich Castle. They’d been married only two weeks before Julian had taken her home to meet his family. Except for the raw passion that existed between them, they’d known little about each other. Their short courtship meant misunderstandings had been inevitable. She flinched at the memory of the dinner party her father-in-law had arranged.
    When Robert Bensmore and his daughters had arrived at the castle, Fergus MacTavish had spent the night subtly pointing out Una’s exceptional qualities whenever Julian was out of earshot. It didn’t help matters that Una had the face of an angel. The woman had captivated Julian the entire evening. It had been the most painful thing Patience had ever experienced, and she was grateful when she was able to say goodnight. She’d barely been in her room more than a few minutes when Julian had come in with a frown on his face.
    “Are you not feeling well?”
    “I’m fine,” she said coolly.
    “You barely spoke to anyone during the meal,” he said with a frown. “Even Una mentioned it when saying good night.”
    “I find it difficult to believe the woman even realized I was in the room,” Patience said without any trace of the bitterness that was eating away at her insides.
    She was grateful for her ability to respond in a calm, even tone of voice when what she wanted to do was scream at him. Not bothering to look in Julian’s direction she sat down at the dressing table and undid her hair to brush it. Julian came to stand behind her and touched the side of her neck.
    “There’s no need to be jealous, mo leannan .”
    His soft laugh infuriated her. The man had no idea what it had been like to watch Una fawn over him, all the while sending her the occasional gloating look. Patience looked up at him, and his amused expression made her spring to her feet as anger flowed hot and fast through her veins. Patience’s movement was so fast it sent the dressing table bench toppling to the floor and caused Julian to stare at her in stunned surprise. She glared at him.
    “Do not laugh at me,” she bit out fiercely. Julian’s gaze narrowed.
    “I am no’ laughing at you, Patience.” His body was stiff with resentment as his brogue thickened with irritation.
    “You are,” she said in a tight voice. “Do you think I don’t know why your father asked the Bensmores to come this evening?”
    “The Bensmores are family friends.” Julian shook his head with exasperation. “Caitriona, Una, and I played together as children. My father has them for dinner quite often.”
    “She isn’t just a family friend. She’s the woman your father chose to be your bride.”
    “It does no’ matter what my father wished. You’re the one I married,” Julian said angrily. “Una has never been anything more