“Trey, I request permission to speak with you in private,” Dominic said.
Trey’s jaw hardened, his mouth pinched in a frown. His accusing gaze switched to Judith and her world slowly slipped away. He wore his feelings on his shoulders, and it was obvious his soul was aching as much as hers. All she wanted to do was run to him and hold him, kiss him and let him know everything was all right.
“Judith? Do you wish to say anything at this time?” Trey asked.
Oh, what a loaded question. What could she say that he would believe, anyway? She shifted her shoulders back and lifted her chin. “I will speak with you in private too, my lord. However, I shall wait until you have spoken with Dominic.”
Trey nodded, then looked at his friend. “Meet me in my study in ten minutes. Don’t be late.” He spun around and marched out of the room.
Groaning, she sank to the couch and covered her face with her shaky hands. What had they done?
“Judith, my dear.” Dominic sat next to her, removing her hands from her face. “Don’t fret. All will be made right, I promise.”
“Are you insane?” She blinked with wide eyes. “He caught you kissing me. I can only imagine what he’s thinking.” She scowled. “Which reminds me, I would also like you to explain that kiss. Not more than five seconds before, you were convincing me how I was the right woman for Trey.”
Dominic grinned. “It was a pleasant kiss, I must admit, but I heard Trey coming up the hall. I knew he would see me kissing you.”
She gasped. “Why?”
“Why do you think? We must make him jealous. How else is he going to realize his true feelings for you?”
She wiped the moisture from her eyes. “But, did you see the way he looked at me? I fear he will never forgive me now. How can he love me when he thinks I have feelings for you?”
“Now, now, Judith.” He patted her hands. “You must trust me. I know Trey better than you. When I talk to him, I will make him see how much he cares for you.”
She sniffed. “Dominic, I pray you know what you are doing. I don’t think I can live with the knowledge that Trey loathes me.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Please don’t fret. Trust me.”
*
Trey paced hisstudy as he poured the full snifter of brandy down his throat. Pain spewed through his veins as quickly as the alcohol burned down to his belly. The heavy cloak of confusionand betrayal hung thick around him and he couldn’t think straight.
How could Nic do this to him? Worse, how could Judith? She knew how he felt about love and the circumstances that made him harden his heart.
Obviously, he shouldn’t have changed his opinion of women. He should have treated Judith just as he’d done the others. At one time he thought she was different, but she wasn’t. She flew to any man who opened their arms and showed a little affection. He should have realized how flighty she was. First with Mr. Cutler, then with Trey, and now Nic.
Agony wrenched Trey’s heart again and he doubled over. He couldn’t react this way. He was stronger than this, and…he wasnotin love with Judith.
Taking a deep breath, he straightened and gulped down another swallow of brandy. He needed a level head when talking to Nic, and especially Judith. Trey couldn’t become weak now.
A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts and he looked toward the sound. Hawthorne stood holding his hat in his arm, looking like he was coming to call. The imbecile! Why was he acting so superior when Trey could crush him with one step of his boot?
“Come in, Hawthorne and close the door,” he snapped.
Nic did as instructed then moved to the brown leather chair and sat. The steady gaze of his friend remained on Trey until he walked to his desk and planted his butt in the chair.
“So, Hawthorne, what are your intentions?”
“Miss Faraday is my friend.”
Trey rolled his eyes and snorted. “When have you ever kissed your friend? In fact, the whole time I have known you, I have never met a woman friend who was not your mistress.”
“There is a first time for everything.”
Trey arched his brow. “Come now, Hawthorne. Be truthful with me.”
“I am. Judith is my friend. I was kissing her because…well, because…”
