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“I’m well aware of that, Dustin,” she interrupted, pushing her nagging jealousy to the far recesses of her mind. “I’m not questioning the reasons for Trenton’s past relationships. But he’s so formidable, so menacing. Weren’t women afraid of him?”
“Ariana …” Dustin stared down at the small hand clasped in his. “Trent is not the same man he was years ago. Oh, he’s always been the intense sort, deeply passionate about what he believes in. But in his twenties he was more congenial, charming, sociable … with none of the bitterness you see now. His natural magnetism and self-assurance, combined with that overwhelming sense of power he emanates … No, Ariana, women weren’t afraid of him. Quite the contrary, actually.”
“What happened to change him?” Ariana persisted, fighting the jealousy that once again reared its ugly head.
A pained expression tightened Dustin’s face. “Our father died.”
Ariana leaned closer, feeling she was hovering at the brink of a crucial precipice. “You told me Trenton and your father were very close.”
“Very. Trenton ran all the family businesses and estates during the last years of Father’s life. He gave up much of his youth, his education, his dreams. He was the most bloody devoted son I’ve ever seen.”
“Was your father’s death sudden?”
Harsh memories slashed across Dustin’s face, drawing his mouth into a grim line of sorrow. “He had been weak for some time. But yes, his death was sudden.”
“Was it precipitated by the shock of what Trenton did to Vanessa?” Ariana blurted out.
Dustin flung her hand aside as if her touch burned. “What Trenton did to Vanessa? Hell. Ariana,Trenton did nothing to Vanessa. … It was very much the other way around!” Raking Ariana with condemning eyes, Dustin demanded, “Don’t you realize my brother could never have lived with himself if he’d actually caused Father’s death? As it is, he’s torn apart. I thought I knew you, Ariana, but it appears that I don’t. Not if you really believe what you just said.”
Dustin’s biting accusation pushed her over the edge.
Shattering into raw fragments, Ariana burst into tears, burying her face in her hands and shaking uncontrollably. “I don’t know what to believe,” she sobbed. “I’m so confused. … Help me, Dustin, I don’t know what to do. Please, help me.”
Regretfully, Dustin gathered her against him, pressing her head beneath his chin and stroking her back in soothing circles. “Shhh,” he murmured, feeling her tears drench his shirt. “Of course I’ll help you. Poor sweetheart, you don’t know truth from lies at this point, do you? I’m sorry … I didn’t mean to explode like that It’s not your fault; you’re too young to remember, too innocent to protect yourself. Don’t cry, little one, I’ll help you.”
“If my wife needs assistance, I’ll provide it.”
Ariana froze at the sound of Trenton’s frigid words, her heart hammering frantically in her chest. The aftermath of her husband’s violent assault still lingered on her lips, in her mind, and instinctively she burrowed closer to Dustin, seeking protection and comfort Simultaneously, she realized how compromising they must look, clasped in each other’s arms on the stable floor, clinging together as if they were involved in some sordid tryst.
She had no time to react before Trenton’s hand closed roughly on her arm, dragging her away from Dustin and to her feet. “Did you need something, Wife?”
Ariana blanched beneath his blazing stare, his jaw clenched so tightly she thought it might snap.
“Trent … don’t!” Dustin rose swiftly, stunned by the raw fury he saw etched on his brother’s face—at the same time fully aware of its true cause. “Stop now before you do something you’ll regret!”
“Before I do something I’ll regret?” Trenton hurled back, his throat working convulsively. “I find my wife rolling around on the stable floor … with my brother, no less … and you want me to control myself!” His fingers bit into Ariana’s arm. “Did I come in at an inopportune moment?”
Ariana winced. “You’re hurting me,” she whispered.
“Am I?” He released her abruptly and, without thinking, she took a reflexive step toward Dustin.
Thunder erupted in Trenton’s eyes. “Don’t push me, Ariana. I’m warning you, don’t push me.”
She turned to Dustin, white-faced.
“Go back to the house, sweetheart,” he told her, his disbelieving gaze on Trenton. “I want to have a talk with my brother.”
“Dustin,” she protested, “I …”
“Fear not, misty angel.” Trenton’s tone was caustic, savage. “I’ll restrain myself. … I won’t murder Dustin.”
Ariana stared at him, taking in his rage, his jealousy, the full impact of his power. Then, sick at heart, she heeded Dustin’s suggestion and left the stable.
“You really have lost your mind, haven’t you?” Dustin exploded the moment they were alone.
“You’ve noticed?” Trenton countered, kicking a pile of hay from his path.
“I’ve noticed a lot of things. It’s time you noticed them as well.”
