Free His to Claim by Sierra Jaid Page A

observing his brother closely. The new alertness that seeped into Damian was instantaneous.
    “I ‘ave other plans fo’ her–as well fo’ ye.” Damian’s voice possessed a new hardness to its quality.
    Trevor knew how much his brother would detest a bump in the shaping of his schemes. But it was time he realised Trevor was a man of his own right.
    “Well then, ye’ll just ‘ave tae change ‘em. ‘Cause Elaine is one thing I doona intend tae back down on.” There was no incertitude. The conviction in Trevor’s heart showed on his determined face.
    Damian would have pounced had even an inkling of doubt shuddered through Trevor, then used it to weaken him into capitulating to his wishes. But there had been no fissure for him to manipulate.
    “Did ye consider the fact that the theory aboot women I just spouted may hold true fo’ Elaine too.”
    “In yer own twisted mind.”
    In an ambiguous manner Damian planted his elbows and forearms upon the desk, allowing heavy beats of quiet to thicken their surroundings.
    Trevor knew that look. It meant his brother had knowledge of something he didn’t.
    “Out with it.”
    “How were things last between ye and Elaine?”
    “None of yer business.” Trevor retorted.
    Damian snorted disparagingly as he rose to his feet.
    Walking to the louvred window he opened it to the panoramic view of the city below, and spoke, “When ye entered my office, ye ken who I was talking tae? A rather new prospective business acquaintance of ours. He had a good news tae share on a more personal score. A sudden turn of events–o’ernight, I might add–has verra conveniently obliterated all of his lady’s reservations aboot him.”
    Trevor couldn’t guess where his brother was leading with that.
    Flipping back the wings of his stylishly cut suit, Damian arrogantly slipped his hands into the pockets of his perfectly fitted slacks. “The lass is Elaine, Trevor.”
    Trevor felt air punched out of his lungs. “Henry called ye?”
    “He was quite ecstatic with this development and wanted tae thank me fo’ persuading Elaine tae go out with him.” Damian let a few cool seconds tick by, then added, “He said she rang him minutes ago and expressed keen interest in meeting him again. Today.”
    Turning his head back, his eyes bore into Trevor’s. “Have ye clue what she might want tae say tae him in such a hurry?”
    Trevor just glared at him for his mordant remark.
    Damian moved to face his wee brother fully. His mouth upturned in a razor sharp wry grin. “Of course, she could have kent he’s far easier tae manipulate than ye could e’er be? As his wife, she might no’ ‘ave as much as ye could give her, but let’s be plain, she would ‘ave sae much more than what she lives on right now.”
    It was with some amazement Damian watched his younger brother not rise to his noxious bait, but silently swerved to stalk his way out the office.
    “Where dae ye think yer going, Trey?”
    Without turning to meet those cold blue cynical eyes, Trevor answered, “If ye really ‘ave tae ask Damian, then ye doona really know me.”
    “Who’s going tae see the Scotland project through which ye dumped midway?”
    “I ‘ave appointed a capable man in charge. It wouldna hurt fo’ me. Though ye can make a short trip there yerself. A change of scene from these four walls might dae ye some good.”
    “Elaine deserves better than ye.”
    This complete reverse tangent didn’t surprise Trevor as much as the kernel statement giving him unimpeded view of that part in Damian which was still living.
    “It’s nice tae see e’erything’s no’ yet dead in ye, Damian. But ken this, Elaine’s got me. And what’s mine, whether deserved or no’, I doona give away.” Trevor ceded his profile to his brother. “I wonder if there’s someone out there, who can thaw that Fortress of Ice in yer chest. Until then, enjoy yer cold pride in all its solitude.”
    Damian watched the door close behind his wee