Read High Stakes Seduction - Book 5 for Free Online

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    I knew I should get back on the floor. Priscilla would expect me to return as soon as I'd taken care of the call. But first, I picked up the phone again. After my conversation, I thought it wise to schedule a meeting to talk with Antonio.
     
    ***
     
     
    "So what is it, something about Carlo and Poula?" Antonio asked. "Are they having another meltdown?"
    I looked at him curiously. "How did you know that?"
    He laughed. "It comes with the territory. They're young. And creative. And probably don't like too much structure or details outside of their expertise. It wouldn't be the first time a designer has gone off the deep end with the stresses of an upcoming deadline."
    Well, the man knew his business. He hadn't gotten here by accident.
    "You're right. I received a frantic text from Poula this morning. So I called to talk with her in person."
    Antonio's eyebrows creased slightly. "Are they all right?"
    "Stressed out—just like you guessed," I said matter-of-factly. "It seems their manager is going a bit over board with the details for this project, and it’s really affecting the twins. Apparently there are conflicting demands that are interfering with their production and their sleep. I suggested you might have a chat with their manager to see if you can’t help calm things down a bit."
    Antonio leaned back in his leather chair and steepled his fingers. "I suspected this would be an issue. Carlo and Poula have indicated to me more than once they would prefer to work directly with you, but their manager is resistant to the idea, of course. I’ll see what I can do."
    Work directly with me? Given how volatile they could be, is that something I wanted? Or even, is it something I would be able to handle given we were half a world away?
    "Tony, do you think that's a good idea?" I bit my lip as I realized I had reverted to his nickname, something I hadn't used since the cruise.
    "What do you think, Angela? My main concern would be whether or not we could keep them on track without some local oversight. Are they mature enough to get the work finished on time, on their own?"
    "Maybe," I said. "I think the work itself—the designs and the initial production—are easy for them. I’m not so sure about the merchandising part, though. I mean, have they ever been responsible for that end before?"
    "Good point. Let me check with my contacts in Europe. Maybe there's a way to turn that part over to one of my existing accounts. Certainly, they won't have to worry about advertising or marketing since we carry their line exclusively here in the U.S."
    He got up, coming around the desk to stand before me. "Now, I hate to rush you out, but I do have some other things to take care of."
    "Business meeting?" I said half under my breath, but the little laugh that accompanied it was forced.
    I'm not sure why it bothered me so much, but for some reason I needed to warn him about Naomi. You'd think I'd be glad that she was seeing someone else, but something about it, the disloyalty or duplicity, bothered me too much to keep my mouth shut.
    "Is everything okay with you and Naomi?" I blurted.
    Antonio froze. "What do you mean?" he asked, his words slow and deliberate.
    "I-I know it’s none of my business," I began, letting the words tumble from my lips. "But I happened to see her the other night and… and she seemed to be getting awfully friendly with another gentleman—the District Attorney—and I just… I know things are… different between us, but still, I just don’t want to see you…"
    I finally stopped, breathless and apprehensive as Antonio watched me, a dark, unreadable expression covering his face.
    After a moment, he put a hand on my arm. The warmth of his skin against mine set off electric shocks, even while I was sure it was meant to be soothing. And it did nothing to calm my already rapidly beating heart.
    "Ange," he said softly, but with a strange edge to his voice. "I need you to stay out of this, okay? This is nothing