Read High Stakes Seduction - Book 5 for Free Online Page A

you need to concern yourself with."
    Nothing to be concerned with? What the hell game were these two playing? I stared up at him, confused. Then anger broke in. "You don’t care that she’s flirting with another man? That doesn't bother you? Are the two of you together, or is she ‘just part of your past’ again?"
    "It’s far more complicated than that, Angela. I just need you to promise me that you will let this go."
    Let it go? Seriously? How could I just 'let it go'? "Fine," I managed, my face stiff. "If that's what you want. Then fine." I turned to leave.
    "Angela. Please just humor me on this."
    Humor was the last thing on my mind at the moment. Murder was a more likely candidate.

Chapter Thirteen
    ANTONIO
     
    I didn't know if Naomi was getting sloppy, or if it was pure chance that Angela had seen her with Stephens. I had expected to be able to give the woman free reign, but perhaps I'd need to do a little counseling instead.
    I didn't want to see Angela hurt by any of this—well, not any more than had already happened. Or was absolutely necessary in the larger scheme of things. I could only hope she'd stay far enough away to not be in any physical danger until this whole dangerous business was wrapped up.
    The intercom buzzed. "Mr. Arnold from Lakeside Gallery, on line 2," came Hilary's cheerful voice.
    "Gregory," I said, picking up the line. "How's the fundraiser coming?"
    "Very well, Antonio. Your young artist is delightful. And you were correct, as always, very talented."
    "Was there any doubt?" I laughed. This was a running joke between us. I found him talented artists, he made good money representing them. "So you've seen her work and everything's set?"
    "I think I'll give her the Poplar wing. That way she can show fifteen to twenty paintings and there's ample room for a nice small crowd. Shall I set up the full treatment? Music, hors d'oeuvres?"
    "Oh, something subtle, but a small chamber group or harpist might be nice to help draw people into the room. I'll leave that to you, of course."
    "As usual," Gregory laughed. "We do work well together, my friend. Thank you again for introducing me."
    "My pleasure, as always. Have you told Maria yet? I'm actually headed over there in a few minutes. I'd like to be the one to share it with her, if you don't mind."
    "Be my guest. Tell her I'll call later to coordinate the installation."
    "And be sure to send a copy of the invitation to Hilary so I can get it into my calendar."
    "Of course. See you there."
    I smiled. I was good at matching people with resources. Lord knew I had enough contacts. But this was something more. Something special. Something I hoped would benefit everyone involved—including me.
     

Chapter Fourteen
    ANGELA
     
    Damn it! It was getting harder and harder for me to simply ignore the underpinnings of whatever was going on with Antonio and Naomi… and Walker… and Stephens. Sometimes I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a damn soap opera. Those were the times when I wanted to go pull the covers over my head and ignore everything. But right now I was headed back onto the sales floor and I'd better do something to get rid of my upset or Priscilla would be on my case in an instant.
    On my way out of the elevator, my phone buzzed. I flipped it open. Conner. Well, it was about time I heard back from him.
    "Hello, Conner," I said into the phone without preamble. "Why are you calling the house? I specifically asked you not to say anything to Maria." I was still too angry with Mancini to realize I was being rude.
    "Hold on now, Angelina," he said in his smooth lawyerly voice. "I was only checking in on you two. I owe that much to your father."
    "I'm sorry," I said, his tone along with the use of my childhood nickname, left me feeling like a kid being scolded. "Something just came up here at work. It's not you."
    "Hm, yes. I was surprised when Maria told me you're working for Antonio Mancini."
    "Well, why not? He offered me a job. A good job. One