High Stakes Seduction - Book 5 by Ami LeCoeur

you were far too kind when you described her to me before. She's not just a bitch, or an ice queen. She's certainly beautiful, but I doubt the woman has a heart of any kind."
     
     

Chapter Thirty
    ANTONIO
     
    I spotted Naomi with Brad, standing near the entrance of the room. They seemed deep in conversation, and by the way she was holding on to him, I figured she was well on her way to 'convincing' him that he was the world's most prized possession—at least in her eyes.
    I noticed Maria and Ange over near the harpist, and neither one of them looked too happy at the moment. Before I could check up on what was wrong, Naomi managed to snag my attention.
    "Tony, darlin', would you do me the biggest favor? Brad and I have been admiring the lovely paintings here, and I would just love to meet the artist. I understand she’s one of your current… projects? Would you be a dear and introduce me?"
    I looked over her shoulder at Brad. He seemed to be enjoying his conversation with one of the city council members.
    "Sure," I said. "And how are you tonight, Naomi? Lovely as always, I see."
    She smiled at that, a cat-eating-the-canary smile on her lips. "You know I would much rather be here with you . Brad Stephens can be rather… stuffy."
    "It's all in a day's work, Naomi."
    "Don't I know," she sighed, leaning in closer. "But I'd much rather be 'working' with you."
    Angela had moved over to the far wall by the time we reached Maria. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see she was watching us.
    "Maria, may I present Naomi Ferraro. She's been admiring your paintings and insisted I bring her over to meet you."
    Naomi reached out her hand to Maria. "I was just telling Tony how much I admire anyone with talent. Your pictures are just so precious. You must be so pleased to have this kind of turnout."
    "Thank you," Maria took her hand. "It's kind of you to say so."
    "Oh, darlin', I never say anything I don't mean," came Naomi's response.
    "Yes. I imagine that would be difficult for someone like you. "
    "Why, that is so true. I don't even think about it, I just speak my mind."
    "I should have guessed. That explains a lot," Maria smiled.
    A little mystified by the exchange I'd just witnessed, I glanced at Maria. She looked up at me, straight-faced as I was, but I caught the glimmer in her eyes as she winked at me. It took everything I had to stifle a grin.
    "I'm sorry to interrupt," Brad said, coming up beside us. "But could I steal Naomi away for a moment?"
    Maria smiled politely, but she sighed with relief when the two of them walked away.
    "Well, that was an experience," she said to me.
    "One of a kind," I answered.
    "Never to be repeated?"
    "Sometimes that's easier said than done."
    I watched the two of them walk away, stopping briefly to chat with people they knew. I couldn't help but notice how Naomi kept glancing back at me, as if she was making sure I noticed her.
    "Where's Angela?" I asked.
    "She slipped away when she saw Naomi coming. You know there's no love lost between those two."
    "Angela's a smart girl."
    "Antonio—maybe you should take Angela home. Or at least someplace where she won't have to run into Naomi."
    "What's wrong, Maria?"
    "You know Naomi is poison, especially to my sister. There was a little… interchange that we overheard earlier. I'm just afraid Angela may say or do something she'll regret. I think she'd be safer with you."

Chapter Thirty-One
    ANGELA
     
    I grabbed a glass of wine, making myself scarce when I saw Naomi heading toward Maria. I couldn't help watching from the corner of the room.
    I wondered again what the attraction was, how this woman could have so many men wrapped around her little finger. I sighed, guessing that wasn't a talent I was born with, although it certainly would've come in handy.
    "Don't you love the light in this one?" said the man standing next to me, admiring Maria's painting.
    "Yes, I think she captures the essence of the scene quite well."
    "Where has she studied, do you