Page 16 of Zane

Now standing in front of the mirror in her bedroom, she was having second thoughts. The romper was figure-hugging, the bodice two pieces of material barely covering her breasts, making it impossible to wear a bra. The color was a dazzling electric blue that seemed to glow in the light. It was fitted all the way down, flaring at the ankles. The back was almost bare, the two strips of cloth crisscrossing at the back.

She had gone to the salon, and her hair was brushed back at the sides, a thick lock dancing over her right brow. And she was wearing more makeup than usual. Instead of discreet earrings, she had gone for a shimmer of red and blue that dangled to her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she almost gave in to the urge to change into something less revealing and more her style.

But the fact that she knew William was going to be disapproving stiffened her spine. It was time she started living for herself, and if she wanted to show some skin, then it was hers to show. Lifting her chin, she went to the closet to select a soft white cashmere wrap, slinging it over her shoulders.

William had wanted to pick her up, but she had declined. She wanted to be able to leave whenever she decided to. Taking another deep breath, she headed downstairs.

*****

"You could have at least worn a tie," Zoe murmured as he walked out.

"That would have been taking it too far." His tawny gaze flickered over the stunning burnt orange dress she was wearing that barely covered her excellent thighs. "Aren't you a little underdressed?"

"Oh, this?" A smile touched her lips that were the exact shade of the dress. "I don't want to think of myself as a lawyer tonight."

"No one will mistake you for one. You must be freezing."

"That's what jackets are for." She gathered the expensive cashmere around her and snuggled. Laughter kindled her eyes as she stared at him. "Stop being so brotherly."

"I happen to be your brother," he reminded her. "Get in."

For the first time she noticed the Corvette. "Where-"

"Don't start. I decided to borrow one of the vehicles from the garage."

"I was awfully afraid I was going to have to ride on the motorcycle."

"For that pithy remark, I might just change my mind and do exactly that," he muttered. Opening her door, he ushered her in before rounding the hood to take the driver's seat. "Buckle in."

"The suit looks very good on you. Black is your color."

"And this is the first and last time you're ever going to pick one out for me."

"Duly noted." She stretched her legs out and leaned back, closing her eyes briefly.

"Tough day?"

"The worst. I'm losing my damn case."

"You mean defending a murderer is not going so well?" he asked caustically.

Turning her head, she gazed at his profile. "What happened to innocent until proven guilty?"

He spared her a glance before taking the left turn. "Mario Santos is as guilty as hell, and we both know it. The world knows it. He's a known philanderer who was involved with the young lady until she decided she wanted to end the relationship."

"And that same young lady was seen a week before her death having an intimate moment with another man. She was cheating on Mario with someone else."

"Cheating on a married man. How does that work exactly?"

"You and I are never going to agree on this topic."

"You're right. How can you represent someone like him?"

"His money is still green, and the case is very challenging."

He glanced at her again, his brows shooting up. "Your standards are not very lofty at all."

"Give me a break. The man deserves representation. That's what the good old US of A is all about. We put our case forward and let the jurors decide on guilty or innocent."