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A pity, considering how damn beautiful she was. Thick, wavy locks that hung past her shoulders, her hair was a dark, rich brown, which only emphasized the pale creaminess of her skin. Her hand trembled in his grip, though her shake was firm. She was respected in the fashion industry, a powerhouse force in a tiny package.
Despite her reputation and the determined expression on her pretty face, he saw the ravages of her family troubles in the turbulent depths of her gaze. She appeared to be a woman barely holding it together.
And she’d come to him for help.
He released her hand, indicated a chair. “Won’t you please sit down?”
She did so, her black skirt riding up the slightest bit, revealing slender legs. He knew she was attractive, but hadn’t expected the immediate rush of lust flowing through his veins.
Clearing his throat, he focused on the task at hand. “I heard about your father. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Her lush mouth twisted. “Thank you, Mr. Westmore.”
“Please. Call me Gavin.”
“Then call me Stasia.” Her gaze met his, a smoldering, sultry blue. “Please.”
His tie threatening to choke him, he looked away, focused for a moment instead on the serene landscape photo that hung on the wall, just above her head. “How can I be of assistance to you, Miss…Stasia?”
She straightened in her seat, her shoulders square, her delicate jaw set. “I need you to get me in to see the Worths.”
“I don’t work for them,” he started, but she cut him off.
“I know you don’t. But you went to school with Alexander Worth. I know the two of you are still friends.”
“Mere acquaintances.” He’d gone to college with Alex on a scholarship he’d earned every dime of, whereas Alex had been handed his education on a platinum-trimmed, solid gold plate. “I haven’t seen him in years.”
She lifted one dark, elegant brow. “You’re lying.”
“Excuse me?”
“I know you’re lying.” She crossed her arms in front of her, the action accentuating her already plump breasts. “You were photographed with Alex and his wife recently at some sort of charity event. I saw it in the Post.”
Damn. He frowned. She was right. They’d been closer in college. Real life had taken up their time and Alex was a family man, spending most of his free time with his wife and children. “My apologies, I forgot.”
An almost feral smile curled her lips. “How easily you forget. Perhaps I’m making the wrong choice in you, Mr. Westmore.”
“Gavin.”
“Gavin.” She nodded toward him. “Do you or do you not know Alexander Worth?”
“I do. Yes, we went to college together. Yes, I see him socially on the rare occasion, but we don’t normally move in the same social circles, I promise you.” He was on the fringe, considered working class amongst New York’s wealthiest.
“That doesn’t matter. It means that you can get me in.” Her lips thinned. “He won’t see me.”
“Have you tried Hunter or Rhett?” He referred to Alex’s younger brothers.
“None of them will see me. I approached Rhett at a party right after the will reading and we spoke once more after when he cancelled the meeting we were supposed to have, but that was weeks ago. With every inquiry I make, I’m directed to their lawyers.”
“You don’t have a lawyer representing you in this matter?” He found that hard to believe.
“Oh, I did but he couldn’t get me what I want, so I fired him.” Her gaze fixed on him. “Only you can help me.”
“I find that hard to believe.” He smoothed his fingers along the length of his tie, trying to calm his agitated nerves. The woman made him uneasy, in a sexual way more than anything, which he found strange. Unnerving.
Slightly exhilarating, if he was being truthful.
“It’s true. Everyone involved wants to handle this properly. No discussions, no emotions, just appearances in the courtroom and nothing else. I can’t stand that.” Leaning forward, she gripped the edge of his sleek desk, her short, unpolished fingernails a surprise. “I need to talk to those three men who are my new brothers. I need to explain to them how I’m suffering.”
