Leah's Seduction: 2 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

possible. You just need the right angle.”
    “Nothing comes to mind.”
    “Well, think about it.” Kyra stood. “I’ve got to run. Love ya,” she said, hugging Leah before dashing off.
    Leah finished her coffee and pondered what angle she might have with Vadim. But she couldn’t think of any. As bad as it would be not to see Gianni for two weeks, there was something that could be worse. The possibility existed that he might get involved with another woman while he was gone.
    There were tons of sexy women in Amsterdam, the same as everywhere. There was no reason for Gianni to abstain while away on a trip. She had no hold over him. It crushed her to think of it. Leah had to find a way to go with him. That’s all there was to it.
     

 
    Chapter 13
    The week started like any other, with meetings, adjusting strategies, monitoring sales, and dealing with buyers. Leah kept the prospect of going with Gianni in mind, but had yet to think of any brilliant leverage to make that happen.
    Then, one morning, as she argued with Vadim about a particular suggestion she had made about merchandizing, the company owner walked in. Mason Barrington was older than Vadim. Leah guessed he was in his late forties.
    She had met him a couple of times before, but hadn’t spoken with him at length. He wore a white shirt under a light gray blazer, casual but still professional. His short brown hair was spiked, making him appear younger. But his brown eyes were intense, and Leah knew he wasn’t a man to argue with.
    Vadim stood. “Mason, good to see you. I didn’t know you were going to drop by.”
    “It wasn’t planned. I have something I want to discuss with you.”
    Leah stood. “I was just leaving. Nice to see you again, Mr. Barrington.”
    “Wait just a second,” he said.
    Sitting back down, she looked up at him.
    “You’ve been doing some nice work for us, Leah.”
    Out of the corner of her eye she saw Vadim stiffen, and knew such a compliment grated on him. “Thank you, sir. It’s kind of you to mention it.”
    His eyes narrowed. “No, it’s not kind at all. I don’t do kind. But I know when someone on my team is valuable. And when they are not.”
    Mason didn’t look over at Vadim as he spoke, although she would have taken evil delight in it if he had.
    “You’ve been attending all the major shows, and I’ve stayed up to date on your insights.” Now he did look at Vadim. “She’s a sharp lady.”
    Leah could feel the tension between the two men.
    Mason spoke directly to her. “What about Amsterdam?”
    The mention caught her off guard. Her vision went momentarily blurry. Mason couldn’t have spoken to Gianni recently. “Fashion Week, sir?”
    “Yes, Fashion Week.” He glared at Vadim. “I’m displeased you haven’t arranged this yet. It’s next week. The shows these days in Amsterdam are key in the industry. I can’t allow Leah to miss them. Keeping her eye on the trends will reflect in our sales.”
    Leah’s heart soared, but she made an effort to keep her composure. She didn’t want to give Vadim any reason to counter the decision.
    “Make the arrangements, Vadim.”
    Mason shook her hand and nodded.
    “Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you.”
    “See that you don’t.”
    Leah left, and went straight to her office and shut the door. Then she pumped her fist in the air. “Yes!” She was going to Amsterdam. And the look on Vadim’s face was priceless. He hated that it was Mason’s idea, and he had no choice in the matter.
    She strutted across the few feet of floor space in her tiny office, and imitated Mason: “Make the arrangements, Vadim.” She fell into her chair, gasping with relief. Then she picked up her phone to text Gianni. She couldn’t wait to tell him.
    *****
    Gianni had been pleased with the news. He assured her that he would make all the arrangements. Leah was determined to look her best during the stay. She had never traveled outside the country, and the chance to go to the