Leah's Seduction: 6 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) by Emily Jane Trent

handsomeness. Their first embarrassing date had been forgotten, and Cody had become a friend. Even Gianni considered him an ally, especially after he had given him incriminating pictures of Vadim and Mason with Byron Clifton. It had helped confirm that the owner of Designer’s Edge was in on the conspiracy.
    Cody returned and sat across from Leah. He put his camera on the table beside him. “So, how is it that you are in this shop midmorning? I would think you’d be off to some event or meeting.”
    Leah shrugged. “I quit Barrington.”
    He raised his brows. “I had no love for the man, but did something happen?”
    “Yes, a lot happened.” Leah wrapped her hands around her cup. “He was a weasel.”
    Cody laughed. “I knew that.”
    She noted that he didn’t mention the pictures he had given to Gianni. Likely he had promised not to say anything. And even though he might guess that Gianni had already told her, Cody waited for her to bring it up. It was another mark in his favor.
    “It’s quite a story,” she said. “I’ll give you the highlights.” Leah took a sip of her coffee. “You were helpful in giving those pictures to Gianni.”
    Cody smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”
    “The bottom line was that they were conspiring against GR Showroom. But Gianni’s team was wise to it all. They came up with a counterstrategy that was effective.” Leah smiled. “The thing was, I stayed at Barrington as part of the cover.”
    “So Mason wouldn’t think you were in the other camp, but still a loyal employee of Barrington?”
    Leah nodded. “Exactly. And Vadim too.”
    “So let me guess,” Cody said. “GR went after them, and now Barrington is barely holding on to their reputation in the industry. Or possible facing financial problems.”
    “Good guess.”
    Cody leaned back in his chair. “Well, I know Gianni, and I know any team of his would be sharp. If Mason was messing with them, it could only end badly.”
    “So true.” Leah glanced out the window to see that Roston was still there. “The kicker was that I was still in the line of fire when Vadim realized what was going on. He accused me of betrayal.”
    Cody’s eyes widened.
    “And rightly so.” Leah laughed. “I had no loyalty to Barrington once I knew what they were up to.”
    “So you left?”
    “If only it were that easy.” Leah shook her head. “Vadim is a monster. It’s like he lost his mind or something. He attacked me, and I thought he was really going to hurt me.”
    “Jesus, Leah.”
    She looked at her friend. “Yes, I know.”
    “Did someone rescue you?”
    “There was no one there. I had to get clever.” She grinned. “Let’s just say I threatened him with exposure.”
    Cody grinned. “Clever girl.”
    “I’m just glad it worked.”
    He took a gulp of coffee. “You have the goods on him?”
    She shook her head. “Nope.”
    They both laughed.
    “But Vadim hasn’t figured that out yet.”
    “My lips are sealed,” Cody said.
    “Enough about me,” Leah said. “What’s happening with you?”
    “I’ve been getting some good jobs, sort of getting known.”
    “Great, you deserve it.”
    Cody smiled. “And I met someone.”
    “Wonderful.”
    “Yes, we are just starting to date. But I really like her. She is a model. That’s how we met. Her name is Allie Moore.”
    “I don’t know her,” Leah said. “But I’d like to meet her.”
    Cody glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s that time. Gotta run.” He stood and gave Leah a quick hug. “Smile at that bodyguard outside the door there so he knows I am one of the good guys.”
    Leah laughed. “You definitely are. Great to see you.”
    After finishing her coffee, Leah gathered her stuff together. She had to go meet Kyra for Pilates. Putting her leather bag over her shoulder, she headed for the door. Roston spotted her and pulled it open for her. “Pilates,” she said, and he nodded.
    It was cold out, so Leah slid into the back of the car and let her