Embrace My Heart(49)
“Jail?”
“If necessary. But I wouldn’t want to make a public issue of it, if I could help it. Anyone that’d deny a kid the chance to make a life for himself deserves to have his own livelihood screwed with.”
Vectra appeared impressed by his shrewd ability. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”
“Count on it.” He grinned.
They were sealing the promise with a handshake when a stream of whistles blew to signal the end of practice.
Chapter 14
One week later
Guests filed into Gallery V on plush red carpeting that trailed out from the establishment’s towering glass-encased pine doors. Black velvet ropes lined the carpet and were supported by gleaming silver stanchions.
Just inside the grand, split-level gallery, showing attendees were treated to a glass of their favorite Carro Vineyards wine. They were also informed of the exclusive tasting event that would occur following remarks from the gallery’s owner, Vectra Bauer.
Vectra always experienced a burst of positive energy during every show. That was especially true for the artists who were relatively new to the scene. She loved the idea of having a part to play in the career of a new and intriguing creator. Vectra had a feeling that Yancey Croachman would be such a person.
Making her way across the gallery’s gleaming marble floors, Vectra was a vision in a curve-adoring silk creation. The ankle-length skirt was overlaid in chiffon and carried a deep side split that flashed show-stopping glimpses of leg and thigh with each step she took.
It was never a chore to mingle, but never before had Qasim Wilder been a guest. It was all Vectra could do to keep her mind on her business and off her man. A genuine smile curved her mouth when she accepted a glass of moscato from a passing waiter.
Her man... She did like the sound of that. Sipping the flavorful wine that was just a bit too fruity for her taste, Vectra scanned the crowd. She stopped when she found what she searched for. Qasim stood on the gallery’s main floor where he talked with Robb DeWitt and the man’s head bartender, Joy Aiden.
Yes, Vectra thought, she did like the idea of Qasim Wilder being her man.
Only to herself would she dare admit to how much she’d liked the idea of him being more than her man. She could feel a swoon on the way, her body riddled with throbbing arousal. This, despite the fact that she’d just had the pleasure of the man less than twenty-four hours earlier.
Eyes off the candy, Vec.
She shook her head and turned, smiling at the sight of Minka Gerald. The woman made her way up the curving glass staircase to the second floor.
“Minka?” Vectra greeted with a smile and quick hug when they met just off the landing. “Now, what’s wrong with this picture?” She pretended to ponder and then snapped her fingers. She took a glass of wine from another passing tray and presented it to Minka with a flourish.
Minka sipped, but didn’t appear pleased.
“Please try to enjoy yourself,” Vectra urged.
“Have you made up your mind about talking to Qasim?” Minka countered.
“Minka—”
“You have to, Vectra. It’s above my head to do anything about it now.”
Vectra stilled. “What do you mean?”
“Will’s here.” Minka’s dark gaze skirted the room. “He’s been waiting on paperwork that’ll give him the power to sign off on virtually anything having to do with the charity that requires Sim’s signature. I’ve been stalling, and he’s suspicious. Somehow, he’s figured out what I’ve been up to—says he’ll go to Sim and have me fired if I say anything.”
“He can’t do that, Minka.” Vectra squeezed the woman’s arm reassuringly. “Qasim trusts you.”
Minka was shaking her head. “I can’t take that chance...” Her gaze fell when Vectra moved closer.
“What’d he say to you? Exactly? Minka, did he threaten you?” Vectra asked when the woman offered no response to her two prior questions.
“He...”
“Minka?”
“He’s too smart for that.” Minka smirked. “He was one I seriously underestimated.”
“Talk to Sim,” Vectra urged.
“And what if he doesn’t believe me?” Minka’s gaze hardened in tandem with her voice. “I’ll have to deal with Will and the fact that I ruined a friendship that means a lot to Qasim.”
“I don’t think you believe that.” Vectra could see, though, that Minka had strong reason to believe the worst of his old army buddy. She liked Minka too much to let her think she had nowhere to turn.
“I give it a month.”
Qasim grinned when he heard Robb’s prediction. “Until?” he asked.