A Storm Is Coming Read Online Free PDF Page B

She lifted one sculpted eyebrow in disbelief before carefully responding, “Mr. Manchetti, what you believe and what can be proven would seem to stand in stark contrast.”
    He took his hand and rubbed it across his chin, “That is why I am here. I need your courtroom brilliance…I need a pit bull. I feel confident, if you take my case, we can beat this.”
    Braylee tried her level best to be compassionate. She knew it wasn’t easy for the great Mr. Alexandro Manchetti to be vulnerable. “While I appreciate your kind words, even I can’t turn water into wine.”
    Alex was a proud man. He knew he wasn’t very good at asking for help. However, the strain of losing his brother, watching his family’s legacy go up in flames, and the possibility of losing his company were almost too much to bear.
    If ever there was a time he needed to put his pride to the side this was it. He was going to do whatever was necessary to clear his family’s name…especially Luciano. And, for this he was sure he needed Braylee Hinsdale.
    “I trusted Lisa’s opinion of you, but I’ve also done my own research. From what I’ve been able to gather, you love a challenge. It seems to be what makes the blood pump through your veins. However, over the last few years, while very lucrative, any first-year law student could have handled the cases you’ve taken.”
    Alex put his hands up before Braylee could refute his claims, “Look, I am under no illusions of how difficult this case would be to win. It would be the ultimate challenge. But, I won’t go down without at least putting up one hell of a fight.”
    Silence.
    As much as she wanted to challenge his words, Braylee couldn’t. He was right. She’d been too busy to acknowledge how boring her life had become. There truly was nothing like being in a courtroom. The rush of being in front of a judge, presenting a case to ten to twelve strangers while laying out a well-prepared case. Going toe to toe with a fellow attorney in a battle of whit, intelligence, and strategy made the blood pump through her veins. For Braylee, there wasn’t anything that came close to that high. But, lately most of her cases were settled before they even got that far.
    One thing was for certain, she couldn’t help but admire his determination. The fact that he made her pulse race shouldn’t disqualify him as a client. After all, she was a professional. However, her instincts told her not to do it.
    This case was the definition of high profile. What if she lost? Big stakes an even bigger reward. But, the mere thought of mounting a vigorous defense already left her with a heady feeling.
    While studying this powerful man, Braylee tilted her head to the side as she contemplated the consequences. Neither moved a muscle. He didn’t even blink as his eyes challenged hers, but then, neither did she.
    The fire between them and the lure of making the impossible possible were almost irresistible. Almost.
    He saw it the moment she’d made her decision. Alexandro was already planning his next move to woo her into taking his case. He didn’t give up easily, and he wanted her.
    Braylee slowly slid from the desk and stood as she smoothed down her dress, “Your stock prices are crap. So, I’ll take my retainer in cash. I’ll email you where you can wire the funds.” As she turned to walk back into her office, Braylee threw one more caveat over her shoulder, “You wanted the best…now you’ve got it. I just hope you can handle it.”
    A slow smile spread across his face. He watched the beautiful Braylee Hinsdale walk away in those stilettos with the confidence of a queen.
    Feeling like he had when he’d made his first billion, Alex walked out of Braylee’s office and pushed the down button on the elevator. His cell phone vibrated within his inside jacket pocket,
    He answered, “Manchetti.”
    “Hi, darling.”
    “Jeanine.”
    “You’ve been very busy these last couple of weeks. I haven’t been able to connect with