An Affair of Ethics

Disclaimer: I do not own One Tree Hill characters

A/N: Chapters will be rather short for a change but try enjoying them though… and you know what it does mean: the shorter, the quicker to update!

Rating: T

Genre: Humor, Romance

Summary: Famous designer Rachel Gattina stole her employee Brooke Davis's original drawings and sold them in her clothing store, making them known as her own creations.
Noticing the similarities between her models and the clothes in the shop, Brooke stole some models from the shop, stating they were hers.She got fired and sued by the firm that employed her. Lucas Scott is a famous lawyer, friend with Rachel and represents her against Brooke. [BL

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Prologue

"So..." Brooke paused for a second, scrutinizing the man's face. She was trying to find out what he was thinking of the situation, and if by the slightest miracle, he believed in her version of the events. But no emotion was crossing his face at the precise moment. He was like some Greek statue, she thought. And the comparison didn't even make her smile inside. She was too frustrated for that. "Will you help me with it? I mean, there's certainly something to do against her?"

Saying she looked slightly worried and hopeless would be an understatement. It was her future life he had between his hands. She had lost everything and yet, it didn't seem to be enough for her ex-boss. She replaced the shoulder strap of her black top and leaned her upper body forward, placing her elbows on his desk. She bit the bottom of her lip, rather suggestively. He knew she was teasing him, using her feminine assets (such as her large cleavage) to deviate his attention.

The young man let out an embarrassed sigh and leaned against his leather armchair. Some basic psychologist would have said the simple gesture was the result of fear of being too close to her. She had leaned forward, he had leaned backward. Classic situation after a sexual intercourse resulting of a nightstand.

The fast is he would have helped her, really, if he had been able to. But he was tied by his contract with the agency.

"I can't help you. It's not…it's… it's not ethical..." He stuttered, feeling nervous under her glare. It was so unlike him to act out this way with a woman. He had to pull himself together and show he lead the debate. He hadn't been nervous in so long… actually ever since he passed his law exams. Clearing his throat, he looked back into her hazel threatening eyes. "I mean, it's not because she's my friend and I am used to be loyal to my friends." He added, just for the sake of adding something because he realized it wasn't relevant, at all.

She let out a sigh, rolling her eyes at his transparence. He was bothered by her constant interruptions, of course. But he was trying not to let it get to him. She was playing him, he knew it.

"It's just... damn it, don't you understand? We slept together Brooke, you know? And I am sure as hell they would find a way to prove it if I were to change of side and defend you against them."

Solid excuse, uh? Well, at least he thought. He didn't even know her, so why in the hell would he risk a good million worthy contract with a big company for her?

"But she is lying and you know it! And…" She protested defeated, feeling the injustice.

The man shrugged his shoulders and she scoffed in reply. Typical man thing, she thought bitterly.

"I see," She said dryly. "…you are just so full of bullshit! Damn it!"

She rapped her fist on the desk in massive oak and got up from her chair, almost over-balancing it. The blond man didn't get too nervous or impressed by her anger though. He remained as calm as he had been moments later.

"Look, I'm sorry, I swear if I could do something for you, I would." He told her, sternly.

She laughed dryly, retrieving her purse and coat, her blood boiling inside her veins. She had to leave his office before exploding.

"Brooke, let's talk about it calmly …okay?" He paused and she shot him a glare, standing up, arms crossed in front of her chest. "Rachel suggested you two could find a financial arrangement; maybe it's not a bad idea. She's not as bad as you think…and she doesn't want any more bad publicity. You don't really have a choice…You're broke, have no job, no home. Where would you find the money and strength to go on trial?" So, Brooke guessed, Lucas was like any other man: he loved to avoid conflict. Too bad she had promised herself she would fight for the truth…stupid truth.

"Screw you Lucas!" She suddenly shouted, realizing his mouth was forming a very timid smile. And he was making fun of her on top of all…

"You already did that for me, babe… twice to be exact." He answered quickly, trying to do it cockily, but he was almost blushing at the thought of their previous, agitated night.

She shot him another powerful, wonderfully cold glare and opened the door in a swift movement. She didn't know what to say anymore. Lucas remained on his chair, a small smirk on her face. Fire, the woman was fire and he knew it wasn't the last time he was going to be hearing from her.

Brooke slammed the door of his office seconds later, fuming inside. She couldn't believe the stupid jerk. He knew she was the one being honest about the case, and she seriously wondered how he could be friends with someone like Rachel Gattina, her opponent.

Rachel Gattina, the woman who had stolen her designs, then made them known as her own creations and finally who was suing her for misrepresentation when she had told the media she was the one who had designed Rachel's so called creations.

Rachel Gattina, the woman who was going to pay for messing with Brooke Penelope Davis.

Because no one in their right mind did…

Game was on.

To be continued…

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