Flame – Carmichael Family Read Online Adriana Locke

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Insta-Love Tags Authors:
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Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
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Unfortunately for him, I’m not most people.

“At least you’re begging for something,” I say.

He opens his mouth to respond, but Jason cuts in before Foxx has the chance.

“This day gets better and better,” Jason says, appearing out of thin air.

I pull my gaze away from Foxx. “What’s wrong?”

“I have a mess on my hands back home.” Jason sighs. “Apparently, Dad arrived at Brewer Air this morning and tried to breach my office. It’s taken care of, but he left with my assistant in tow.”

My stomach drops. “What the hell, Jase?”

“I know. I know. He just gets further out into the deep end every time we turn around. We alerted your office about the situation in case he was headed that way.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Of course, he does this on the day we’re not in town.”

“I take it all things aren’t resolved,” Foxx says, his voice all business.

Jase shakes his head. “No. There are a lot of attorneys involved, as well as the police at this point. Dad has dug his heels in and is fighting us at every turn.”

Foxx looks at me, but I don’t know what to say. I give him a shrug. It almost makes him smile.

I take a deep breath and hold it in my lungs. The burn helps recenter me—helps me to release the stress of our family drama as I exhale.

A few weeks ago, our father was exposed as a cheat, liar, and all-around horrible person. It took us all by surprise. None of us saw it coming.

Mom filed for divorce with all six of us by her side. She then ousted Dad from our family’s businesses, putting me in charge of Brewer Group to oversee the function of our various entities. That did not go over well. Apparently, Dad forgot about a paper he signed when accepting a loan from his father-in-law years ago. A rider in that paperwork allowed Mom to push a few buttons and take full control of the company.

Dad has spiraled even more since that became official.

“I need to get back to Nashville,” Jason says, giving Foxx a look I don’t understand.

“Of course,” I say. “Let’s go.”

Jason holds up a hand before I can take the first step. “Bianca …”

I stare at my brother.

Whatever he’s about to say is going to make me mad. The wariness in his eyes and the hesitation in his voice give him away.

I grab the back of a chair and brace myself. “Yes, Jason?”

“Hear me out …”

“I can’t do that if you don’t speak.”

He sighs, preparing for battle. But what are we battling? What do I not know?

“I don’t know what I’m walking into back there,” Jason says. “I’ve talked to Landry Security and our brothers, and Mom, and we all think it might be best if you didn’t come back with me.”

I let go of the chair. “Excuse me?”

“Today’s stunt is out of pocket—even for Dad. He’s scrambling, and people are dangerous when they scramble.”

“He’s our father, Jason. I worked with him more closely than any of you for years. He’s not going to do anything to me.”

“Exactly. You worked with him more closely than any of us. You know the ins and outs of every business deal, every company, everything he’s touched for …” He pauses. “Hell, Bianca—you were in his office since you could walk. If anyone is a target—it’s you.”

I close my eyes and grimace.

It makes sense. I am the interim president. I have access to every document and contract. If our father has left a trail of nefarious dealings behind and we haven’t found them yet, I’ll likely be the one who sniffs it out.

Fuck.

“Gannon will step in and keep things running until you get back. Just think of it like a little vacation. You need one anyway. This whole thing has impacted you more than the rest of us.”

That’s true, too. I haven’t been sleeping well. I’ve spent more hours in the office than I have at home since Dad’s betrayal. Jason had to pry me out of my office to get me to accompany him on this random adventure today.

It has felt nice getting some fresh air …

I open my eyes. “For the record, I think you’re blowing this out of proportion.”

“Cool. I hope you’re right.”

Ugh. I pace a small circle. “Where would I go? Renn’s condo in Vegas?” Not a bad idea. “Maybe you could have security just meet me there—”

“You’re staying here.” Foxx’s words are crisp and quick.

My head whips to his. I’m staying here? Has he lost his mind?

I don’t know what my face does, but he rolls his eyes.

“I hardly think staying with you is the solution we’re looking for,” I say.

He doesn’t back down. “You just bid ten grand for one date with me. Think of it as a bonus.”


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