Page 59 of Contentious

“Hmmm.”

“I’ve got to go. Thank you for your help. I’ll talk to you later.”

He ended the call before she could say something else that would piss him off and alarm him in equal measure. He’d heard the disbelief and concern coming from Julian and Kaidan and would no doubt be treated to the wrath of Corbin before the day was out, too.

As he pulled into the driveway at home, he sat for a second to think it through. It wasn’t too late to take a step back, to hire someone else to protect her and Ty. He knew lots of people he’d trust with the job, but the thought of having to hope others kept them safe was unthinkable. When you wanted something done right, it was best to do it yourself, and she and Ty were too important to leave to anyone else, even others he considered the best in the business.

Someone else wouldn’t care about them the way he did.

Shit.

He cared.

Goddamn it.

Chapter Thirteen

Carrying the heavy realization with him, Carson stashed the Glock in the glove box and locked it, then went inside and straight upstairs to shower, shave and change his clothes. By now, the word would be out to the rest of his family that Carson had encouraged Cresley to dump Julian and the firm in favor of Kaidan and their mother’s firm because he was personally involved with her.

“What did you think would happen when you asked Cresley to dump Julian?” he asked his reflection as he shaved. “Did you think he’d say, ‘That’s fine’ and not ask questions? You’re an idiot with your code of ethics.”

His phone buzzed with multiple texts that he glanced at between strokes of the razor.

The sibling group chat was on fire after Kaidan alerted them to potential trouble with Carson.

So much for attorney-client privilege, not that he was Kaidan’s client, but he’d recommended his friend to her.

Why had he chosen to give the case to his sister instead of some other attorney who wasn’t related to him?

Because he wanted the best for Cresley, and if she couldn’t be with Julian or any of their brothers, his sisters were just as good. This was what he got for wanting her to have the best.

What gives, Carson? Griffin had asked. You gave up a client so you could personally protect her? And she just so happens to be a sexy model? Do tell!

Right? Ethan said. What gives indeed.

All the good stuff happens when I’m at school, Roman said.

I think she’s lovely, Gillian said. I hope she and her son stay safe. It’s good of you to help them, Carson.

Thank you, Gillian, he thought. The one sibling who didn’t automatically go for the jugular.

A text from his father popped up. I’d like to see you in my office immediately.

He let that sit until he was dressed and ready to leave. I’m in the field this morning. I’ll check in later.

I wasn’t asking, Corbin replied.

Carson ignored that text. He’d deal with him and the fallout of losing Cresley as a client later. First and foremost, he needed to check in with his team on a number of cases and investigations they were working on and then get Cresley to Burbank for her meeting. He grabbed his laptop and left the house.

On the way back to Cresley’s, he called each of his employees for an update on ongoing cases and to give them marching orders for the day.

“Hey, boss,” Anthony said.

“How’s it going over there?”

“Bryan’s brother showed up wanting to see Rachel, but she isn’t seeing anyone right now. He didn’t like that answer. He said, ‘She killed my brother, and she won’t take my calls. The least she can do is communicate with our family.’ I told him she’d be in touch when she was ready, which is what she told me to tell anyone who tried to come by.”

“Was the brother hostile?”