BILLIONAIRES’ INDULGENCE
Book 5—Burning Desire
Scarlett Avery
Copyright © 2016 by Scarlett Avery
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.
Scarlett Avery / Absolutely Naughty Publishing
Edited by RJ Locksley
Proofread by Chrissy Becker
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental. This book is for sale to adults over 18.
Billionaires’ Indulgence / Scarlett Avery.
ISBN 978-1-987943-13-9
Foreword
I can't thank you enough for purchasing this sizzling read.
I’m absolutely passionate about what I do. Once I start writing, I just can't stop.
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The captivating stories and the enigmatic characters live with me throughout the writing process. I think you'll quickly notice how much care and attention I put into each one of my romance novels.
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***
Billionaires’ Indulgence Series
Book 1—Irresistible Attraction
Book 2—Pure Lust
Book 3—Wicked Pleasure
Book 4—Craving More
Book 5— Burning Desire
***
CHAPTER ONE
ALLISON
Holy Mother Mary.
My jaw is open and I’m gasping for air as I replay my best friend’s words. My iPhone is still stuck to my ear, but it’s as if I’ve gone blind, deaf and mute in a matter of seconds. My brain is hurting so much right now, it’s not even funny. My best friend just dropped a bomb so devastating it would make the worst nuclear attack look like a playground. Did she say a lawsuit?
There’s no way this is possible. I mean I do understand her words because after all, I speak English, but at the same time it’s incomprehensible to me Gwyn would ever link my name to fraud. I knew something was up when she called me by my full name, but it never occurred to me Clark lied about my involvement in his company and it certainly never would have even popped into my head that my whole life was about to burst into flames for wrongful actions I never committed.
I’ve never managed the finances of my ex’s company. The whole idea of me poring over complicated financial charts is laughable. Venture App is Clark and Jasper’s pride and joy, not mine. Either Gwyn is delirious or Clark is out to get me.
I’m still lost in my thoughts when Gwyn brings me back to reality.
“Ali, are you still there?”
“Yes,” I say in a meek voice. “Gwyn, I’m not a principal or a treasurer in Clark’s company—I never have been. And I surely wouldn’t know anything about disgruntled investors.”
This whole discussion has my stomach tied in a knot and it’s threatening to give me an ulcer. I’m trying to make sense of what Gwyn is sharing, but none of it is logical. I can barely keep track of my own finances, why in the world would anyone appoint me to manage a company’s finances, let alone my ex who I caught cheating on me?
“You wouldn’t lie to me, right?”
“Gwyn, I have nothing to hide. You’re frustrating the hell out of me because it’s as if you’re speaking Chinese and I’m speaking Swahili. I’m sure this must be a big fat mistake. Clark is making this stuff up.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course. We’ve been friends for a very long time and we’ve had our differences, but we’ve never had this type of tension between us, Gwyn. How can you even doubt me?” I say, ticked off.
“Clark was convincing at painting a pretty grim picture and I’m really worried about you.”
“He’s bullshitting. My only part in my ex’s company was being a stupid woman who only had desperation as her last card to play. When he secured that office last year, Clark begged me to co-sign the lease every single day for two months straight until I caved in. His explanation at the time was Jasper’s heavy student loan debt and bad credit were anchors preventing them from propelling the company forward. He was pressuring me and manipulating me by telling me that by signing the lease, I was showing him I believed in him, and hence I believed in us. I know now he was playing me for a fool, but at the time I really thought those papers could bring us closer. As you know, I’ve refused to co-sign the lease this year, so as far as I’m concerned, I have no involvement in this story anymore.”
“Yeah, well, as I told you, that’s not the song Clark is singing.”
“Come on, Gwyn. We both know how much of a snake he can be. I’m not even sure why you’re taking his claims seriously. For all we know, he’s trying to weasel his way back into my life by going through you so I’d have no other option but to pay attention to his desperate pleas.”
“Yeah, I was thinking the same, but when he revealed he’s secured legal counsel and his business partner Jasper Reed has done the same, I became a little nervous. People don’t hire an attorney unless it’s important. When I questioned him why investors would go after you guys in such a vicious way, he cleverly avoided my question by telling me I needed to get in touch with you as soon as possible and urge you to secure your own legal representation. When he explained he and Jasper had a three-week lead time on you and they were getting ready for the impending civil trial, that’s when I realized he wasn’t bullshitting.”
“But this makes no sense,” I yell out as panic sets in. “I have absolutely no involvement in his company and I don’t understand why I would need legal counsel to protect myself against investors I don’t even know who could sue the hell out of me when I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Honey, I’m telling you everything I know. But I recommend you get yourself back here as soon as possible. You need to find a good attorney to fight this. If you’re not the treasurer in Clark’s company, you need to prove it so these investors don’t go after you.”
“Even though I’m no longer with him, the asshole manages to find a way to make my life miserable.”
“I know you hate his guts, and I can’t blame you, but I’d call Clark immediately after you hang up with me. Maybe he’ll be more forthcoming with you than he was with me.”
“That’s a good idea and I need to get back to New York urgently.”
“I’ll be honest, the sooner you’re back in the city, the sooner you’ll be able to get to the bottom of things. If Clark is lying about your involvement in his company, you need to move heaven and earth to discover the truth.”
“I’m scared, Gwyn,” I confess, biting my nails. “I don’t have the means to hire an attorney. You know what I’ve been dealing with over the past few months. Sure, I get paid at this job, but it’s never going to cover the astronomical legal fees. I don’t know how much these investors are suing Clark and Jasper for, but all this sounds like it’s going to be a financial tsunami for me.” I rub my temples with my free hand. The pressure building between my temples is unbearable.
“Since all of this was well over my head, I called Gaven and he c
onfirmed my worst fears. Class-action suits usually mean some pretty angry people are looking for a colossal payday. These types of suits usually end up in a guilty verdict that represents millions if not hundreds of millions of dollars for the guilty party and a case like yours could also mean a prison sentence.”
Fuck, now I really have a splitting headache. “Jesus.”
“Sweetie, there are firms in the city that take on clients pro bono. If you’ve been wronged, I’m sure someone will want to help you. Why don’t I ask Gaven if he knows of anybody in his circle who could represent you? I’m sure by the time you get back, we’ll have figured something out.”
“I pray to God you’re right or else I’m really screwed.”
CHAPTER TWO
JAKE
It’s amazing how much I’ve come to look forward to my afternoon rides with Ali. It was an innocent suggestion at first to allow her to discover the area and take some breathtaking photos, but it’s quickly turned into my favorite part of the day.
Riley’s trip to California has allowed us to give into our hedonistic desires with unbridled gluttony. Sharing Ali with my best friend has been an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, but I’ll be honest, in the past few days I’ve found myself more and more reluctant to allow Hunter to savor the sassy blonde. My best friend and I have always been very open when it comes to women, especially those we’ve had the pleasure of sampling together, but I never imagined myself falling for Ali. I was content gorging on her sinful body and I was extremely turned on by watching my best friend make her come, but lately, that pleasure has turned into dread.
There’s something magical about the time Ali and I spend on the road until nightfall that’s really brought us closer together and it’s allowed me to appreciate every facet of her personality. Neither of us has said a word so far, but something has changed between us—I just know it. It’s like an unspoken communion. There’s no doubt I was instantly attracted to her, but in the last nine days I’ve also been able to discover her quirkier side, which I find irresistible. She comes across as shy and reserved at first, but in time she’s allowed me in and I’m totally smitten. I usually start my countdown right after lunch knowing that I only have a few hours before she’s all mine.
Yesterday afternoon was truly magical. I didn’t want it to end and if I could’ve convinced her to spend the night sleeping cuddled next to my body at the back of my truck under the moonlight to avoid going back to the ranch, I would have.
Today, I’m particularly excited because we’re traveling through time. I want to take her to the Holiday Twin Drive-In Theatre. This drive-in theatre is a throwback to the fifties and it’s a great place to get nice and close. There’s something kitschy and fun about eating snacks in my SUV while we watch a movie on a big screen outdoors. I hope she’ll enjoy the experience as much as she’s been thrilled by all of our past adventures.
After the movies, I plan on taking her to the lake again for a romantic picnic under the stars. I can’t think of a more perfect backdrop for an intimate evening. I’ll put some blankets at the back of my vehicle, I’ll pack some wine and beer in a cooler and we’ll stop by the Colorado Room for some dinner.
This is one of my favorite barbecue joints in town because I can’t get enough of their infamous Sammys. Those sandwiches are out-of-this-world delicious. Since I can never choose, I’ll order a few of their slow-roasted pork shoulder sandwiches topped with sweet tangy barbecue sauce served with apple and jicama slaw and I’ll also get a couple of their braised short ribs topped with caramelized onions, sautéed peppers and gruyere cheese sauce. You really can’t go wrong. I absolutely have to get her to try the Colorado Room’s taters. The best way to describe them is deep-fried mashed potato balls. I’ve offered to pay good money to get my hands on the recipe so Isadora can make them for us, but the owner keeps turning me down.
When Ali is fully relaxed, I’ll confess my feelings for her. There’s only one way to know if this intense energy I’ve felt surge between us during these afternoon rides is mutual. My timing couldn’t be more perfect. Hunter will be in Denver partying it up with two of his cousins from LA, so we’ll have all night to enjoy each other, since he usually plays it safe and books a hotel room to sober up.
“Riley’s impending return must have kept Ali really busy today,” I say to myself as I approach my sister’s office. I tried calling Ali to let her know I was running a little late for our date this afternoon, but it kept going straight to voicemail. I texted her a few times in the past hour, but she hasn’t responded. I’m sure the fact that my sister is coming back tomorrow is most likely adding a lot of pressure. Knowing Riley, she must’ve sent Ali a mile-long to-do list. Damn, the honeymoon is nearly over. I’m going to have to man up or things will get awkward real fast. I still remember Ali desperately trying to understand how our relationship would unfold once my sister and her kids were back at the ranch, and even though I really didn’t have an answer at the time, I’m very glad I didn’t make any predictions because my feelings for her have dramatically changed. When Hunter’s back tomorrow, I need to have a face-to-face with my best friend to let him know I’ve fallen hard for Ali and I want her all to myself.
Looks like she’s having a grueling day.
As I reach my sister’s office, I notice through the large window Allison hunched over with her elbows pinned against the desk. She’s cradling her head in her hands. Although I’m not as carefree as Hunter, I’m sure I can find a way to bring back her dazzling smile regardless of the day she’s had so far.
“Knock, knock, knock,” I say jovially as I push the door open. “I hope you’re ready for an amazing afternoon because I have some big plans for us. It’s an adventure you’ll never find in a million years in a city like New York.” I stride towards her desk hoping I’ll have piqued her curiosity. “I can’t promise you’ll be able to take loads of great photos, but I can promise a whole lot of fun.”
I’m standing over her grinning ear to ear, but since she’s made no effort to look up at me it hits me something must be wrong.
“Ali, what’s going on?”
“I… I don’t think I can make it today,” she replies between sobs. Her head is still nestled between her hands and she shakes her head to emphasize her words.
I take a few steps forwards and kneel at her feet. “Why are you crying?”
“My life is an absolute disaster,” she wails.
“Come on now, Ali, it can’t be that bad. Is it about the workload my sister left you?”
“I’d never get bent out of shape just because of workload, Jake. This is far more serious. Actually it’s devastating.”
I don’t know what might have changed so drastically in the last few hours, but she’s really worked up and the sadness I read on her face breaks my heart.
“Why don’t you share what’s going on? Maybe I can help.” I brush her hair back tenderly, trying to comfort her.
“I don’t want to bother you with my drama. This has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do with the fact I consistently fall for the wrong men and I always end up picking up the broken pieces of my life. In this case, I’m royally screwed.”
“Sounds like it has to do with your ex. I think you know by now I’m not immune to unexpected drama caused by an ex-lover. Why don’t you tell me what the bastard did? Whatever it is you’re dealing with, I’m here for you.” I wipe away her tears, hating to see her so broken.
She blinks a few times, trying to assess if she can trust me. I smile at her and hold her gaze, hoping she’s willing to trust me. After a few long minutes, she brings her shoulders down as if already defeated and sighs before speaking.
“I’m being sued by a bunch of people I’ve never met in my life and didn’t know existed until an hour ago.”
“Okay. I’ll admit, it’s not what I was expecting. I think you’re going to have to start from the beginning because this is heavy shit.” Why would anyone want to go after Ali?
I embrace her in my arms while consoling her. “Your best friend is right. You can’t go at this alone. You need to hire the best attorneys out there if you’re going to go against a class-action suit.”
“But I’ve done nothing wrong,” she wails.
“Sweetie, that’s why you need to fight this.” I rub her back, bringing her body closer to mine, hoping my warmth will calm her down.
“I don’t even know where to start to find a New York lawyer willing to take on my case free of charge. I mean, do attorneys really help people like me out of the goodness of their heart?”
“Yes, some do. Not all attorneys are bad people, baby. Gwyn is right in recommending finding a lawyer who would take on your case pro bono, but you have to understand that top lawyers wouldn’t spend a lot of their time working on a case they’re never going to get paid for. In a city like New York where most sharp attorneys bill a thousand dollars an hour, you can be certain anyone who takes your case would be passing it along to a junior attorney. Now I’m not saying you can’t get assigned a competent junior attorney, what I’m saying is why take chances?”
“What other options do I have, Jake? Even if I were to ask my parents for support, they’d never be able to come up with the kind of money I need to fight this. There’s no way I can ever ask them to mortgage their house. It would just be inconceivable. I feel so alone in this.”
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