Stolen Voices (The Miller Brothers #4)

1. Eli

one

Eli

Two + Years Ago

My phone rings, and the name flashing across the top has me groaning.

“What the hell can you possibly want now, kid?” I ask my youngest brother, Cameron.

“To bug you.”

I fight a laugh. “You’ve succeeded. Now, stop yanking my dick and tell me what you want.”

Cam barks a laugh. “Damn, you’re grumpy this morning. I just called to talk shit about Jace.”

My ears perk up and I lean forward, ready to take action and help our oldest brother. “Why? Is he okay?”

Cam sighs. “He’s fine. But damn, E, it’s hard being around him when he’s like this. I swear when I leave his place, I’m like the dog on Friends. You know, the one where Joey bums the happy pup out.”

“Don’t be so hard on him.”

Not that Cam needs reminding. It’s been a rough couple of years for Jace. His previous marriage was a nightmare, and it culminated in a nasty divorce. Honestly, Jace hasn’t been the same since he came home from his best friend’s wedding in Hawaii seven years ago, where I had a front-row seat to my brother’s happily-ever-after getting shattered into a million pieces.

“I know, but I’m over his sad-sack ass. I went over to his place to check on him, but he wasn’t in the mood. All I got was a grunt this and a grunt that. Oh, and you’ll never guess who called while I was there.”

“Who?”

“Levi.”

“Damn, that name is a blast from the past.”

Levi is—was—Jace’s childhood best friend. It’s hard to say anymore. Things haven’t been the same between them since the wedding.

“That’s what I said.” I can hear the ice pack crinkle over the line as Cam shifts. He must be in the locker room after practice.

“Did Jace say what Levi wanted?”

“Nah, just that he’s been calling and texting, but he hasn’t spoken to him. I wonder what he wants.”

Me too . “Must be something important if he’s reaching out to Jace.”

“Do you think it’s about her?”

Cam doesn’t say her name, but we both know who he’s referring to. Rylann. Jace’s “the one who got away”.

My gut churns, and I think about the past for a second. Whenever I remember Jace walking away from Rylann for his ex-wife, Alina, I want to punch my brother in the dick. “I don’t know,” I respond, checking the time.

Cam guffaws. “How’s that possible? I thought you knew everything. Old, wise, and powerful Eli.”

“Dick-waffle, keeping track of Jace’s ex, or whatever she is, isn’t in my job description. Speaking of jobs, how’s yours?” I ask, hoping to change the subject.

Cam takes the bait with ease. “Fucking fantastic. I get to play baseball every day. What more can I ask for?”

He’s got me there. I loved the game too. I played in high school and probably could have played more, but I was never as dedicated as him. Just like my pops, Cam was made to play baseball. He works his ass off—always has—and it shows. Not only is he a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Evaders, but the guy can play any position and hit like a champ. I’d never tell him, but I admire his commitment. When he goes for something, he goes all in. He thinks I don’t know what his retirement plans are, but I do. I’ll be here, patiently waiting and cheering for him.

“Nothing, brother. Which is a damn good thing.”

“Fuck yeah. So, listen, I want to check out that new club this weekend. The one in Hollywood. Think you can you get me, Thompson, and McKay on the list?”

I roll my eyes. Called it . This is the real reason the douche-nozzle reached out to me. “Depends.”

Cam groans. “No. Dude, come off it. I’m not owing you a favor for this.”

I chuckle, rubbing my chin. Torturing my little brother is what I live for. “If you got yourself an assistant, then you wouldn’t have to ask me for things.”

“Fine, what’s this going to cost me?” he asks.

“You must really need my help if you gave in so easily,” I muse.

“Kind of. It’s McKay’s birthday, and he has a hard-on for this model chick. I found out she will be at the club opening. Figured I’d wingman for my main guy, like he does for me ’cause you suck at the job.”

“As your brother, I should not be helping you get laid.”

Cam laughs. “You know I don’t need help in that department. I only force you along to distract whatever friend my date brings along. Don’t act like you don’t get your dick wet half the time.”

“Fuck off. It was one time, and I was hard up. And need I remind you I had to pretend I was a baseball player? Damn cleat chasers,” I grumble under my breath.

Cam cackles, and I can picture him practically falling off the massage table, laughing at my expense. “That was fucking awesome, man. I forgot about that. That chick was so thirsty for a ballplayer. Wannabe WAGs at their finest.”

Little does he know it’s not only a problem for professional athletes. Aspiring actresses and singers alike throw themselves at me, thinking that if they sleep with me, it will help them get ahead in the business. I have to be extra careful so as not to come off like a creep. I refuse to be like that. It’s why I have strict rules: no dating colleagues, clients, actresses, singers, or anyone in the business.

“Alright, this was a fun walk down memory lane, but I have shit to do.”

“Are you meeting with that popstar chick today?”

“Yep.”

Callie Wright . My heart gives an extra thump in my chest as my eyes fall on her open file on my desk. Every time I look at her picture, this indescribable feeling settles in my stomach. I can sense she’s seen more, lived through more, than other women her age.

“From everything I heard, she’s a pill to work with.”

“Don’t judge, brother. Meet her and then decide with Hud. This could be huge for Blaze.”

“I know.” Doesn’t mean I like it.

We don’t need another bubblegum pop princess with a diva attitude and no talent. Performers like that are a dime a dozen. But I trust Hudson—my business partner and best friend—and this is the way he wants to go. Hudson really wants to sign her. He hasn’t steered us wrong yet.

I get what he sees. At twenty-two, Callie is gorgeous, talented, and a rising star on the pop scene. Six years ago, she landed herself a starring role in one of the biggest teen musical movies in the world. The movie had four sequels that she rode to the top, which lead to her putting out an album this past year.

I couldn’t find anything about the girl from before that time. Almost like she never existed before her rise to fame. It’s strange. I found one interview from two years ago, where she admitted to being named after one of the Greek muses. It wasn’t hard for me to figure out that her real name was Calliope.

What I really want to know is … why?

Why can’t I get any more background information on her? It’s like someone is purposefully trying to keep her past hidden. I worry that could come back and bite us in the ass. But I support my partner one hundred percent.

I met Hudson Campbell at our college freshman orientation, and we have been friends ever since. He comes from one of the wealthiest families in the world. Some would even call him Hollywood royalty. Hudson’s grandfather, Harvey, started The Campbell Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful management agencies in the business.

That’s where Hudson and I began our careers, interning for his father, Harold, who was our mentor until the truth came out and the scandal surrounding him rocked Hollywood. Turns out, our hero was nothing but a predator and used his position of power to manipulate far too many young women. Interns, actresses, and singers were his prey.

Working in this industry is not for the faint of heart. A lot of shit that would turn your hair white goes down in Hollywood. We just never thought Harold would be at the center of those reasons.

It’s been hell on Hudson and his family. It’s been a year for him as more and more sordid details of Harold’s misconduct come out. At first, Hudson desperately tried to help save the family business. That only lasted two weeks before he decided it was a sinking ship that should not be saved. Hudson came up with creating Blaze—a place we can run our way and where our clients would be safe.

Aside from my brothers, I would follow Hudson into the fire. So, I did. Best decision I ever made.

I love what we have built here. I’m not a talented actor, but I have always had a fascination with the job and the stuff that goes on behind the scenes when creating movies. Music is more Hudson’s thing, and while we divide and conquer, we sign clients together and have a deep understanding of what the other is working on.

“Alright, kid. I’ll get you on that list for free this time because it’s McKay’s birthday.”

“Fuck yeah. You’re the best big bro ever.”

“Liar. We all know you love Mason more.”

“Mase’s grumpy ass needs more love,” Cam teases.

It’s true. Mason, our middle brother, is a grump. He’s quiet, keeps to himself, and loves his laptop more than life itself. “True. Mase definitely does. I’ve gotta run, but I’ll call you later to confirm.”

“Thanks. Later, bro.”

“Later.” I hang up the phone as the elevator door dings its arrival.

I glance up in time to watch Callie Wright step into our reception area, wearing a light-purple jumpsuit that hits her in all the right places. She comes across as sophisticated and sweet while still appearing sexy as sin, with her blonde hair down in loose waves framing her face. A natural beauty.

When we designed Blaze, we wanted it to be open and for the glass walls to translate our transparency with our clients. Except for our offices, which have special windows that turn into one-way glass with one click of a button. We can see out, but no one can see in. Which is a good thing. If she could see me, she’d see I can’t tear my eyes away from her delicate features or the curve of her hips.

With a regal air about her, Callie pulls her shoulders back and walks towards a woman lying on our reception couch like she owns the place.

How did I miss that?

The woman, in her forties and fighting it with lip fillers, stands up with an overly wide smile and wraps Callie in a hug. I can’t see the brunette’s face, but I’m sure she’s said something upsetting because Callie’s spine stiffens and her muscles tense. The woman digs her nails into Callie’s arms, and I’m about two seconds away from interrupting when Desmond walks into the room. The two women separate, but Callie looks less sure of herself than she did a minute ago.

Like she can feel my eyes on her, Callie looks around the room, trying to find the source. I watch from my seat in my office as she gives up and follows Desmond. I'm out of my seat in the next heartbeat.

Like my feet have a mind of their own, I exit my office. As I step into the hallway by the conference room, I notice Callie get shoved, and the foot of her heel gets caught on the carpet. She braces herself for the fall that will never come.

Without a second thought, I rush to her side and catch her around the waist before she hits the floor. The sweet, fresh scent of vanilla and flowers invades my nose, and my dick jumps.

What the hell?

Callie’s chest heaves as she lifts her eyes to mine. They are so dark brown I can barely distinguish her irises from her wide pupils. With the overhead lighting glistening off the surface, they look as black as the starry night sky.

Her gaze dips to my mouth, and a small gasp passes between her lips. Heat travels from my hand resting on her hip and spreads like wildfire through my body. My eyes dip to her mouth, and the urge to push her against the wall and kiss her hits me like a punch in the gut.

Fuck. This is trouble.

My brain functions return, and I drop my hand from her lush body. I step back, effectively breaking the spell Callie has me under. The fire in me turns into anger. How dare she come in here all gorgeous, hips swaying, and tempting me to break my rules?

She did nothing wrong, my inner voice pipes up.

While I know that’s true, it still pisses me off. I am having such a visceral reaction to her—a woman I have never met—and I don’t like it.

Irrational, I know.

The viper lady standing beside Callie grips my arm and speaks. Her fake lips move, but I can’t hear a thing. Unable to hide my anger, I glare at the woman who rocked my world; she’s staring back at me with hurt in her eyes. A weird pang hits my chest as I watch Callie’s face fall before she tilts her chin up, ready for a fight.

Fuck.

Without saying a word, I turn and walk into the conference room.

She’s too pretty, too talented, and way too young.

There is no way in hell I can work with the woman. It doesn’t matter that Hudson would be Callie’s agent; we share our workloads. There would be no avoiding her.

She can’t sign with us.

I need to do anything and everything to keep this woman as far away from me as possible. She’s dangerous to me, my career, and my company. To everything I’ve worked hard for. I will not throw that away for anything, especially not for a woman doing bizarre voodoo to me.

She’s got to go.