Page 51 of Savage Ruin
Thiago raises an eyebrow. “The information is confidential at this time.”
“Everyone thinks their product is going to revolutionize the world. What if you’re wrong?” Beau taunts him.
“Write a clause to void the contract contingent upon the release of the product,” Thiago inserts smoothly. “If you decide not to pursue it, we can easily find another company to be our partner.”
Thiago leans forward. “Although, it would be a missed opportunity not to announce the accessory when we reveal the product. Along with Epic Entertainment, of course.”
“Epic Entertainment is the largest entertainment company. If we turn you down, who are you going to go to?” Beau’s broad smile is smug when he asks.
The furrow in Thiago’s brow tells me he’s getting irritated and we only have a couple of minutes left.
“Biomedical Health Corporation,” I interject before Thiago can answer.
For the first time, Beau looks confused.
“With the way AR is moving into the real world, everyone is looking for a solution. Gaming, entertainment, fashion, healthcare, military, you name it, all of them need this device. Add VR into the mix, and you have a whole other group of companies. We need a production partner who can be up and running within a month, which is why we’re only targeting conglomerates like yourself, regardless of industry. We have the code and production specs for a fully functioning product. It’s not going to be hard to find a partner,” I state confidently and look at my phone. “We have one minute left.”
Thiago’s mouth twitches, but he stands. “Regretfully, our time is up. If you’re interested, throw us a counteroffer tomorrow morning. If we don’t hear from you, we’re moving to the next company on our list. We’ll be at the Four Seasons. Thank you for your time.”
He pulls my chair out and puts a hand on my lower back to guide me out the door.
Standing in the elevator, he leans down to murmur in my ear. “You were magnificent. Maybe I need to take you to all my negotiations.”
Surprised, I look up. His eyes are glittering with fierce emotion, making me inhale sharply. The elevator dings and I tear my eyes away. Releasing the breath I’ve been holding the whole way down, I follow him out to the SUV.
Thiago calls Grayson immediately to give him an update. While they’re talking scenarios, I watch the scenery go by. Soon, we’re pulling into a portico, and a doorman is moving to open my door. Thomas is there before he can touch the handle. He opens it and helps me out.
The doorman steps back and smiles. “Welcome to the Four Seasons. Can we help you with your bags?”
“We’re traveling light, thank you,” I reply with a shake of my head.
Thiago comes around to my side and looks around. “Where’s the bellhop?”
“We only have one bag each,” I remind him. “And they roll.” I demonstrate the three-hundred and sixty degree turning radius on my suitcase. He continues to stare at me. “What?”
“Nothing,” he replies with a chuckle. He pulls his suitcase along behind him. After checking in, we head up to our rooms, which are on the same floor. When I mention this to Thiago, he jerks his chin at Thomas. “It’s a safety precaution.”
I dart a glance at Thomas, who acknowledges the statement with a nod.
“We’re eating here tonight,” Thiago says when we get to my door. He makes me wait while security checks out the room. “The reservation is at seven-thirty. I’ll come get you.”
“Seven-thirty,” I repeat, then roll my suitcase into the room and close the door. The room is luxurious with a capital L, but I couldn’t care less. Stripping the beautiful clothes off, I change into leggings, a t-shirt, and fuzzy socks and climb into the fluffy bed sitting in the middle of the room. I need a nap.
* * *
At seven-fifteen sharp,there’s a knock on the door. I look through the peephole and see Thiago’s large body standing in front of me.
“Let me grab a sweater,” I tell him. Sliding open the closet door, I pull one from the hanger and sling it over my arm. “Ready.”
Thiago’s standing in the doorway checking his phone. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs without looking up.
“Hmm, thank you,” I reply. “Do you think these pants look black or navy?”
He lowers his phone and arches his eyebrow. “Your dress is navy.”
I laugh. “Just checking to see if you’re paying attention.”
He grumbles but puts his phone away. “Better?”
