Page 8 of Thiago
“I want to hit a billion dollars in revenue.”
“We’re almost there, Thiago. We’ve seen astronomical growth since you took over. The expansion in Asia had a few hiccups but went mostly well. I’m sure by the end of the third quarter?—”
He shook his head decisively. “Not by the end of the third quarter. By the end of next quarter, I want to see that number reflected, and the Santiago Migos fiasco practically fell in our lap and will allow us to achieve it. I ran the numbers. If we can take twenty percent of their market share and keep all our other businesses running as smoothly as they have been, we will reach the goal I’ve set, which will look very good when we… go public.”
India drew in a silent breath at the bombshell he dropped.
Now everything made sense. The big push. The fact that he was seldom satisfied with their initial proposals. The reason why he worked so hard every single day. She thought his dedication was because he needed to prove to everyone his father had made the right decision in turning over the company to him, but he had his own agenda, which made her respect him more. This was self-inflicted pressure, which she understood.
Thiago was self-motivated, and she wanted him to achieve his goal. Not only for him, but for herself as well, to prove she was capable of hitting the milestones set before her. It would be another accomplishment she could add to a long list of achievements.
“How long have you been working on this?”
“I’ve had the idea since I was based in Brazil, but when my father stepped down as CEO, I saw the opportunity to make a stock launch a reality. I brought in a consultant to help with the prep work, but my father is not yet convinced going public is a good idea.”
“You’re the one in charge now. You can move forward if you want.”
“I can, but I respect his opinion. He spent decades building this company, and though I am now the one in charge, I do not want to ignore his concerns. Only my father and the COO know about my plans—and now you. I will make a formal announcement to the rest of the executive team at next week’s meeting.”
India felt honored he had trusted her with such confidential information. “I won’t say a word before you’re ready to announce.”
“Do you think you can help me meet my goal by the end of next quarter?” Thiago asked.
“Have I ever let you down?”
“No, which is why I know I can count on you.” He drained his glass and rested it on the table in front of them. “By the way, I won’t be coming by next week. My sister is getting married, and the family is having an engagement party for her and her fiancé.”
“Oh. Monica, right?”
He nodded, running his fingers through his hair. “The reminder popped up on my phone today, and I haven’t bought a gift yet.”
“You need an assistant to handle those details for you. I’ve told you so a thousand times,” India chided.
“I have an assistant.”
“Apersonalassistant who knows you and your needs. Not that concierge service.”
“I will be fine. I will ask my sister Audra to buy the gift. She has great taste and knows what Monica would like.” Thiago stood, obviously not planning to stay long tonight.
India placed her glass on the table beside his. “I’ll get your jacket and tie,” she said.
She padded to the bedroom and picked up his clothes from the chair in the corner. On her way to the door, she paused, lifting the collar of his jacket to her nose. Her eyes drifted closed. His scent clung to the material. Notes of bergamot, leather, and something dark and smoky made her chest tighten in an inconvenient way.
Embarrassed, she quickly lowered the clothing.
She found him waiting by the door and handed over his clothes.
“Thank you,” he said, folding both items over his arm.
“You’re not planning to go back to work tonight, are you?” she asked.
He checked the Rolex Land-Dweller on his wrist. The timepiece was sleek, with a platinum band and an ice-blue honeycomb motif on its face. Cool and elegant, like its owner.
“I will be working but not at the office. I have a few calls to make.”
Thiago cradled the back of her neck with a possessive hand and pulled her into his firm body. He kissed her, his lips lingering and making heat coil low in her belly. He seemed reluctant to leave, and deep down, she wished he’d stay.
“If I didn’t have to go…” He whispered the words of regret against her lips.
