Dominic flicked the ashes of his cigar into the tray on the table beside him. “I have a master’s degree in business. Those ethics courses never helped me.”
Jake choked on the sip he’d been taking, then parried, “They might have if you had taken fewer hits on the rugby field.”
Dominic glared at his best friend for a moment before turning his attention back to Jeremy. “I respect that you want a formal education, but don’t underestimate your natural talent. I doubt anyone at WIT can do what you can.”
Jake added to Dominic’s opening. “It’s time for us to branch into a new field of technology. In the past we’ve worked mainly on designing infrastructures and software integration. We’ve recently come into possession of a prototype for something we think you’d be interested in helping us develop.”
Jeremy took his first sip of scotch and gasped as the liquid burned every internal surface it touched. He coughed until his eyes watered, then replaced the glass and ignored the amused expressions on the other two men’s faces. When he could speak again, he said, “I’ve never created anything. My skill is breaking into what others have.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” Jake said. He handed him a tablet that displayed the specs for the project he was asking Jeremy to consider. “Take a minute to look over our design before you make your decision.”
As Jeremy studied the plans, his jaw dropped. “Do you know what this would mean to the gaming world? We could finally be inside the game. No more keyboards, joysticks, or visual cueing. This would be full immersion. The virtual reality of science fiction. A program that learns to read your body language better than a person can. Is it possible? That many biosensors would require massive processing power. Right now you’d need a server the size of a farm in Kansas.”
Jake sat back in his seat and said, “Obviously there are issues with the current silicone chip sets available. However, my parents have made headway with increased processing power using biologically based architectures. We’re not there yet, but we’re close. Dominic has connections to someone who is developing a generation S quantum computing system for a university. The government just cut his funding, so he’s ripe to join us. We need someone who can design the codes to support the bioinformatics sensor interfaces.”
Dominic stubbed out his cigar and asked impatiently, “So, are you in?”
Jeremy handed the tablet back to Jake and stalled. “It’s a tempting project, but I can’t leave WIT. I’ve made a home in California and promises to Jeisa. I want to finish my education.”
Jake didn’t appear surprised by Jeremy’s hesitation. “We can work around your classes and your location.”
“I appreciate the job offer, but . . .”
Sitting forward in his chair, Dominic said, “Don’t consider this a job, consider it a partnership. It would be an offshoot of Corisi Enterprises, but independently owned. California is the perfect place to base this entertainment-focused company. We’ll even relocate Tim. We haven’t found his niche yet. So far, he’s really good at standing at his office door and talking to people.”
With an amused look, Jake placed the blame for that where he thought it belonged. “He may still be shell-shocked from the way you hired him. Not everyone gets your humor, Dom.”
Jeremy chuckled. “It was hilarious, but, yeah, Tim was scared when four guys pulled up in a black Suburban and took him to the Corisi building. He says he likes his job, but I don’t know if he’d tell us if he didn’t.”
The widening smile on Dominic’s face revealed how amused he still was by the way he’d hired Jeremy’s friend. “Abby didn’t like it, but it was worth it.”
Jake shook his head, but it was clear that he’d given up on this particular subject. Looking back and forth between two of the most powerful men on the planet, Jeremy finally understood that they respected the parts of him that hadn’t changed at all. Their acceptance of him had nothing to do with the clothing he wore or how much he could bench-press. They valued his intelligence and his honesty. Eventually, they might even get his dry humor.
Working with them could be an unbelievable opportunity. Jeisa had found her passion at WIT. Could this be the second chance he’d asked for? And if it was, was he ready for it? The lesson he’d learned in Tenin was still fresh in his mind. It was with true humility that he admitted to himself that he still had a lot to learn. “I don’t know anything about running a company.”
Dominic shrugged and nodded toward Jake. “Never stopped me. Jake handles the legal side. This is about trailblazing and that’s a strength of mine.”
In complete agreement, Jake said, “You wouldn’t be in this alone. And it would be a legitimate income—for all of us.”
That idea seemed to please Dominic most of all. He said, “Abby will be happy. And when she is, I am.”
With a laugh, Jeremy asked Jake, “What does a happy Dominic look like?”
Jake joined him in ribbing their moody friend. “Mostly the same, but with less swearing.”
There was one final area of concern that Jeremy felt needed to be voiced, and it could easily be a deal breaker for these men. “I’m not hurting for money, but I did just take a huge hit by donating to WIT. I won’t be able to match your investment.”
Dominic smiled and said, “Jake will lend you the money.”
Following his friend’s offer with one of his own, Jake added a bit gleefully, “And Dominic will give you his Citation X to expedite your bicoastal travel.”
Although their tone was teasing, Jeremy knew their offers were sincere. He asked, “Why would you do that?”
Suddenly serious, Jake said, “My parents weren’t kidding when they said that you are one of the greatest minds of your generation. We want you on our team.”
As Jake’s words sunk in, Jeremy knew he would never forget that day. No longer the bumbling basement genius they tolerated and mocked, he was one of them.
“Okay, I’m in.” After a moment Jeremy asked, “What’s the name of this new company?”
Once again sipping his scotch, Dominic replied, “We’re tossing around ideas. We’ve considered CWK for Corisi, Walton, and Kater Enterprises.”
An idea tickled at Jeremy and he blurted out, “We’d be like Batman, Batman, and Robin.”
Shaking his head, Dominic corrected him. “There is only one Batman.”
Jake threw both hands up in the air in mock frustration and asked, “Why am I still Robin?”
“I don’t care what we name it or what you call me, this is going to be awesome,” Jeremy said with confidence.
I can’t wait to tell Jeisa.
Maybe she’ll let me start wearing my Superman boxers again.
When the baby shower presents were opened and family and friends had once again scattered throughout the Andrade house in chatty pockets, Jeremy sought out Jeisa. He quietly walked up behind her, slid his arms around her from behind, and kissed her cheek. She leaned back into his embrace and smiled, content within his arms.
Peering up at him, she asked, “Is everything okay? How did your talk go?”
“Fine. Better than fine.” Being so close to Jeisa was sending zings of desire through him. There would be plenty of time later to tell her about how he was soon going to be able to fund any and all humanitarian projects she found interest in. For now, all he cared about was how she fit perfectly against him and how her breath quickened along with his, evidence that she was experiencing a similar reaction to their nearness.
She asked huskily, “Are you ready to go home?”
His breath tickled her ear and he whispered, “I’m already there.”
Epilogue
Before leaving the Andrades’ home, Lil slipped into the hallway to call her best friend. Alethea had texted her early that morning, but with everything that had gone on she hadn’t had the time to do more than respond that she’d call her later. It couldn’t have been an easy day for Al knowing that Lil was at another family function where she wasn’t w
elcome. Still, Alethea had sent a beautiful nanny-cam teddy bear that Abby had graciously opened and would surely send a thank-you card for.
It would take time, but the rift between Abby and Alethea could be mended. Lil was certain of it.
“Al?”
Her friend sounded relieved to hear from her. “Lil, I’m glad you called. I figured you might be too busy today.”
Lil smiled sadly. It broke her heart that two of the women she loved most in the world could not stand to be in the same room. “I’ll always make time for you. Abby liked your present.”
“I’m glad.”
Lil didn’t like the tone in her friend’s voice. She knew it too well. “Your text was vague this morning. Is everything okay?”
“Lil, I have to tell you something but I don’t want you to get upset.”
Lil felt her blood pressure rise. “So say it fast.”
“It’s just a feeling I have.”
Lil shook her head vehemently. “No, Al. Don’t do this. You’re already on everyone’s shit list here. Jake and I are planning our wedding for early May and you promised me that you’d try to get along with Abby until then. She’s going to be my matron of honor. How are you going to be one of my bridesmaids if the two of you aren’t talking? I’m working on her. She’s softening toward you. This is not the time for one of your conspiracy theories.”
Alethea said more passionately, “They aren’t theories. They are hunches based on the data I collect from a large number of sources. And I’m always right.”
“Do you remember thinking Jake was a criminal and Abby was in danger?”
“I might have had details of the scenario wrong, but Jake was in trouble, as was Dominic. Do I get any credit for being part of the reason they still have a company?”
Lil checked around the room to make sure she was still alone. “You would, Al, if you toned it down a bit. Just lay low for a while. Let them get over what happened at Thanksgiving. Smile when you see them. You know, normal stuff.”
In a tone that revealed she disagreed, Alethea said, “So, you want me to pretend that I don’t know something even though it endangers the people I care about?”
Lil looked at the ceiling.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Lil asked even though she didn’t want to hear the answer, “How reliable is your information this time?”
Alethea continued, “I’ve heard it from several sources. I would handle it myself if I could, but I can’t. I’m going to need your help.”
Oh, my God, I can’t believe I’m even considering this. I have Jake. I’ve made up with Abby. Everything is going so well. All I have to do is not mess it up.
Shit.
Lil shook her head, waved her phone at the sky in anger and then in resignation said, “You’d better be right, Al.”
Ominously, Alethea answered, “No, I’d better be wrong . . .”
THE END
Don’t want the story to end? Read on with Book 6 of the Legacy Collection
Breaching the Billionaire, Alethea’s Redemption
Book 6
The Legacy Collection
Alethea is at a crossroad. For as long as she could remember, it was her and her best friend, Lil, against the world. Now that Lil has met Prince “I have my own helicopter” Charming and reconnected with her family, Alethea is on the outside looking in, justifying who she’s always been to people who have never understood her. When she uncovers a looming threat to Lil’s family, she’s determined to save them, even after they tell her not to get involved—and assign their best man to stop her.
Marc Stone has been watching Alethea ever since she waltzed through his security system and right into his late-night fantasies. As a decorated Marine, he’s seen the horrors of war, but nothing could prepare him for this wild redhead. Strong. Beautiful. Flawed, and fiercely protective. Hard to love, and impossible to deny.
If she’ll stop fighting him long enough, he’ll show her just how perfect they are for each other. That is, if she doesn’t get them both killed first.
Chapter One
Embrace it or fight it until your last breath; change is life’s only constant.
Or more succinctly:
Change sucks.
Pacing her uptown Manhattan apartment, Alethea paused to look out the window at the busy street below. It was one of her many homes, but since her New York-based company was doing well, it had been a natural choice for her to settle in the city. It was also where Lil Dartley, her best friend, spent most of her time. A friend whose sister was about to have a baby. Today or tomorrow, if the doctor’s predictions were correct.
A second Dartley having a baby.
The first time, I was needed.
This time, I’m not even welcome.
Still, Alethea felt she had to be nearby, in case Lil or her family needed her. No, they hadn’t forgiven her yet, for what, even she had to admit, had been poor handling of “the Jeremy situation.” Is there anything worse than someone telling you how horrible you are and realizing they’re right?
I’ve hurt people I cared about.
I’ve been selfish.
Being sorry isn’t enough to make things right. I have to remove the stain of my mistakes. If that’s even possible.
Some mistakes are unforgiveable.
Alethea scowled. Especially if Saint Abby declares them so.
Alethea gave herself a silent lecture. Shake it off. Don’t hate her. Be glad she and Lil have each other again. She’s a part of Lil’s life. Don’t give up. For Lil.
The ringing of her cell phone pulled Alethea out of her dark thoughts. She smiled when she saw the caller ID. Speak of the imp.
“Al, Abby called.” Lil’s voice vibrated with excitement. “She just went into labor. She and Dominic are heading to Mount Sinai Hospital right now. This is it.”
“Do you need someone to watch Colby?” A smile spread across her face as she mentioned the little girl she considered her niece.
“No, she’s coming with me. There is a whole suite for us. You know Dominic, only the best. I’m sorry I didn’t call you earlier. Things have been crazy the last couple of days. The press is everywhere. They really want a picture of this baby. I’ll tell you, I almost miss the calm of no one knowing me. They literally block you in sometimes. No wonder Dominic has so much security. I used to think he went overboard, but I would be worried about how they’d get to the hospital without it.”
Instinctively Alethea asked, “What’s the security plan for the hospital?”
Lil said, “I have no idea, but I’m sure it’s top-notch.”
By whose standards? Alethea frowned. “I hope so. People take advantage of chaos.”
“You worry too much, Al. There’ll probably be a SWAT team guarding the door. It’ll be like Fort Knox. No one is more paranoid than Dominic.” Lil laughed. “Well, maybe just you.”
Alethea cast her eyes heavenward. Vigilance isn’t a suggestion; it’s a necessity for survival. “It’s not paranoia if people are actually out to get you. You know as well as I do that something is brewing.” With an exasperated wave of her hand, she added, “I know you don’t think I have enough proof yet, but my gut tells me that trouble for Corisi Enterprises is only just beginning. The glitches in their system. The rumors that there’s someone working on the inside. Now a lull in the software issues while Abby has her baby. It doesn’t feel right. The two shouldn’t be related.”
“Because they aren’t.” Lil sighed. “Listen, Al, I love you, but I can’t talk about this right now. Everyone is heading to the hospital. Let me simply enjoy this time. I don’t want to talk about conspiracy theories or computer glitches. I want you to tell me that my sister is going to have a healthy baby and an easy birth. That’s all. Be happy for Abby. Be happy for me.”
Alethea shifted her attention to her new Jimmy Choos—stylish, with four-inch heels that could double as a weapon. “I am happy for Abby . . . and you.”
“Are you? Are you really?”
“Yes,” Alethea said defensively. I sent a shower present. A password-protected, close-range, encrypted, recording-enabled teddy bear nanny cam. I bet it’s still in the box. I wouldn’t know since I wasn’t invited to the shower, nor to Abby’s home since.
When will they give me credit for trying to save Corisi Enterprises? How long will I have to pay for losing my temper at Jeisa?
Instantly contrite, Lil gushed, “I’m sorry, Al. You know I wish I could bring you with me today. Everyone is going to be there today. Everyone, but you. If you would just tone it down a bit, they’d see the you I love. It’s your intensity they don’t understand.”
“Intensity? You mean because I won’t accept the fantasy that nothing bad could ever happen to us again? I can’t pretend everything is okay when it isn’t.” Her gut clenched painfully. Don’t you think I want to be like you? You probably still forget to lock your door at night because you think bad things only happen to other people.
“Nothing is ever okay for you, Al. That’s the problem. You always find an issue because you always look for one. Always. You never let yourself believe that things can be good. Abby found her happily ever after. I found mine. Why can’t you simply be happy for us?”
Alethea blinked back the emotion that welled within her. You have to fight for that kind of happiness. You have to protect it every day or someone will rip it away from you. “The truth is your best defense.”
“Against what, Al?” Lil took a deep breath, then said quietly, “Please, stop. You have nothing but a gut instinct and some glitches to go by. Just stop. I can’t do this right now. I have to go.”
Swallowing her frustration, Alethea looked out the window again. “Call me if you need me.”
Lil hesitated, obviously torn. “I’ll call when it’s over.”
Unable to stop herself, Alethea snapped, “Why would I care about the news if I’m not happy for either of you?”
“I didn’t mean it that way, Al. I know you care. I just . . .”
“I know. Go . . . go be with your sister. She needs you.”
The Legacy Collection Box Set Page 76