~OCEAN
I leaned back in my chair, my eyes locked on Kingston's, the air between us thickening like a palpable fog. The soft hum of the office machinery and the gentle rustle of papers being shuffled in the outer office seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of us with our wills which clashed like titans in a primordial battle.
"Alright Kingston, I think we've discussed the key points." I started. "We'll merge our companies, and you'll be taking on the role of COO. You'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, making sure the wheels keep turning, and keeping the shareholders happy." I finished, a small grin playing on my lips.
Kingston nodded with a thoughtful expression but his eyes betrayed a hint of his calculation. He stroked his chin, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on the armrest, as if weighing the pros and cons of the deal. "That sounds like a solid plan, Ocean. But what's the deal? How do we split the shares?"
I smiled, feeling a sense of confidence wash over me. "We'll do 60-40, with my company, Steeles Enterprises, holding the majority stake. You'll get 40% of the merged company, which is a generous offer, considering the state of your company's finances." I explained.
Kingston's face fell as his frown deepened, his eyes flashing with a hint of indignation. "No way, Ocean. I'm not walking into this deal without a significant chunk of equity. I want 50-50, and I want it now."
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on my lips. "You're dreaming if you think I'm giving up that kind of control. 57-43, and that's being generous. You're getting a sweet deal as it is, and we both know my company is worth ten times yours, and you're getting a chance to ride my coattails into the big leagues." I reminded him, because he seems to be forgetting his company stance in the business world.
Just then, Adelina stepped into the room, a notepad and pen in hand as she acknowledged Kingston with a professional nod. "Excuse me. Mr Steele, do you need anything before I make the arrangements for the merger?" She asked, her attention all focused on the notepad on her hand as her eyes skimmed through the written text.
I turned to her, my expression softening. "Can you please pull up the financials for Kingston's company and get me the latest projections?"
Adelina nodded, her eyes scanning the room with confidence. "Already on it, Sir. But I do need to flag that the due diligence process is going to take a bit longer than expected. The auditors are having some issues with the inventory valuation." She explained in an enunciating tone.
Kingston's eyes narrowed at Adelina's words, his expression calculating. "What's the holdup with the inventory valuation?"
Adelina met his gaze, her voice steady. "It's just a discrepancy in the accounting methods, Mr. Kingston. Nothing to worry about, because it will get sorted out." She assured him with a small smile.
I nodded, my eyes never leaving Kingston's face. "Good. Keep me updated."
Kingston's eyes flashed with determination, his voice low as he spoke. "I'm not settling for less than 50-40, and I want a seat on the board of directors. I also want veto power over any major decisions. I've built my company from scratch, and I'm not going to let you push me around like a pawn on a chessboard."
The grin on my face dropped instantly as my expression darkened, my eyes blazed like a hawk sizing up its prey, my voice taking on a cold, authorotative tone. "You're pushing your luck, Kingston. I can walk away from this deal and find someone else who's willing to play ball. You're not the only game in town, you know. There are plenty of other companies that would kill to merge with Steeles Enterprises."
Kingston shrugged before standing up, his movements fluid and confident, like a big cat stretching its claws. "I'm willing to take that chance. I've got other options on the table." He paused, staring down at me on the sit I was sat, as I tried to mask up my irritation. "Are you willing to take the risk of losing this opportunity? This merger could make both our company more successful, Ocean, so don't let your ego get in the way."
"My ego?" I snorted, shaking my head, a hint of admiration in my voice. "You're the one who's being egotistical, Kingston." I stated. He was in no shoes to make demands as his company was in its last days. Me backing up his already fallen company would be of great help to him and now, he is trying to dictate what goes on and off in this deal? "Fine, I'll give you 50-40, but you get one seat on the board, and no veto power. That's my final offer."
Kingston squinted his eye with a conniving expression covering his features, his mind working overtime and I knew all sort of thoughts were swirling in his head. "I'll take it." He finally spoke. "But I want it in writing, and I want a guaranteed five year contract as COO, with a 10% annual bonus. And I want a golden parachute clause, just in case things go south." He finished with a deep breath which he needed so badly because it felt like he was competing in a low budget rap battle.
Adelina's eyes widened slightly at Kingston's demands, but her expression remained professional. "I'll make sure to add that to the contract, Mr. Kingston."
I smiled while adjusting my tie. "You're a tough negotiator, Kingston." I started. "You got yourself a deal. But if you screw me over, there's nowhere you'll be able to hide. I'll hunt you down and make sure you regret the day you ever crossed me." I warned, my voice taking on that serious tone.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Ocean. Let's shake on it, and make this deal happen." Kingston smiled, a triumphant glimmer in his eyes as he extended his hand forth for a handshake.
I took his hand, our eyes locked in a fierce stare, the tension between us crackling like electricity, as the deal was already sealed, and there was no going back for we've gotten to a point of no return.
"Thank you, Adelina." I said, my eyes never leaving Kingston's face. "That would be all for now." I dismissed.
~~~~~~~
I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of me, my mind consumed by thoughts of her, Vivian, the woman I once loved, the woman I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. But now, she was just a distant memory, a painful reminder of the betrayal I had suffered.
It had been a few months since I discovered her infidelity, and the wound still felt raw like an open cut with salt sprinkled on it. I couldn't believe I had been so blind, so naive to her cunning ways. Why did she do this to me? Why did she destroy our marriage, our love, our everything? Was it even real to begin with?
As I sat there, a cold mask of indifference settled over me, a shield I had crafted to protect myself from the pain. My eyes wandered to Adelina, my secretary, who was busy typing away at her desk behind the glass wall that separated our offices. She was a beautiful woman, with curves that could stop traffic and a smile that could light up a room. I had always found her attractive, but now, I saw her as nothing more than a fleeting distraction, a momentary escape from the crushing weight of my reality.
I felt a stirring in my loins, a primal urge that I knew I could satisfy with a mere flick of my wrist because Adelina was willing, in love, in romance, in feelings. But I was interested in one thing, and one thing only, my release.
I stood up, my movements deliberate, my eyes locked on Adelina who looked up, a question in her eyes, and I knew she saw the hunger there. I didn't care. I didn't care about anything except the momentary satisfaction of my desires.
As I gazed at her, I felt a sense of detachment, a separation from the emotions that had once threatened to consume me. My marriage to Vivian had been a mistake and her infidelity had been the final blow, a betrayal that had left me feeling broken and lost.
But Adelina was different. She was a ray of sunshine, a breath of fresh air that had blown into my life and left me feeling alive. I didn't love her, didn't want to love her. I just wanted to possess her, to own her, to use her to satisfy my desires.
"Adelina," I spoke into the phone, my voice low and husky. "Come to my office. Now."
Her gaze met mine behind the glass wall and she hesitated for a moment, thoughts swirling in her head. I knew she was considering it, weighing her options. But I knew she would come. I knew she would do whatever I asked, whenever I asked it. As she walked towards me, her hips swayed and I felt a surge of power, of control. This was what I needed, what I craved.
No emotions, no attachments, no commitment, no complications and definitely, no betrayal.
She closed the door behind her, my eyes settled on hers, and I knew I was in control. I was the one calling the shots, making the rules, setting the pace.
It was moments like these that made me realize, I would never let anyone get close enough to hurt me the way Vivian did. My heart was locked away, a fortress built to keep out the pain, the emotions, the vulnerability. I was a man who would never be hurt again and for me to keep that statement, I would never love again.
I was a master of my desires, a king of my domain. And Adelina was my willing subject, my queen of pleasure.
I moved towards her, my eyes didn't falter from hers, my intention towards her was as clear as day. She didn't flinch, didn't look away. She knew what she was getting into, knew what I wanted from her.
And as I reached out to touch her, to claim her, I knew she would submit willingly, surrendering to my desires without questions and I enjoyed every bit of it.
"Get into position."