Page 10 of Takeover
He waved me off."My daughter is prone to hysterics.But I hope that doesn't influence your interest in purchasing our R&D arm."
"No, of course.Pendragon is serious.The terms are favorable.I have already sent them over."
He lifted a brow."There's just one thing.The other night, we spoke of partnership and how important it is."
"Of course."
"Well, I was serious about that.Becks has been a family business for two generations now.I don't intend for that to change."
"Well, of course we would leave your daughter in place.And give you access to her software as needed.It's not like we're acquiring all of Becks."
"No, you don't understand.I don't just want an investment.I want atruepartnership.While we could sell off the R&D arm, it's more like a merger of sorts."
I lifted a brow and sat back.My gut tried to warn me.Becker was slippery.And he thought he was slick enough to get one over on me.
"Why don't you tell me what you're thinking," I said through clenched teeth.
"Since Becks Inc.has always been a family business, we need to keep it that way.And so, I'd like to make you a proposition."
"If you want to negotiate more for favorable terms, like how much longer we'll keep the employees, we can discuss that.I, however, wantallof the technology.No negotiating behind my back with Jacobson.It’s a nonstarter.No games."
"Absolutely.No games.I'm a man of my word.And I think you're a man of yours."
He was up to something.Something I knew I wasn't going to like.
"I'm so glad we're in agreement, because the only way I'm going to let any part of Becks go is if we keep it in the family."
A tingle of alarm on my scalp had me lifting my brow and watching him closely."Exactly what do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is, in order for me to let R&D go, you're going to marry my daughter.And of course, fulfill all of the terms you set forth.Obviously, you would also provide her with a generous prenuptial agreement for a ten-year term."
I did the only thing I could.I laughed."Not happening."
He sat back again."In that case, I think I'll go and see what kind of deal I can make with Jacobson."
The fucker.I knew the powerplay he was trying to make.And considering the man was up against the wall, he had no bargaining power other than the threat of making a deal with my nemesis.However, I did remember something my father had always said.Always be warier of a caged man than a free one.There's no telling what they'll do for their freedom.And it seemed that James Becker was willing to bargain with his daughter.
I thought back to the way Gwen had walked out.Then I remembered our first meeting on the balcony, the softness of her skin and the slice of her tongue.
You don't want to fucking get married.There is no goddamn way.
A bitter scent lingered in the air.Maybe this was why Micah hadn't wanted to come along.
"I'm not getting married."
"Then no deal.Jacobson is giving me the same offer.It's the only way we're going to sell.I would rather go bankrupt and lose everything than to let someone who is not family have any part of Becks.I care about the family legacy continuing, and this is how it happens.If you want my company, you marry my daughter.It's as easy as that."
My initial flash of fury morphed.It would be that easy, and she would be mine.I’d never wanted to be married, knowing what kind of trap marriage was.A kind of death sentence to your soul.
But this way you can have her.
I narrowed my eyes."You have a deal."
Becker flashed a grin at me."Excellent.Why don't you come by the house tonight?We’ll have drinks and have this conversation with my daughter, civilized-like.Then you can get to know her better.See if a union suits."
James Becker thought he was getting the better end of this deal.But I hadn't even known that she came with it.He had no idea what he had, and he was willing to give it all away.
And I was just ruthless enough to take it.
