Chapter 32 Negotiations
Dante
We’re early, but Colin wanted to make sure he had the place covered before Alexander and his crew arrived. We’re at Colin’s city townhouse. Apparently it’s an honor to have a meeting here. He has a dining room table that’s bigger than most conference tables.
We’re seated to one side of it with our backs to the wall while the other side has windows at their backs.
“Do you want to do the talking?” Colin asks Finn. “I mean, I’d hate to step on anyone’s toes here, but I might have a certain repertoire I’m used to giving.”
“As long as it doesn’t include shooting anyone or getting someone shot.” Finn shrugs. None of us are looking forward to this meeting. We’re early, but we have everything we need.
Roger stands, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He has a dual shoulder harness with guns in each holster. I’m sure he’s ready to use one if he needs to. I’m hoping he doesn’t need to.
Tom getting shot is enough. I don’t need to hold Sara while one of us is down. Last night she curled into me and I held her. We’ll have nights where I take her every way I can, but last night was somber.
We found what we could to help neuter Alexander from coming after us, but Finn was right. It wouldn’t be a long-term solution. It’d be a bandage on a gaping wound.
“Anyone else want to say anything during our little get together?” Colin looks around. His green eyes are dead serious. “I don’t do well with interruptions, so if you want to say something, you tap once on the table and I’ll acknowledge you.”
“Understood,” Finn says.
One of the guys in black standing on the wall next to Roger steps forward and whispers in Colin’s ear before straightening.
“We’re on, gentlemen and lady.” Colin winks at Natasha on his left side.
The room falls silent as we hear approaching footsteps. Alexander has brought Noelle and two men with him. He glances at all of us before taking the seat across from Colin.
“It’s an honor, Mr. Lawson.” Alexander leans back in his chair.
Noelle sits on his right while the men flank them.
“Natasha.” Alexander rubs beside his lips. “You’re a hard girl to pin down. I look forward to doing it every night after our wedding.”
Yeah, good thing Tom isn’t with us. If this asshole had said that to Sara, I don’t think I could remain cool and levelheaded for this meeting.
Colin leans forward subtly and Alexander’s gaze returns to him. Like Colin is a predator on the hunt and Alexander’s in his sights. But everyone pays attention to Colin as the apex predator.
“Building another man’s legacy is difficult when that man is behind bars.” Colin’s words are slow and fill the room. “Especially when you were prepared to take his legacy through marriage.”
“We struck a deal and it should be honored.” Alexander glances at Natasha. “I was promised a bride.”
“One who would fight you every day of your lives.” Colin shakes his head. “That’s not what you want your life or marriage to be.”
Alexander’s eyes narrow and his lips tighten as he considers. Is he the kind of man who would prefer that?
“What are you proposing?” Alexander leans in just a little bit.
“Take Peter’s organization and expand it, grow it and show the people you’re their new leader. That the legacy is now yours.” Colin leans back and tilts his head with a grin. “Unless you like another man getting all the credit for your work.”
Alexander stiffens. “They know I’m the heir, but without Natasha by my side, there are some who won’t acknowledge me. Who will fight against me. Who will separate my empire.”
“Then don’t let them.” Colin leans his elbows on the table like he’s telling Alexander a secret.
“Look, this business is hard. You need a wife who will be soft and love you when you come home from the grind. Not one who despises you so you have to sleep with one eye open, since she’s just as likely to cut your throat as your enemies are. ”
I agree with the sentiment of what Colin says.
Sara is my soft spot. She’s all our soft spots.
That person who feels like home. She always has been even when she was just a kid.
Now that we’re grown up, I want to get back to her and start our lives together.
Yes, it might have been a rough start, but we’re stronger now. We can take on anyone. Together.
Alexander looks thoughtful. “You have something to offer me?”
“See?” Colin turns to Finn and smirks. “This guy gets it.”
Alexander shifts a little in his seat when Colin returns his attention to him.
“The boys have found your boss’s scheme to rip off his people. What you do with it is up to you. You can use it as blackmail to keep Peter from returning or you can pick up where he left off and have a nice nest egg of your own for your family. The one you want and create with the woman you love.”
One of Colin’s men in black steps forward and slides the packet of documentation we worked on last night over to Alexander. He gestures to the man beside him to collect it.
We all wait while the man opens it and looks through the printouts. We technically weren’t needed for this, but we wanted to show our solidarity. Knowing who Alexander is will help us make sure he doesn’t threaten us in the future.
“It’s good, boss.” The man replaces the printouts and puts his hands over the files.
Alexander looks at Wyatt, Finn, and me. “We started a relationship with your firm. Are you going to honor that agreement?”
Colin shakes his head. “No, my son is not to be involved in this business. If I hear of anyone trying to work their way into his accounting firm with anything but legit businesses, heads will roll.”
Alexander narrows his eyes on me. But I don’t give him anything. None of us are a weak spot, but he’s never fought me, so he doesn’t realize I’m not just a pretty face with a gym body. If he wants me to be afraid of him, he’s got the wrong man. None of us will back down.
“I’ll make the offer more palatable, but first you need to know what you’ve done that offends me.
” Colin leans forward again. “Natasha and Tom are not to be harmed. They’re my family, and if any harm comes to my family, that person or group will be dealt with swiftly.
I’ll give you a pass this time since you didn’t know how important Tom is to me. ”
Alexander visibly pales. “My apologies.”
Colin nods. “As for an accountant and other resources you may need going forward, I’m willing to mentor you and let everyone know your business is under our protection as well.”
Alexander straightens and looks confused.
Colin chuckles at the man. “I love my family. The men here today and Sara and Tom are my family. As much as I’d love to destroy your organization for what you’ve done, it will work better if we come to terms. I can’t have some upstart thinking they can take over and believing going after Natasha and my family is the only way to succeed.
I need you to be a force that no one will unseat. ”
“I would be honored, Mr. Lawson.” There’s just the right amount of humbleness in his tone.
Colin grins. “Of course you would be. I’m not known for making deals. I would like to see you settle down with a wife, sooner rather than later. I like to protect my interests. But I will expect to meet her and vet her prior to marriage.”
“Of course.” Alexander dips his head to Colin. “Are we finished then?”
Colin arches an eyebrow. “Unless you have business that can be openly discussed in front of civilians, then yes, we’re finished for today. Mason will give you the information you need and the schedule for our meetings. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”
Alexander stands, and when Noelle begins to stand with him, he puts his hand on her shoulder. “You’re free to return to your job.”
She nods and remains seated as he leaves with his men.
Colin gestures to one of his men, who walks over to Noelle. “If you’ll come with me.”
She glances at Drew, who nods. She stands and follows Colin’s man out of the dining room, shutting the door behind them.
Colin takes a breath. “That went better than expected.”
“What were you expecting?” I ask, curious.
His eyes practically sparkle when he looks my way. “A little back-and-forth would have been nice. I could have offered him more. He definitely needs more training. The girl was sloppy work. Amateur really.”
“Thank you,” Wyatt says.
“Yes, thank you. I don’t know how my father ever thought I could marry him.” Natasha shudders.
“Sometimes businessmen think of the business first and not the people in our lives. Your father probably thought Alexander would be able to protect you in ways a guy like Tom would never even imagine.”
Natasha nods thoughtfully.
“We’ll need to draw up papers signing away your rights to your family’s business.” Colin rubs his jaw. “I’ll hold it over Alexander’s head until I need something from him.”
“What will you hold over my head?” Finn says softly.
Colin deflates and turns to his son. “Nothing, Finn. Nothing at all. I would love if you’d consider coming for a meal occasionally, but that’s up to you and your family.”
“We’d be honored,” I say, because after what he’s done, we’re free. Without any further bloodshed. I was reluctant to involve him, but his sincerity in wanting a relationship with Finn is either the most believable act ever or true. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, for now.
“Good. And I know it’s early, but eventually, when the time is right, I’d love to be part of my grandchildren’s lives. I expect you four will provide me with plenty.” Colin grins.
Roger snorts a laugh.
The future is ours now.