Nathan shifts his body in his chair so he's sitting completely upright. "You'll address me, Mr. Walker. As I explained when you came in the room, I represent Ms. Marlow in this matter."
Jax clenches the edge of the table in his right hand. I can see the vein in his neck pulsing and I know he's about to explode. It's obvious to everyone in the room that Jax isn't going to be complacent.
"Mr. Moore." Gilbert's voice breaks the tense silence. "This offer is appreciated but we're going to need time to discuss it. You understand, of course."
Nathan nods. "It's what she wants and if Mr. Walker wants these shares, it's not negotiable."
"I see." Gilbert nods hi
s head. "We weren't aware that she was interested in my client's holdings in Veray Jewelers."
"As you can see, she's willing to agree to less in terms of a monetary offering in exchange for his shares in Veray." Nathan slams the folder shut. "Give me a call when you've made a decision."
Jax stares at him as he prepares to stand. "We're not done, Moore."
Nathan pulls my chair gently away from the table and reaches for my hand to help me stand. "We're done until you agree to these terms. Now, if you'll excuse us both."
I reach for my purse and follow Nathan's blatant lead. I don't want to turn around to see Jax's expression. I know he's pissed. Not just at my attempt to wrestle Veray away from him but by the fact that Nathan's hand is slowly moving down my back as he guides me out of the room.
"That went well, don't you think?" I smile at Nathan as we reach the bank of elevators. "Do you think he'll give it to me?"
He reaches down and taps me on the tip of my nose with his index finger. It makes me giggle. It's the very same gesture we shared when we were growing up. "You did great Ivy. You definitely have the advantage. I'm proud of you for taking this on."
I smile at the comment. All I wanted growing up was his attention and approval. Now that I have both, I'm feeling like that awkward seventeen-year-old girl again except the man I'm crushing on is back in the boardroom with steam coming out of his ears.
"Here's our ride." The chime of the elevator reaching our floor rings through the air.
I take a step forward when I feel a hand stroke my elbow and take hold. My breath catches. I don't even need to turn around to know that Jax is right behind me.
"After you." Nathan sweeps his arm in the air in the direction of the now open elevator. He jumps when he notices Jax standing in silence right behind me.
"She'll take the next one." Jax pulls me towards him.
"Mr. Walker, you shouldn't be talking to me client alone." Nathan steps into the elevator and holds his hand over the door.
"I'm not talking to her as your client." Jax takes a step back and I'm forced to follow.
"What are you talking about?" Nathan searches my face for some understanding.
"It's okay." My eyes dart to Jax's face. "We have something else to discuss. I promise I won't talk about the sale without you."
"I'll call you tonight." He moves his hand so the door silently glides to a close.
"This way." Jax's hand moves to mine and he pulls me abruptly into a corridor next to the bank of elevators.
"What are you doing?" I hiss. "I don't want to talk about the contract with you. I can't."
He pushes me against the wall before separating my legs with his knee. I'm pinned against the wall in this seemingly abandoned corridor. "Are you fucking him?"
I scan his face looking for any evidence of a smirk or a grin but there's nothing but cold seriousness. "You didn't just ask me that."
"Are you fucking Moore?" He repeats this time with measured force in his voice. "Answer the question."
"Am I fucking Nathan?" I repeat it back.
"Christ, just answer it." He pushes his body harder into mine. I'm certain that I can feel him becoming aroused.
I roll my eyes and try to break free of his grasp. "I'm not answering that. It's insulting."