“I saw the press release,” Mark said, leaning into my shoulder. “That’s why I came here today. It’s not a done deal. You have time to reconsider my offer.”
“I’m signing the contract when I return home,” I said to get him off my back. “And like I’ve told you before, I’m not interested in granting you the exclusive rights to Lovelace.”
Mark sneered, his nostrils flaring. “I always get what I want. We’re not done.”
He rose from the bench, face twisted in disgust, and stormed out of the tent. His words left me with a strange feeling deep in my gut. Something always rubbed me the wrong way with Mark.
The son of an oil tycoon, he started Titan Tech with his father’s money but lacked the skills to back it up.
Battle Industries was successful because I modernized my family’s manufacturing company. My father thought producing guns and basic weapons was enough to keep us on the map. But before I took over, Battle Industries rarely made headlines. It was a multibillion-dollar company that quietly operated in the background.
Sometimes, I wondered if I should have stayed under the radar. If I hadn’t made a big splash with Lovelace and my new weapons, none of the people I loved would have been in danger.
“That was interesting,” Tate commented after Mark was long gone. “He never gives up.”
“Nope. He won’t stop until he gets his hands on Lovelace.”
“There’s something off about him. I’ve always felt it. He’ll do anything to get access to Lovelace.”
“When we get back to the house, I want you to put surveillance on Mark, his homes, his company, and his associates.”
Twenty minutes later, I was ready to pass out from heat exhaustion when two soldiers entered the tent behind General Shafer.
The general extended his hand. “Mr. Battle. We’re looking forward to using Lovelace. That was one hell of a show you put on for us.”
I stood and shook his hand. “Thanks, General.”
“Your convoy is ready to go.” He tipped his head at the man on his right. “Follow Major Smith. He’ll make sure you get back to your car.”
None of the people competing in Tech Wars could drive themselves to the launch point. We were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by burnt-orange rocks and sand.
Two men guided us to a Humvee. The four of us climbed inside and drove down a dirt road that seemed endless. The military vehicle didn’t have air conditioning. And with the windows rolled down, dirt and sand blew in through the windows.
Our chaperones didn’t speak or even move. They sat ramrod straight, staring out the windows.
My cell phone dinged with a new message from Olivia, and my heart raced in anticipation as I opened it.
Olivia
When will you be home?
Drake
In about six hours, if we don’t have any delays.
Olivia
I have a surprise for you.
Drake
Can I get a sneak peek?
Olivia sent a topless picture of herself. I tilted the phone to the side, keeping it away from Tate’s line of sight.
Drake
You’re so sexy, baby. Can’t wait to see you.
