Under the table I ball my hands into fists. I want to—it’s so goddamn tempting. I love what I do, what I did, but this is essentially another favor he’s doing me. One I can’t hold at arm’s length by paying him rent.
“If not you, I’ll just take the money elsewhere.”
“Not to a prop fund, you won’t.”
“Well, not your prop fund. Think about it, Ryan. It’s not the mode that interests me. It’s the returns.”
“What would you expect from me?”
“Have I expected too much from you so far?”
I give a tiny shake of my head. He’s demanded nothing but given so much. “It’s not just the returns, though.” It’s not the real reason we’re having this discussion.
“No strings, Ryan. I’m investing in you. I have faith inyou.”
Faith.It’s such a small word with a huge meaning.Fuck it.
“What are the terms?” I demand, looking up.Like a fish unable to resist a pretty lure.
“Two million, no drawdowns. We cap the risk at two hundred grand. Lots capped at twenty.” Which means I’m not getting the money in small, drawn-down amounts. I can hit the ground running. It also means an individual investment can’t go above £200K, as a way of protecting his money.Smart.Plus, I can make a maximum of twenty investments at my discretion.
“The risk?” I demand next.
“I’ll bear it.”
“And the profit split?” My heart begins to beat. If he makes it ridiculously beneficial for me—or worse?Then I’ll tell him to shove it up his ass.
“Sixty-forty.” He makes a gesture with his hand. “To the trader, obviously.”
My heart does a little two-step beat. That’s not terrible.
“Seventy-thirty,” I counter with an imperious lift of my chin.
He pretends to consider it for a moment, when I cut in.
“And I’ll want to revisit that when I get you to twenty-three percent.”
“You drive a hard bargain, teacup.”
Is he impressed or amused as his mouth curls almost reluctantly? Whatever it is, the moniker falls directly into my lap, thrumming away down there. Sensations, so many of them. Thoughts and feelings and fears and gratitude, none of which I can afford to lift the lid on.
“Those are my terms.” I’m so glad my answer doesn’t betray my internal world. “Your money. No other clients. I work on behalf of you only.”
Matt leans across the table, holding out his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Good.” My smaller hand meets his, excitement and pleasure flowing through my veins.
“Tell me something.” He puts his hand over mine, effectively trapping me. “Tell me anything.”
“We’re still playing that game?”
Until I know all your secrets,his eyes seem to say.
Not in this lifetime.
“Oh!” I press my free hand to my stomach before my attention snaps up. “The baby just moved!”
“Really?” His eyes wide, he drops my hand and rounds the table so fast. “This the first time?” he demands, dropping to his knee, his words full of wonder.
