Page 96 of Shark’s Pride

All of the things, every damn one, that I felt for them.

Pia sat on the aisle with Vela’s small hand clutched in hers. When my niece noticed my affectionate attention, she held up a hand to form our secret “half heart” sign, ensuring I could no longer hold back my smile. I prevented the expression from turning into more lump-in-the-throat mush by shifting my gaze to Grant, who sat on Vela’s other side. The guy slung his long arm across the back of Vela’s chair. On his lap, he formed his other hand into a solid fist and gave it a slight pump. I knew exactly what the bastard was saying. This was his solemn “you got this, man”—and I would be forever grateful for it. Twombley would always have my back. Always had, always would—simple as that.

Next, my gaze settled onto Abbigail.

My passionate, proud, completely perfect Abbigail.

How had I found this woman? How had fate decided I deserved this divine presence in my world? Had deigned I would have the privilege of nurturing her, believing in her, loving her?

I didn’t have that answer, nor did I want to pretend to. I only knew that I had to preserve it…to hold on to it. And over the last several weeks, the key to that had become increasingly clear.

Holding on to her meant keeping her safe. And keeping her safe meant keeping her hidden. It was going to be difficult—no, it was going to be hell.

But when everything settled down, after I worked with Elijah and his team to bring these fuckers down, I’d bring her home again. If she didn’t understand why I’d done what was necessary—this ugly responsibility I was about to shoulder—then I’d sit her down and force her to understand. No matter what it took.

Because I knew, with one hundred percent certainty, that I was making the right decision.

Elijah was sitting on the other side of Abbigail. He sent me an assuring jog of his chin, much the same way Grant had, only the bastard decided to follow it up by pushing his cheeky luck. As I looked on, the guy leaned closer to my woman and then said something close to her ear. Abbi reacted with a chuckle before quickly turning her attention back to me. I pinned Banks with a subtle glower. He bounced back a cheeky wink. I almost faltered in my speech. Almost. He just might get an unexpected fist for that stunt later.

There were more important things to focus on here.

Much more important.

I pushed back from the podium and tugged sharply on my jacket. The actions were for optics as much as resetting my focus. With the fortitude of my family, I already felt like a triumphant Titan. It was time for the world to know that too.

But it was also time for them to know why.

“I know you’ve all come here today for our big reveal.” I motioned to the large, covered architect’s rendition of the building, “But first, I’d like to take the chance to share a brief story with you.”

A soft buzz of curiosity worked its way through the crowd. I waited for the figurative bees to settle before going on.

“Between the building’s initial inception and now, many have asked me about the meaning behind the Edge’s unique name. I haven’t just picked the title because it sounds like the perfect descriptor for an icon—though that’s certainly what this structure will be.”

I secured one hand to the podium again. Well, hell. As public speeches went, this was definitely going to get filed into the what-the-hell-were-you-thinking folder.

Nevertheless, I persisted on my original track of intent. “As most of you know, I grew up on the streets of East Los Angeles. My first job was as a bicycle courier. I worked my way from that to the man you’re looking at today. At the risk of dipping to the contrite, I applied a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point, as a leader in the international logistics industry. The culmination of all the challenges I overcame, hurdles I jumped, obstacles I had to traverse, and problems I solved—it’s all represented right here.”

With that, I pointed emphatically to the covered picture again. When I looked out among the attendees, I had everyone’s rapt attention. I took another deep breath. And then another.

I was about to be more vulnerable to the world than ever before, revealing a piece of myself that people rarely saw. But damn it, this part was as crucial to my success story as the hard work component. I had to continue, if only for what my words would mean to everyone seated in that front row. “Success stories rarely include talk of the fears you face along your journey. I know, I know,” I rushed out, holding up a hand as the crowd again got busy with their murmuring. “You didn’t expect to hear me say that, right? But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t talk about the truly paralyzing moments when I thought everything was going to completely go to shit.”

I was happy to make everyone break out in laughter at my creative phraseology. Right away, I continued on. “I remember vital shipments that weren’t delivered on time, as well as huge financial risks I was sure wouldn’t pay off. In the early days of Shark Enterprises, we stood a better chance of landing a real shark with a wooden fishing pole than we did getting a bank loan approved. Many times, cash flow couldn’t sustain expenses or competitors outbid us for major contracts.”

I threw my hands up to illustrate the precariousness of a growing business and observed many concurring nods of agreement throughout the crowd. People could feel my passion—because it was real.

“But business—and let’s face it, life itself—is filled with facing fear. But it’s not just about facing what you’re afraid of.” I made solid eye contact with each and every person in the first row who held a piece of my heart in their hands. “It’s about having the courage to take on the challenge and to conquer it, as well.” People in the audience murmured in support once again. “So, I want to leave you with one question today, before I show you the concept of this amazing building. And as it rises out of the ground, into the skyline of our city named after the environs of the heavens themselves, I hope that you’ll be inspired to let your wings grow a little more and to face the key question here again.”

I paused.

Breathed.

Drew on the love that filled my heart so fully now.

“What takes you to the edge? What takes you to the edge of where you’re comfortable, into the abyss of where you’re afraid?” I challenged them all. “Will you be strong enough? Will you be brave enough to take on the challenge, to grow and learn so you can move ahead of your competition? In order to surpass your limits, you have to know what they are. You have to define your edge. You have to know it…and then push past it.”

I stepped back once more. Watched every face in this throng move into personal acknowledgment of my message. It felt good—so damn good—to inspire others like this.

But the next moment was going to feel even better.