unrivaled

chapter 42

Would that truly be their relationship?

Dae was becoming overwhelmed.  She knew she had to isolate herself from her personal feelings.  Jin was too hurt right now to hear anything she had to say.  She swallowed hard and prayed they would find another day for them.

They had to navigate everything into safe waters first, the companies, the project, each other.

“Jin,” she started, “I am so very sorry.  There is so much I have to say to you.  I fell asleep last night “resting" so I could call you.  I came straight over this morning.”

Dae saw emotion flare in his eyes but he turned from her before she could name it.

Jin turned from her, cursing himself for allowing hope to flare.  He had to get control of these feelings now, before they cost him everything.

He made no response to her explanation, moving to sit in his desk chair, long legs crossed, armed crossed across his chest.  The desk between them added another barrier.

She steadied herself and when she looked at him again, he was facing Kim SongDae. 

This face he could contend with.  In fact, right now he would like to do nothing more than crush her plans for his company.  He gave her a curt nod to continue.

“You are correct.  I met with NamJoon and we have come to an agreement,” she paused, drawing a deep breath.

“Our offer is this.  This afternoon there will be an announcement that phase 2 of this defense project is ready for implementation.  They will announce that the bid is granted to iNovis….” she paused as Jin shifted toward her in his chair, his jaw clenched tightly.

“….And KimCom jointly. There will be a press release that the current project is on target and both companies will be actively engaged in this new phase.  NamJoon has drafted a statement that any rumors of takeover bids are unfounded and that he determined he would not be able to go forward on these projects without KimCom…..specifically under the leadership of Kim SeokJin.”

She stopped and waited as Jin absorbed the information.  He stared hard into her face.  She was withholding information from him. He knew her too well.

“The rest Dae, what is it? You are keeping something from me. Something you know I will find objectionable, “he stopped a minute and turned on her.

“Are you doing this just for the contract?” he asked, still suspicious of the offer.” Two months from now I will be forced to step down quietly and allow Joon to take over?”

Then he paled as he thought of the other possibility. “Or…will I be forced out and you be given my company to run so NamJoon can rest easy at iNovis?”

A dull flush crept up Dae's face.  He had always been too sharp to outmaneuver.

She felt shame wash over her.  Both those scenarios had been alternatives Joon had been pondering.  She had to use all her skills to dissuade him.  In the end only her sacrifice had made the current solution possible. 

However, now was not the time for Jin to have that information.  She had to convince him to sign this deal.

Jin watched her face as he confronted her.  Damn it, he was right.  He knew it was true.  It was the most logical way for them to address this. 

Still, he saw more in Dae's face.  She was not plotting to harm him.  He felt an inkling of regret at ever thinking she would. 

What in the hell was he doing?  He had to tuck those personal feelings away and save his company.  Then, he vowed, he would have the truth from her, and she would hear the truth from him.

He shook his head to clear it and focused on her again.

“The catch Dae.  If it's too good to be true, it usually is.” He challenged.

Standing, she walked to look out the window. It was easier to hide from him this way.

“No catch Jin.  YoonGi will have the papers drafted by now.  You can review them and see I am telling the truth. You can add any terms you want. NamJoon is committed to this partnership.”

“Jimin,” she heard him practically growl when he heard the name. She smiled a sad smile.  She should be happy he was still jealous.  It was a bittersweet victory.

”Jimin,” she started again, has drafted all the statements.  He is ready to work with you on the one for your board if you like.  They will be reassured once the new contract is signed and so will the public.  Your brand rankings should rise immediately.”

She blinked back tears before turning to face him.

“Jin…..please trust me.” She whispered.

He nodded, letting her think he was satisfied.  He would find the rest soon enough.

“Now what Dae?” he asked, his voice pitched soft and low. 

She deliberately pretended to misunderstand him.

“Now, you sign the papers and save your company!” she said with forced brightness.

She had to get away from him before she crumbled.

Jin could see she was trying to escape.  Why?  What was she still hiding?

Her phone chimed and she stepped away. 

“I am sorry Jin.  I have to leave to go to my parents.  I have not seen them since I have been here.” She explained.

“Does your father know about this?” he asked.

“Yes.  We set everything out for him.  He agreed to it all,” she answered.

Actually, her father was thrilled with the way the agreement had worked out.  Dae would work through that later.

Jin was trying to think of a way to convince her to stay, short of dragging her onto his lap and kissing her senseless.  He could tell her guard was firmly in place so that was out.

She was moving toward the door and he was moving to intercept her when his intercom buzzed.

With an irritated sigh he paused to listen.

“Mr. Kim.  The Chairman of the board is here insisting that he talk with you.”
Jin dropped his head and Dae smiled, her first real smile today.

“Perfect timing.  Now he will know we are working on good terms.  You can set a meeting for late tomorrow.  You should have the papers signed by then.” She encouraged.

Jin smiled at her.  She was right.  She was always right damn it!!

Suddenly serious, he took her hand as she reached for the door.

He traced small circles on her palm with his thumb.

“Dae, I am sorry….” He began. 

She placed her fingers against his lips, stopping him.  She held her breath, hurting so badly to stand this close to him and not sink into his arms. 

Now, she had to do this now.

“Jin, baby, “he watched her blink back tears, “ I am so ….sorry.”

With that she was gone, leaving him to wonder if he imagined the break in her voice.

Dae made the trip to her parents in a daze. 

She welcomed the numb.  It would help her through the next seventy-two hours.