Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 97(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 97(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
They had rules in place from a business perspective. The biggest one was the hardest for Dev’s continued understanding. The secrecy behind each project was to hide all their designs from Alec. Keyes wanted Alec to have a total concept surprise. It was getting old and more difficult to accomplish. Alec was like a trained bird dog, determined to sniff out the truth. The whole thing was ridiculous. And complicated. Lies stacking on top of lies. They were damn hard for him to remember, and he sucked at lying.
Keyes had insisted that all three of their new customers sign NDAs—a non-disclosure agreement on the details of each bike built until the beginning of next year. Keyes had an extreme talent. The designs would sell themselves if anyone had the chance to see them. Mr. Layne was chomping at the bit to show his friends and his brother the new ride to make them green with envy.
“I think I want the solo spring seat in matte black. How will that impact the overall look?” Mr. Layne asked. “I only need a single seat. My wife won’t ever get on the back.”
Dev quickly ducked his head and began changing the design on the digital pad.
“I like that change,” Keyes said, watching Dev work.
“It’ll be badass and more comfortable,” Dev answered. “I prefer a solo spring seat myself. I’m redrawin’ it now in black. I’ll toss in another drawin’ with the gray/silver seat color. I think both will complement the look you’re goin’ for. Think about it. We have time.” Dev worked the screen and sent the changes.
“Mr. Layne, our video’s runnin’ out of time. If we lose you, we’ll call you back,” Keyes said. Dev tilted his head toward his business partner. Why did they need to extend the time?
“What’s going on in here?” They both turned their heads toward the screen to see a man coming inside the room behind Mr. Layne.
“Shh. I’m in a secret meeting with TDTK,” Mr. Layne said, barely glancing over his shoulder. “Shut the door behind you. I signed an NDA.” The confusion on the younger man’s face was comical. “It’s only my son, Arik. He’s the one who pointed me toward your shop.”
“If you’re looking for privacy, you’ve failed spectacularly,” Arik added with severe sarcasm. Dev instantly liked him. The door shut with a slam. “You own this entire building. You have an office. A large one. Bigger than mine. And about fifteen conference rooms of varying sizes. Why’re you in my office?”
“I don’t want to alert anyone to my purchase. Your uncle’s gonna shit when he sees what they’ve done,” Mr. Layne said, an inner joy and prideful smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“There’s a flaw in your plan,” Arik said, coming to stand behind his father. “I’m seeing your project.”
“You don’t—”
Luckily, the screen went dark, and Dev shot out a hand to keep Keyes from reinitiating the video call.
“What’re you doin’?” Dev asked. “I got a client waitin’, and Millie’s gonna have a fuckin’ cow if she can’t disinfect where your big ass has contaminated my space.”
As if he hadn’t heard a word Dev said, Keyes sat back dejectedly, scrubbing a hand down his face. A disgruntled huff came next, making Dev take a closer look.
“In no more than sixty seconds, tell me what’s wrong.” Dev swiveled in his chair, tucked his arms over his chest, and gave Keyes a concerned stare. For the first time today, he saw the tiredness in his buddy’s eyes and the grim lines at the corner of his mouth. “Why’re you tired?”
Keyes dropped his brawny arms by his side in defeat.
“Times tickin’,” Dev said, his leg beginning to bounce. “What’s up?”
“Alec’s gettin’ harder to steer away from the surprise. I’m fuckin’ exhausted. The only way to take his mind off shit is to either ignore him, which I’m doin’ durin’ the day, but at night, Goddamn…” Keyes said, shaking his head.
“Just tell him. He’ll be happy no matter when you give it to him,” Dev said. It seemed dumb to have to deal with all the bullshit.
“Do you know how much he does for me?” Keyes asked incredulously. “I have a life for the first time in my life and as pissed off as he’s gettin’…”
Dev blinked, trying hard to follow the logic. “I’m confused. Is he givin’ you a hard time?”
“I’m fuckin’ givin’ him the hard time every single night. He never gets tired of being owned. My thighs fuckin’ hurt all the time. My dick’s gonna fall off. He takes a poundin’ and only rolls over and goes to sleep until we do it again,” Keyes complained.
Once Dev got the gist of the problem, he reached over and patted his friend’s leg. “You’re complainin’ about too much se—”
A loud, cleared throat came from the laptop. Both their gazes shifted to the darkened screen. “What’s happenin’?” Keyes asked nervously, lifting in the seat. His voice and movements were panicked.