Page 21 of Between Love & Ruin

“‘A Tide of Love’ by you will be the first project in it. The first book-to-movie adaptation, and I want to work on this with you. Together.”

“Together?” I question, taken aback. “Like a collaboration?”

Usually authors rarely get in on what happens with their book. It all depends on the amount the people are willing to invest in, and I don’t think they are ever a “collaboration”.

His eyes shine as a full-blown grin takes over his usual stoic face, and I hate to admit that he is one beautiful man.

Arrogant and grumpy, maybe, but still beautiful.

“Collaboration, it is.”

Dominic Wolfe

Sienna’s eyes bore into mine with curiosity and questions. When I used to think of meeting her, I had envisioned her to have a mature look. A little sternness and for her to look wise beyond her years.

And how terribly wrong was I. I have never been more happy to be proved wrong.

Instead of what I’d expected, she was gentler. Not with me, obviously. But she carried a quiet, calm demeanor. There was warmth in her eyes, and the way she smiled at you made you feel welcome in an unfamiliar place.

But the way she looks at me now isn’t at all kind. It’s as if she wants to dissect my mind and see what’s cooking inside.

When I said that this would be a collaboration, her eyes widened slightly before she realized that maybe she was letting on too much.

Myra kicks me slightly under the table, probably to ask what the hell I am doing.

But the truth is, while I wanted her in on this project, I didn’t mean it to be a collaboration.

But the words slipped out of my mouth faster than I usually speak. As if a mere eye contact with her were making me speak out of turn.

“I am slightly confused,” she says, tilting her head, and I match her posture. “While I appreciate your kind words and thoughts on my book and I like that you read it, that you related to the characters and the story, in whatever form or way that you did.”

A crinkle appears on her forehead, as if she were thinking hard and picking the right words in that smart brain of hers.

“I’m confused about why this one was specifically chosen for your first movie under your new venture. There are so many books that would fit your purpose. Why mine?”

Myra chuckled, and her eyes moved to look at her, and I was confused as to why I didn’t like that.

Why do I want her attention solely on me?

“Are you doubting our intentions?” Myra asks, and I genuinely do not like the tone in which she speaks to her.

Myra has always been assertive, and that’s part of why she has worked so long for me and so closely with me.

I like people on my team who make it less likely for me to talk during a business meeting. If, by my silence, I can get the work done, I don’t see the need to waste my energy on mindless talking.

But right now? Her speaking out, and especially in that tone, is not reasonable.

“I am only trying to get to know them better,” Sienna counters confidently, and a smirk lifts up my face.

I cover it up as soon as her eyes find their way back to me.

“See, for you this might be a business investment,” she adds. “But for me, that book is my rawest work. The most intimate part of me, and I won’t get it commercialized just for the sake of making some extra money. If I feel your intentions are pure, and if we are heading in the right direction with my book, then sure, we can go ahead with this.”

I am so proud of her answer, and looking at Aisha, who’s just as nice as her husband, if not more, she is too. Usually people don’t speak up in meetings, especially in those with me. The money compensates for our conditions, but this one was different.

“Very well,” I say, sitting up right. “I have a proposition for you.”

She narrows her eyes at me, and I want to know why I am the only person she glares at.