Page 143 of The Chase

In twenty-four hours, I’ve scraped together five bodies.

I’ve yet to find a replacement for Rex, he of the big package.

In my desk chair, I glance down at my own crotch. I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be cursing the generous size of my cock. But I’m running out of both options and time. Summer left for the venue an hour ago to help with setup.She also signed up for cleanup, though apparently she agreed to this before Erik Laurie tried to stick his tongue in her mouth.

She emailed Laurie this morning telling him she’s found replacements for her male models.

I desperately don’t want to let her down, but I’m not sure who else to call. My gamer friends aren’t exactly model material. Morris, Ray, Kenji…they’re all short and scrawny, not to mention complete introverts.

I’m scanning my brain for other candidates when my phone rings.Private caller. I waste no time answering, because I’d told my friends that if they know anyone who’d be interested, to please pass my number along.

But when I answer the call, I’m hit with a sense of déjà vu. “Please hold for Kamal Jain.”

Seriously? Why is he calling me? I haven’t heard from him (nor wanted to) since our showdown at the Heyward Plaza last week.

“Colin!” he barks in my ear. “I hope I caught you at a good time! Would’ve called during business hours, but I was in meetings until six.”

His rapid manner of speaking irritates me tonight. “What do you need, Mr. Jain?” I ask, unable to stop from being curt.

“We’ve been through this! Please call me KJ or—”

“No,” I interrupt. “I’m not going through this song and dance again. Tell me what you want, otherwise I’m hanging up.”

Silence crashes over the line.

I can’t believe I just snapped at a billionaire.

I don’t think he can believe it either. But when he speaks again, his tone is completely stripped of its usual confidence.“Colin. I’m sorry about the way I behaved at the fundraiser.” He clears his throat. “I insulted your girl, and I was condescending to you. I regret my behavior.”

I almost fall out of my chair. He’s apologizing? Nowthat, I didn’t expect.

“Sorry if I sound a bit rusty—I haven’t issued an apology in…ever, maybe? People apologize tome, not the other way around. And to think I’m groveling to a jock! Who would’ve—”

“Really? We’re back to the jock bullshit?” I sigh.

There’s a pause. “Again, my apologies. I may be a bit biased when it comes to jocks.”

“No shit.”

“I didn’t have the best experience with jocks in high school,” he admits. “Though I’m sure you already suspected that. With that said, I truly am sorry, kid. I was an ass. And truth be told, you impressed me that night. The other candidates nodded and agreed with every word I said. They sucked up to me and raved about how amazing I am—don’t get me wrong, Iamamazing. But it gets old, having people follow you around, trying to suck your dick. You stood up to me, Colin. And more than that, you’re immensely talented.”

I’m glad he’s not here to see my jaw drop.

“So.” His tone grows sheepish. “If you’re still interested in the position at Orcus Games, it’s yours.”

My jaw is on the floor now. Yeah, I absolutely didn’t expect this. And I have to admit, I’m impressed that he was man enough to call me and apologize.

But at the same time, I can’t forget the way he treated Summer with such blatant disrespect. I’m not sure if one apology makes up for that.

“I told you, I’m not interested in working for someone like you,” I say brusquely.

“And I’m urging you to reconsider. I need someone like you on my team, kid. Someone who challenges me, stands up to me. Someone to remind me that before I was an arrogant prick, I was a nerdy kid who loved video games.”

I hesitate for a moment. “If you want me to reconsider, then you need to give me time to think about it,” I finally say.

“Understandable. Take a few days. Hell, a week, two weeks. But I require a firm answer by the end of the month.”

“Fine. I’ll get back to you. Anything else?” I’m being rude again, but the fashion show starts soon. And Summer is more important to me than this, as he aptly described himself, arrogant prick.

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