Page 67 of Wild Omega

My conscience answers me in a small voice that sounds suspiciously like Ricky:would it have made any difference when it happened? She’s your mom.

Chapter twenty-eight

Rickon

I didn’t really understand the saying about sweaty palms before sitting in the waiting room of Director Yun’s office. It takes a couple of swipes on my pinstripe pants to clear the dampness, but my hands still feel greasy. My reputation in this industry hangs on the unknown abilities of the omega who just landed in my life.

If Red looks nervous, she doesn’t show it as she sits beside me, one long leg crossed elegantly over the other. The trip we made to a clothing store paid off in the dividends she’s wearing now with a high-waisted, one-piece body suit featuring a bold silver belt buckle, sequin-patterned bodice, and flared legs.

Courtesy of Callisto’s credit card, which she remembered the number for despite me washing it off, we also bought a hair straightener, silver watch, and flashy earrings with concentric rings that twist with each head movement as she scans the Entertainment OK magazine.

She leans closer, tilting the page my way. “Looks like maroon’s in this season. Not really my color.” Her candied-nut scent floods through me and for a moment I forget where I am, dazed by my omega’s presence.

“We’ll pair it with lots of cream on top for you,” I murmur, running my index finger down her silky bare upper arm. “Set this skin on fire.” I twitch as I realize what I’m doing in public, but she simply flashes me a darling smile.

“All right, if you think so.”

Think? I’m already dressing her up in my head with all possible color combinations. Maybe I’ll make a matching corset for her.

The director’s door opens and a scriptwriter I’ve seen a few times before comes out, hugging a laptop case. He nods at me, and then takes a second look at Red. Who can blame him? The outfit hugs her willowy curves and glitters with each breath she draws.

The administrative assistant at the desk looks up. “Mr Jones? The director will see you now.”

Show time. I jump to my feet and offer Red my hand. “Ready?”

“Always,” she murmurs, and my heart races for an entirely different reason than nerves.

Valencio Yun beckons me with two crooks of his fingers when I open the door and stick my head in. “Rickon. I was surprised to get your call. What can I do for you?”

I sidle through the door and open it wider to admit Red. Even though I’ve prepared myself to follow this through to the end, it still feels like I shouldn’t be here.

“Director Yun, I want to introduce my new client to you. Meet Red.” I swallow hard as his gaze zeroes in on my omega. “I know this isn’t the usual process, but I believe she’s perfect for the jockey movie, if you’re still casting the lead actress.” With no experience, she’d never get a second look going through the regular lineup, so this is my only hope.

The director lets out a heavy breath. “This won’t win you any brownie points, Rickon. You know the industry better than that.” His criticism cuts, but not as much as I thought. It’s like my axis has shifted overnight and now Red’s opinion matters most.

His chin juts forward. “Your omega?”

I nod. It’s not enough of a claim, so I quickly add, “Yes.” She’s mine and I’m hers.

Ever the professional, Director Yun switches his attention to Red and holds out his slim hand. “Valencio Yun. Nice to meet you, Red.”

“Likewise. Thank you for seeing us on short notice.”

He assesses her up and down and one side of his mouth dimples in, which usually only happens when he’s satisfied with a film take. “So, you think you’re good enough to star in our next box office hit?” He gestures us to take a seat. “Unfortunately, I’ve never heard of you before, so what’ve you done so far that makes you worthy?”

I feel myself shrinking a little inside. Director Yun never pulls his punches, and he hates wasted time.

But Red simply smiles and leans her arms on his desk. “Let’s not get stuck in the past, Director Yun, and focus instead on what I can do for you. I can learn lines fast, I’m adaptable, and I’ve got a memorable face.”

He laces his fingers together, not giving an inch. “That applies to a hundred other actresses out there.”

She holds his gaze. “Read me a few lines. Let’s see if I sound like them all.”

Director Yun’s nostrils blow out. As he rises to his feet, his gaze slides my way. “I’ve got an entire casting team to take care of this for me.”

Red’s fearless presence must be giving me courage, because I quip back, “And how are they doing with finding a female lead?”

He points one finger at me in warning and I drop my head in apology, watching from the corner of my eye as he pulls a bound manuscript from the side shelves and flips it open while he walks back to his seat.

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