“Ha. Now you know how I feel. At least in your situation, Raj wants you to buy her company, so eventually she’ll have to come around.”

“Thanks for the advice, Bhram.”

“You got it. Now I’m off to gurdwara. Don’t be a jerk and go visit Guru Nanak soon. You need an answer to a prayer to get through the next few months.”

“Thanks, asshole.”

“You’re welcome.”

After Bhram’s parting shot, the screen went blank. Ajay sat in the silence of his penthouse for a long time. His chai had gone cold, and the email on his screen went unread. He remembered his cousin’s advice and picked up his phone.

AJAY: I’m reviewing your files. Your sales projections don’t add up.

RAJ: You’re still considering my company after Monday?

AJAY: You think that I’m foolish enough to let sex get in the way of business? No, darling. I’m exploring every opportunity for profit and buying yours looks like a good one.

RAJ: I’m glad to hear that. Have your EA call mine to set up a call. My attorneys can answer you.

AJAY: You want us to buy the company, you talk to me personally when I want an answer.

RAJ: I guess that’s fair.

AJAY: Good. Let’s talk now?

RAJ: I’m unavailable now.

AJAY: Plans on your Friday night?

RAJ: As a matter of fact, yes. I’m on my way to the Ice Palace. This conversation will have to wait for some other time, Ajay. Email me those questions.

Ajay jolted when he read the words on the screen. The Ice Palace was one of the hottest clubs in the Meatpacking District. He barely went out, and even he knew that. Everyone who was anyone wanted to be seen there. More importantly, the Fire Lounge was an exclusive VIP room for private parties. There was no doubt what went on behind those closed doors.

His gut churned at the thought of Raj going to a club and having meaningless sex. Sex with someone who wasn’t him.

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen,” he grumbled, and strode toward his bedroom. He dialed Rafael’s cell as he began digging through his closet.

“Yes, sir,” Rafael said.

“I need to get on the VIP list for the Ice Palace. Tonight.”

“Uh . . . sir?”

“Tonight, Rafael.”

“Ajay . . . you normally don’t go to places like the— Oh. I understand now. Give me ten minutes. I’ll have your driver meet you out front in the same amount of time.”

“Thanks, Rafael.”

Ajay hung up the phone and ripped off his clothes in a fury. With each passing minute, his anger continued to bubble.