Back to You (VegasPete Second-Chance Romance AU)

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/48426544.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: KinnPorsche: The Series (TV)
Relationship: Pete Phongsakorn Saengtham/Vegas Kornwit Theerapanyakun,
Porsche Pachara Kittisawat/Kinn Anakinn Theerapanyakun, Porchay
Pichaya Kittisawat/Kim Khimhant Theerapanyakun
Character: Pete Phongsakorn Saengtham, Vegas Kornwit Theerapanyakun,
Porsche Pachara Kittisawat, Kinn Anakinn Theerapanyakun, Khun
Tankhun Theerapanyakun, Kim Khimhant Theerapanyakun, Porchay
Pichaya Kittisawat, Macau Theerapanyakun, Korn Theerapanyakun,
Gun Theerapanyakun, Pete Phongsakorn Saengtham's Grandmother,
Original Male Character(s)
Additional Tags: Second Chances, Love Triangles, Love/Hate, Breaking Up & Making
Up, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anal Sex, Gay Sex, Oral Sex, Mildly
Dubious Consent, Bondage, Possessive Behavior, Angst
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-07-07 Updated: 2023-08-10 Words: 28,531 Chapters:
9/?

Back to You (VegasPete Second-Chance Romance AU)

by capri_hoe

Summary

Pete Saengtham, soon to be Theerapanyakul, has all the blessings life can offer: a loving
fiancé, a new luxurious home, a pack of great friends, and a cheeky little brother-in-law.
One fateful night, his fortune turns, and he is forced to leave everything behind, breaking
the heart of the love of his life. A year later, Pete lives a modest life while Vegas is in the
USA. The fate has decided that their paths will cross once more, and their passionate, but
dangerous story continues. Will the hatred and resentment in their hearts ever turn to love
again? This time they are faced with far bigger challenges, as the dashing heir of a new
company threatens to take over the power of the Theerapanyakul clan and as Pete discovers
that there are many dark secrets that bind him to this family.
 Chapter 1

The air was unbearably scorching, and the streets of Bangkok were unusually quiet. It is right
before dawn, when the night is darkest, that this restless city falls into a deep slumber, followed by
calming silence. Still, if you looked closely, you could spot dim light coming from the third-floor
window of a four-story building in the city suburbs. There, a young man is lighting cigarette after
cigarette, fogging a small and already stuffy room. He often thought that this stinking shed
resembled his soul, which is why he wouldn’t do anything to change it.

In the mind of Pongsakorn Saengtham, there was nothing calm or peaceful about July nights. In
fact, he despised them. During the day he worked, he helped his boss and served his clients, which
offered some relief and oblivion. Staying alone in his room, with no distractions, was a hellish
thing to do, for when he was alone with his thoughts, there was nothing else to think about but the
night that sealed his fate.

Only a year ago, it seemed as if he was the happiest man on earth. He was going to marry the
Theerapanyakul Minor branch heir, one of the wealthiest men in the country. But all the money, all
the power, and all the influence Vegas could provide him were nothing compared to endless love
that bound them. For the first time in his life, Pete felt seen, accepted, and cared for, and all that
was swept from him in just one minute, on a July night, just like this one.

"Done for today?", the voice of his new boss interrupted his thoughts.

"Yeah", Pete answered quickly, "here, account for today." He handed the man a pile of papers.
"The bets on Ping are lower every day. I’m afraid we must cut his pay, and you know him, he
won’t take it well."

"Well, what can I do?", said the boss, frustrated. "He’s becoming a failed investment at this point.
If he doesn’t come to his senses soon and start winning again, I might cut him off entirely."

"But Khun", Pete added hesitantly, "didn’t he do enough for you already? Surely, he can at least be
given a break for some time?". Ping was one of the rare people who talked to Pete here. After he
called off his engagement to Vegas, he couldn’t bear to be in the Main family mansion anymore.
He cut all ties, even with Porsche and Thankhun.

He roamed the streets, until he finally found a job as a street wrestler. As a former boxing
champion, he soon became irreplaceable in the nighttime entertainment market. He has won his
boss a real fortune, but knocking men unconscious into the dirt brought about some bad memories
from his childhood, which is why he’s taken the position of the right-hand-man. He deals with
payments, accounts, and match scheduling. He doesn’t really have any interactions with anyone
anymore, except for the business talks with his boss and the occasional beers he grabs with Ping.

"I’m sorry, Pete,", Khun added in a tired voice, "but not everyone is as good as you were."

"I already told you, sir, those days are behind me", Pete added politely.

"Well, if that’s all, I’ll be going then. There are still boys downstairs at the bar, I’ll be sending
them off now", boss added.

Pete could not muster any other reaction but a tired smile, as he finally rested himself on the
mattress. His waking days were all the same—monotonic and depressing, and sleep was a relief.
Phone calls with Grandma Jae were his rare source of happiness. He thought about leaving
Bangkok for good and moving back to his island, but the place is already in squalor. Although
happier, he would be of no use there. In his new establishment, he earned almost as much as he did
as a Theerapanyakul bodyguard, which is why he was still able to send money to his hometown.
Grandma always sends him the blessings of his neighbors, many of whom he personally saved
from hunger.

He was once again disturbed, this time by the ringing of his phone. It was Macau, Vegas’ younger
brother.

"Hello P’Pete!"

"Hello Macau", Pete couldn’t help but smile when he heard his sweet, still boyish voice. "Why are
you calling so late? Is everything alright with you?"

"Yes, P’Pete, but it seems like Pa’s condition has gotten worse. I’ve been called to the hospital
immediately. I don’t know what it is, I’m scared."

Pete could hear how his voice trembled on the verge of tears.

"Your dad has been in a coma for a year, darling", Pete continued, "it is normal sometimes for his
state to worsen. Don’t worry, he’ll be alright, I’m sure of it."

"I don’t know P’Pete.", Macau continued, "They told me Uncle Korn was there, it must be serious
then."

Upon hearing Korn’s name, Pete felt his stomach drop and his hands get cold.

"Khun Korn is there? Did...", Pete stopped right in the middle of the sentence.

"Did what, P’Pete?", Macau asked, puzzled.

Pete was caught, he was aware of what he was about to ask.

"Was your brother informed of this?", Pete finished his sentence in a trembling voice. This is the
first time in this one year that he has openly asked about Vegas. Macau often teased him, and Pete
would scold him about it. It felt strange, first time mentioning Vegas out loud after so many
months.

"I don’t think so, but I will tell him nonetheless.", Macau said. "Should I tell him you asked for
him?", he continued, his smug, bratty personality peeking through his still tearful voice.

"No, you little devil.", Pete cut him off quickly. "But if he doesn’t know, he should be told."

"Alright P’Pete. I’m arriving at the moment, I’ll call you back later."

"Alright, little one.", Pete said endearingly. "Be brave and keep me updated. Good night."

With that, the call ended. Pete felt a sudden rush. The thought of Vegas’ potential return from
America couldn’t escape him since the moment Macau mentioned that Kan’s state had worsened.
There were crises before, but none of them were this serious.

Pete often couldn’t believe just how much a destiny of an entire family could change in one night.
After Pete broke off with Vegas, the heir of the Minor family received another piece of bad news:
his father had suffered a grave car accident and his life was in danger. When his condition
stabilized in the morning, Vegas packed his bags and left, after helplessly trying to convince Macau
to come with him. Macau wanted to stay with his father, so Vegas entrusted Nop with his safety.

Even so, Pete felt bad for the young master. The Main family paid no mind to him, and thanks to
Kan’s genius parenting, he didn’t have any friends. That’s why Pete decided to meet with him, at
least once a week, to take him to the movies or out for dinner. He saw him as a younger brother,
and perhaps he would have been that, had the circumstances been different. Macau was thrilled to
spend time with his P’Pete, but Pete’s one condition never spoke to Vegas about it.

Sleep was no longer an option for Pete. A silent hope was creeping into the bottom of his heart, but
he tried everything to hush it down. And what if he does come back? It’s not like he’ll get a chance
to see him. It’s not like Vegas would even want to see him anymore, after what he did. And even
worse, he might be indifferent about it. He has surely fallen for someone else by now.

These thoughts were breaking Pete’s heart, and he couldn’t take it anymore. He slumped heavily
on the mattress, peeking once more at his phone to check for any updates from Macau.

The little man has sent him nothing, but there’s a message from Thankhun. Everyone from the
Main family, including Porsche, stopped contacting him months ago. He wouldn’t reply to any of
their texts. But his Khun Noo was persistent. He still sent him memes, wrote him paragraphs about
how much he missed him, and frequently asked when he would come back. Although it was
annoying at times, Pete was still touched by these messages. At least, someone still cared about
him.

Pete finally felt his eyelids go heavy when he heard a sudden noise from downstairs. There were
screams and gunshots, and Pete immediately grabbed a gun he always kept under his pillow and
made his way silently down the iron staircase, leading from his room to the bar.

His boss’s bar and lounge have turned into a real shooting range, with oddly familiar men in black
suits frantically firing at the people in the bar. Pete soon found a hiding place behind one of the
pillars, and decided to stay out of it. He didn’t particularly care for his new workplace, or the
people inside it. He felt no sense of loyalty he once foolishly reserved for the great
Theerapanyakuls.

While in his safe spot, Pete caught a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye. It was Nong Ping,
trying to aim for one of the men in black.

"No! Ping, don’t!", Pete shouted, knowing that his young friend knew almost nothing about
weapons.

"Don’t move!", Pete tried to reason with him, but it was too late. The fire of gunshots has already
started coming Ping’s way, and his friend was dead in a blink of an eye.

Pete was enraged. He jumped from behind the pillar and started firing back at these black devils,
skillfully avoiding their shots.

"STOP!", he heard from one of the men. The shooting stopped, leaving only a cloud of smoke from
the pistols.

"Pete?", said a familiar voice. "Is it really you?"

It was Arm. Pete’s face lit up with surprise, but seeing Ping’s lifeless body lying on the floor, his
smile for the old friend dropped.

"It’s me, so what?", he asked full of rage while approaching Arm. "What the fuck do you think
you’re do-". His voice was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a gunshot and a searing pain in his
shoulder.

"You fucking idiot!" Arm yelled, "How dare you disobey my orders? Pete? Pete! Can you hear
me?"

Pete could only hear faint sounds as his vision blurred and slowly disappeared into darkness.

...

A familiar hand shook his wounded shoulder, but he felt no pain. He turned around to face that
direction.

"Vegas?". The well-known face of his lover greeted him with a warm smile. "Is it really you?".

"It’s me, my love, it’s really me." He cupped Pete’s face with one hand, while holding his waist
with another. "I’m here.".

"I’m so happy", Pete said, tears pooling in his eyes. "I thought I’d never see you again."

"Oh, you’re so silly," Vegas said with a smile. "I am yours, and you are mine, remember? I’ll
always be here."

Pete can’t remember the last time he felt so happy. He immediately jumped and reached for a kiss.

Just as their lips were about to touch, Pete’s eyes fluttered open, and he heard a familiar scream.

"Shit!", Porsche screamed. "You fucking asshole! You scared me, opening your eyes like that, like
a zombie", he added, jumping from a bed like a little girl.

"Seriously?", a squeaky voice replied. "Is this how you greet my Pete after he’s been wounded?",
shouted Thankhun, throwing used tissues at Porsche.

- "Eww", Porsche screamed in disgust, "Quit that, you moron."

"Me? A moron? You should be ashamed of yourself, how dare you! I’ve been grieving my child
for a whole day, I’ve already planned out a funeral and almost ordered a caske-"

"Khun Noo!", screamed Pete, annoyed. "I’m not dead yet!", he smiled at them.

"Oh Pete!", Thankhun screamed in unison with Porsche and Pol, as they started hugging the
wounded man.

"It’s alright, it’s alright, give him some air to breathe.", commented a handsome man in the
doctors’ white.

"I’m sorry, Doc, it’s just, I haven’t seen my son for so long", Thankhun said, starting to snivel
again.

"There, there, Khun Noo, Pete is with us again", said Pol with a wide smile on his face.

"Yes", added Porsche, "he wouldn’t leave us the second time, right Pete?", Porsche said with a
hopeful expression, holding Pete’s hand.

Pete was silent. He didn’t know what to say and stared blankly at the open window of the
Theerapanyakul private hospital.
"How did I get here, Porsche?", Pete asked weakly.

"Your new boss", Porsche answered, "has been sending his men to vandalize and steal from one of
Kinn’s bars. He didn’t know who the owner was and... well, you know how it goes from there."

"I see. Thank you." Pete answered, a sad expression on his face.

"I’m sorry, Pete. I know they were your friends, but we had no idea. Thank God Arm recognized
you."

Pete was silent again.

"Thank God, my baby’s not dead. Although, me and Pol have planned a fabulous funeral for you.",
Thankhun rambled on. "We would play all your favourite songs during the entire procession, and
the only thing served would be dishes from the South, extra spicy, just how you like it. Oh, and
Pete? Remember those blue garbage bags we used to throw Elizabeth and Sebastian away when
Porsche killed them with his acidic piss? I’ve ordered a casket in that exact colour! Cool, right?
Oh, well, now I have nothing to use it for, perhaps I can bury that scum Vegas when he returns
from America tomorrow. I also wanted to bury you in our yard next to our babies, but father had
some complaints...".

The word "Vegas" immediately brought Pete’s attention to Thankhun’s blabbering.

"What?", he said faintly, turning his head to Porsche’s direction.

"Well you know him, how he is about this stuff, he thought that burying someone in our yard
would be inappropriate and-"

"Thankhun.", Porsche cut him off, stern look on his face.

Thankhun realized what he just blurted out, and his face made a serious expression, rarely seen in
his case.

"It’s true. He’ll be here tomorrow. That idiot Kan is dying, apparently, and he wants to be there.",
Thankhun continued. "No need if you ask me, the man was a monster, he made him into a
scumbag he is now, and I-"

"That’s enough. Pete needs rest.", said Dr. Top in a serious voice.

"It’s alright", Porsche hugged Pete.

"I’ll come by later, alone", he whispered.

Soon the room emptied, and Pete was yet alone with his thoughts. His hopes are true, Vegas will
be here, in this very hospital, tomorrow. Will he come to visit me?, a small voice in the back of his
mind asked. No, don’t be a fool. He won’t even bother to shoot a single glance at your room, let
alone come here. He’s gone to you. Forever.

Pete could not stand the ache in his heart. It hurt so bad, he could swear his entire body was in
pain. No, he would not allow this. He can not stay one more minute in this place, with these
people, whom he once considered friends. He can not stay in the hospital owned by Korn
Theerapanyakul, wearing a gown with his family’s crest printed on it. He was the man who ruined
his life. He will leave as soon as possible.

...
The hospital guard changed at exactly 22:30. Pete remembers this from making endless schedules
in Kinn’s office. It was 22:20 already; he had no time to waste. He grabbed one last bite from the
plate on his nightstand and took a vase from the table. He slowly snuck out of the room and got to
the main exit.

"Hey, you! You’re not supposed to be here, go back to your room.", a new guard, whom Pete didn’t
recognize, stood in his way.

"Geez", Pete rolled his eyes, "a newbie?"

"Yes", the man said in a confused tone. "Nevertheless, I’ve been instructed to keep an eye on you
tonight."

"I really hoped I wouldn’t have to do this", Pete said, rolling his eyes, "but you leave me no
choice." Pete smacked the young man on the head, breaking the vase. Although wounded, he
managed to outmaneuver him and grab the gun from his hand.

Pete exited the door, and the young man chased after him. Pete pointed the gun at him and said:

"Not a step closer! If we ever happen to meet again, learn not to disobey the word of Pongsakorn
Saengtham, the head bodyguard of the mighty Theerapanyakul family."

Pete ran off into the night, leaving the young bodyguard with a bloody head and a stupidly puzzled
expression on his face.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Pete feels as if there’s no air left in his lungs anymore. He’s been running through the streets the
entire night, holding his wounded shoulder, earning strange looks on passersby's faces. As he
slowly left the city center area, where the Theerapanyakul complex is located, he slowed his pace
and found himself in his old neighbourhood.

There were a few bullets left in that idiot’s gun. Pete hoped it would suffice for a brief visit to his
old establishment.

As he approached the familiar four-story building, he found the place to be unrecognizable. The
door was wide open, and all the glass windows were broken. He entered quietly, careful not to cut
himself on the tiny pieces of glass scattered everywhere. All the chairs and tables were thrown all
over the place, and the smell of blood and death filled his nostrils.

Kinn’s men took care of the bodies, as they always did after dealing with enemies. Pete himself
took part in such tasks more than once, and he was used to dumping lifeless bodies into gutters and
ditches for the sake of the great Theerapanyakul name. Now, the thought disgusted him, knowing
that Ping was dealt with in the same way.

Ignoring the subtle ache in his heart for his dear friend, he rushed to reach the inside of the bar. He
knew his boss kept his secret stash here. He will take the money, buy one way ticket to
Chumphon, and never set foot in this bloody city again.

He will go back to his island, to his grandma, he will live off the land and never bloody his hands
again. These thoughts raced through his mind as he frantically searched the drawers and boxes
around the register.

Guns, papers, random bar appliances, last year's newspaper, more guns and bullets... But no
money! Pete was growing angry at this point, throwing and kicking all the things he laid his hands
on.

"Where the fuck is it?!", he yelled, possessed by rage, as he squatted to check the bottom drawers.

"Looking for this?", he heard an unfamiliar voice say. He turned his head, and a short, but muscled
thug appeared towering above him. He was pointing his gun right between Pete’s eyes, while
holding a plastic bag full of dollar bills.

Pete found himself in a difficult position and slowly lifted his arms in surrender.

"That’s right, now slowly get up and do what I say", the man said in a mocking tone.
Pete did as he was told. He was soon standing on his feet, his hands in the air.

"Did you get anything?", another voice yelled from across the room.

The bodyguard loosened his hold on the gun, and turned in the direction of the voice.

"Yeah, some pile of money", he yelled, "and some crippled bitch snooping around".

Pete took the chance when the man wasn’t looking, grabbed his wrist, and kicked his groin. The
man fell to the ground in pain, as Pete quickly grabbed the money bag and ran towards the exit.

"After him! Don’t let him escape!", a voice broke through behind him.

Just as he was about to jump through a broken window, another gun was pointed at his face.

"Woah, steady.", another thug warned him to stop.

"Look what we got, boys." Suddenly, more men start appearing out of nowhere. Where were they?
How come Pete did not see them?

"You recognize the logo, huh?", one of the men said. "The Theerepanyakul crest. Khun Pravat will
like this one."

"Khun Pravat? Who?", Pete yelled in confusion. "Look, I have nothing to do with Theerapanyakuls
anymore, alright? I came here to grab some spoils from last night, as did you, just let me be on my
way?", Pete was desperate to negotiate.

"Yes, you have nothing to do with Theerapanyakuls, yet you’re treated in their private hospital."
The men laughed. "I wasn’t born yesterday. Take him!", the man, who appears to be their leader,
ordered.

"Where are you taking me? Please, I don’t have anything to do with them anymore, let me go!",
Pete tried helplessly to wriggle out of their arms, but three men held him down and tied both his
hands and his legs.

He was taken into the backseat of a black Jeep, which quickly drove off in an unknown direction.
Pete screamed for help, but his voice was soon muffled by wet cloth. Everything became blurry
again, and he was surrounded by deep darkness once more.

...

A splash of freezing cold water hit his face, and Pete woke with a gasp. He started uncontrollably
coughing, unaware of his surroundings.

As his vision cleared, he noticed he was in a big house, surrounded by the same pack of thugs that
had captured him. The men laughed as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Enough!", a voice exclaimed. "He’s not a common ruffian like you, quit howling."

Pete looked up in front of him, and saw a tall, handsome figure. He wore a silky black shirt that
suited him perfectly, just like the ones Vegas likes to wear. His black pants were tightly hugging
his long legs down to his feet, which were in a pair of expensive, polished shoes.

A shiny gold chain around his neck was perfectly balanced with the dark shirt. His face was
handsome, but not stern or strict. There was a certain warmth about it, something that inspired
trust.

"Pete Phongsakorn, we meet again.", the man said, smiling widely at the pitiful figure of Pete
lying in front of him. His face seemed familiar, but Pete couldn’t remember who he was.

"My apologies, sir, but your name seems to escape me.", Pete added in a polite manner.

"Oh, don’t worry about that. Pravat Ritthirong, heir to the Ritthirong Company. We weren’t that
big when you cut your ties with the mafia, but I remember you.", he said through a grin, pouring
himself a glass of whiskey.

"How do you know me, if I may ask?". Pete tried to keep his head high. He didn’t want to seem
scared or humiliated, even though he was held back by two pairs of strong hands.

"From your engagement party." Pravat smiled, while taking a sip from his glass.

Pete’s will started weakening as he heard the words. He slowly bowed his head and stared at the
floor below him.

"I remember you and Vegas, how happy you guys seemed that night. Not even Kinn or Porsche
could compare to you two."

These words cut through Pete’s heart like knives. He didn’t dare lift his head. Pravat was eyeing
his figure and continued.

"Now, I didn’t quite catch what happened between you two, but nevertheless, you’re still a
precious catch. I hear the rest of the family is quite fond of you too.", Pravat smiled.

"You’re mistaken, sir.", Pete answered, his head still directed at the floor. "Khun Korn wouldn’t
lift a finger to save me, and Kinn wouldn’t disobey his father."

Pete smiled scornfully, wondering if anyone besides Thankhun would even make an effort. "I don’t
mean anything to anyone anymore."

"Now, now Pete, don’t get so pathetic now", Pravat mocked. He rose from his chair and squatted
in front of Pete. Pete raised his head to meet his gaze. His eyes were dreamy, Pete will give him
that.

Pravat slowly brushed Pete’s cheek with his thumb and smiled.

"A handsome face like yours must be missed by at least someone."

Pete kept eye contact, but he wouldn’t be fooled by this false flattery.

"I’m afraid that someone is my grandma, sir." Pete smirked at him coyly. "She can offer a good
price for me, too. A coconut, and some seashell bracelets, perhaps?"

Pravat laughed at that. "You’re smart too, it seems? No wonder Vegas fell for you."
These words hurt Pete’s soul. "I’m telling you, I don’t mean anything to him anymore. Please,
either kill me, or let me go."

"Well, it is for Vegas to decide whether he still loved you or not, don’t you think. We’ll soon find
out."

"Sir, please, don’t waste your energy. End this now.", Pete begged.

"Take him to the dungeons", Pravat ordered, while walking back to his table. "And make sure you
treat him nicely. We don’t want him with cuts and bruises if Vegas decides he still loves him after
all."

Pete helplessly called Pravat’s name as he was dragged across the room and through the door.

Pravat downed another drink and smiled to himself. "This should be fun", he thought. "Let’s see
how desperate you can be, Vegas Theerapanyakul."

...
Pete was thrown into one of the dungeons. The security was top-notch, and he knew he couldn’t
escape so easily.

Why was this happening to him? In the last 48 hours, he has had more happen to him than in a
whole year. Where was that stuffy room when he needed it? It was a prison of its own, but at least
Vegas was far away. He could still wonder. He could still hope. He could still silently pray that
Vegas still had love for him.

Now, he has to face it, and facing the hard truth was never something he was good at.

What are the odds that Vegas will actually save him? If he looked at it realistically, very small. A
whole year has passed, Vegas either hated him and wanted him dead himself, or he simply didn’t
care. Pravat’s price wouldn’t be small either. Why would Vegas bother, especially with his dying
father, to work on saving him?

No, Pete has to find a way out of here. He has to make a plan, and has to do it quickly, while it’s
still dark outside. The voices of the guards disturb him.

"He’s a pretty one, don’t you think?", "Yeah, but don’t even think about it. Khun Pravat said, he’s
very important, we can’t risk anything happening to him."

Pete was disgusted by their words, yet still, he drew something important from them. They can’t
risk anything happening to him? How about letting him bleed out from his wound while on their
watch.

An idea raced through Pete’s mind. There was a plastic knife, given to him for his dinner. A real
knife would have been better, but this one must suffice.

Pete quietly took the knife and started cutting through his bandages. It was slow and difficult, since
the knife was pretty dull, but somehow it managed to cut. It hurt like hell, but Pete gritted his teeth
and took it.

Once the bandage was finally off, he turned the knife around and started hitting his wound with the
handle. Soon enough, the wound started bleeding uncontrollably.

"Hey, you two, idiots!" Pete yelled. "Don’t you see what you did to me while you dragged me
here?"

"Oh shit!", one of them exclaimed. "Khun Pravat will kill us if something happens to him!"
"Yeah, you better think he will!", Pete yelled. The two bodyguards stared at him, confused. "What
are you staring at, huh? You want me to die here? Go get some help, you idiots!"

"Well, we can’t leave him alone, we’re supposed to guard him!", the shorter one yelled. "What
should we do? We’re dead men!", he panicked.

"I have a brilliant idea", Pete sneered, annoyed. "Why don’t you go up and call someone, and your
buddy here can guard me, so I don’t escape?"

"That’s right, that’s right, you stay here, and I’ll go fetch someone, okay?", the younger man
exclaimed, panicking. "It’ll be alright, just stand there, make sure he doesn’t die!", he yelled while
running upstairs.

The taller bodyguard stared at Pete.

"What a fool, this little colleague of mine.", he said. "We weren’t holding you by the shoulder, you
know? I wouldn’t be so stupid.", he said, slowly approaching the iron bars of Pete’s cell.

"I know you wouldn’t be", Pete said, holding the bars, "but we had to get rid of him somehow,
didn’t we?", he said seductively. He didn’t know what possessed him, but he was impressed with
his skill.

"You’re a little devil, aren’t you." The man grabbed Pete’s hand forcefully. "But I left the keys to
the cell in that fool’s pocket.", he said in a disappointed tone.

"No matter.", Pete said, "Let him bring someone here to fix me up, and you get rid of him. We can
have some fun then."

"Bet you we will", the man said, forcefully grabbing Pete’s neck. Pete was disgusted by his brutish
hands and the feeling of his fingers on his neck. Yet, he put on the best pretend and acted as if he
liked it.

Soon enough, the younger bodyguard stormed into the cellar, followed by a doctor.

"Here", he said through heavy breaths, "his shoulder needs bandaging."

"Yes, I can see that", doctor said, entering Pete’s cell. "Please, lie down on the mattress."

Pete did as he was told. The doctor opened up his bag, full of bandages, scalpels, and medicine.

The bodyguards looked closely as the doctor cleaned Pete’s wound. Pete needed something to
distract them.

"SHIT! A MOUSE!", he yelled as loud as he could, pointing to the corner of the cell and wriggling
his entire body.

All three men immediately turned their eyes in the direction of a supposed mouse, which Pete used
to grab one of the scalpels and tuck it underneath his ass.

"There is no mouse, what are you talking about?", the younger bodyguard exclaimed, annoyed.

"Sorry, I was always afraid of them.", Pete said politely. "I must have seen wrong."

The doctor quickly finished his job, packed his bag and left. Pete lied on his side, waiting for the
older bodyguard to make his move. Soon enough, he heard the desired words.

"Listen, buddy, why don’t you go upstairs and sleep, huh? You got scared, I can see that. Don’t
worry, he’s asleep, see? He’s half-dead anyway, nothing bad will happen."

With some hesitation and a lot of nagging, the younger bodyguard was finally convinced and left.
Pete’s heart started to pound extremely fast. He was aware of what would happen to him if he
failed.

As soon as the younger man climbed the iron stairs, Pete heard the clanking of keys. He rested on
his side, waiting for the older man to approach him.

The cell door was open, and the older man was sitting on the side of the mattress in no time. He
aggressively tugged Pete’s arm and turned him on his back.

"So, pet", the man grinned, "where did we stop?"

Pete slowly rose in a sitting position, shooting a flirty glance. He put his mouth near the man’s ear
and whispered: "I think...", he continued, "they interrupted us just when I was about to rip your
guts and get out of this cell."

The man was in pure shock, and just as he was about to say something, Pete put a hand over his
mouth. He pulled the doctor’s scalpel from behind his back and stabbed the men countless times in
the stomach. Pete tightened his grip on the man’s mouth, even though his shoulder hurt him. He
couldn’t risk anyone hearing this.

The bodyguard quickly found himself in a puddle of his own blood, and Pete had no time to lose.
He jumped from the mattress and took the keys and the gun from the dying body.

As the man drew his last breath, Pete whispered: "Yeah, and just for the record, there is but one
man in this world who can ever call me his pet."

He exited the cell and found himself on the iron staircase leading upstairs. He didn’t know where
he was, or how this house was planned out. Since the cells were in the basement, he figured he only
needed a window leading outside, height won’t be the problem for the first floor.

There was another bodyguard standing at the entrance of the basement. He was facing the hallway,
which is why he couldn’t see Pete. Pete’s first instinct was to shoot him, but a gunshot would wake
the entire house.

He had to find a better solution. He hid under the staircase, and hit the iron with the gun.

The bodyguard soon started coming down to see where the sound was coming from. Pete quickly
hid behind a dark pillar nearby. As the bodyguard carefully treaded the basement, Pete crept up
behind him, covered his mouth, and stabbed him right in the chest. Death was instant.

He had no obstacles left. He quickly ran upstairs and roamed the first floor, until he finally found a
window that overlooked the streets. Pete closed his eyes, mustered all the courage he had, and
jumped.

He fell right on his back, and he slowly crawled until he was able to walk again. He started
running, although weakly, but he had to get away from that house as soon as possible.

The fortune seemed to favour him tonight, as he noticed a really old car parked on the street
nearby. He didn’t know this part of town, so walking or running would get him nowhere. Pravat’s
men would soon chase him down.

"This car was already old when Korn Theerapanyakul was a baby", Pete thought to himself. "It
can’t be hard to break into." As he supposed, the lock on the car was mechanical, not electronic.
He smashed one of the windows with the gun and easily unlocked the door. Once he was inside, he
quickly loosened the screws on the control board and connected the necessary wires.

Pete managed to start the car without the key, and soon drifted onto the street and started driving
around. He started screaming and laughing from the adrenaline. He hasn’t felt this good in a very
long time.

Soon, the realization hit him. Where should he go now? He had no money on him, so he couldn’t
buy a plane ticket to Chumphon. The gas in this wreck was running low too, he won’t be able to
drive for much longer, and Pravat will send a search party for him as soon as he realizes Pete’s
gone. There is not a corner of Bangkok where he will be safe; wounded, broke, and alone.

There was one place that could provide him with safety. Pete felt his smile slowly drop as he
thought about it. But, he had no other choice. All the other options meant certain death.
 It was around 5 a.m., and the sun had already begun to rise. Pete spent the last drop of gas as he
parked the car in front of the grand Theerapanyakul mansion.

Chapter End Notes

another chapter, hope you guys like it :)

 Chapter 3
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

"The passport, suitcase, documents... Am I forgetting something?", Vegas thought to himself as he

swiftly walked around his Upper East Side apartment. He wanted to make sure he didn’t forget
anything for his trip back to Bangkok.

"Sir, you haven’t packed half of the clothes in your wardrobe", his bodyguard interrupted. "Do you
want me to get someone to do it for you?"

"It’s alright, Tharn.", Vegas answered, slightly frustrated, "I don’t plan on staying there for long. It
depends on what happens to my father, of course, but it won’t take longer than a month."

"As you wish, sir.", the young man added politely.

"Here", Vegas said, handing him the key to the apartment. "You make sure everything’s alright
here. Visit every day, and if you happen to notice anything suspicious, report to me immediately,
understood?"

"Yes, sir", Tharn replied.

Vegas then made his way to the door, but quickly turned back around.

"And also, furnish the empty guest room. Buy a bed, some books, and a game console. I plan to
bring Macau here once our business in Thailand is done."

"Understood, sir."

"Goodbye, Tharn.", Vegas smiled faintly and finally made his way out.

The New York apartment was one of the rare Minor family possessions that Korn hasn’t taken
since Kan’s accident. It was light and spacious, but mostly empty.

Vegas felt lonely inside, which is why he preferred spending his time elsewhere. He spent his days
walking around the city and exhausting the endless possibilities of The Big Apple. He sometimes
even found himself feeding the ducks in the Central Park ponds.

Bars and nightclubs were where he spent most of his nights. Vegas rarely left these places alone,
often bringing some handsome face back to his place.

Making love to some dainty American models while in a drunken daze always seemed like a good
idea at first, but waking up next to them in the morning always left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He couldn’t stand to see their pretty faces, sleeping soundly next to him. After some time, he
started instructing them to leave before he woke, giving them some cab money beforehand.

Waking up to an empty bed was painful, but it was even more painful waking up to strangers who
wouldn’t be there if not for Vegas’ designer clothes and a large penthouse.

It was hard waking up to a person who wasn’t Pete, who didn’t care whether he lived or died,
whether he ate today or picked up his brother from school.
That was supposed to be their reality. Waking up in each other's arms every morning for the rest of
their lives, watching their children run around the house with Macau.

Vegas wanted nothing else, but Pete betrayed him.

He remembers it clearly, a stormy July night. Their flight to Chumphon was delayed, and Vegas
waited hours for Pete at the airport. They were supposed to go and ask his grandmother for her
blessing.

Vegas stood impatiently, as the passengers were already boarding the long-awaited flight.

He called Pete multiple times, but was left on voicemail.

Suddenly, he received a message:

"Forgive me, but I can’t go through with this. Goodbye, Pete."

Vegas felt as if he was living his worst nightmare. He called Pete again, but he couldn’t be reached
anymore.

He quickly took his car and headed to the Main family mansion; he was sure they had something
to do with this. As he was racing the streets in the pouring rain, his crying brother called him to
deliver another piece of bad news: their father was involved in a grave car accident, and doctors are
fighting for his life.

That night was the worst night of his life. Trying to console the terrified and crying Macau, while
he himself needed a shoulder to cry on, was hell. No one from the Main family showed up. He and
his brother were sitting there, hugging each other, alone.

Vegas hoped that Pete would appear around the corner, that he would sit beside them and make
everything alright again.

But, he didn’t. He and his helpless little brother were alone, as they always had been, ever since
their mother died.

In the morning, doctors finally informed them that the operation was a success, but their father was
in a coma, and they didn’t know when, or if he would ever wake up again.

Vegas felt conflicted. A part of him wanted Kan dead, for everything he had done to them in their
childhood. Yet another part of him, the sensitive, caring side of him that Pete managed to lure out
of the darkness, still wanted his father to wake up.

Who knows, perhaps one day there will be a chance of reconciliation. Perhaps one day, his father
will acknowledge all the hardships he has put him through, and praise him for his hard work.

It didn’t matter anymore. Pete left. Kan will probably never wake up again. There was no point in
living here anymore.

Macau was turning 18 next year, and Vegas tried everything to convince him to move with him to
New York. He could graduate there, and then enroll at some of the prestigious Ivy League
universities. Macau was a smart kid, and with Vegas’ wealth and influence, he could easily give
him a great life.

His little brother wouldn’t even hear of any of that. He insisted that his life was here, that he didn’t
want to leave his father’s side.
Vegas could understand him. Macau was younger, and even though Kan wasn’t the gentlest with
him, he still took far better care of him than of Vegas.

Vegas was the first-born, the weight of his father’s expectations always lay heavy on his shoulders.

Macau was still a baby when Vegas hid under the bed, covering his ears, trying to muffle the sound
of his mother’s screams. Kan resented his mom, for a reason still unknown to him. His mother later
died, leaving Vegas utterly alone in this world, with no one to turn to.

He was younger than Macau when his father found him kissing another boy in a secluded pantry.
The boy was killed that very instant in front of Vegas’ eyes. That was the first time Vegas got a
harsh beating from his father, which would continue to happen later on.

Kan’s words hurt far more than his hands. "You want to be a faggot, is that right? Just like that sick
cousin of yours? At least he’s making Korn proud, his grades are better than yours!"

Constant comparisons to Kinn made his stomach turn. There was not a person he hated more in this
world, which is why he always tried to set him up and ruin his life.

Once he found Pete, all this hatred and envy in his heart seemed to disappear. His father strongly
opposed the match, but since Korn had given his blessing, there was not much Kan could do to
separate them.

The two families seemed to have started getting along. He even managed to be civil towards Kinn,
the man he thought was his worst enemy.

Pete was the light of his life, and that light was put down in just two sentences. Ever since, his life
has been miserable.

He hated Pete, hated him for showing him love and acceptance, and then leaving him. It was
betrayal, no doubt, or he was Korn’s spy from the very beginning. There was no other reasonable
explanation for his sudden disappearance.

All these thoughts raced through his mind as he took a cab to the JFK airport.

He didn’t know what to think, or feel. His father’s death would certainly be a relief, but he couldn’t
help but feel his heart silently break at the thought.

He sat at one of the airport’s cafes, nervously tapping his knee with his fingers. News of his
father’s death could arrive any minute.

His phone rang, and an unknown Thai number was displayed on the screen.

"That’s it, this is it", he thought. "They’re calling from the hospital to tell me Pa’s dead".

Vegas picked up the phone and mustered a trembling „Hello".

"If that isn’t the mighty Vegas Theerapanyakul!", a cheeky voice said. Vegas was confused.

"Don’t remember me? It’s Pravat, from high school!", the voice continued.

"Pravat Ritthirong?", Vegas muttered, confused. "What do you want?"

"Why so serious? Can’t an old pal call to check up on you, see how you’re doing?", Pravat
continued with a smile.

"Cut the crap, you idiot. We were never friends, especially after your bastard father decided he
wanted a taste of mafia life." Vegas was growing annoyed.

"Well, what can I do?, We’re quite big now, you know. Threatening your dear uncle’s authority
even."

"So I’ve heard.", Vegas answered. "I haven’t been there for a year, I can’t imagine the reason why
you’re calling me now. And at this hour. It must be around 3 a.m. there."

"You see, old pal,", Pravat said, "my men have brought in some interesting spoils from one of the
establishments they had demolished earlier."

Vegas was confused by Pravat’s words, why would he care?

"A few thousand dollars, some weapons, really nothing that’s of interest to you..."

Vegas was growing frustrated at this point. He reached his finger to the red button to end the call,
when Pravat suddenly spoke.

" ... and a black haired former bodyguard of your lunatic cousin. With an injured shoulder, wearing
the Theerapanyakul hospital gown."

Vegas’ thoughts froze for a moment. Pete? Kidnapped? Wounded?

"What did you say?", Vegas continued, unable to steady his voice.

"Your ex fiance is rotting in one of my dungeons as we speak", Pravat continued nonchalantly,

"and I’ve heard you’ll be gracing us with your presence very soon, so I propose a deal."

Vegas still could not believe Pravat’s words.

"A great deal of Bangkok thugs are still loyal to you, and I could very well use them, as well as
your influence in the streets. Give me your men, and I will give you your little slut, or whatever’s
left of him."

Anger rushed through Vegas like a thunder upon hearing these words.

"Listen here, you little shit", Vegas started angrily, not caring for the puzzled faces of the
surrounding people. "I have no power left there. Korn took everything, the Minor family
compound, our profits, our men, everything! I’m living my life away from that damned business,
leave me alone!"

Vegas’ entire body shook, he felt as if he was going to faint.

"I have nothing to do with that man anymore. He means nothing to me." Vegas felt his stomach
drop at these words. He knew, deep inside, that they weren’t true. There wasn’t a single day in this
damned year that passed without Pete crossing his mind, at least once.

"Well, your influence in the streets is still remarkable, believe it or not", Pravat said in a smug
tone. "You’ll see for yourself once you get here. And we both know you don’t mean what you say
about Pete, right? You must still care about him, at least a little. However, his wound is probably
festering as we speak, and he has not much time left. Should I allow him a doctor’s care, or should
 I let him die like a dog?"

Vegas’ hands started trembling. This can’t be true; the life of the man that he despised, and who
betrayed him was in his hands. He could only say a single word, and he would avenge his broken
heart.

"Keep him well and alive until I return.", Vegas muttered through gritted teeth. "Then we’ll talk."

"Your wish is my command", Pravat laughed.

With that, Vegas ended the call and ran to his terminal. For the first time in a whole year, he
wanted to rush to his hometown.

Chapter End Notes

another chapter guys, this time from Vegas' POV. Hope you like it :)
 Chapter 4
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The smell of blood could be felt through the entire basement of the newly established Ritthirong
compound.

As the handsome heir walked through the place, he was met with the lifeless bodies of his
bodyguards.

"Useless scum.", he thought to himself.

As he walked up to Pete’s cell, he found its door wide open; the prisoner was long gone, leaving
the dead guard on the mattress.

"Forgive me, sir,", the young bodyguard cried, "I shouldn’t have left them alone." He begged
Pravat’s forgiveness on his knees.

"It was him", he said, pointing his finger to the dead man, "It was him who wanted his way with
the prisoner. He was the one who convinced me to go and sleep. I would never do it again, I
swear". He yelled in despair: "Mercy, my lord, mercy!"

"Hush, you damn fool.", Pravat finally spoke, his face unreadable. "You did everything just right.",
he smiled smugly.

"Right?", the confused bodyguard asked, "But sir? The prisoner escaped?"

"He was meant to escape, you idiot", Pravat was growing impatient, "If he was really that
important to guard, do you think I would have left him with you two imbeciles?"

"I don’t understand, sir", the bodyguard said.

"Don’t worry, you’re not supposed to.", Pravat added.

"The old man was right", he muttered to himself, "he is a feisty one. Let’s see how Vegas reacts
once he willingly comes to me."

Pravat laughed in satisfaction.

He and Vegas have known each other since high school. Pravat’s father was an investor, earning a
considerable fortune for himself and his family. The fact that he was considered "new money" in
the Thai upper class bothered him, and he was envious of Theerapanyakul’s vast fortune and well-
known name.

The seed of his father’s envy was planted in Pravat when he was very young. For as long as he can
remember, he has hated Theerapanyakuls. He tried to outdo them in everything, but he wouldn’t
dare mess with Kinn, who was popular and had many friends.

Even his father advised him not to attack Kinn directly. Korn cared about his sons, and wouldn’t
allow anyone to mistreat them.

Vegas, on the other hand, was a lone wolf, deserted and unaccepted even by his own father. But
there was something about him, something cold and dangerous that made everyone respect him
and stay out of his way.

Vegas might not have been very popular among his classmates, but he was already well respected
in the streets. Vegas cherished his men, respected them, and gave them freedom to choose and do
as they pleased.

They swarmed around him like bees. Not for his money, or out of fear, but out of respect for him.
They didn’t even graduate yet, and Vegas had already assembled a little army of his own.

His natural leadership and his old family name made him a legend. Kinn might have been the sole
heir to the Theerapanyakul fortune, but Vegas had carved out his power in his own right, which
made young high school boys both fear and admire him.

Despite his endless charm, Pravat lacked what Vegas had, and was often scolded by his father for
it.

The winds of change seemed to have favoured him a year ago, when the men of the Minor family
gave up on their power. The Main family is the one in charge, but it’s the Minor family that
secures its authority.

With Vegas’ disappearance from the city, Pravat took the chance and entered the mafia waters,
hoping to finally make his father proud and take Vegas’ place in the mafia world; the place he
always felt he rightfully deserved.

There’s so much more at stake now that Pete’s back in the game. Not only is he going to take
Vegas’ wealth and power, he will take his lover as well. No matter the cost, he will be the winner
of this lifelong rivalry.

...

Once Pete entered the Theerapanyakul mansion, he found it lacking its usual peace. All the
bodyguards were swiftly running around, as if they were out on an important mission.

Pete didn’t understand; what was this commotion all about? All the bodyguards were unknown to
him, they must have started working here after he had left.

Suddenly, a clumsy, tall figure ran straight into him in the main hallway.

"Make way, don’t just stand there!", the man exclaimed in a deep voice.

Pete would recognize this bulky, ungainly statue everywhere.

"Pol?", he asked in confusion, "what is going on?"

"Not now, Pete", Pol dismissed him, "Khun Noo is a mess, so is Porsche, last night in the
hospital... Wait?"

Pol stopped talking. The realization hit him, and he slowly turned his head back around.

"Pete? PETE?", he screamed in surprise. Pete reacted with an awkward smile as Pol rushed to give
him a hug.

"Where the hell have you been? We’ve been looking for you the entire night! Khun Noo was going
crazy, he wanted to lead the search party himself!"

"Search party? What search party?". Pete was surprised.

"Well, the search party for you, of course!", Pol exclaimed. "Porsche came by the hospital later,
alone, and he found an empty bed and a bloodied idiot standing at the entrance.", he explained. "He
called Khun Kinn, who immediately sent out men to look for you."

"Khun Kinn?". Pete was surprised by this. He didn’t imagine Kinn would ever bother to make an
effort for him.

"Well, of course. We all love you here, Pete, even the bosses.", Pol continued in a sad voice,
"Khun Noo wasn’t the only one who missed you, you know? We all did."

Pol’s sad expression deeply affected Pete. Maybe he was too harsh not to reach out to them. He
didn’t want to go back to this life, but these people had been his family for years. Pol, Arm,
Porsche, and little Chay, he saw them as brothers. Chan was the father he never had. Perhaps he’s
been the most unfair to Thankhun, who never stopped calling. Even after Pete changed multiple
numbers, Khun Noo would still find him and beg him to come back.

"Oh, God", Pol suddenly exclaimed, "I can hear Thankhun’s wailing from here. Come on, let’s go
upstairs. They’re all waiting for news."

Pol took his hand and rushed him to the elevator.

"Wait!", Pete suddenly stopped.

"What is it?", Pol asked.

"Does Khun Korn know about any of this?", Pete asked.

"Well, I can’t tell.", Pol was puzzled for a moment. "I don’t think anyone deliberataly told him, but
I imagine P’Chan has informed him by now."

"Alright", Pete said in a worried tone.

...

"Will you please stop sniveling?" You’re getting on my nerves!", Porsche yelled at the crying
Thankhun.

"You monster! How dare you tell me to stop crying? My baby is out there, wounded, tired, hungry!
And you think about your damn nerves!" Khun started weeping uncontrollably again, while the
distressed Chay handed him tissues.

"Don’t be giving him any more tissues, Chay", Porsche said, annoyed. "Let him drown in his own
drool."

"WHAT?!", Thankhun screamed.

"Stop it, Hia!", Chay scolded. "We are all worried for P’Pete!"

"Your brother at least has some manners, unlike you, you heartless bastard!", Khun continued.

Porsche scoffed at that, rolling his eyes.

"It’s alright, P’Khun, pay no mind to him.", Chay calmed the enraged Thankhun, earning a smile
and a nod of approval from Kinn, who sat at the table with Arm, trying to obtain information about
Pete.
"You don’t understand Chay, he is wounded and roaming the streets alone!", Thankhun cried on.
"He must be starving as well, and you know how grumpy he is when his stomach is empty! My
son! Why would he do this to me? Doesn’t he care about my poor nerves? And now he’s probably
lying dead in some ditch!". Thankhun gasped at his own words. The thought terrified him, and he
started sobbing again.

"No one’s dead, you idiot!", Porsche growled. Dead Pete was not even a possibility. He didn’t
want to think about losing his friend.

"Will you two stop for a second?", Kinn finally interfered. "We can’t concentrate here with you
two screaming at each other!"

"As if you were any good in the first place!", Thankhun sassily remarked, although through tears.
"Those cripples you hired after Pete resigned are totally useless! That idiot let his gun be taken by
a half-dead shadow of a man wearing a hospital gown!". Thankhun was growing annoyed.

"Where is that Pol now when I need him?", he muttered on. "With this level of Kinn’s competence,
we might have to reinforce our funeral plan after all!"

The door finally opened, and Pol entered excitedly, leading Pete into the room. Pete’s steps were
slow, insecure, and his head was facing the ground.

The entire room cheered upon seeing their fugitive friend, immediately jumping to greet him.

"PETE! AI’PETEEE! My baby!", Thankhun screamed, hugging his head. "You’ve given me a
heart attack! Dr. Top had to be held on speed dial in case something happens to my poor health
because of you!"

Seeing his friends’ reactions to his return, Pete’s mood couldn’t help but improve.

"I remember you had him on speed dial a year ago, Khun Noo", Pete said through a smile, finally
wriggling out of Khun’s embrace.

Porsche walked up to Pete and hugged him tightly. Pete reciprocated. He couldn’t lie, he missed
his best friend.

"I’m glad you’re back here, buddy.", Porsche said, patting his arm.

"I’m glad to see you, too.", Pete answered, a firm expression on his face.

Arm walked up to him and hugged him, followed by Pol. Thankhun joined the hug soon enough.

"Oh, the gang is back together!", he screamed. „Things will be just like they used to! We’ll never
leave my room and watch series until we die!"

This sentence earned an exhausted gasp from all three men.

"P’Pete!", Chay yelled, running in Pete’s arms as soon as Thankhun finally let go of him. "I’m so
glad you’re back!"

"Hey there, little one!", Pete smiled widely. "I’ve missed you!" He was genuinely happy to see
Chay. He loved him and Macau like his little brothers, and would do anything for them.

Kinn, who was watching the entire scene unfold from the corner with a smile on his face, finally
walked up and greeted Pete himself.
"I’m very glad to have you back, Pete.", Kinn said, hugging him and giving him a pat on the
shoulder. "Your absence could be felt every day."

Pete was confused by Kinn’s behaviour. Kinn was never too touchy with his bodyguards, yet still,
Pete hasn’t been a bodyguard for a long time. Even before he left, he had been dismissed from his
post, and was taking the same position as Porsche. They were both going to be the future husbands
of the Theerapanyakul heirs. But now, without Vegas, what was he? What position could he take
at the mansion? He was more than a bodyguard, but less than family. Pete wanted to come clean
about that.

After the initial excitement, a strange, uncomfortable feeling filled the room. Everyone wondered
what had happened. Pete was covered in blood, dirty, and looked as if he’d been driven out of a
madhouse. Nobody dared to ask any questions, hoping that Pete would give an explanation
himself. Instead, Pete was silent, with a dispirited look on his face.

Kinn decided to break the silence.

"Make some room now, everyone. Go and sleep, Pete needs some rest, and so do all of you."
Everyone started leaving the room slowly, except for Porsche. "I will call Dr. Top now, he will
check up on Pete."

"Dr. Top?", Thankhun exclaimed excitedly, going back to the room. "I will wait here with Pete."
Thankhun sat back on the couch.

"You be on your way now", yelled Porsche, dragging Thankhun from the couch and pushing him
out of the door. "Pete is tired, he doesn’t need your rambling now."

"But, Porsche?", Thankhun screamed.

"You go call Dr. Top and wait for him outside, alright?", Kinn calmed the situation.

"Hm", Thankhun hummed sassily. "Alright then." He finally left the room, slamming the door.

Pete was finally left alone with Kinn and Porsche. He wanted to talk to Kinn, and he didn’t want to
keep secrets from Porsche, but he felt it was safer not to tell Porsche just yet.

"So?", Porsche questioned. "Do you have any explanation for what happened last night?"

Pete was silent.

"It’s alright, honey.", Kinn said, walking up to Porsche and massaging his shoulders. "Pete is tired
now, and scared. He will tell us everything once he gets back to his spirits."

Pete could notice how Kinn expected some kind of confirmation of his words. Yet, he kept quiet.
He was on the verge of spilling the entire story right there, but he couldn’t spit it out, at least not
while Porsche was inside.

"I’m tired", Porsche said, rubbing his face with his palms. "I’m going to sleep now. This
conversation continues tomorrow, is that clear?", he said, pointing his finger at Pete.

"Of course, darling.", Kinn reassured him, giving him a small peck on the lips. "Goodnight."

Pete couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy after seeing this scene. No matter how much he loved
his friend, he couldn’t help but think of how this had been stolen from him.
Porsche walked out of the door, and he remained seated on the couch.

"Khun Kinn?", he started in a trembling voice.

"Yes, Pete?"

"Could we, please, talk, before Dr. Top arrives?", Pete continued. "My will may falter tomorrow,
but I feel ready to tell you the truth about yesterday." He inhaled sharply, still pondering his
decision. Kinn was always kind and understanding, and he wanted so badly to be able to trust him.
It felt like telling Kinn the truth was his only hope.

He mustered his courage and said: "I also want to tell you why I ended my engagement to Vegas
and left."

Kinn was surprised by his words, but kept a calm expression.

"Of course, Pete", he said reassuringly, "You can tell me anything."

Pete pondered for a moment, his eyes on the floor. He raised his head, looked at Kinn, and then
started: "You are familiar with how me and Vegas came to be. It is no secret that our beginnings
weren’t perfect, but we worked it out with time. During the conflict of the families, I chose his side,
and you and your father were gracious enough to forgive me, even reconciling with Khun Kan and
Vegas, renewing your partnership."

"It’s true. ", Kinn added. "The Main family and the Minor family always worked together, one
could not function without the other. The problems between my father and uncle were personal,
and later passed on to me and Vegas. I never hated him, Pete. But he was always so envious and
bitter; maintaining a good relationship was impossible."

"He wasn’t envious without a good reason, Khun Kinn.", Pete’s eyes sparkled with fire to defend
his former lover. "He never really hated you personally. It was Kan who mistreated him and
constantly compared him to you, which made him hate you. He never acknowledged his efforts."

"That is clear to me.", Kinn said, nodding his head. "Vegas is a marvelous leader. He doubled our
profits many times, even saved our company from ruin on some occasions. My father and I truly
appreciated it."

"He is not a bad person.", Pete muttered quietly. "And I was glad and happy that you could forgive
him for his previous mishaps. Everything seemed to had been going forward for us."

Kinn listened to him with attention.

"Kan still opposed the match, but your father accepted it. He gave us his blessing and even offered
me the same status as Porsche. The wedding was planned, and everything is going smoothly."

Pete could feel his eyes tearing up at this part, but he gathered all the strength he had not to cry.
This is the first time he’s mentioned Vegas’ name out loud in a very long time.

"In the night of our journey to my grandmother in Chumphon, I received a call from P’Chan. He
told me to come to the Main compound right away."

Kinn’s eyes glared at Pete with great interest. What could possibly be the reason behind this?

"I thought it was you calling me, or Porsche. I also thought that something might be wrong with
Khun Noo.", he continued. "But it wasn’t any of that. I was shocked when P’Chan led me straight
to your father’s room."

"Pa?", Kinn questioned. "What could he possibly want from you?"

"I didn’t know either. He sat me down on the chair, told me to relax. I'm not going to lie, I was
scared. I asked if I had done anything wrong, and he said that I hadn’t. He told me that he wanted
to keep it plain and simple: Me and Vegas cannot get married under any circumstances, and he
ordered me to end things with him right away."

"Pa asked you to do that?", Kinn said, his face in pure shock. „Pete, are you sure you’re okay? That
doesn’t sound right to me. Maybe you’re too tired and you’re mistaken about this."

"I am not mistaken!", Pete jerked his head angrily. "I’m telling you the truth. You can confront
him about this, doesn’t really matter to me anymore."

Kinn saw pure conviction on Pete’s face, and didn’t dare to deny anything.

"I initially refused and demanded an explanation. He told me that he didn’t owe me one, and that
the price for disobedience would be great.". He continued, hardly managing to breathe right: "He
needed to be rid of Vegas, and the most effective way to do it would be ending our engagement.
Vegas would be heartbroken, and soon out of Thailand. He told me, if I refused, he would be rid of
Vegas in some other way, and he would even go so far as to harm my grandma and people from my
hometown."

Kinn could not believe these words. This didn’t sound like his father; Pa would never threaten to
hurt his nephew. He even showed him mercy after him and Kan tried to attack the compound. This
didn’t add up; Korn loved his brother and nephews despite everything.

"Look, Pete", Kinn began politely, "I’m not saying I don’t trust you. You’re probably the most
capable and loyal man I’ve ever had."

Pete was silently disappointed at these words.

"But this doesn’t make much sense to me, honestly.", Kinn continued. "Why would my father want
to drive Vegas out of the country? I can’t think of a good motive."

"Neither can I, Khun Kinn.", Pete said, resolve in his voice. "But I know one thing, and that is this:
your father blackmailed me into leaving the man that I love. You can ask him about it, or you
could look for evidence for what I’ve just told you. It is true. I have far less reason to lie to you
than he had to do it."

Kinn was deep in his thoughts when Pete stood up and reached for the door.

"Pete, wait!", Kinn stopped him from leaving.

"You didn’t tell me anything about last night."

Pete turned his head around and indifferetnly said: "I didn’t want to be here, so I escaped. I headed
to my old establishment to grab some money and go back to my grandma at Chumphon, but then I
was abducted."

"By whom?", Kinn asked.

"Pravat Ritthirong’s men. They saw the Theerapanyakul crest on my hospital gown and took me to
their master. He meant to use me to blackmail you, but I escaped and came here. With your
 permission, I would borrow some money and go back to my island."

"Pete, please.", Kinn begged him to think rationally. "Your wound is not yet healed, and besides,
your life is here. Your friends, your family."

"It was supposed to be my family.", Pete said bitterly. "Not anymore."

"I’m so sorry, Pete.". Kinn was truly sad about Pete’s confession.

"I’m tired now, sir. Dr. Top can check on me later, once I’ve had some sleep."

"Of course, as you wish.", Kinn replied.

With that, Pete left the room, regretting his decision. He shouldn’t have told Kinn; he was still the
same good papa’s boy who wouldn’t dare question the authority of his father.

He slumped his body on the bed, determined to get out of this house as soon as possible. Then, it
hit him: Vegas arrives today.

Chapter End Notes

a new chapter! next chapter will be more of a filler, but it's an important one, it will
further deepen the story of why Pete had to leave Vegas.

Also, I wanted to say how I left Kinnporsche the series fandom this january, after the
whole situation with Build. I was really disappointed in everyone, the fandom was
practically sliced in two, and the lack of any support by Be On Cloud and his fellow
castmates really broke my heart. I've been suffering a heartbreaking period lately
myself; I'm having some problems with my own partner, and I found some joy in
rewatching the series. But it still pains me, seeing Build, knowing he's not part of that
group anymore, how we'll probably never see him with Bible again, it all just leaves a
very bitter taste. My delulu ass likes to think that they've supported him privately, and
that in the future there will be some chance of reconciliation, but I hardly believe it. I
don't know, I had to get this off my chest. What do you guys think?
 Chapter 5
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Kinn threw a quick glance at his wrist watch and saw it was already 9 a.m. He hasn’t gotten any
sleep since last night, and today is a big day. His cousin is returning from New York and he has to
welcome him at the airport.

The thought of that gave him an instant headache. God knows what Vegas is up to now,
heartbroken and alone for over a year. Korn had advised him to be friendly with his cousin; his
arrival in Bangkok is most welcome since their bars and establishments have been getting ravaged
by street bandits, as well as the smaller, rising gangs. Theerapanyakul name is slowly, but surely,
losing its reputation, and Vegas is their only chance of salvation.

Being civil to Vegas and ignoring his petty remarks while running on no sleep was the least of his
worries. Pete’s confession has been troubling him the entire morning.

Pete would never lie to him. Pete has been guarding him for years, he has taken bullets for him, he
has been abducted for him, and he never once did anything to make Kinn doubt his loyalty.

Besides, Kinn couldn’t think of an ulterior motive Pete could have had for accusing his father.
Maybe Pravat got to him? Perhaps he’s blackmailing him, in order to try to cause discord between
Korn and his son.

No, that would be too stupid. Had Pravat really blackmailed him, he would have asked for
something concrete, not some hardly believable accusation in the hope of discrediting Korn.

Kinn ordered Arm to do a background check on what Pete was doing this past year, and it’s clear
as day. Pete hasn’t lied about a single thing. He first worked as a street boxer, and later as a
henchman to some small goon in the suburbs. He hasn’t had any luxuries, so it’s not likely that he
has let himself be bribed by anyone.

He had no reason to doubt Pete’s words, but the thought of his father doing such a terrible thing
was unbeliveable to Kinn.

His father was a mafia don, but he was never cruel. He has always acted with honor, and advised
Kinn to do the same. He never harmed or crossed anyone who didn’t deserve it.

Korn’s upbringing made Kinn the man he is now. His Pa would never separate his nephew from a
loved one, he would never threaten one of his most capable and loyal men. He would never
threaten to hurt an old lady or other innocent people. There must have been some kind of mistake
or misunderstanding.

All these thoughts lay heavy on his mind, when Porsche barged in through the office door.

"Good morning, my love", he smiled widely, giving Kinn a kiss on the head and placing a large
mug of black coffee on his table.

Kinn managed to give him a faint smile.

"I hope it wasn’t you who made this coffee, darling", he said, Your coffee is the last thing I need
on this shitty morning."
Porsche gave an offended scoff, but laughed it off immediately.

"You haven’t been to the room at all", he said quietly. "Did you get any sleep?"

"No", Kinn said in a worried voice, "I’ve been up all night. And I have to go to the airport later to
wait for that bastard."

Kinn started rolling his eyes at the thought.

"Did something happen after I’d gone?", Porsche asked incredulously. "You and Pete were left
alone. Did he tell you anything?"

Kinn couldn’t tell Porsche just yet. Porsche wasn’t a fan of Korn himself; he still secretly despised
him after all the foggy explanations behind his parents’ accident.

Porsche never said it out loud, but he was still suspicious of Korn. If Kinn told him the truth now,
Porsche would believe Pete right away and waste no time in directly confronting Korn.

If his father truly did something so despicable, the approach should be different, Kinn knew that.
That’s why he’s going to confront Korn himself.

"Nothing much, really", Kinn muttered. "He was taken by Ritthirongs, but managed to escape."

His Porsche was feisty and explosive, but he wasn’t stupid.

Kinn tried hard to avoid his skeptical eyes by looking at some papers in front of him, but he
couldn’t resist Porsche’s piercing gaze.

"What is it?", he asked nervously.

"Nothing really", Porsche said, "but you must have asked him about where he has been this past
year?"

"I did, but he seemed too tired to talk about it.". Kinn tried everything to end this conversation.

Porsche suddenly rose from his chair and walked up to the table.

"You’re a bad liar, do you know that?", Porsche said. "It’s written all over your face, you’re hiding
something from me."

Kinn let out an exhausted gasp.

"Can you just drop it?", he was growing nervous. "I can’t tell you just yet."

"Yes you can and you will.", Porsche was stubborn. "If you don’t tell me everything this instant..."

Kinn looked at Porsche with fearful eyes. He’s in for a serious threat.

"...no sex for a month!"

"Porsche!", Kinn protested. "You can’t do this to me!"

"I’ve said what I said", Porsche remarked, sassily sitting back on the chair and crossing his legs.

Kinn rested his forehead on the wooden table in defeat.

"You know I can never say no to you, don’t you?", he said, his voice muffled.
"I know you can’t", Porsche smiled victoriously.

"Alright", Kinn rose from his table and slowly made way to a chair across Porsche’s.

"But you can’t say a word to anyone, understood? Pete can’t know that I’ve told you, and most
importantly, no sudden reactions when I tell you, alright? No outbursts, no fights?". Kinn raised his
eyebrows at Porsche, expecting his approval.

Porsche nodded his head. „Agreed."

"Last night, Pete told me the supposed story of why he left Vegas."

Porsche’s eyes shot up with interest. This is the one question they’ve all been wondering about for
over a year. Porsche was persistent in contacting Pete for the first few months, but he never
received any answers.

"Pete claims that it was Pa who blackmailed him into doing it, in order to drive Vegas out of
town."

"And you bet he did!", Porsche jumped from his chair, chaotically yelling. Kinn instantly regretted
his decision.

"Babe, calm down", Kinn said, grabbing his arm, "we don’t know for certain yet."

"What is there not to know, huh?", Porsche continued screaming, "The man is a schemer, and you
refuse to admit it! Even Khun has figured it out by now!"

Kinn saw that calming Porsche was a lost cause, as he continued rumbling insults and kicking
things around the room.

"You know what he did about my parents! I still don’t know the entire truth, because he and Kan
have settled their differences and now pretend as if there’s nothing wrong with their long gone
sister suddenly being alive!"

"Porsche, calm down for God’s sake!", Kinn yelled back, "Pa told you that your dad was killed by
our rival clan, and your mother has gone mute from the shock!"

"That’s true, my ass!", Porsche raged on, "Why did he and Kan argue so much about my mother
then?"

"I have no idea!", Kinn cried in despair, "but please, can you just calm down, for Pete’s sake?"

Porsche suddenly calmed his outburst when he heard his friend’s name.

"If what Pete said was really true, and if my father finds out that we know, it will be over for
Pete.", Kinn said, taking Porsche’s hands in his own. "Don’t do anything stupid, alright? I will find
a way to get to the bottom of this, don’t worry."

"Alright", Porsche said quietly, whatever you find out, you tell me first, okay?"

"I will, I promise.", Kinn said, giving Porsche a kiss on the forehead. "I’ll be going now, alright?"

"Okay", Porsche said, tame as a kitten.

"Don’t do anything stupid!", Kinn said again, walking through the office door.
Porsche was left alone. He stared at the closing door, and muttered to himself:

"You know a brat like me doesn’t like to follow orders, don’t you darling?"

He quickly whipped out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, Arm", he said. "Come to Kinn’s office quickly."

Arm was about to end the call when Porsche suddenly added:

"And bring that little device you gave me to mess with Kinn, will you?"

...

"I don’t think this is a good idea, Porsche", Arm said in a panicked voice. "Khun Kinn gave me the
scolding of my life back when you spied on him and Tawan. Had you not defended me, he would
have fired me for sure!"

"Calm down, will you?", Porsche hissed back at him. "Nothing will happen. I ratted us out then, he
won’t find out now."

"Why are you doing this anyway?", Arm questioned. "Khun Kinn loves you more than life itself,
he would never betray you. Besides, he’s only doing his routine breefing with Khun Korn and later
going to meet Khun Vegas. He’s not meeting anyone interesting today."

Porsche rolled his eyes.

"There’s your answer, dummy.", he said. "Khun Vegas!"

Arm gave him a puzzled look.

"If we listen to his conversation with Vegas, we might find out what happened between him and
Pete! I’m just being nosy, that’s all."

Arm let out a delightful sound once realization hit him.

"You’re a genius, Porsche."

"I get that a lot", Porsche smiled cheekily. "Come now, connect me to Kinn’s phone. He might be
leaving for the airport any second."

"Alright, man.", Arm said, quickly hitting the keys and connecting Kinn’s phone microphone to
Porsche’s headphones.

"There you go."

"Thanks, man.", Porsche said, putting the headphones on his head. "I owe you one."

"Don’t worry about it", Arm said, "just don’t forget to tell us everything that you discover. Khun
Noo will die to know."

"Sure thing.", Porsche said dismissively, trying to hear the already ongoing conversation between
Kinn and Korn.

" ... so, if there are no delays, he should land around 1 p.m.", the voice of the old man said. "You
make sure to be there on time. It would be insulting if you were late."
"I know, Pa. Don’t worry about it.", Kinn said politely.

"We’ve already been through this, but I’ll say it again because it’s important", Korn continued.
"No insults, no fighting, no witty remarks. No matter how irritating he might act, you don’t return
the same energy. You keep being polite, and, most importantly, respectful. You know just how
vain and envious he is."

"Alright, Pa.", Kinn added. "But, I fail to understand, why does it seem to me like we’re sucking up
to him now? You used to teach me never to let him insult our name and reputation, now you’re
telling me the opposite. Whatever he says, I should smile and ignore it."

A long silence filled the room. Korn seems surprised by the question.

"Vegas might lose his father any moment, Kinn.", Korn said. "We should be sympathetic and not
add salt to his wound."

Kinn gave an ironic smile at that, even Porsche could sense it through the headphones.

"I don’t think you care that much for Vegas’ feelings, Pa.", Kinn said. "Kan’s been dying for a
year, yet we completely abandoned Macau, all on your orders. We moved him out of his family
home and gave him one of our condos. Even Thankhun pitied the boy and asked to bring him here,
but you wouldn’t allow it. So, tell me, Pa, why do I really have to fake my smile at that bastard
today?".

Kinn’s tone was stern and decisive, which Korn never would’ve expected from his obedient,
golden boy.

"I see.", Korn said calmly. "I hear we have an old friend visiting us, is that true?"

Kinn raised his eyebrows at the question.

"Did his sudden arrival raise this suspicion in you? Have you talked to him about Vegas?"

Kinn had to find another way around it, he couldn’t betray Pete.

"His arrival did raise some suspicion in me, that’s true", Kinn replied, "but it wasn’t his talk that
did it. Rather, it was the lack of it, Pa."

He then continued:

"Pete came here because he had no where else to go, wounded and alone. Pravat Ritthirong caught
him last night, and he was aware that there was no safe place for him in Bangkok except here. He
wouldn’t talk to anyone, just like this past year. You know Khun and Porsche tried to contact him,
to find out what happened so suddenly between him and Vegas, but he wouldn’t answer any of
their calls."

Korn listened with attention, and so did Porsche. Both of them were surprised by Kinn’s words.

"I’ve been thinking about it the entire night, Pa", Kinn continued, "and I just can’t help but notice
how strangely it all happened. Pete and Vegas were madly in love, their wedding was supposed to
happen before mine. Then, Pete suddenly leaves, and Vegas goes to America. Korn gets involved
in a car accident, almost dying, the very same night, and suddenly we confiscate all Minor family
properties. Now, our authority is questioned, even our very survival, and I must kiss up Vegas’ ass
as if he were the Queen of England. It’s all a great coincidence, don’t you think?"
Another long silence broke through the room. Korn knew Kinn was smart and that he would
eventually figure this out, but he hoped that moment would come later, once Vegas did what was
necessary for the Theerepanyakul clan.

"You’re smart, my son.", Korn said. "In moments like these, I really feel like I’m underestimating
you."

"I want to know the truth, Pa", Kinn said decisively. "I will take no part in this charade if I’m not
aware of the entire truth."

"I see.", Korn said, and then turned around to face Chan. His right hand man gave him a slight nod,
and Korn started:

"My son, remember the deal that we made with the Yakuza? After we’d finally reached peace with
them?"

"Of course I remember, Pa", Kinn said. "I was the one who negotiated the agreement. But I fail to
see how this relates to Vegas and Pete."

"Will you stop and listen, then?", Korn said. "If you remember, one of our terms was financial
compensation worth one billion dollars. Money that big can’t be so easily transferred, you know
that."

Kinn was confused, but he kept on listening.

"I have many government officials in my pocket. Many, but not all. Some of the younger, more
liberal members of Parliament took hold of the information that a billion dollars would be brought
into the country, untaxed and illegally. This is why..."

"This is why you needed an outlet, someone else to accuse.", Kinn impatiently said, finally
connecting all the dots.

"Exactly.", Korn added. „Some of them threatened to go to the media, but we arranged meetings
with them. We planted false documents, claiming it was the Minor branch that had been laundering
money. In return for their silence, we promised to entirely dismantle all Minor family businesses
and give their property to the state. Many of them were happy with the bargain", he continued in a
quieter voice, "and those who insisted on their moral duty to further pursue this story were dealt
with differently."

Kinn was in pure shock.

"So that means..."

"That means it’s all gone. The Minor family is no more. After generations, we were cornered and
forced to give up a big part of our legacy."

"This is why you separated Vegas and Pete, isn’t it?", Kinn asked. "So that Vegas leaves and gives
you access to the properties."

"There was nothing else I could do.", Kan said. "Now, the winds have changed. Without the Minor
family securing safe passage for our activities in the street, the smaller gangs are running amok.
That Ritthirong bastard is the best example. We’re losing money and men, and our reputation is
rapidly weakening. We need Vegas back to assemble his old men and secure the streets once
more."
His son kept quiet the entire time. Not only was Pete telling the truth, but there were more horrible
sides to this story.

Kinn’s face suddenly stilled at the realization. "And Uncle Kan...?"

Korn stared at the floor in silence.

"I did what was necessary.", he muttered finally.

Kinn could not believe his ears.

"He is your brother! Your blood!", he yelled. "How could you do that to him? How could you
separate two people who loved each other? Pa whom I know and love, raised me to love my
brothers, not sacrifice them for some higher scheme!"

"I did what I had to do in order to preserve this family! Our name, our reputation! That ring you’re
so proudly wearing on your finger, you’re wearing it thanks to the hard choices I had to make!",
Korn roared. "It is not some petty scheme, as you call it, it is all that will remain after we are all
gone!"

It felt as if the earth was shaking from the mere sound of his deep voice. Kinn had never heard his
father yell before. By the look on Chan’s face, Kinn could tell that his head bodyguard had never
seen him this distressed either.

Korn soon regained his calm composure.

"My son", he said, putting his palms on Kinn’s cheeks, "I will soon be gone from this world. So
will Kan. He and I have had our differences. It is up to you, and your brothers to remain united,
preserve the glory of this family, and pass it on to your children."

Kinn felt disappointed and betrayed. All the things he believed in, all the things he thought were
right, disappeared in a second. He was a fool for believing that there was a single ounce of love and
care in this family.

"I will try my best, Pa", Kinn said, "but I will, never, ever do harm to those I love. I will never lay
a finger on Khun or Kim, or even on Vegas or Macau, if it means preserving our precious power
and wealth."

Kinn pushed Korn’s hands from his face and angrily left the room.

"One more thing, Kinn", Korn yelled from the room. Kinn turned to face him from the hallway.

"Vegas can’t know that Pete is here, understood?"

Kinn made no reaction, and just strode down the hallway inside the elevator.

...

"Shit!", Porsche yelled, yanking the headphones from his head. "That old bastard, I knew it!"

He nervously walked around the room, thinking. Suddenly, an idea raced through his mind.

"And what if the two lovebirds actually saw each other", a devious smile appeared on his face,
"What would you say to that, old scumbag?".
Chapter End Notes

Hey guys! New chapter, hope you like it :)

I feel as if I have jinxed the Fandom with my previous notes lol. I felt so bad about
Build, about how no one came to his protection or even wished him a happy birthday.
The news from today really broke my heart. I honestly thought and hoped he was a
better person, but the things he said and wrote about his castmates were truly hurtful.

Not gonna lie, I don't feel as motivated about this fic anymore. I still want to continue,
since I think I have a good vision for this story, and the rational part of me says that
Pete and Build are not the same person, but my BibleBuild heart still breaks a little
every time I think of it. I might take some time off and continue to write when I've
cleared my head a bit. Sending you guys lots of love ❤️
 Chapter 6
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Vegas jumped from his seat as soon as the flight landed in Bangkok. These last twenty hours
seemed like the longest of his life.

He grew more and more frustrated with all these unnecessary airport checkups and procedures. As
he broke through the crowd, he couldn’t help but feel desperate to get through the gate and rush to
his hometown.

Pravat's words replayed in his mind. There was nothing else he could think about except for Pete.
How on earth did he manage to get caught by that idiot? Why didn't the Main family protect him?
And he was also wounded? God! What could have possibly happened to him?

He couldn't lie to himself anymore: he cared. He cared, and he cared deeply. Pete was the love of
his life, whether he liked it or not. He had never loved, nor will he ever love anyone like he loves
Pete.

Pretense, scheme, self-interest—no matter the reason behind Pete's betrayal, he has opened up his
heart and shown him that there is another way in life. Vegas was never the same again.

He was breaking through the crowd as quickly as he could, when he saw his cousin and an arsenal
of bodyguards waiting for him.

"This is strange", Vegas thought, "Why is he here?". He wasn't informed that anyone would be
waiting for him.

He slowly approached the group, as Kinn faked a welcoming smile as well as he could.

"Cousin", he yelled, "Welcome! You have been missed.". Kinn reached out his hand for a
handshake.

Vegas stood silently and stared at his cousin's hand. The familiar Main family ring shone proudly
from Kinn's thumb. That shiny piece of silver was the reason for Vegas' envy and unhappiness for
as long as he can remember, yet now, he feels nothing about it.

Kinn slowly retrieved his hand once he saw that Vegas was not willing to shake it.

"It's good to have you back", he managed to mutter through a smile. Vegas could feel the fakeness
radiating through the entire place.

"I assure you that Pa has provided the best care for Uncle. His condition is still unstable, but he's
alive and better than he was two days ago.", Kinn added politely.

"Spare me your pretense, Kinn", Vegas finally said. "I want to see my father and Macau as soon as
possible. Take me to them."

"Of course", Kinn replied. "Follow me to the car."

A car ride with Kinn was the last thing he needed right now, but given that his cousin's black sedan
was the fastest way to break through the traffic jam, he unwillingly complied.
Kinn was silent on their way to the parking lot, which gave Vegas some time to gather his
thoughts. He hated to admit that Pete's abduction had completely subsided his worry about Kan.

As soon as he sees his father and makes sure Macau is alright, he will call Pravat. This decision
seemed reasonable to him at the moment. He didn't know how, but he would get Pete out of there,
to safety. "His fate after I've rescued him is not my concern", Vegas thought, "but it would be
unfair to keep him there. The only reason Pravat took him in the first place was his history with
me, it's me he's trying to get to. Pete is just collateral damage.".

Vegas was so desperate in his attempt to rationalize his concern for Pete, he realized just how
pathetic he would sound if he voiced his reasons to someone. Kinn interrupted his chain of
thoughts: "When you left a year ago, we didn't even get the chance to say goodbye.".

"I bet you couldn't sleep at night because of that.", Vegas muttered through a scornful smile.

"We have had our differences in the past, I know", Kinn added, "but we must be there for each
other during these difficult times."

Vegas grinned at those words.

"What is this to you, Disney Chanel?", Vegas asked, "My own father abused me for as long as I can
remember, all because he was the second son, and that ring that you’re wearing would never be on
my finger. You and your father never did anything to stop that, you only fueled the hatred. So spare
me your false compassion, I know better than to trust you."

Kinn stared in astonishment as Vegas’ poisonous words spilled from his mouth. This might have
been the only time he’s ever been completely honest with Kinn.

Kinn looked down on his palms. "I know my words inspire little assurance, but I am truly sorry for
everything that happened."

Although Vegas couldn’t believe those words, Kinn’s expression seemed sincere. Kinn subtly rose
from his seat, leaned to Vegas’ side, and whispered: "I know we are unlikely allies, but if you
should need anything, or you suspect anyone’s motives here, especially my father’s, bear in mind
that you have a friend in me."

Kinn slowly regained his previous position, making sure that the bodyguard in the front seat didn’t
hear that.

Vegas was shocked by these words. What could he possibly mean by this? Did Kinn finally break
free from being his father’s lapdog?

Ever since he set foot outside of his penthouse, strange things have been happening, and he was
resolved to get to the bottom of it. His determined thoughts were suddenly interrupted as they
parked in front of the Theerapanyakul private hospital.

Vegas quickly jumped from his seat, opened the door of the black sedan, and rushed to the front
door.

"Cousin!", Kinn suddenly yelled, "Remember what I told you."

Vegas shot him an incredulous glance, but nevertheless, he slightly nodded in approval and
continued his way to his father’s room.

"Hia!", his brother’s voice squeaked as soon as Vegas entered the room.
Macau hugged him tightly; it was just what Vegas needed after a year of solitude. He felt his
brother’s body shake in his arms.

"I missed you so much, Hia", Macau sobbed, his voice muffled.

"I’ve missed you, too", Vegas said endearingly, slowly breaking the embrace. "Let me look at you.
You’ve grown so much!"

He ruffled his brother’s hair, just like he used to when they were little. Despite their current
situation, Vegas couldn’t remember the last time he felt this happy.

Macau was still trying to control his sobs, when a doctor came into the room.

"Hello, Khun Vegas,", the man in white greeted politely.

"Hello", Vegas answered back.

"Hia, this is Khun Arthit", Macau introduced, "He has been treating Pa ever since he got into the
accident."

"Yes, I remember", Vegas added quietly. "Tell me, how is my father?"

Vegas finally spared his dying father a glance. Seeing him so helpless, for the first time, he wished
for his recovery.

"Your father has been in a coma for a year, crises like these weren’t uncommon, as you might
know", the man started politely. "This last case was the most serious one up to date; his kidneys
started failing and we barely managed to save him. He is better now, but still unstable. He will
remain here in the ICU for as long as his life is in danger."

Vegas watched Macau’s worried face, then pulled the doctor to the side.

"Khun Arthit", he asked, "I would like to know just how serious the situation is. I understand that
you won’t tell me the entire truth in front of Macau. Tell me, does my father stand any chance?"

"Of survival? Yes. Of waking up?", The doctor looked worriedly at his patient and said, "Very
slim, close to none. Khun Vegas, it would take a miracle to wake him up after the injuries he has
suffered. He’s truly lucky to be alive at all."

These words cut through Vegas like a knife. Any silent hope that he and his father might reconcile
after all, was crushed.

"Thank you, Doctor.", Vegas said. "Macau, Uncle Korn has invited us for lunch at the Main family
compound today."

Macau gave him a puzzled look. "Are you sure, Hia?", he asked. "Uncle never visited me, or cared
about where or how I was."

"What do you mean by that?". Vegas was confused to hear this. He kept in contact with Macau, but
he avoided asking about the Main family. He presumed that they were helping him.

"That’s true", Macau continued, "They moved me out of our house and got me a condo in the
center, near my school. Uncle never visited, but P’Kinn, Porsche, and Thankhun took care of me in
the beginning. As I understand, Korn forbade them to do it, and they stopped coming as well."

All of this was new to Vegas, and he cursed himself for not asking his brother sooner.
"What do you mean, he moved you out of the house? How dare he?", he slowly started to rage.
"Why didn’t you tell me anything about it? And bodyguards, he left you without them as well?"

"Well, not all of them", Macau answered, slightly scared of his brother’s tone. "P’Nop stayed with
me, and a few of his men."

Vegas was furious. "I will resolve this, alright? They had no right to take anything from you, let
alone leave you to fend for yourself. Come on now, I told Kinn that we would come."

"Khun Vegas?", a familiar voice called.

"Nop!", Vegas yelled, rushing to the man’s embrace. Nop used to take care of him after his mother
died, and was later his right hand man.

"How have you been?", Vegas asked, genuinely glad to see his old friend.

"Well, Khun Vegas", Nop replied, "We’ve all waited eagerly for your return."

"I’m here now", Vegas said, delighted. "Let’s get going."

Macau was the first one to exit the room, leaving Vegas and Nop behind.

"What the hell has been happening here while I was gone?", Vegas asked Nop in a concerned tone.

"Things haven’t been good, Khun Vegas,", the man replied, "Korn has used the absence of you and
your father to obtain all of the Minor family properties. He has barely allowed Khun Macau to visit
your father. But don’t worry, Khun Vegas, all of our forces are at the ready, waiting for your
command. There are several places in the city where they gather. They haven’t forgotten about all
the things they owe you, and their loyalty to you."

Vegas gave him a puzzled look. "So, it is true, then?"

"What is true, Khun Vegas?", Nop asked, not knowing what Vegas was talking about.

"Yesterday I received a call from Pravat Ritthirong", Vegas said, "He told me that he was holding
Pete captive."

"Pete? Khun Pete?", Nop asked in surprise, but suddenly composed himself once he saw
discomfort on Vegas’ face.

"Yes.", Vegas said quietly, avoiding Nop’s eye. This was the first time he talked about Pete with
someone since they broke up.

"He said they were keeping him until I surrendered my men to Ritthirongs. He also said, that Korn
is getting weaker by the day, is that true?"

"It is", Nop sighed, "the old man is losing control. We used to keep the smaller gangs quiet, but
now they’re running amok. He won’t spare any of his powdered clowns to go down and fight in the
street, yet he doesn’t want to get involved with the likes of us, and that’s losing him serious money
and respect."

"So, what do you suggest?", Vegas asked curiously.

"They want you to help them, Khun Vegas. Korn wants you back here so he can save his face and
his empire, and with your influence, you’re the only man in Thailand who is capable of such a
thing."
Vegas thought for a second. It all made sense now, with Kinn’s sudden politeness and good
treatment of him. He couldn’t help but secretly rejoice at the thought of Korn Theerapanyakul
begging for his help.

"Let our men know that we are back", Vegas finally said, "and tell them we might be going on a
mission very soon."

"You plan to help Korn, Khun Vegas?", Nop asked.

"Not yet.", Vegas said, "There is somebody else that’s far more desperate for my rescue. Let’s go
now, we don’t want to keep dear old uncle waiting."

With that, they left Kan’s hospital room and exited the front door.

"You go in the car with Macau, I have one phone call to make.", Vegas ordered, and Nop obeyed.

Vegas whipped out his phone from his pocket and searched through his call history. He quickly
recognized Pravat’s number and called it.

The beeping sound from the other side made his stomach burn with anticipation.

Finally, the call was answered, and the same irritating voice broke through.

"Is that my dear friend Vegas?"

"It is Vegas, but very far from your dear friend", he answered, frustrated. "I’ve been in Bangkok for
several hours now, I’ve had word from my men. What you told me is true."

His voice trembled upon uttering the words.

"I want to negotiate Pete’s release."

Mocking laughter could be heard from the other side.

"Oh, Vegas", Pravat said, "I knew I’d be right. You still love the little raven-head, don’t you?"

These words filled Vegas with anger.

"Whether I do or do not is none of your concern. Tell me your proposal."

"Unfortunately,", Pravat said, his tone going from mockery to disappointment, "the little raven
escaped. He’s a feisty one, let me tell you that."

Vegas’ grip on the phone was tightening.

"I’ve even had a chance to talk to him. Sassy, but not foul-mouthed. Did you know that the little
minx has offered himself up to one of his guards, just to kill him in cold blood the next moment?"

Vegas could feel the rage consume him and seep from every one of his pores.

"So, you don’t have him?", he managed to mutter.

"No, unfortunately not. And I know nothing of his current whereabouts, if that’s what you want to
ask. Shame, we could’ve made such a good deal here."

"Burn in hell!", Vegas said bitterly and hung up.

Pete escaped. Wounded, half-dead, and beaten. He escaped. God knows where he is now—if he’s
even alive, for that matter.

Vegas can’t help himself. He feels his heart sink at the thought of Pete’s death. He enters the car
and quickly mutters:

"Nop, tell the boys to gather this instant..."

He hesitated for a moment, and then continued.

"... and tell them to search every corner for Pete Phongsakorn. He’s wearing a Theerapanyakul
hospital gown, and has one wounded shoulder."

Macau’s eyes widened at the words.

"What? P’Pete?", he asked, "Is he alright?"

"He will be", Vegas added, hoping to reassure Macau, and himself, for that matter. "We must go
now, the Main family is waiting."

...

Memories started flocking as their car drove through the great Main family gate. Both brothers just
wanted to get over this charade; they were well aware that there was no one here who truly cared
about them.

As they walked out of the car, they were welcomed by Arm and Pol. Vegas remembered them
well, they were Pete’s best friends, and would often hang out with him in their apartment. For some
time, he was on first name terms with them. Now, he was again just "Khun Vegas".

Arm and Pol walked them to the great dining hall, where lunch was served. This grand room was
used only for formal occasions. "The old bastard really means to impress me", Vegas thought to
himself.

Finally, the two estranged cousins walked in and were welcomed by the entire myriad of
Theerapanyakuls and their guards. Closest to the door stood Kim, and next to him was Thankhun.
Kinn stood closest to his father, who overlooked their arrival from the head of the high table.

"Nephews! Welcome!", the old man said once they walked into the room. Korn stood from his
chair, which resembled a real throne, and embraced his two nephews.

"You have been missed!", he said. Vegas and Macau answered with a loose embrace.

"Uncle.", Vegas coldly acknowledged.

Next in line was Kim. He gave Vegas a wordless, cold embrace, while high-fiving Macau.

"We have to talk later, buddy", he whispered to Macau, "privately."

"Oh, we all know just what the topic of the conversation will be.", Thankhun commented, his arms
folded on his chest. "Or, better said, who."

Thankhun slowly approached Macau and gave him a warm hug. This sight surprised Vegas; he
doesn’t remember seeing these two in the same room without bickering and fighting.

"How have you been, little cousin?", Khun asked.

"Very well, P’Khun", Macau answered, a sincere grin on his face.

"Why aren’t you wearing any of the clothes that I’ve sent you?", Thankhun suddenly rebuked. "It’s
the most fabulous clothing, and I’ve spent good money on it. What is this, sportswear?!", he asked,
making a disgusted face. "What are you, a truck driver?"

"Our cousins have had greater worries these past few days", Kinn finally spoke, leaving his father’s
side, "than playing your stupid costume party. Hello, Macau."

"Hello, P’Kinn", Macau said, giving Kinn a warm hug.

"Ai’Vegas", Thankhun finally paid attention to the older brother, "Welcome home. You look fresh,
have you had any botox while in America?"

"No, but distancing from you surely had its benefits", Vegas answered cockily.

Thankhun wanted to throw a tantrum, but was quickly stopped by Kinn, who urged them to take
their seats at the table.

"Where is Chay?", Macau asked innocently while sitting down. Kim’s face suddenly lit up with
interest, and so did Korn’s.

"That’s a great question.", Korn said. "Kinn, where exactly is your fiance and his little brother?",
he asked, giving Kinn the look of reproach, "Why aren’t they here? I told them specifically to be
here to greet our guests."

Kinn’s discomfort was evident.

"I’ve reminded Porsche, several times", Kinn said, "he might be late again."

"Well, today is a big day. Your cousins are both finally here, and we don’t get to see them very
often. It’s disrespectful towards them.", the old man rebuked.

"Don’t worry about us, Uncle", Vegas said coyly, "We are a family, after all. You shouldn’t make
such a fuss about it, it’s just me and Macau."

Korn looked at his nephew with an unreadable expression.

"Besides, Macau has been here for over a year, I’m sure he’s had many dinners here, right?"

Korn felt the mockery in his tone, but quickly smiled.

"We thought that, due to the recent scandals that have been surrounding our two families, it would
be best not to directly associate with each other.", Korn explained. "Instead, we’ve given Macau
one of our condos, where he lived comfortably, and we kept our support low-profile."

"That brings me to another question, Uncle", Vegas continued, "the question of the Minor family
estate."

Kinn visibly stiffened at the mention of this.

"I’ve been away for a long time, and Pa was unable to take on any responsibilities himself for
obvious reasons", Vegas said, "but now, the situation has changed. I’m quite grateful to you for
keeping and running our business in our stead, but now, I would like to have it all signed back to
me. I’m planning on moving Macau back to New York with me, once we’ve decided on what to do
about Pa."
This was news to everyone at the table, even Macau himself, who protested this idea with his eyes.
He wanted to voice his disagreement, but was interrupted by Vegas’ strict gaze.

Korn took some time to process his nephew’s words, when he finally spoke:

"Today is meant to be a calm family lunch, Vegas. You’re still tired from your journey, and
worried about your father. Come by my office any day, and we’ll discuss business."

Vegas deemed these terms acceptable, because he was indeed tired, and worried as well, not only
about his father, but about Pete. He kept on checking for any updates from Nop, but all of their
work was in vain. Pete was nowhere to be found.

"Ah, the food is here!", Korn said in delight. "Eat, children. It is so good to see you all together,
again."

The tension in the room was evident, and no one really shared his enthusiasm, especially after they
heard loud laughter from outside. That sound belonged to Porsche, whose silhouette they could see
through the window. He was not alone; little Chay was next to him, which especially sparked
Kim’s interest.

Kinn was visibly not happy with Porsche’s behaviour; they are both getting a good scolding from
Korn, that’s for sure.

Vegas easily read the room, understood the intensity, and even enjoyed it. He enjoyed seeing Korn
Theerapanyakul desperately trying to win his favor, and anything that seemed to ruin his plans was
great entertainment for Vegas.

His thoughts were interrupted by a muffled, but familiar sound. Through Porsche’s loud roars,
another voice could be heard, but it was not Chay’s; it was more mature, coming from someone
older.

"Could it possibly be?", he thought to himself, "No, there’s no way. If he were here, Nop would
surely know."

The sound echoed again, and Vegas instinctively turned to face the glass window overlooking the
backyard. He could see Porsche and Chay, but they weren’t alone. There was another silhouette,
but the outside pillars blocked his view.

"Is that a strand of black hair?", he asked himself again. "No, I must be hallucinating. It can’t be
true."

The laughter continued, and this time it was more clear. It sounded exactly like Pete. His deep,
contagious giggle, it must be Pete's. Vegas subconsciously turned his head again, not noticing the
strange looks the rest of the table were giving him.

"Gosh", Thankhun remarked, "You must miss Porsche a whole lot, Vegas."

This comment earned him a shove from under the table, curtsy of his younger brother, but Vegas
was too caught up in his thoughts to notice anything.

The rest of the lunch passed quietly, with any words being said rarely. The two brothers excused
themselves as soon as they could and were on their way. Their three cousins weren’t sad to see
them leave; they couldn’t bear their father’s constant reminders to treat them with kindness and
civility.
 After they said their goodbyes, they rushed outside.

"Hia", Macau suddenly said, "Let’s take the backdoor. I heard Chay is in the backyard with
Porsche, I want to say hi."

"Yeah, whatever", Vegas tiredly replied. He had already forgotten about Pete's strange apparition.
It wouldn’t be the first time that he imagined hearing Pete’s voice.

He was looking at his phone, texting Nop as he exited the house and entered the backyard. Vegas
didn’t notice that all the noise had suddenly stopped and that there was a grave silence surrounding
him.

Through his peripheral vision, he saw a few eyes on him. He raised his head from his phone and
saw the faces of Porsche, Chay and Macau staring silently at him. Vegas couldn’t understand why
they were doing this, until he turned his head slightly to the right.

There was a pair of dark eyes staring back at him. A pale face, covered in raven-black bangs held a
frightened expression. The slim body was dressed in baggy clothes, and the right arm was in a
white cast.

Vegas wasn’t imagining it this time; it was true. Pete was right in front of him.

Chapter End Notes

hey guys!!! here I am, with another chapter. This one is longer, to make up for my
absence :) Hope yall like it, especially cuz our two babies finally meet each other. now
the real party starts, be ready for a lot of angst in the following chapters.

I've decided to go back to frequently updating. I'd like to finish this fic by October, cuz
that's when my uni work starts. Writing has really been a good remedy today, since my
bf broke up with me last night. I'm quite crushed now, I did see it coming but I hoped
we could work things out, apparently not :( Make sure to leave kudos if you like my
fic, and also comment, your comments always make me happy <3
 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

"Come on!", Porsche yelled, beckoning Pete to go outside. "Doctor Top said that you need some
fresh air!".

"We could’ve just opened my room window", Pete added in a tired voice. "Slow down, man; I
can’t go that fast."

Porsche was running like a kid through the corridors of the great mansion. Pete didn’t know where
this sudden burst of energy came from, but he was glad that his friend was in a good mood,
resembling the old cocky Porsche who had just arrived in the Theerapanyakul company for the
first time.

Even though he was still a foul-mouthed brat, he was much more serious now. Pete understood
him, he knew all that went down with the story of his parents, and seeing his mother alive was a
great shock for both him and Chay.

Namphueng was diagnosed with severe PTSD from her husband’s death, unable to speak or fend
for herself or anyone else. The doctors said that her state is unlikely to ever change, which is why
Korn thought it would be best for his young nephews to stage her death and keep her locked away
in an institution. He always had a thing for ruthlessly deciding the fate of others.

Chay was still a toddler when all of this happened, and Porsche was around 8 years old. The boys
were told that their parents were killed in a car accident and were left alone in this world. Last year,
there was a threat of a gang war between the Main and the Minor family, and Porsche overheard
Korn and Kan’s argument in which they mentioned his parents’ names. Soon enough, the two
brothers have settled their disagreements, and presented Porsche with the story of his father being
killed by the Theerapanyakul’s rival clan.

The two boys reunited with their mother, but her condition was difficult for them. Porsche took her
to every expert he could find, he even took her abroad, all in attempt to try and help her, but it was
all in vain. He was still hopeful of her recovery, but he has lost a lot of his spirits during this long
and tiresome fight.

He’s been distrustful of Korn’s words, nonetheless. No matter how hard Kinn tried to convince him
of his father’s sincerity, Porsche still doubted the entire story. He couldn’t wait for Kinn and him
to be married and out of Korn’s house, but the old man seemed to deliberately postpone the
wedding.

Seeing him be lively and joyful again made Pete very happy, which is why he decided to play
along with Porsche’s silliness and follow him to the backyard.

"Ah, so many great memories were made in this garden.", Porsche remarked joyfully, with a hint of
nostalgia. "I sometimes miss those old bodyguard days, when all we did was mess around with
Thankhun the whole day."

"Yes", Pete added, "but I don’t miss watching all those TV series with him. I wouldn’t trade all the
shit that I’ve been through this past year for another afternoon of sitting in the room and watching
the same damn thing for the 50th time."
"Amen, my brother", Porsche added through a smile.

"Oh, remember this?", Pete suddenly grinned and walked up to the fish pond. "This has to be one
of my favorite moments of yours."

"Ah, yes", Porsche said, slightly embarrassed. "The infamous death of Elizabeth and Sebastian."

Pete started howling with laughter at that.

"Man, I couldn’t believe it.", he said, trying to catch his breath, "What did you drink before that,
bleach? I still don’t know how you could have possibly killed them like that."

"My pee is as clean as the mountain stream", Porsche said, offended. "The fool was feeding them
high-gluten bread every single day, that’s why they died. Poor creatures can’t digest that."

Pete was still laughing, and when he finally stopped, he admitted: "I know Porsche. Do you know
how many times the fish died and we had to switch them when he wasn’t here? The Elizabeth and
Sebastian that you murdered with your pee were probably the fifth Elizabeth and Sebastian that
month."

"What?!", Porsche yelled in shock, "Why didn’t anyone tell me that?"

"It was funnier this way", Pete said, starting to giggle again.

"You are all monsters!", Porsche exclaimed, "You are all serial fish-killers! Have you no shame?"

Pete cackled at that. "Well, it’s Khun Noo’s fault! We told him that we had to buy proper fish
food, but he said that plucking small pieces of bread and feeding the fish was therapeutic to him.
We once got him ducks, but they kept leaving the pond and running around the backyard. They
pooped everywhere, even ruined Thankhun’s Prada shoes. That’s why we returned the fish."

"You idiots!", Porsche yelled again, "Go tell that story to Kinn! He’s still constantly giving me
crap about it and laughing at my face."

Pete burst out laughing again as he imagined the serious and stern Kinn laughing at Porsche for
peeing in a fish pond.

"Really?"

"Yes", Porsche added in shame, "usually when we go to bed at night, we’re both quiet, trying to
sleep, and he suddenly tells me, "Remember how you killed Khun’s fish with your pee?" and then
starts crying from laughter."

Pete can’t help but laugh even louder at that.

"And the worst is the mermaid costume.", Porsche continued to add to his own embarrassment.
"That part of the story is his favourite. He then takes his phone and finds the picture of me in it,
and he can’t stop laughing until I kick him off the bed."

Pete barely managed to catch his breath. It was a good idea that he went out with Porsche, he
doesn’t remember laughing this hard in a very long time.

"Damn, man", he finally calmed down. "It’s crazy. It was actually Kinn’s idea to switch the fish."

"That bastard!", Porsche yelled. "He knows the truth and still mocks me about it! I will kick his
nuts."
"P’Pete! Hia!", a young voice called from the front door of the house.

"There you are, you little rascal", Porsche yelled at his brother. "Come here!"

Chay quickly ran and gave a hug to both Pete and Porsche. His face soon formed an uncomfortable
expression.

"Hia, Uncle Korn said that we should join the lunch in the dining hall.", Chay said nervously,
trying to avoid the mention of Vegas in front of Pete.

"I don’t give a rat’s ass about the stupid lunch", Porsche cut him off quickly, "and neither should
you. We will stay here with Pete."

"But, Hia", Chay tried to reason with him, "P’Kinn also said it was important. You know, I don’t
want to go either". His face dropped at the word, and he lowered his head. "...because of Kim, but
they will scold us if we don’t go."

Pete’s face dropped. He knew that the lunch was for Vegas and Macau, the whole house was
fussing about it.

"I don’t give two shits about his scolding!", Porsche continued, "I’ve never liked that bastard
Vegas, and you shouldn’t go and see that idiot Kim. It’ll only make you sad."

"Hia!", Chay yelled at his brother for mentioning Vegas’ name.

"It’s alright, Chay", Pete quickly calmed him, "I know he’s here. Porsche, you should at least go
there. If Chay doesn’t want to go because of Kim, he can come and play video games with me in
my room. You can make some lame excuse for him."

"Out of the question!", Porsche protested, "I want to spend time with my brother and my best friend
rather than in their dining hall pretending to be nice to Vegas. It’s better yet for them if I don’t go."

Seeing that Porsche couldn’t be convinced, Pete gave up.

"Alright, but we should at least go back to my room", he tried to bargain, "You know what Korn
said about Vegas meeting me. He can’t know that I’m here."

Pete didn’t care much about Korn’s order, as much as he cared about his own heart. He couldn’t
see Vegas, at least not now. He knew it would shatter him.

"They won’t be coming here, man", Porsche insisted, putting on his best show. This is exactly what
he wanted, making the two of them meet. He knew that the dining hall overlooked the backyard, so
he purposely brought them there.

"This is more of a formal dinner. Korn wants to kiss up to Vegas, there will be cars waiting for
them in front of the main gate, it’s all very strict and polished. No one will be coming to
Thankhun’s fish pond, that’s for sure."

"I don’t think it’s a good idea we’re here", Pete continued his whining, "we should go to my room,
Porsche, seriously."

"No, we shouldn’t", Porsche insisted, losing his patience, "you’re not a prisoner here, or some
criminal, that you should be in hiding."

"I don’t care what I am", Pete said in defeat, "I just don’t want to anger him, that’s all.". He
remembered Korn’s threats from a year ago. Pete knew that he might actually fulfill them if he
stepped out of line now.

"I will take the blame if anything happens, alright?", Porsche continued to insist. "We will just stay
here and chill, no one will disturb us."

Just as these words rolled off Porsche’s tongue, the back door suddenly opened. Before they knew
it, Macau was walking through them and jumping down the stairs.

"Ai’Chay! Where the hell have you been, man?", he said joyfully. The happy expression was soon
replaced with a shocked one when he saw Pete standing next to Porsche by the fish pond.

Pete was petrified upon seeing Macau. He didn’t have time to gather his thoughts when Vegas
appeared at the back door, looking at his phone.

Silence surrounded the entire place. Porsche, Chay and Macau looked at Vegas as if he were a
ghost. Pete’s first instinct was to run, but he felt his stomach sink and his legs drop; he felt as if
he’s going to faint.

His ex-lover took his gaze off the phone and looked around.

Vegas’ eyes wandered for a second, and then finally landed on Pete.

It felt surreal to see him after so long. His expression was unreadable, somewhat empty. Pete didn’t
know how to act, nor what to do. The tension was sizzling in the air. It felt as if they were staring
at each other for hours, when it was really just a matter of seconds before Vegas composed himself
and walked down the stairs.

"Come on, Macau", he said in a faint, but resolved voice, and then walked past the group.

As he walked past his former lover, Pete tried to catch everything. His face, his scent, his clothes.
He tried to imprint the image in his mind, because that was all that he yearned for this past year.

Vegas spared him not one more look, and indifferently passed by him. His blank expression tore at
Pete’s very soul, and he felt as if he was going to die that instant.

He couldn’t help but turn around and look after Vegas as he left. Ache was washing through his
entire body, and he didn’t notice when Chay took him by the hand.

"Oh, shit!", Porsche suddenly yelled.

Pete mustered all the strength he had left to turn around. Behind the window in front of them stood
Kinn, his arms folded on his chest, and an angry expression on his face.

...

"Don’t you understand the possible consequences of this? For Pete?". Kinn’s voice raged as he
walked around his office. Pete sat silently on the sofa, not uttering a word. He was still
contemplating his meeting with Vegas.

"What consequences? It was me who took him outside, he can’t blame Pete!", Porsche yelled back.
It felt as if the whole building was going to collapse from their screams.

Pete stopped paying attention to their argument long ago. He was lost in his own thoughts,
analysing every second of his meeting with Vegas.
"What was he thinking then?", Pete thought, "Did it hurt him to see me? Or was he indifferent?"

He did seem indifferent. His eyes lingered on Pete for a millisecond, and then he walked past him
as if they were strangers.

"Maybe it was all an act", a small voice hoped. "Surely, he won’t show me that he still cares after
I've left him. He probably hates me, that’s why he’s acting like that, to hurt me."

Yet another, more reasonable voice said: "I am fooling myself. Get over it, Pete, he doesn’t love
you anymore. It’s been a year, he probably has someone waiting for him back in New York."

Kinn sat on the sofa and buried his face in his palms. For the first time, it occured to Porsche that
he might have crossed the line. Seeing Kinn’s discomfort, he tried to excuse his action.

"Well, it’s not that deep, really", he tried to justify himself, "I just wanted to mess with him, that’s
all. He separated Pete and Vegas because of his schemes, it would only be fair to try and bring
them back together."

These words sparked Pete’s interest. His head rose from a slouched position he was in. Kinn
noticed this.

"And what about Pete, huh? Did you ask him about his feelings, whether he wanted it?"

Porsche finally recognized his mistake and lowered his head.

"Babe, you can’t act like this", Kinn continued once he composed himself, "I was right in my
decision not to tell you about what I found out. I knew you would do something impulsively. Next
time, don’t insist that I tell you everything."

Porsche protested at these words: "It was just a harmless joke! Besides, the old man doesn’t even
know about it, there were no bodyguards of our own there, only Nop. And I’ve already told Arm to
delete the footage from the cameras."

"And pray to God that he did it on time!", Kinn roared, "There is a lot at stake here. Pa had
threatened Pete with the life of his grandma, it’s very serious."

Pete’s face was overwhelmed by worry upon hearing these words. Korn wouldn’t hurt anyone over
this, surely?

Kinn noticed this, and quickly turned to Pete: "Although, I do think that he wouldn’t do such a
thing. You and Vegas meeting is an inconvenience, but nothing significant enough for him to
bloody his hands. Don’t worry."

These words seemingly calmed Pete. His heart was full of turmoil, and he was angry at Porsche.

He finally spoke: "I’m not afraid, Khun Kinn. But I didn’t want to see Vegas, either. I imagine you
know the reason why."

His shy and embarrassed tone broke Porsche’s heart. He didn’t care about Korn finding out, but
about hurting his friend. He has gone too far.

"I’m so sorry, man", he said in defeat, "I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I was just so
blinded by my wish for revenge that I couldn’t think of anything else."

"It’s alright", Pete said, hurt still present in his voice. "I guess it had to happen, sooner or later. I’m
still not well enough for my journey to Chumphon, and he will be staying here for some time now
because of his father. I had to face him at some point."

These words served as consolation to both Kinn and Porsche.

"Now, now, you two", Kinn said, endearingly, "it’s going to be alright. I’ll do some double checks
with Arm, make sure that Pa doesn’t learn about this. And as for you", he said, pointing his finger
at Porsche, "One more incident like this, and you’ll be wearing that mermaid tail every day."

Pete gently laughed at this while Porsche protested. For now, they were safe.

...

"...it’s going to be alright. I’ll do some double checks with Arm, make sure that Pa doesn’t learn
about this."

A small device replayed these words in another room, on a different side of the mansion.

"I can’t believe just how naive he can be sometimes", Korn said, his eyes staring out of the
window. "I still have enough power to know the position of every rat in Bangkok's sewers, and he
thinks they can hide something from me in my own house?"

Chan was silent at his master’s remark. He has guarded him for two whole decades, yet still, he
doesn’t fully understand him or his motives.

"However,", the old man continued, returning to the chess table, "they took the bait. They did
exactly what they were supposed to."

Chan was truly intrigued by these words, and dared to ask: "Khun Korn, if I may be so bold, how
exactly does Vegas seeing Pete benefit us?"

"It’s simple, really", Korn said calmly. "We drove Pete from here when we wanted to get rid of
Vegas. Now that we need him, we bring Pete back."

Chan was still puzzled. "Why did you tell Khun Kinn to keep them from each other, then?"

Korn was staring into space, an unreadable expression on his face, and then said: "Kinn has started
asking questions, and that’s not good. I had to tell him a part of the story, the part where I separated
Vegas and Pete, so he would believe me."

"And you wish to get them back together?"

"My dear boy, of course not", Korn said. "Vegas might not be my son, but he is a Theerapanyakul.
He carries my name and my blood. In terms of that, my opinion is not much different from my
brother’s: people like Pete are no match for people like us. Let him linger here until Vegas is of
some use. After that, we’ll deal with all of them in a way that’s most beneficial to us."

Chan kept silent the entire time. He’s done unimaginable things for this man, he stole, killed and
deceived. Many children were orphaned by his hand, on the order of Korn Theerapanyakul. Chan
was a stoic type; his loyalty was undying.

And yet, Korn’s sudden sincerity made him lose respect for his master. Chan loved Pete like his
own son. Pete was the brightest, most loyal, and most capable of all of his students. He learned fast
and was by far the best bodyguard in the house, but he was also compassionate and kind. He
became dear to anyone who crossed paths with him. There was a good reason why he was
 Thankhun’s favourite.

Hearing Korn speak of Pete with such little respect disappointed Chan. He hoped that his master
would at least respect Pete for all the hardships they had put him through, as well as the sacrifices
he had made for their clan.

"Make sure that the transaction to Arthit is made by tomorrow. Tell him to keep Kan alive until I
say otherwise."

"Yes, sir", Chan quietly said, and was ready to leave the room.

"And, Chan?", Korn added, stopping Chan on his way out. "Make sure to thank the Ritthirong boy
for his little play."

Chan did not understand.

"Excuse me, sir?", he asked, puzzled.

"It was a little scheme that me and him agreed on earlier, I didn’t tell you about it."

Chan could not believe these words. "So, Pete’s abduction...?"

"Yes, ordered by me", Korn said. "His easy escape as well. I wasn’t sure whether Kan’s death
would be a good enough reason for my nephew to return, so I had to ensure it."

Chan didn’t know what to say. Korn was truly a genius, the man was always a step ahead of
everyone, even his own children.

"It was marvelously done, just how I wanted it.", Korn said. "Make sure to thank him, and assure
him that my promise will be fulfilled as well."

"Yes, sir". It was all Chan could muster to say before leaving the room.

Chapter End Notes

here I am with another chapter! if you like it, make sure to leave kudos and comments!

Also, I find astrology very interesting, and I can't help but think about the characters'
signs as I write the fic. I was thinking of maybe writing a special chapter in which I
would present my idea of what the characters' big three's were. ofc, I would like to
hear back from you on that. what do you think about the idea? let me know. lots of
love <3
 Chapter 8
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

It was late in the night, and Pete couldn’t get any sleep. No matter how hard he tried to prevent it,
his mind still took him back to the fleeting moment of meeting Vegas.

The anger that he had for Porsche vanished from his heart very soon; he couldn’t handle another
strong emotion. Instead, he felt deep sadness, which completely consumed him.

If only he could see into Vegas’ soul right now. Where was he? What was he thinking, what was
he feeling? Does Vegas lie awake in his bed like he does? Or is he with someone else, completely
forgetting what had happened that day?

The last thought plagued him, and he wanted so badly to escape it. Pete took a quick glance at his
injured shoulder. It still hurt, and it needed medical care, but it wasn’t too bad. He's been wearing
the cast for some time now, and Doctor Top even said he’d be getting it off very soon. The bullet
didn’t hit his bone, but he needed a cast to make sure his arm didn’t move too much. The doctor
also said that he was still unfit for traveling, but Pete couldn’t care less about that. He managed to
escape Pravat’s dungeons and drive a car back to the compound, surely he could endure a longer
flight.

That’s what he was going to do—go back to his hometown. Determined in his plans, Pete took one
of the smaller bodyguard suitcases from under the bed and started packing his few possessions. He
didn’t have many clothes—only the ones Thankhun and Porsche got for him during his stay at the
mansion.

There were a few other of his personal possessions, and he made sure to fold everything neatly and
secure it. Porsche had given him some money earlier, which he will use for his flight. He would
stay the night here, and then depart in the early morning, without anyone noticing. The first flight
to Chumphon will take him away from this hell.

There was a loud knock at the door, and Porsche’s voice broke through.

"Pete? Can I come in?", Porsche asked.

Pete realized his plan would be impossible if Porsche found out, which he couldn’t allow.

"One second, please!", he yelled and started looking for a place to hide the suitcase.

Soon enough, he decided to shove it where he took it from, under the bed. His shoulder hurt like
hell, and he struggled to do it. As he pushed the suitcase under the wooden frame, it made
squeaking sounds against the floor.

Porsche, who was already impatient to get in, heard these sounds and opened the door of Pete’s
room. He was welcomed with an interesting sight.

The closet doors were open, and there were no clothes inside. On the floor sat Pete, desperately
trying to push a full suitcase under the bed.

"What the hell are you doing?", his best friend yelled.
Pete sighed as his head dropped in disappointment.

Porsche quickly ran up to him and seized the suitcase, which Pete didn’t even try to prevent.
Unlike him, Porsche had two capable arms.

"What is the meaning of this?", Porsche yelled, throwing Pete’s stuff back on the bed.

"Don’t throw them like that, you’re ruining my folding!", Pete suddenly yelled, throwing the things
from the bed back to the suitcase.

"And may I know why exactly you are all packed up?", Porsche asked.

Pete stayed silent. He knew that Porsche could guess the truth.

"Pete, you can’t go now! Doctor Top said..."

"I don’t care, Porsche!", Pete shouted. "I’m perfectly able to travel. It’s almost healed already,
there is no reason for me to stay here anymore."

Pete was throwing things back into the suitcase, and Porsche grabbed them and threw them back
outside.

"Alright, will you just sit here and listen to me?", Porsche tried to bargain.

Pete knew that Porsche wouldn’t give up easily, which is why he sighed and sat on the floor in
defeat.

"First of all, I’m sorry", Porsche said, "I’m really dumb, it didn’t occur to me that you would be
this hurt."

"It’s alright, man", Pete said, his head hanging low, "I’m just tired of everything, that’s all."

"It’s not alright", Porsche argued, "I’m an ass. I should have known better. It’s just—I hate that
motherfucker as well. I hate living in his house and playing by his rules. I don’t buy one thing that
he told me about my parents. But I have to endure it. It’s a sacrifice I’m making for Kinn."

Pete smiled at those words.

"It’s really crazy", he said, "things we’re willing to do for love."

"Yeah, man", Porsche smiled back "When I heard the reason why he brought you two apart, my
blood started boiling. You know I’m not exactly fond of Vegas, but he made you happy, which is
enough for me to be happy. And I know that I acted out of line, but I’m so tired of this life."

Pete wasn’t surprised by these words. He hasn’t seen Porsche in a very long time, but he managed
to understand the situation in just a few days. He saw that his best friend’s spirits were low and that
there was barely any trace of the old Porsche.

"Why do you feel like that?", Pete asked quietly, wanting to be there for his best friend.

"It’s just,", Porsche began tiredly, "living here is so frustrating. Loving the son of the man whom I
suspect had something to do with the death of my father, having to wait for his approval for the
wedding, it tires you, you know? Besides, it seems to me as if he’s deliberately delaying our
wedding. Whenever Kinn asks him, it’s never the right time. There is always some big project, or
some business partner that is abroad, and whose presence at the wedding is somehow essential."
Pete listened to Porsche’s words with attention and care. He wanted to be there for him.

"For over a year, I’ve been hanging around the house, doing nothing", Porsche continued, "and
then there’s my mom. I’m beyond happy that she’s alive and with us, but seeing her, not being able
to hear her voice, not even sure if he knows who I am, it hurts, you know? Especially when I see
her with Chay. It seems as if she doesn’t even remember him at all."

"How is Chay doing?", Pete asked.

"He’s doing well, I think,", Porsche answered, "or he’s just better at pretending than me. I can tell
he still hasn’t gotten over that Kim bastard, he gave up on his university because of him, as you
already know. He has taken a gap year, I hope I can convince him to try again at the Music
Academy."

"I’ll try and talk to him for you", Pete said. "The kid is talented, it would be a shame if he gave up
on his dream because of heartbreak."

"True.", Porsche sighed, rubbing his temples. "That idiot really hurt him. And the worst thing is,
he’s still trying to reach out to him. He’s rarely here, but when he comes over, he tries to talk to
Chay. I told Kinn, If he doesn’t get the little brat off my brother’s back, he will taste my fists."

Pete giggled slightly at that. Even when he’s down, Porsche never fails to make him laugh.

They sat in silence for a few minutes.

"So", Pete said, "What now?"

"I don’t know.", Porsche said, "I guess it’s your call to decide. But I would very much appreciate it
if you stayed here."

Porsche gave him a look of sadness.

"I realized just how much I need my best friend by my side."

These words melted Pete’s heart.

"I’ve had more happen to me in this past week than in the last year.", he remarked.

"And how do you feel about that?", Porsche asked compassionately.

"I really don’t know.", Pete answered sincerely. "I’ve been through a rollercoaster. Seeing you
guys all again made me happy. I remembered just how loved and appreciated I really am here. But
facing Vegas again..."

Tears started pooling in his eyes, and he couldn’t control himself anymore.

"Hey, man". Porsche immediately reached out for a hug. "It’s alright Let it all out."

"It hurts like hell, Porsche", Pete said through tears. "And I’ll be subjected to his hell until the end
of my life. I gave up on him, I was forced to do it, and now he won’t even spare me a look."

"It’s not like that, I’m sure", Porsche consoled him. "He’s hurt as well. You are the only man that
he has truly loved. You made him into a decent person, and he was happy about it. The two-faced
monster became a man, all thanks to you and your love. He will never forget it."

"But he will never forgive me either,", Pete added in a depressed tone.

"I can’t know that", Porsche said sincerely, "but one day, I will make sure that he knows the truth.
Korn is Kinn’s father, I know, but to hell with him. He can’t just go around ruining other people’s
lives."

"That’s optimistic, Porsche,", Pete said, "but you can never defeat him. Even if Khun Kinn turned
on him, and we all allied against him, he’s still ten steps ahead. The man is a mafia boss, he can
ruin all of us if he pleases."

"Not for too long", Porsche said, refusing Pete’s pessimism. "Once I’ve proved his involvement in
my father’s case, and once we reveal all his secrets, it’ll be over for him. Kinn has lost a lot of
respect for him already, as have the other clans. Your former boss is a good example. His gang
threatened to take over the Dusit district. The old man is vain, he underestimates these smaller
clans and doesn’t deal with them until they grab enough power to threaten us."

"Arm told me that the situation was bad", Pete said, "but I didn’t know it was this bad."

"His vanity might cost us everything. His father, Agong, was a great leader.", Porsche said.

"I know about Agong", Pete said, "P’Chan used to tell me about him. The Theerapanyakuls
became Thailand’s leading clan thanks to him. His ancestors only had a good name, but Agong
gave the family true power."

"And now Korn is losing it thanks to his pride.", Porsche said. "He sold the Minor family because
of his deal with the Yakuza, and he lets the small gangs run amok in the streets. Even those
scumbags, the Ritthirongs, managed to grab some power for themselves."

"But they are not common thugs", Pete noticed. "His father managed to enter high society, which is
why Korn can’t take care of him so easily."

"Exactly.", Porsche said. "They are the bane of Korn’s existence. They are taking more and more
power by the day, and he’s forced to sit back and smile politely at them."

"It’s his own fault", Pete remarked, "If he hadn’t driven Vegas out of town, he would’ve handled
the situation."

"That’s true,", Porsche said, "and Vegas is the only one who can help us now. If the
Theerapanyakuls get too weak, all of our lives are in danger. Not only Korn’s and his sons’ and
nephews’, but mine and Chay’s as well. Yours too, and all the people loyal to them."

"Ironic, isn’t it?", Pete slightly sneered, "Vegas will have to decide whether he’ll save the people
that have ruined his life."

"Well, not all of us ruined his life", Porsche said in self-defense.

"No,", Pete added, "but there’s not one person here worth saving to him. I know him well, he will
sit back and enjoy watching us all go up in flames, knowing that he could have prevented it, but
didn’t."

"Bullshit!", Porsche yelled, "He wouldn’t allow anything to happen to you, at least."

"I doubt that", Pete said in a sad tone.

The two best friends sat in silence for some time.

"So, you won’t be leaving in the morning?", Porsche asked, a twinge of fear in his voice.
"No", Pete said quietly. "I’ll stay, for your sake, and for the sake of Khun Noo and others. I don’t
want to leave you just yet."

"That’s my man!", Porsche screamed in happiness, squeezing Pete’s neck.

"You moron", Pete yelped, "I can’t breathe! You’re hurting my arm!"

Porsche composed himself quickly.

"Alright, sorry, sorry", he giggled. "I’m just so happy that you’re staying. We have to celebrate, as
soon as you get out of cast, we’re going to Hum Bar!"

"That’s okay,", Pete said, "as long as we don’t do the k-drama marathon, I’m happy."

Porsche laughed as the two boys started reminiscing about their bodyguard days.

His best friend convinced him to stay for at least a little longer. Pete couldn’t help but feel a slight
twinge of hope in his heart, a little voice saying that Vegas hadn’t forgotten about him, and that
their love might get another chance. Porsche’s determination might have been contagious, and he
was resolved to help him take down Korn.

...

Pete and Porsche stayed up late just talking. It was nearly dawn when Porsche finally got up from
the floor and headed to his and Kinn’s room.

It was almost noon when both of them got down to have some breakfast.

The two friends sat in silence, enjoying the rich buffet. Pete was no longer an employee, which is
why he didn’t eat with other bodyguards, even though he insisted on that.

Thankhun and Porsche wouldn’t allow him to eat without them, which is why he was eventually
forced into the family dining area. It was strange, even embarrassing in a way, eating with Kinn
while Arm and Pol ate with other employees, but he couldn’t argue with Thankhun, so he just
complied.

"There you are!", Thankhun walked in wearing his rainbow suit paired up with glamorous black
boots.

"Good morning, Khun Noo", Pete addressed him.

"Morning? Is 12 a.m. morning to you? The sun has been up for hours, and you two are only just
gobbling now.", Khun remarked.

"Pete hasn’t had much sleep lately, so will you please just lay off his back for a bit?", Porsche said,
frustrated.

"Oh, yes, I know all about it", Khun said, lowering his sunglasses from his eyes. "I’ve heard that
you’ve run into The one who must not be named."

Pete’s discomfort grew with Thankhun’s words.

"I have", he slowly replied.

"Well, it had to happen eventually.", Thankhun said slowly and carefully. Both Porsche and Pete
were surprised by his sudden maturity. Thankhun could barely contain himself while talking about
Vegas.

"He’ll be here for some time because of Kan, and will be lingering around for business. We can’t
keep you hidden here like a criminal."

"For once, we agree", Porsche remarked.

"Thank you, dear brother-in-law.", Khun added sassily. "Your unfailing support for me is my
everlasting source of joy."

"You’re, welcome, dear Thankhun", Porsche added in an ironic tone.

"I have visited Pa this morning", Thankhun said, "and I’ve discussed the matter of Pete’s position
in our house."

Pete and Porsche immediately looked at each other. This sounds like no good.

"His status is somewhat confusing", he continued, "and I want it changed. I have urged Pa to
promote Pete to the same status Porsche has, as he is, in a way, part of the family. He is the former
fiance of one of the Theerapanyakuls, and for that reason, he can never go back to being just an
employee."

Pete took a few seconds to process these words.

"Of course, you’ll be given a better room, and a monthly allowance. As my former bodyguard and
my best friend, you are to attend all the events with me as an equal. You will be in our circle, just
like Tay and Time follow Kinn around everywhere and are free to roam this house as they please."

Pete didn’t like this idea, and yet he had none of his own. He wanted to stay at the mansion, he
wanted to help Porsche, but it didn’t occur to him that he’d have to be on Korn Theerapanyakul’s
payroll. Now that Thankhun has put it like that, Pete isn’t impressed with the notion of living as
their equal.

"Khun Noo", he tried to reason, "I’m perfectly fine with my current status. I am not your equal, and
I can’t accept your offer."

"Bullshit!", Thankhun yelled in disagreement. "You’ve done more for this family than anyone!
Who deserves their place here more, that brat Kim, maybe, who graces us with his presence once
in a blue moon? Don’t be ridiculous! You’ve given more than enough for us, and you deserve to
stand side by side with all your friends and enjoy the benefits of our lives. Besides, the news of
your and Vegas’ engagement broke quickly last year, there was no tabloid without your picture in
it. You are, in a way, a celebrity."

Pete saw that there was no use in trying to reason with Thankhun. Instead, he turned to his best
friend for support.

"Porsche?", he asked with pleading eyes.

Porsche thought for a second and then replied.

"Sorry, man, but I can’t argue with his logic. You do deserve to be one of us. I mean, what did I do
to be here? Get with Kinn? You’ve been here far longer than me, and you’ve sacrificed a lot for the
family. And Khun is right, you are a family, in a way. Macau and Chay see you as an older
brother."
Pete thought about Porsche’s words for a second when he continued.

"Although", he shot Thankhun a suspicious look, "it surprises me that Korn accepted those terms."

"You doubt the good heart and intentions of Pa?", Thankhun asked, slightly offended. Although he
wasn’t stupid, he always loved Korn to a fault.

"I do not", Porsche continued carefully, trying not to anger Thankhun, "but Pa never showed much
care about Pete. He wasn’t in distress when he and Vegas broke off their engagement. It’s strange,
isn’t it, letting him live as if he’s one of his sons."

"Pa did hesitate about it", Khun admitted, "but I managed to convince him. I am his firstborn; he’s
always had a soft spot for me."

"Strange", Porsche whispered to Pete, making sure that Thankhun didn’t hear. Khun knew nothing
about Korn blackmailing Pete, and they wanted to keep it that way.

The door suddenly opened, and Kinn walked in, looking dashing in his navy blue suit.

"If it isn’t the love of my life", he said, giving Porsche a peck on the cheek.

"You two always disgust me", Thankhun said, making a repulsed face.

"And there’s the one who stole my fiance from me last night", Kinn said, shooting a smile at Pete.

"You can never steal what wishes to be stolen, Khun Kinn", Pete answered with a smile, "He
annoyed me the entire night, still trying to make excuses for deaths of the koi fish."

The three men laughed heartily at that. Thankhun, on the other hand, wasn't that amused.

"God, rest their souls", he muttered, "and damn yours for making fun of that!"

"Calm down, Khun", Kinn said, "I’m bringing you some good news."

"What good news? Oh my God, are they renewing the Kardashians?", he screamed in excitement.

"Not that I’m aware of", Kinn added, "but I managed to book the venue at the Mandarin Oriental
for your birthday."

"WHAT?!", Thankhun was uncontrollable, "I haven’t been this happy since Trump lost the
election!"

Kinn smiled widely, happy to see his older brother this excited.

Khun ran into a hug, almost choking him. Porsche and Pete observed in delight.

"You’re the best little brother ever! I always liked you more than Kim; do you know that?"

Kinn barely managed to escape his embrace. "It wasn’t easy, given the short notice, but Pa is old
acquaintances with the owner, so he made it possible. We will have the venue all to ourselves, and
all of our guests will be given a room to stay the night."

Thankhun’s eyes shone with joy, and Kinn hated to spoil it.

"But, there is a catch.", he quietly added.

"Ah, what now?", Thankhun rolled his eyes. "They won’t let me redecorate their venue in pink?"

"The details you can manage yourself", Kinn answered, "but I’ve had a talk with Pa. He wants your
birthday party to be less of a private event, and more of a formal one. Meaning..."

"Meaning that I’ll have to entertain his boring business partners and their snake wives!", Thankhun
screamed.

"How could he do this to me! I wanted a small party for my friends and some enemies whom I
wanted to make jealous, not his dinosaur colleagues and their hookers!"

"Calm down, alright?", Porsche tried to calm him. "We can always make an afterparty just for us."

"It’s not fair!", Thankhun stubbornly insisted.

"You know, we’re not exactly in a great position right now. Making a formal event on a larger
scale would be a display of power, and that’s exactly what Pa’s going for. We need to regain our
reputation.", Kinn explained.

Thankhun, who was unconsolable up until then, finally decided to cooperate.

"Can I at least see the guest list for what is supposed to be MY birthday party?", he said.

"Here", Kinn said, handing him a long list of invitees.

"Thankhun Theerapanyakul, of course, Anakinn, Khimhant,", Thankhun read the names, "Pachara
Kittisawad, Pitchaya Kittisawad... Wait a minute, where’s Pete?"

Kinn gave him a confused look.

"This is the official guest list", he said, "Of course, you will add whomever you like later."

"Didn’t Pa tell you?", Thankhun asked, "We’ve made a deal, and Pete is now officially to be
treated as part of the family, and he will enjoy all the benefits that Porsche has as your fiance.
Therefore, he should be on this list as well."

Kinn glanced at Pete and Porsche. They understood the confusion, as they were both oblivious to
why Korn would allow such a thing after breaking up Pete’s engagement to Vegas.

"Khun, are you sure?", Kinn asked.

"Of course I am!", Thankhun answered. "Pa made me a promise."

Confusion was written all over Kinn’s face as Thankhun continued reading his guest list.

"Oh my God, so many irrelevant people!", he gasped, annoyed.

"Here, I don’t want to look at this disaster anymore. Why is my life so complicated, good
heavens!". He shoved the paper on the table, right in front of Pete and Porsche, and then walked
out of the room.

"Let me see", Porsche said, taking a glance at the list with Pete.

The names of the Theerapanyakuls were lined up one after the other. After them were Porsche and
Porschay.
 The name that followed made Pete’s heart twitch. In black ink, it read out: "KORNWIT
THEERAPANYAKUL". Pete couldn’t help but feel nervous about their inevitable meeting.

He threw a glance at the other names. Most of them he recognized, since they were old partners of
Korn’s.

Pete noticed one name, and his stomach dropped.

"PRAVAT RITTHIRONG". His kidnapper. The man who tried to blackmail Vegas with his life.

"Oh, shit,", he thought to himself, "This is going to be fun."

Chapter End Notes

another chapter! enjoy!

 Chapter 9
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

"Hia!", a voice from the distance called. "Hurry up! We’ll be late if you don’t get out now!"

Vegas wasn’t aware of just how long he had spent in front of his bedroom mirror. He tried on a few
outfits, but none of them felt right. The sudden urge to look good for Thankhun’s birthday party
surprised him.

It was a formal event, which made a luxurious tuxedo a must. Yet still, he couldn’t decide whether
to wear a black one, or a white one.

He was surely far more dashing in the white suit, but the black one made him appear dangerous
and would surely inspire fear and respect.

Vegas had never spent this much time on clothing decisions. The truth is, he didn’t even know
what feelings he wanted to inspire in the guests. This was his first formal outing since he returned.

Nonetheless, there was only one guest he was trying to impress. Pete wasn’t a VIP, but Thankhun
would never allow his best friend to miss his birthday party.

It’s been ten days since he saw him, and he spent every waking moment replaying the meeting in
his mind. Pete did seem shocked to see him, but there was no other emotion behind his eyes. There
couldn’t be, could it? He had been Korn’s spy all along; why would he care?

These words tore at Vegas’ soul, and in his weakest moments, he wished that they weren’t true. He
wished that Pete’s love had been real, even for a moment.

"Hia, seriously", Macau said, walking inside Vegas’ room, "P’Nop has been waiting in the car for
half an hour now. We’ll be late."

"Which one do you prefer?", Vegas asked, "This one, or the white one?"

"I really don’t give two shits about that", Macau rolled his eyes, "And neither will anyone there.
Leave that one on and just get going!"

"You brat!", Vegas said angrily, "Watch your tongue!"

"I’m just being honest!", his younger brother defended himself cheekily. "Besides, I’m sure P’Pete
won’t mind either. He’ll find you attractive any way."

Vegas’ head suddenly turned at those words, and he grabbed the nearest object to throw at his foul-
mouthed younger brother.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!", Macau laughed, "I’m just joking, man. Jesus."

Vegas shot him a furious look, and Macau’s face turned serious. Black suit it is, so it seems.

"Get walking", he commanded, walking out of the room. Macau followed him out of their
apartment in a black Jeep provided by the Main family.

Pete’s face wasn’t the only thing that was consuming his mind these days. There was another
concern at hand, and that was the property of the Minor family.

During the infamous lunch, Korn told him that the Minor family compound, along with the house,
shops, and all other premises, were being rented, and that until he and Korn make final agreements,
he will be staying with Macau at the condo.

Vegas knew that something was up all along, and he decided to play smart rather than hard. He
stayed on good terms with his uncle, visited his father often, and spent his free time doing research
with Nop.

Two of them couldn’t go far, but he gave the order for his men to assemble. It was hard to catch
them all, since many of them were scattered around, but they managed to get through to most of
their former employees.

Vegas didn’t have much to offer them, since he lived off of his trust fund, but he planned to take
back his properties and positions, so the money would come flowing in very soon.

Nop opened the Jeep door for them, and the two brothers got in.

Vegas was still angry at Macau for his joke. His younger brother sat in the front seat in silence,
knowing that he had crossed the line with his brother.

The truth is, Vegas wasn’t the only one hurt by Pete’s sudden disappearance. Macau also dreamed
of a family, and he loved Pete dearly. Although his ex-brother-in-law kept in contact with him,
Macau never got over the fact that Vegas and Pete would never get married.

He was sorry for hurting his brother, but he didn’t know how else to provoke the old feelings.
Maybe now that they’re both here, they can work out their problems and become a family again.

His older brother's thoughts were very different, as he sat in the back seat and stared out of the
window. Although Pete is everything he has ever dreamed of, he could never forgive him. He had
betrayed him, made a fool out of him, showed him love and acceptance, and then took it all from
him in just one second.

Nothing could ever make up for the hurt in his heart, and he wasn’t going to live under the illusion
that Pete still cared about him.

The entire ride went in silence, and the two brothers finally arrived at the luxurious hotel in the city
center.

The place was like a beehive, buzzing with paparazzi and bodyguards.

"It will be hard to get through, sir", Nop remarked, waiting in a long car line. "They are checking
all cars for weapons, it’s slowing us down."

Vegas didn’t reply. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice that Nop spoke to
him.

In his mind, he prepared for meeting Pete, knowing that this time he wouldn’t be able to just walk
away and escape him. They’ll be together, in the same room, maybe even at the same table, for the
entire night.

He told himself that he was ready, that he would be unphased and act cold, yet still, there was
turmoil in his heart. The long line of cars wasn’t helping, it was only adding to his agony by
prolonging it.
Soon enough, their car reached the security checkpoint, and once they were done, Nop drove to the
main entrance.

As soon as Vegas got out of the car, the papparazi swarmed around him.

"Khun Vegas! Khun Vegas! Over here!", they frantically called. "Why are you back in Thailand?
Is it because of your father?"

They bombarded him with tons of questions, which he avoided as he walked on. Although still
angry, he held Macau by the shoulder, so as not to lose him in the crowd.

The Main family bodyguards helped them reach the main entrance.

"Why did you end your engagement with Pete Saengtham, Khun Vegas?", he heard one journalist
say. As much as he wanted to go back there and punch him in his nosey face, he kept on walking.

"We saw Khun Pete earlier with Mr. Kinn and his fiance, any thoughts on that? Will you be talking
to him tonight?"

The unwanted noise finally stopped once they entered the hotel. They were soon escorted through
the corridors and into the luxurious venue.

The grand room was full of businessmen and celebrities, all dressed in their finest. The old
businessmen wore fancy suits, and their wives were in glamourous dresses. The younger
generation, mostly Thankhun’s influencer friends, were dressed more casually.

Bright light shone from crystal chandeliers and candelabras. The band played soft music, and the
atmosphere was light and enjoyable. The guests stood in small groups, smiles and sincerity on their
faces.

Vegas knew just how fake this whole ordeal was. He knew that men who politely shake hands here
will continue their bloody wars tomorrow.

Events like these were everything but a birthday party, they were battlefields; no good intentions,
no genuine wishes, only fake masks and hidden ambitions.

It seemed that he wasn’t the only one aware of this fact: the birthday boy’s eyes wandered around
the room in annoyance while his father tried his best to entertain their guests.

Thankhun wasn’t trying to hide his displeasure with the party.

"P’Khun doesn’t seem to be enjoying himself, does he?", Macau remarked.

"Can’t blame him.", Vegas added shortly. Even though Kan has been dragging him on events like
these ever since he was fifteen, Vegas never got used to them. He knew very well how to put on
his best fake smile and play pretend, but he always found it extremely exhausting. He preferred
taking his men on a mission or torturing his enemies.

The party tonight was especially painful for Vegas for a variety of reasons, one of them being the
excessive attention he and his brother are receiving from the guests.

As soon as they entered the venue, the entire room started staring at them as if they were ghosts.
Many of them rushed for a handshake, and Vegas had to greet every one of them.

Macau noticed Chay sitting alone at one of the tables, so he slithered out of his brother’s presence
and sat by his high school friend. Chay was happy to see him, and the two boys quickly began
carelessly chatting.

The fancy black box with the present for Thankhun was left in Vegas’ arms, and he wasn’t very
happy about it.

When the surprised guests finally stopped pouring in to say hello, Vegas was able to go and look
for his depressed cousin so he could deliver their gift.

Finding Thankhun in a room full of black suits was easy. Even though he has seen his cousin far
happier, Khun still managed to deliver a flawless outfit that stood out.

Thankhun stood lazily in a pink jumpsuit with feathers, while his father greeted the new guests.
Vegas observed how the situation progressed, not wanting to walk up to them just yet.

Pete was still nowhere to be seen, even though he heard journalists outside say that he came with
Kinn and Porsche. Strangely enough, the two lovebirds were nowhere to be seen either. Chay was
here, chatting with Macau, and so was Kim, who stood in a corner jealously observing them.

Soon enough, he noticed a familiar face in the crowd. Kinn was standing and chatting with Tay and
Time, and they were soon approached by Thankhun.

Korn finally departed for his table, and Vegas took this chance to deliver the present.

"Ai’Vegas!", the birthday boy yelled upon seeing his cousin. "Tonight is such a disaster that you’re
one of the more pleasant faces."

"I’m glad to hear that.", Vegas answered with a smile. "Happy birthday, P’Khun. Here."

Vegas handed him a black box with a neatly tied red ribbon.

"What is this, a smoke bomb?", Thankhun asked suspiciously.

"It might have been, had I chosen it", Vegas said, "but Macau was the one who bought you the gift,
so I’m sure it’s something decent."

Kinn and his two friends laughed the entire time. Strangely enough, Vegas didn’t mind seeing his
cousin in a good mood. It was still a bit weird, given that Kinn had been his nemesis for as long as
he could remember, but it seems that their relationship has changed for the better since he returned
from America.

"Long time no see, Vegas", Tay said. "We were starting to think that we wouldn’t be seeing any
more of you since you left."

"I thought so too", Vegas said, deep in thought. "But, never say never. I’m here now."

"And we hope that you’ll stay here for a long time, cousin.", Kinn said, giving him a sincere smile.
"Cheers to that!"

The four men clinked their champagne glasses, earning a sound of displeasure from Thankhun.

"Today is MY birthday, you idiots.", he said angrily, "You should be drinking to ME, not Vegas!"

Kinn started laughing again as Khun left their little group. Kinn’s face suddenly lit up once he saw
someone standing behind Vegas’ back.
"Baby!", he said endearingly to Porsche.

"Gosh", Vegas whispered to Tay and Time, "I’m going to puke."

"Are you enjoying yourself?", Kinn asked.

"Not as much as I would have at Yok’s bar", Porsche answered honestly, "but it’s fine, I guess."

Vegas was still turned facing Tay and Time, so he didn’t see Porsche. Finally, he turned around.

Next to Kinn and Porsche stood Pete, staring right into Vegas’ eyes.

He was so dashing, in a black turtleneck crop top, which revealed his abs and thin waist. His hair
was finely styled, slicked backwards, so it highlighted his face. He wore high-waisted black pants,
that were tight around his thighs. Around his neck, he wore a silver pendant.

Many feelings washed through Vegas all at once. He knew that he’d see Pete this evening, but he
didn’t think he would just sneak up on him behind his back.

The air was growing thick with awkwardness. The two former lovers stared at each other, and it
caught the attention of a few other guests around them. Thankfully, they were in the corner of the
room, which is why not many people stared.

Kinn finally broke the silence.

"Porsche, I believe that you and Vegas haven’t officially met since he returned."

Vegas’ attention suddenly turned to Porsche.

"We haven't, indeed.", Porsche sourly said, offering his hand for a handshake. "Welcome home."

"Thank you, Porsche.", Vegas said, accepting the handshake.

Kinn knew he had to bring up Pete as well.

"Pete has only recently returned as well.", he awkwardly said, earning clear embarrassment from
Pete. "He’s staying at our house as our personal guest."

Pete’s head was hanging low.

"Is that so?", Vegas asked quietly. "Then you are well entertained with such good guests."

Pete’s head slowly rose at those words, and he turned his gaze to Vegas. His eyes seemed hurt.

Vegas felt his heart turn to stone. "How dare he?", he thought, "How dare he stand here and act all
hurt and embarrassed when he betrayed me for a few thousands of Korn’s bloody dollars?".

He couldn’t help but feel the old Vegas consume him. The old, vindictive, destructive Vegas.

"Mr. Saengtham", Vegas coldly said, reaching out with his right hand.

Pete silently put his skinny hand into his, and Vegas gripped it with a slight force, asserting his
dominance. Pete quickly retrieved his hand and fixed his gaze on the floor.

"So, Vegas", Time said in his usual cocky manner, "how are things in New York? As much as I
remember, the fun there is like nowhere in the world."
Time’s ways were notorious; he was known as the biggest manwhore in Bangkok. It was a real
puzzle to everyone why a guy like Tay would willingly stay with someone like him.

Vegas’ face turned smug.

"Well, you know it", he said. "We went there together, Uncle and Pa sent us after graduation, you
remember?"

Both Time and Kinn smiled at that, which earned Kinn a shove in the chest from Porsche. Tay
dissociated from the conversation long ago, and Pete’s head rose with attention. He was clearly
interested in what Vegas had to say about his time in America, which was a chance his former lover
couldn’t resist taking.

"The city has changed, it’s much more diverse now", he said, "but those bars you’re interested in
have stayed the same."

Vegas winked at Time, who laughed in approval.

Pete started fidgeting around; he was clearly uncomfortable, which is exactly what Vegas was
going for.

He could count on Time’s obscene comments.

"What do you think, guys, huh?", Time said, "Graduation trip no. 2?"

Kinn was silent, and Vegas was content with the effect those words had on Pete.

"Graduation trip, my ass!", Porsche yelled, "Tay, do you hear these words?"

"Huh?", Tay asked in confusion.

"Nevermind.", Vegas said with a smile. "No New York bars for you two. You are both happily
taken. I’m a single man, I can do as I please."

He has been watching Pete in his peripheral vision, but now he has decided to give him a direct
look.

God, why was he so attractive tonight? He looked so beautiful, and breathtaking, and Vegas’
lowest urges were rising at the spot.

His beautiful face, his soft white neck, and that thin waist—he wanted nothing more than to drag
him to the nearby toilet and release all his pent-up frustrations.

Those plump lips—Vegas spent a year imagining how good they looked around his cock, how
good it felt to be inside of Pete.

Lust raged through him like a fire, and he didn’t even notice that he was staring at his former
fiance. As soon as the realization hit him, he directed his gaze to his cousin and his friends,
continuing to chat with them as casually as possible, as if he didn’t just imagine dragging his ex
across the room and fucking him senseless.

His behaviour seemed to have been too much for Pete.

"You’ll have to excuse me.", Pete said in a thin voice. This was the first time that Vegas had heard
his voice in over a year.
 "What is it, man?", Porsche asked in a worried tone.

"I’m not feeling well, that’s all.", Pete politely said. "I’ll go and get some fresh air, then I’ll be
back, okay?"

"I’ll come with you.", Porsche said.

"No need. You stay here, and I’ll be back soon.", Pete said, finally departing from their circle.

Suddenly, the coversation turned boring to Vegas. While he was talking with Porsche, he didn’t
want to spare Pete a single glance. Now that he was leaving, Vegas followed him with his eyes the
entire time.

The beautiful man in a black turtleneck soon reached the main entrance of the venue, trying to get
out. Pete was stopped in his tracks by a newly arrived guest.

Vegas squinted his eyes so he could see better, and a sudden rush of adrenaline washed through
him when he saw the man at the door standing next to Pete. It was Pravat fucking Ritthirong,
shooting smiles at his Pete.

Chapter End Notes

new chapter :) Things are getting heated, slowly but surely. leave kudos and comments
if you liked this chapter <3

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