Chapter 1: Stash the Sweet Talk

The wind carried a bite to it. As Jay zipped from one building to the next, she lamented not taking on an extra jacket over the harness. Whatever, she was about to make the last delivery, anyway. The gate of the Theerapanyakun estate came into view below her, and she detached from the line, letting herself fall. The ground rushed towards her, until she caught hold of a decorative edge, running along the outer wall of a nearby building. As her feet met brick, she set off, launching herself towards a row of trees along the street and used their branches to slow her down and get to ground.

The outside guards noted her landing with disinterest, bordering on boredom. However, the subtle tensing of their posture was enough warning against making an unwise move. Rather than reach behind, Jay slung her backpack around, to show as she fished out the final package.

“Delivery to a Mr. Kinn Anakinn Thee-ra-pan-yah-kun?” she asked, speaking the name slowly and with exaggerated pronunciation.

The guards exchanged glances.

“He's out.”

She looked as they said nothing further, her brows raising after a few seconds.

“Is someone gonna sign for this or not?”

Another shared look. After a few awkward seconds, one of them turned, pressing a finger to his ear. Eventually, he nodded and turned his attention back to Jay.

“Someone's gonna come, soon.”

She nodded, turning around to take a look at the area. Crescenda had never been a city for the poor, but this place took the freaking cake. Every house in this part of town was a mansion, grand and gated, and guards were the standard, rather than the exception. Looking up, there were significantly fewer sky-zips between the buildings here than anywhere else and none which led into the estates themselves. Considering the secrecy of their dealings, it made sense to limit sky traversal.

“Blood money,” she tried to remind herself, but the sight of expensive cars driving leisurely through the neighborhood did little to dampen her envy.

She had hoped never to set foot here, had even been rather explicit about this type of jobs. Guess someone didn't get the memo.

A throat clearing brought her attention back to the task. She turned around to find a middle-aged man, in a suit observe her impatiently. She smirked and walked over, taking in his appearance. He was in good shape, that much could be seen, through the buttoned up shirt; his stance commanded authority and respect. His hair and beard were neatly trimmed, his expression alert. There was little doubt he would kill her without blinking if she made a single wrong move. A perfect bodyguard, through and through.

“I have a package for-”

“Yes, I've heard. I'll sign for it.”

Despite the brusque delivery, his words were clear and deliberate. She tilted her head, not loving being interrupted but decided against mentioning, shrugging as she pulled out her work-pad. The man stamped his thumbprint on it and she handed over the delivery.

“Will that be all?” he asked.

She gave him the sweetest fake smile she could muster.

“Have a nice day.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned on her heel and ran off, throwing her catch at the nearest tree. She caught the line and it retracted, pulling her weight into the air, until she was among the branches, shooting for the wall of a nearby public building and making her way to its walls, her hands and feet deftly finding spots to grab onto, climbing higher until she reached the top and could give herself over to the sky zips. Within moments, she was soaring through the air again, making her way back to the inner city.

The further one went towards the city center, the more chaotic the layout became; many of the buildings clustered together in the middle had expanded upward, to the point where sky-zips and sky walkways had become a necessity, instead of a mere convenience. Many of the streets below had become too narrow to allow a car to drive through, so many relied on scooters, bikes, hoverboards, etc, to navigate the city depths.

And in the heart of it all, stood the Center Tower, the communication and postal hub of the entire city. At the very top was the Rookery, the headquarters for most runners, however Jay was not headed there. Instead, she once again dropped from her line, making the descent to the street below via falls and grabs, an approach designed for speed rather than care. She landed with a thump, glancing towards the nearby street, one of the few large enough to accommodate cars.

The main entrance was prohibited for runners, it was meant for the clientele and their associates. The people making the deliveries were expected to use a back entrance, if they didn't directly zip into the Rookery. Jay made her way to the metal door, punching in her code and waiting for it to slide open to reveal three paths: a stair leading up, an elevator and a stair leading down, into the darkness.

She took the steps down to the depths, not bothered by the lack of light, considering her familiarity with the place by now. Someone was standing at the bottom of the stair, illuminated by a single light above a closed door. Jay flashed the tattoo on her wrist, not even slowing down, as he opened the door.

“Blue,” he greeted.

“Evening, Six,” she replied.

The basement of the Center Tower and the place from where top runners were dispatched. This was where the most exclusive clients sent their merch, the stuff they wanted no one to know about.

“Blue, my bestest and brightest!” Cash exclaimed, as he saw her enter.

“Shut up, Cash!”

“Ooh, someone's in a mood.”

She got close and immediately punched him in the face.

“What's my one rule?!”

He panted, though his expression lacked any hint of surprise.

“Blue, you don't understand!”

She punched again and he went down.

“What's my rule?”

“The family asked for the best runner, who was I supposed to send?”

“Literally anyone else! I don't do the Families!”

Her fist raised for another hit, when the man held up his hands in surrender.

“Wait, wait! Look, they paid cash and triple what I asked! I'll split it with you. A nice little bonus as way of apology. How about it?”

He pointed at his desk, where an envelope lay, its bills spilled onto the table. She glared down at him for a moment, before scoffing and backing down.

With a growl, she snatched the money and made her way back out.

“Say hi to your brothers for me!” Cash called after her, receiving a middle finger in return.

“Hey Porsche!” Yok called from the other end of the bar.

The young bartender sauntered over with a smirk, winking at her.

“And what does the sexiest lady in the joint wish from little ol' me?”

Yok grimaced.

“Stash the sweet talk, hon. Jay's on her way.”

Porsche's smile faltered and he groaned.

“Oh, come on! Can't you stall her or something?”

“Why should I?”

He gestured with his head in direction of a pretty woman, sitting at bar, eyeing him hungrily.

“I've been working her for the last hour. She just asked me to meet her out back,” he revealed in a low voice.

“So I should risk my life, just so you can get your dick wet?”

Yok put a hand on her hip, shaking her head.

“Come on, please? I swear, I'll make it up to you! I'll clean the bar spotless, this weekend.”

She hesitated, her expression conflicted as he appealed to her fondness of him, or rather, her fondness of free labor. It wasn't like she was opposed to Porsche hooking up, but whenever his sister got involved, things were...problematic.

“Well...” she started and Porsche suppressed the urge to smile, knowing he had won her over. “She only just wrote, so if you make it quick, I suppose you might have time to-”

“Thanks, Yok! I owe you one!”

He jumped over the bar and quickly grabbed the hand of the girl, dragging her towards the back.

“You better not leave me hanging!” his employer's voice shouted after him.

The woman giggled, as they reached the darkest part of the hallway behind the restrooms. Porsche wasted no time, locking his lips against hers. She made a small noise of delighted surprise, her reaction stoking his desire, and he took the sound as encouragement, running his hands over her luscious curves. She moaned at his touch and he swallowed the sound, taking the chance to deepen their kiss.

Her hands skillfully explored underneath his shirt, running her nails over his chest, causing him to shiver with anticipation. Luckily, the woman was not showing signs of taking it slow, as she quickly roamed further south, rubbing the palm of her hand against his hardened length. He broke the kiss and gasped, grinning down at her. She smirked back, her eyes alight with desire.

He lifted her dress, reveling in squeezing her soft ass, pulling her firmly against his body. She reacted as he had hoped, making short work of he fastening on his pants, to reveal his erection. She wrapped her hand around it, rubbing up and down until he thought he would go mad with need. He pulled out a condom, quickly tearing open the package and applying it, before returning to his lover. Without hesitation, he pulled her body up and she wrapped her legs around him, ravaging his mouth with hers as he slid into her, taking some pride in how wet she was, already.

Their pace sped up as she rode him, moaning against his neck, her soft lips still finding time to kiss their way up his jaw before pulling him in for another searing kiss. The heat was pooling in his lower abdomen as tendrils of delight emanated from where he was connected to her, adding more and more intensity to the sensation.

Before it could drown out his rationality, he sought out her sensitive zones, nibbling and teasing her nipples and earlobes, biting gently along the column of her throat. He re-positioned her, so he was rubbing against her most sensitive center, while slipping deeper into her.

Soon, her voice came out louder, as he attacked her erogenous zones with determination. She clung to him tighter and he drove into her, even harder, intent on letting her ride this wave of pleasure to its finish.

She cried out and her insides clenched around him as the orgasm ravaged her senses. He waited for the tremors to subside, kissing her gently with small, encouraging moans and she soon smiled against his lips, rocking her hips against him, in an invitation to continue.

He fucked her, allowing himself to focus on his own pleasure and she was more than willing to let him, biting his earlobes and laving them while her hands wrapped themselves into his hair grabbing hard, the slight pain mixing with his rising pleasure.

He sought her lips and kissed her as he toppled over the edge, thrusting into her with all the strength he could muster, emptying himself in her depths.

The fresh air heightened the taste of his cigarette, as Porsche waited in the alley for Jay, feeling sated and refreshed. It had been a good night for tips and with his sister's salary, they should be able to scrape enough together to cover rent and Chay's tuition fees. Not a bad night, at all.

The sound of trashcans being knocked over pulled his attention to further down the street, where a figure stumbled towards him.

“Hey, the bar's closed,” he told the person, while disposing of the cigarette butt. “Besides, you look like you've had enough.”

Yok hated already-drunks in her bar, and she would be pissed if someone came in in this state. The figure lifted their head and Porsche caught a glimpse of their face.

“Shit!” he exclaimed, stepping closer.

Cuts and bruises marked the man's features and there was a notable look of desperation in his eyes.

“Help me!” he barked, his tone suggesting it was not a plea but an order.

Porsche was taken aback by the rough demeanor and started shaking his head.

“Nah-uh.”

Four more men came into the alley, their gait slow and deliberate.

“Master Kinn, you're a rude one,” the biggest one drawled as they all advanced. “Just taking off in the middle of a negotiation.”

The first guy, Kinn, Porsche figured, clenched his jaw.

“Help me – I'll pay you,” he offered, glancing at Porsche.

“You! Don't stick your nose in this, if you wanna keep it!” one of the goons warned him, pointing a knife.

Porsche furrowed his brow and smirked as he looked back at Kinn, gauging his outfit. Experience had taught him what he could get away with asking from people based on how they dressed. The brand suit, expensive shoes, immaculate style, it all added up to the sound of money raining down.

“Ten thousand,” he said, unashamed.

“Done!”

He lifted his eyebrows, surprised there had been no protest. He turned his attention back to the goons.

“Counter offer?”

Kinn stared, his expression twisted in fury. The others exchanged glances, grinning.

“How about we don't slit your throat!”

Porsche scratched his neck, grimacing.

“Alright, guess I'm his guy, then,” he said, nodded towards Kinn, who smirked but something in the man's gaze suggested Porsche had not been forgiven for trying to sell him out.

“Shall we?” he asked, spreading his arms wide, inviting the men to attack first.

A split second later, he was deep in the throes of combat, kicking one of them, while grabbing hold of another who was trying to make a move towards the man he was protecting.

“Where do you think you're going?” he sneered, quickly redirecting the guy to run headfirst into a lamppost.

Someone tried to rush him from behind, so he ran and put a foot on the metal beam, launching himself into the air to punch the attacker to the ground before spinning around to deliver a round kick to the last opponent. He looked around at the fallen men, before turning towards their victim reaching out a hand as he walked over.

“Hey.”

The other grabbed his forearm, letting himself be pulled upright, but as he tried to let go, Porsche pulled him close.

“Don't forget to pay up!”

Kinn made a disgusted face as he tried to free himself. They were both pulled from their struggle when one of the attackers staggered to his feet, pulling a gun from his waistband.

“I'm gonna fucking kill you both!” he groaned, waving it at them.

“Uh-oh,” Porsche said, swallowing.

Something shot past him, latching on to the lamppost and he quickly grabbed the Kinn guy and pulled him out of the way as a body flew past them both, before connecting with the gunman at full speed. The figure wasted no time in disarming the man and knocking him out, but the others were starting to stand up again.

“Excellent timing as always!” Porsche called with a grin.

The woman turned her head, glancing at the suited man before glaring at him. She gestured to a side alley, behind them.

“Get the fuck outta here. I'll deal with this!”

Porsche did not need to be told twice and quickly pulled on the other, who only reluctantly came along. He grabbed his wrist and almost dragged him through the streets winding his way to the spot where his bike waited for him. He opened the seat, pulling out a spare helmet and shoving it at the man's chest, while he got his own on. If nothing else, it would help hide their faces. His companion seemed conflicted.

“Shouldn't we go back and help her?”

“Trust, me she's not the one needing help."

Porsche started his ride and the other quickly donned his helmet and jumped behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist. Porsche hit the accelerator and peeled out of the alley, intent on putting as much distance as possible between himself and the attackers, and more importantly, his furious savior.

The night air rushed in their faces and Porsche found himself finally settling down and enjoying the ride, when it became evident they were not being followed. The bike was his escape from everything; he leaned back, letting the hum of the machine take over his thoughts. It was only when the stranger's grip shifted that he remembered he wasn't alone and drove into the nearest parking lot.

Kinn got off the bike, trying to regain an air of composure.

“Thank you,” he said to Porsche with all the authority he could muster.

“Hey?”

Porsche tilted his head raising his eyebrows. It took a couple of seconds before the other reacted, his expression becoming awkward as he sighed.

“They took my wallet and phone, I got nothing on me. But if you give me your account information-”

“Yeah, that's not gonna happen.”

Kinn ran a hand through his hair, thinking.

“Then let's wait for my people, and I'll-”

“So you can ask them to beat me up, instead? That's a nope.”

“Then what do you wanna do, huh?”

Porsche pondered the predicament, looking the man up and down. His hand shot out, grabbing the other's wrist. Kinn immediately grabbed his arm.

“Hey, hey!” Porsche warned and the other backed down, clenching his jaw.

“Just take it,” he snapped.

Porsche did so, examining the watch with curiosity.

“Pleasure doing business with you...Mr. Kinn, was it?” he said with a grin.

“What's you name?”

“Why?”

The man rolled his eyes.

“I want to sent you a gift basket. Why do you think?”

Porsche narrowed his eyes, but the other's expression remained unreadable.

“I'm called Blue,” he told him with a smirk, before starting up his bike and leaving.

Kinn was left staring after the strange man, not turning when he heard the cars arrive behind him, their doors opening.

“Master Kinn, we're here to take you home.”

Ken's voice brimming with chagrin.

“Soon. First, we have to make a stop, somewhere."

The alley where the fight had taken place was a mess. The few goons who were still alive were in a possibly worse state than death. Kinn looked at the scene with intrigue.

“Gather the live ones and wrap them up,” he ordered.

“Wrap them up, how?” Ken asked.

Kinn looked at him.

“Like a present.”

He turned his gaze back at the alley and chuckled.

“Something nice for Mr. Don.”

Chapter 2: If She Openly Drooled

Porsche arrived home and parked his bike, tired from the events of the day. He looked up at the second floor and cursed to himself. Jay's window was open, meaning she had come home before him; he had hoped for at least a few minutes to collect himself before facing her wrath.

As he entered, something about the air put him on edge. He glanced around and noticed several shelves had their contents in disarray.

“Jay? Chay?” he called, cautiously.

“In here, Porsche,” Jay answered, tiredly.

He followed her voice to the living room, his eyes widening at the scene. Jay was sitting on the couch table, while their uncle was on the couch with Chay tending to him with a first-aid kit.

“Uncle, what happened?” Porsche asked, trying to keep the panic from his voice.

“Grant's men came,” the uncle groaned. “They want this month's rent.”

Porsche stared at Jay, who was still focused on their uncle.

“I thought we'd paid, already?”

Jay sighed.

“I had to make some adjustments to the budget. I talked to Grant about it, but I guess he changed his mind.”

“Adjustments? What kind of adjustments?”

She shook her head.

“I'm not sure. I must have miscalculated or overlooked something. Anyways, I have the money to pay him, tonight, so this doesn't happen again.”

“It's all my fault,” Uncle Arthee blurted out. “If only I was a better caretaker, none of this would have happened.”

“No Uncle, we're grateful for all your help, right Jay?”

He looked at his sister, who said nothing, simply staring into the ground.

“Porsche's right,” Chay agreed with a soft smile. “Without you, we would have been completely abandoned.”

Porsche smiled at the youngest sibling before giving Jay a disapproving look, however the latter simply stood from her position.

“I'll go see Grant. Chay, don't stay up too late. Porsche, we'll talk, when I come back.”

Porsche followed her outside. When the front door closed, he confronted her.

“Why didn't you say anything in there? You know how hard he's trying!”

Jay still seemed off, as if her mind was working on something far away from her surroundings.

“Hey Porsche? Don't give uncle or Chay any money for the time being.”

Porsche stared.

“What's up with you? You don't really think they would...?”

She shook her head.

“No, it's probably my own mistake. But until I can figure it out, we should be careful.”

“You're being paranoid! Chay would starve himself to death if we told him to, and uncle...without him, Chay and I would have become street orphans.”

Jay looked at him, earnestly.

“I know. I don't like thinking like this. It's just a precaution, so keep it between us for now, alright?”

Porsche fidgeted, uneasily, but eventually nodded his agreement.

“I'll be back soon,” Jay promised, “and then we can discuss why you picked a fight with goons.”

He stiffened, looking away from her.

“I might be sleeping by then,” he told her, with a sheepish smile.

“I don't mind waking you.”

“What if I'm naked?”

“What of it?”

Porsche acted like he was covering himself from her gaze.

“Eww, you pervert!”

She rolled her eyes.

“It can't be any worse than the gazes you usually subject yourself to,” she bit back but without any real heat.

“I was just helping the guy out. I don't think that's such a bad thing, right?”

“And when the hell did you become so fucking altruistic?”

“Well, I learned by example, didn't I?”

He met her eyes, knowing she could say nothing against that. She sighed, her expression softening. With a smile, she placed a hand on his head. The warmth made him smile in return.

“Just be careful. I know I agreed to let you work at Yok's, but it doesn't mean I have to love it.”

He nodded, relieved in the change of topic. She grinned, punching him lightly in the shoulder.

“And stop getting mixed up with rich assholes. They're nothing but a headache.”

“Don't worry, I know. It's like the family motto, by now.”

She left and he looked down the street after her, before hurrying back inside. He found his uncle rummaging around in the kitchen.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, causing the older man to start.

“Oh, Porsche. Yeah, I guess I'm looking for a snack,” he chuckled, not meeting Porsche's gaze.

The latter shook his head with a smile.

“I'll make you something, so sit down, I have to talk to you, anyway.”

Arthee hesitated, then nodded and did as told. When Porsche presented the dish, the older man looked at it, without eating.

“What did you need to talk about?”

Porsche pulled the watch out from his back pocket and handed it over.

“How much do you think something like this is worth?”

His uncle took the watch, looking it over, his expression filled with doubt.

“I'm not really good with this stuff,” he admitted. “It's decent craftsmanship and looks expensive.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“You didn't steal this, did you?”

Porsche shook his head, vigorously.

“Of course not! Uhm, a customer gave it to me.”

It did not seem to convince the other, but he refrained from commenting on it.

“Have you told Jay about this?”

“No, I was hoping we could keep this between us. If it's worthless, I don't want to get her hopes up.”

It was a lousy excuse but Arthee just nodded; it was the reason Porsche often trusted the man over his siblings, much as he loved them. Arthee would often help him out, rather than tell him not to do something risky and he knew how to keep his mouth shut. Chay's conscience would never allow that and Jay would scold him for even thinking about it.

“I do know a guy. He might offer something like...I don't know, fifty K?”

Porsche smacked the table.

“Seriously? That's awesome!”

Uncle Arthee nodded, standing from his seat, his food still untouched.

“Look, I gotta go, but I'll let you know, okay? Take care of Chay.”

Porsche nodded eagerly, his mood improving drastically. Uncle Arthee soon made his goodbyes and left the house.

Jay was lost in her thoughts, staring down at the alley, which had been flowing with bodies only hours before.

Grant had seemed confused when she had barged into his office and demanded he stay away from her family. He had also been less than thrilled with the number she did on his guards, but his mood improved when she handed him the money. Had someone pretended to be from his people just to get the drop on Arthee?

She had come to the alley behind Yok's bar to check the people if one of them was someone problematic to be dealt with. Yet, there was nothing here. It was like a fucking cleaning crew had swept through the street, even the splatters were gone.

The cleanliness and silence were eerie. There was something she wasn't seeing and it nagged in the back of her mind, like a tick, sucking her thoughts in that direction, only.

The sound of expensive dress shoes on shoddy pavement pulled her attention and she looked down to see someone step into the light from the lamppost. Broad shoulders in a tailored suit, well-trimmed black beard and hair and the stance of someone who has been in combat and survived were all immediately apparent, even to eyes from above.

He seemed to be searching for something, sweeping his eyes over every nook and cranny of the area, while standing in one place. It was quite interesting to observe the tiny movements of the bodyguard. He was graceful and filled with purpose in everything he did, it was...quite envious from Jay's perspective, to be so certain of one self. He took a step and Jay leaned forward, wondering what he was there for.

His head jerked upward and a dark gaze met her with quiet intensity. She froze, looking back, struggling against the overflowing command of his presence.

“You're the runner from earlier,” the man noted, without surprise.

“Top runner, thank you very much,” she replied, smirking.

“Why are you here?”

She tilted her head to the side, wondering what kind of lie would make it past his hawk eyes, however, his expression made it clear he was expecting her to try something. Instead, she gestured to the alley.

“This place is too clean. It draws attention.”

The man did not reply, just observing her. His gaze made her antsy, but she kept herself under control, knowing anything she said when pressed would be free information.

“Were you here? When it happened?”

The questions were spoken slowly and she found herself staring at him as he spoke, liking the deep tenor of his voice. She pulled herself loose and shook her head, smiling.

“I don't spend much time on the ground.”

“Then why are you here, now?”

She grit her teeth.

“I told you: I saw something unusual and came to take a closer look. Maybe next time, tell your people not to leave a back alley spotless!”

He tilted his head.

“What makes you think they were my people?”

Shit.

“Why else would you be here?” she asked, warily.

He stayed silent again and she knew she had messed up. This was exactly why she refrained from interacting with people. Sooner or later she always said something to screw herself over.

“What's your name?”

She stood from her crouched position.

“Why?”

“I'd like to ask you some questions.”

She chuckled, slowly pulling out her catch, trying not to draw attention to it.

“Considering I know nothing, that just seems a waste of time for both of us.”

His eyes narrowed, but she remained undaunted, even as a small voice was telling her he was on to her and not in a good way. Although, that same voice simultaneously tried to convince her he wouldn't notice if she openly drooled over the triangle of skin, exposed by his shirt, so really, how reliable could it be?

“If you run, you'll only delay the inevitable. I never forget a face and I always find whom I'm looking for.”

It was neither a threat nor a brag. He was still standing there, making no move to advance on her. It left a slight trail of unease through her body how confident he was. She disliked how overpowering his air of authority was So instead, she grinned and shrugged.

“Well, far be it from me, not to put those skills to the test.”

And with a flick of her hand, she threw out her catch and winked at him, before retracting, propelling herself into the air, where she felt most at ease.

Korn Theerapanyakun had always enjoyed the spinning of a pottery wheel. When times were dark, the intricate work of shaping and perfecting clay had a calming effect and allowed him to organize his thoughts, especially when they were in an uproar.

“The only information to go on is the name 'Blue', sir,” Chan informed him, as the tablet played the security footage from the attack on the family leader's second son.

The young man who had defended him was skilled but that was far from Korn's main interest. Instead he stared at the face, feeling something painful and forbidden stir in his chest.

“How's Big?” he asked to distract himself from the unpleasantness.

Chan's expression darkened.

“His injury is worse than we initially suspected. He'll be on rest for several weeks, maybe months.”

Korn glanced at Kinn, who was keeping his head bowed.

“You're lucky to be standing here. I suppose I should be happy for that.”

He sighed.

“I didn't teach you to be so hot-headed. In my time, I had to bow and scrape for their attention. I brought them gifts and gave them favors, all so I could get a foot in the door.”

“You're right,” Kinn replied with remorse, though he could not hide the small smirk at the corner of his mouth. “I did send an apology gift, though.”

“You did?” his father asked, looking closely at his son's expression.

It only took seconds for him to read what the other was not saying.

“I see,” he chuckled, and rose. “You boys will be my undoing.”

He took one last glance at the footage and froze, as the other helper from that night appeared. With a trembling finger he pointed at the screen.

“Who's this?”

“We don't know, sir,” Chan answered.

“She took over the fight. We believe she's acquainted with the man who helped me,” Kinn explained.

“Zyano,” Korn whispered to himself, his expression contemplative.

“Papa?”

“When you find them, bring them both,” he said, still staring at the screen.

Kinn furrowed his brow.

“Why?”

Korn glanced at him, before looking back.

“Humor me.”

With that he left, patting Chan on the shoulder as the latter bowed his head in respect. Kinn was left, staring after his father with more questions than answers.

“Keep on the lookout for Blue,” he told the secretary, who nodded.

“Master Kinn, the woman in the footage looks similar to one of the runners who's delivered to our address before,” the older man revealed.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded.

“I saw her again, when going to retrieve the CCTV footage. She left without answering any questions but she was not entirely unapproachable.”

“Then we'll visit CT, tomorrow,” the young master declared, snatching the tablet from the table. “Make sure to bring enough incentive to convince Cash to talk.”

Chan nodded again, before taking his leave. Kinn looked at the footage, rewinding to compare one person's style to the other. There was something similar about their movements and the way the man had talked about the woman had suggested they were closer than mere acquaintances. Lovers, perhaps? But what kind of person would leave his lover in danger for a complete stranger?

There was no question about her skill, she had dispatched the goons with expert efficiency and there was something familiar about her demeanor, the way she wielded her authority over the young man.

But then, why was the first guy acting like a common street thug?

Kinn rewound to watch his helper's movements again. Were they part of one of the other families? Maybe a minor branch?

He watched the young man's fight with the attackers several more times, his mind abuzz through it all.

Chapter 3: Waterboard Me Awake

The crowd was going wild. Porsche felt the adrenaline pump through his veins, heightened by the cacophony from atop the emptied pool. Music was blasting from a nearby sound system, yet it was nowhere near enough to drown out the roaring excitement of the audience.

Porsche licked his lip, almost tasting the testosterone in the air, as the fighters were getting ready. His sponsor squeezed his shoulders in a vague attempt to massage and encourage him.

“How're you feeling, Porsche? Are you ready?”

Porsche nodded, focusing on his breathing. This was what he needed, a chance to let off steam and make some money at the same time. The fight with the goons had been but a preamble, now was time for the main course, especially since Jay was out of the house.

“The vibe is off the fucking hook!” Jom exclaimed, unable to stay still.

Porsche grinned at his friend, knowing exactly how powerful the restless energy of this place was. Jom was waving a wad of money around, whistling and cheering as two dancers, who occupied a platform in the middle, started getting into it.

The MC stepped up on the platform and the crowd somehow managed to get even louder.

“Are you ready for some entertainment!” he roared in the mic and was rewarded with a chorus of enthusiastic agreement. “It's time for violence! For the smell of blood!”

The man wore an outdated plaid blazer and had the kind of face that only lights up at the sight of money, but he knew how to work a crowd, no doubt encouraged by the fistfuls of cash people were waving in the air.

“The first round is the free-for-all. Don't hold back! Are you ready?”

People eagerly agreed.

“Nah, that's some weak shit, y'all, some weak shit! I asked if you're ready?!”

The roar increased and, he turned towards the dancers.

“Go!”

The performers waved their flags and Porsche ran into the field, his blood pumping and his body aching for a physical release. The first attacker was agonizingly slow in his wind-up, and Porsche easily dodged before kicking him to the ground, moving to the next one he set his eyes on.

The pool was in chaos as fighters teamed up only to turn on each other from one second to the next and Porsche reveled in the atmosphere, basking in the glow of the neon lights, as he took down two opponents, slamming one into the other.

Someone managed to land a kick on his chest, but he came back, attacking their knee and punching them to the ground before jumping back into the fray. In the end, he was one of two who were still standing, when the MC called for a time-out.

His sponsor was once again squeezing his shoulders and checking him for injuries as the other fighters were instructed to leave before the final knockout.

“You can't just knock him out, Porsche, you need to stall,” the older man reminded him.

His agitated energy made him flutter around the fighter, dabbing off his sweat and patting his muscles.

“I'll let you know when the time's up. Then you go for the kill!”

“It's time to end this, with our final knockout!” the MC declared, once again hyping the crowd. “We're not here to sleep, we're here to fight!”

People were getting more and more agitated, now that it was the final two contestants. They were roaring with excitement as the MC nodded, smugly acknowledging their cheers.

“Then let's not waste anymore time. The fight between the Demon Lord and Phoenix will now begin!”

Porsche cracked his neck, fidgeting impatiently to be let loose on his enemy.

“Ready? Let's fight!”

He rushed into the yellow glow, his body itching with energy. He grinned as he came close to the other man, the so-called 'Demon Lord'. With his tongue in the corner of the mouth, he dodged the first hit from the larger man, taunting for more.

The opponent's face twisted in fury and he lunged for Porsche, who evaded with a lazy smirk. He tried to kick the giant but his foot was caught and the man wasted no time in raining punches down on Porsche.

Despite his best attempts to break free, Porsche's hits were deflected, before he was let loose as the man kicked him in the chest. He staggered backwards, trying to regain his composure, but the other was immediately lunging another attack on him, slamming his fist into Porsche's face.

As the Demon Lord turned around, posing for the crowd, Porsche rushed at him, but was met with a muscular arm to the face, flipping over on the ground. The rushing in his ears drowned out the crowd and he could taste blood. With effort, he pushed himself upright, glaring at his attacker, who shot back a crooked grin, before running at him.

The man set off the ground, ready to punch Porsche mid-air. Instead of dodging, Porsche grabbed the arm, deflecting the attack, and using the momentum from pushing away the fist to spin around, slamming his elbow into the man's face.

There was a moment of silence as the Demon Lord's head lolled and he fell back onto the dirty tile floor. When he made no move to get back up, the sound of the crowd returned, full force, and Porsche was left standing, staring down at his opponent. He barely registered as Jom jumped him, cheering like crazy.

The pair went looking for the sponsor who had hidden himself in the corner. He was counting the money but his expression was displeased. As Porsche sauntered over, he gave an awkward nod and handed him the wad of bills. Porsche counted with eager hands, then paused.

“Where's the rest?”

“I told you to stall!”

The sponsor's face was getting agitated.

“If you'd held out longer, I could have grabbed twice as many bets!”

“Why don't you fight, then?”

“And who's gonna fetch your money for you, huh?”

Porsche gritted his teeth, knowing there was no point in arguing.

“Look, maybe we'll have better luck next time.”

It was an empty wish. Porsche's win streak was making the bets against him scarce, but before he could point that out, the man had scurried off.

“Ah, to hell with him,” Jom noted, pulling some bills from his breast pocket.

He handed them to Porsche, who hesitated.

“Take it. I bet on you.”

Porsche took the money, feeling the warmth spread in his chest.

“Thanks Jom. Really.”

“Eh, it's fine, not like I have any big expenses coming up. And I don't have a psycho sister to deal with.”

Porsche chuckled.

“Yeah, who'd want that?”

They both spun to find Jay standing on the edge of the pool with her arms crossed. Whatever high Porsche had been riding from his victory, was very abruptly ended at the dark expression on his sister's face. Jom made a stuttering attempt at laughing the whole situation off.

“Jay-sis! What a surprise!”

He glanced at Porsche, still holding the money.

“About this, uh... Well this is... I mean, I was just-”

“Leaving.”

It took a few moments for Jom to understand, while Jay jumped into the pool, but then he quickly acquiesced.

“Leaving! Right, that's what I was doing, thank you for reminding-”

His words were cut off by the glare she shot him.

“Right, going now.”

He turned to Porsche, keeping his voice low.

“Call me if you live to see tomorrow.”

Porsche smirked at his friend as the latter left, glancing nervously at Jay who kept her gaze on her brother.

“I turn my back for a moment, and you're back here?” she said the second they were alone.

“I just needed to blow off some steam.”

“By putting yourself in danger?”

Porsche sighed.

“I wasn't in danger, I was fine!”

She gestured to his face.

“So, I assume that's really convincing make-up?”

He reached up, feeling something warm and wet on his cheek.

“It's just a scratch,” he defended, wiping the wound.

“This time.”

Her matter-of-fact tone was baiting Porsche's rising temper as he struggled to stay calm. No fight with his sister had ever been won by blowing up.

“You insisted I learn to fight. Did you really expect me never to use these skills?”

“I expect you to use them when it's necessary!”

“What if that's not enough for me?”

She paused, narrowing her eyes.

“You want to beat people up?”

He clicked his tongue.

“Of course not! I mean yeah, but... Don't you ever get that itch, that you wish you were in a situation where you could really use everything you've learned?”

“I'm kinda busy making sure my brothers don't get themselves killed,” she replied, coolly.

“Jay,” he pleaded.

She swallowed, taking a deep breath. Her forehead smoothed and her face relaxed.

“Alright, yes, I do. But I can't afford to give in to it,” she admitted, quietly.

Porsche looked at her in stunned silence.

“How could I ever face your parents in the afterlife, if something happened to you or Chay, because I got you into trouble?”

She let her arms drop and suddenly seemed younger and more vulnerable.

“I know you're a grown man, but I still remember wrestling with a scrawny ten-year-old to make him brush his teeth.”

“That was only once!”

She tilted her head, raising her eyebrows at him, with a crooked smile.

“A day,” he amended, grinning sheepishly.

They both chuckled and fell quiet, as they sat down on a low concrete pillar. Jay looked up at the night sky with an expression Porsche had often seen but never been able to decipher.

“Hey sis?” he said after a few minutes, nudging her shoulder.

“Hmm?”

“Wanna grab a drink? My treat, courtesy of beating the Demon Lord.”

He waved the wad of money and she laughed.

“You got lucky, kiddo. Don't get full of yourself, just because you manage not to get killed.”

Instead of laughing along, he met her eyes, earnestly.

“I swear, I'll be careful.”

“The word's not in your vocabulary, hon. But I appreciate your trying.”

The wine was rich with an intriguing scent of cedar wood. Kinn took his time enjoying it, as Cash got comfortable behind his massive mahogany desk.

“So, to what do I owe the honor of a visit from the Theerapanyakun clan?”

Kinn put the glass down, keeping his manner confident and aloof.

“You sent a runner to our estate for a delivery, yesterday. You claimed she was the best. Do you remember?”

The man's head bobbed in a nod.

“Of course! Was there a problem with the delivery?”

He tensed up.

“Did she attack someone? Was it someone important? I'll compensate any damages!”

Kinn smirked, his interest piqued.

“Why? Does she often attack your clients?” he asked, his voice bored.

“Well, any runner is expected to handle themselves in pinch, young master, and she's been known to take that responsibility very...seriously.”

Cash was wringing his hands, his eyes flickering.

“But rest assured that despite her...problematic tendencies, she more than makes up for them with her skills.”

“I believe you,” Kinn told the man and he heaved a sigh in relief. “Which is why I'm interested in knowing more about your employee.”

The sigh ended on a strangled note as Chash's face turned pale.

“Beg your pardon?”

“The runner you sent. I want you to tell me about her.”

“About Blue?”

“'Blue'?”

Kinn leaned forward as Cash shook his head.

“Not her real name, of course. Every runner has a code name. Unfortunately, that's all I can tell you. Information on our runners is strictly confidential; we can't compromise their safety if we expect them to keep working for us. Not even for the Families.”

“What if I wanted to hire her?”

Cash barked a laugh.

“I'd say you have your work cut out for you. Lass hates the Families.”

“I can be very persuasive.”

The older man's eyes narrowed and he grinned.

“It seems you're forgetting where you are, Master Kinn. Our runners work here for a reason.”

“What reason?”

Cash leaned back in his seat, his expression smug.

“Depends on the runner. In Blue's case, it's clear she doesn't want to be found.”

“By whom?”

He shrugged, not bothering to answer. Kinn and Chan exchanged a look but before he could counter the man's point, his phone started ringing. He excused himself and walked a few meters away before answering.

“Yes?”

“Master Kinn, I think I've found something,” Arm said on the other end.

“What've you got?”

“I checked the CCTV footage from previous nights, and the same young man comes out of the backdoor of the adjacent bar, 'Hum Bar'. He seems university aged, so I've sent some people to the local schools as well.”

“Alright, good job. I'll head out, now.”

He turned to Chan who seemed to pick up on it and glanced at him.

“I got another lead. You finish up here.”

“Yes, Master Kinn.”

When the door closed behind his master, Chan turned back to the handler, folding one fist into another as he rested his elbows on his knees.

“Mr. Cash, I'm not about to let this matter be. So, I'll be making an offer and you'd be wise to think carefully before you reject it.”

The other man swallowed visibly, his eyes flickering to the door and back, as if he suddenly wished Kinn hadn't left.

The sensation of wet and cold tore Porsche from his sleep in the early morning. He glared up at Jay, who was holding an empty glass over his head.

“What the fuck?”

“Time to get up. You need to give Chay a ride and you have classes today.”

“Why didn't you just call me?”

“I did,” she said with a shrug. “You didn't stir and I ran out of fucks to give. Now, hop hop! You're already late.”

He groaned.

“Seriously, my head is killing me!” he moaned at her as she made her way out of his room.

“Zero fucks, Porsche! Don't make me get the ice cubes.”

“I'm up! I'm up.”

He rolled out of bed, cursing his naivete for believing she wouldn't find a way to get back at him for going behind her back. He got dressed and went down, greeting Chay with a grunt as the younger brother said good morning.

“There's a meet and greet for prospective future students, next week. I'll see that I take off, that day,” Jay mumbled, looking over a piece of paper. “I can talk to them about anything that needs to be signed for the application.”

“If it's too busy at work, you don't have to-”

“Just let her, Chay,” Porsche urged. “Lord knows she needs something to devote her attention to, other than hounding me.”

“I know you're making a point, but you may want to defer it to a time when you don't have only twenty minutes to get your brother and yourself to class.”

Porsche pulled out his phone and checked.

“Shit! Time to go, Chay.”

“Coming,” he answered, swallowing the rest of his food, as they headed out the door.

“Have a nice day,” Jay called after them.

“You too!” Chay shouted back, grinning.

The ride to school was rushed, and Porsche gave up any hope of being on time to his own lecture. He rolled up to the university around the first break time.

Tem greeted him, while munching on a filled pancake; no longer able to ignore his growling stomach, Porsche snatched the pancake from his friend.

“Hey!”

“I didn't have time to eat this morning,” he explained, before biting off a huge chunk.

“What happened?”

“Jay decided to waterboard me awake.”

“Sounds kinky. Did she tie you up?”

He coughed glaring at his friend's shameless grin.

“Dude, I'm eating here.”

“Yeah, my food!”

Instead of arguing, Porsche stuffed the rest of the pancake in his mouth.

“So do you think Jay would tie me up, if I pissed her off enough?”

Porsche rolled his eyes, waiting until his mouth was empty before making a retort.

“Bro, this crush you have on my sister is just really creepy.”

“Stop stealing my food and I'll stop talking about it.”

“Where's Jom?”

Tem gave him a deadpan look.

“Smooth. He was called out by some upperclassmen.”

He nodded behind Porsche.

“Looks like he's back.”

They both looked at the man in question as he came closer, scratching the back of his head with a quizzical expression.

“ 'Morning,” he greeted Porsche.

“Something wrong?”

“They'd called out all of the class reps, asking for someone called 'Blue',” Jom explained. “Does that name mean anything to you guys?”

Porsche felt himself freeze up, struggling to say anything.

“Don't recall anyone going by that name,” Tem answered, openly.

“What about you, Porsche?”

He blinked a few times.

“Uh...no, I don't know anyone by that name.”

He felt the slow rise of panic in his chest and the thought of what Jay might do if she ever learned what he'd done was enough to send shivers through his body.

Chapter 4: Your World, Not Mine

Jay could not quite figure out her handler's motivations, as she looked up at the luxury hotel; an important client wanted a letter delivered by her, personally, but none of the usual suspects would have her come to such a high-profile destination. It was also her only request of the night, meaning someone had paid out the ass to make sure she would only come here.

Despite her apprehension, it was a job and if the client had a room here, of all places, there may be a bonus in it for her. The front desk kindly directed her to the 17th floor, and she made her way there, wondering whether the staff would be disinfecting the floor after having it suffer her dirty sneakers.

She hesitated for a few seconds before knocking on the door.

“Delivery!”

The handle turned and as the door was pulled open, Jay came face-to-face with the bodyguard. Her eyes widened and she swallowed nervously, trying to calculate her odds of escaping if she made a run for it, right then and there.

“I'd prefer not to tackle you,” he said, having seemingly read her intentions.

She made a grimace.

“Then what would you prefer?”

He stepped back, gesturing for her to enter. Jay stepped inside the room, trying to keep a cool facade, but every hair on her body stood up and she was frantically thinking of a lie to get herself out of the current situation. However, there was no saying how the man would react and what would even work on him. So, she scanned the room, instead, hoping for divine inspiration to hit her.

The room was an ocean of cream wallpaper and gold trim, richly furnished in similar colors, yet all in modernized style, including the open fireplace, cut into the support beam. The black suit and red pocket square of her host were foreign, stark and foreboding in this environment of bright decadence. He gestured for her to sit on a two-seat couch, part of a lounge set, while he took place opposite a low table.

“My name's Chan, I'm head bodyguard and secretary to the Theerapanyakun family.”

Jay nodded but said nothing.

“Your handler told me you go by the name 'Blue', is that what you would prefer to be called?”

“I would prefer not to be called at all, but for the purpose of this conversation, it'll do.”

“I ask because we've been looking for a young man who helped out the second son of the family. He claimed his name was also Blue.”

God-fucking-damnit, Porsche!

“It's not a unique name.”

“It's also not common. Our intel suggests you two are acquainted.”

Jay smirked.

“If you have intel, I wonder why you'd need to trick me into coming here?”

Chan sat up straighter, his gaze becoming curious as he observed her closer.

“How much do you know about the Theerapanyakuns?”

“As much as I wish to. I want nothing to do with the Families.”

“Bad history?”

She tilted her head without replying. He did not seem to mind.

“Have you read the letter you were to bring?”

“It's generally not encouraged to invade our clients' privacy.”

“What if I told you to open it, now?”

She pulled it out and placed it on the table.

“No, thank you.”

“It was meant for you, from the beginning.”

“And yet, I'm uninterested.”

If her reluctance frustrated him, he showed no signs of it, instead picking up the envelope and opening it with all the casual affectation of opening a bill, before turning the contents over for her to see.

“My master wants to hire you and your associate to work for the clan. You'll be well-compensated and he is willing to let you set your own terms, if you agree.”

“How old are you?”

“Pardon?”

“I ask, because it seems either your hearing or your memory is somehow faulty. Rather than ask if you have hearing issues, I figured it would be more rude to ask your age.”

He leaned back, putting a hand beneath his chin as his dark eyes met hers.

“You could earn a lot more than you do now.”

“I could also die a lot sooner.”

“I doubt that.”

“And why's that?”

It was only instinct which saved Jay from the incoming blow, making her twist her body, while she set off from the floor, flipping over the couch as Chan's fist slammed into the back pillow. There was no time to ask him what the hell he was doing, as he agilely jumped over the table and closed the distance between them, before she was forced to focus her attention on deflecting one punch after another, as he maneuvered her away from the door, cutting off her escape.

His broad form belied the speed with which he came at her and she was struggling to gain the upper hand. She punched at him but he deftly evaded before grabbing her wrist; she swung with her other hand but it was caught as well before he slammed her against the wall. His body was too close to kick away and the pressure he applied on her folded arms was making it harder to breathe.

She slouched for a second before tearing her arms up, pulling his hands with her. The opening allowed her to slam her head against his and he staggered back, releasing his hold on her. Before attacking, she quickly disposed of her jacket, freeing up her movements. She tossed the garment and returned to the fight, as Chan recovered from her attack.

They resumed their back and forth, trading blows and kicks to try and outdo one another, but Jay was becoming painfully aware of the gap in their abilities. Whatever else Jay might be, her opponent was a trained bodyguard with a good decade of experience over her and the fact he was still alive and kicking said more than a little of his abilities.

She tried to conserve her energy by focusing on deflecting rather than attacking, but her enemy was not having it, increasing his effort, forcing her to fight back, to keep him at bay.

When the smell of something burning reached her nose, she smirked, upping her game. He seemed to smell it too, and glanced around the room to see her jacket, halfway into the fireplace and fully engulfed in flames. She started pressing Chan, letting her speed and nimbleness make up for their difference in stature. While he tried to reach the flames, she thwarted his attempts, intent on keeping the fire going.

He finally broke free from her and went to the fireplace when the sprinklers came on, drenching the entire room in seconds. He looked back at her, panting heavily. Her own breathing was no less ragged as the water poured over them both.

For a long moment, they stared at each other, through the curtain of water droplets. Then, Jay's mouth quirked in a victorious smile, before she spun and threw herself out the nearest window. The glass shattered around her as her body moved through it, covering her head with her arms for a mere second before grabbing her hook and tossing it at the wall opposite the hotel building.

It caught and she was soon propped against the bricks, hanging by the line as she looked back at the broken window.

He was standing there, his arms folded over his chest. The wet clothes clung to his shape and for a moment, Jay forgot what had just transpired, as she took in the image of him, dark and formidable against all the white and gold.

Their gazes collided and something in her chest seemed to tense up and quiver when the corner of his mouth quirked upwards. He did not seem the least put out by the outcome. In fact, she would say he seemed pleased and that somehow made the tension inside her more pronounced.

The seconds ticked by as they stayed like that, neither looking away from the other.

Porsche pulled up to Yok's bar, a few minutes before his shift started. Several expensive cars were parked outside and their drivers were leaned against them, enjoying their cigarettes. Their demeanor was enough to put Porsche on edge, and he took out his phone to call Chay. The first attempt wasn't answered so he tried again.

“What?”

“What are you doing? Are you okay?”

There was a slight pause.

“Not really, no.”

Something clenched in Porsche's chest.

“What's wrong?”

“I don't think I can hold it much longer.”

“Hold what? Chay, what's going on?”

His thoughts were becoming frantic with concern.

“I'm taking a fucking dump!” Chay yelled. “And apparently, I can't get five minutes in peace!”

The sense of relief was quickly replaced with awkward embarrassment as Porsche groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“What's wrong with you two? First Jay calls and now you. Are you scared I'm gonna drown in the toilet bowl or something?”

“Sorry, I was just...I don't know, I guess I'm a bit jumpy. Hey, remember to lock up the house, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Can I get back to my business now?”

“Sure thing.”

He hung up, wondering how he had somehow managed to go from the cool older/younger brother to a paranoid embarrassment. He decided to shake off his bad feelings and dismounted. The valet came out and stopped him before he could go inside.

“Hey, just so you know: Someone came to talk to Yok about being a partner, so it might be a slow night.”

And just like that, the bad feeling returned.

“Hey, can you take care of this?” he asked, handing over his helmet.

“Sure, just be careful. The guy looked important.”

Porsche entered the bar, feeling every eye suddenly on him and his movements. Midway down the counter sat a familiar figure, talking to Yok.

“You know, this place has its charm.”

“Of course, it takes after its owner! Though the real deal is still a league of her own.”

Yok's voice deepened into a sultry laugh. Porsche walked through the bar, his every hair on end, as he tried to stay calm.

“Oh, Porsche, come here!” Yok called, excited as she gestured to the suited man. “This is Mr. Kinn, our new business partner!”

Her face softened into a sly smile.

“Though, I'm tempted to make him another kind of partner, as well.”

Kinn chuckled.

“So, his name is Porsche, then?”

“Ooh, he's caught your eye, too? Porsche is our top bartender, everyone wants him. I should have snatched him up for myself, instead of putting him behind the bar.”

They both laughed, the air between them relaxed and friendly, yet Porsche could sense the tension directed at himself from Kinn's form.

“Well, perhaps you could spare your top guy for a little bit? As a personal favor.”

Kinn winked at Yok and she shot him a pleased grin.

“Of course. Porsche, take good care of Mr. Kinn,” she reminded her employee, before moving to another customer, at the far end of the counter.

When she turned away, Kinn took a sip of his drink before discretely gesturing for Porsche to come closer.

“What?” Porsche asked, as he leaned against the bar, keeping his back turned on the suited men eyeing him, as he was throwing nervous glances around the place.

“You act like you're scared I'm about to shoot up the place,” Kinn noted. “Seems you have a very low opinion of me and what I do,” he added when the bartender didn't deny.

Porsche took a moment to observe the Mafioso, noting his straightened posture, the immaculate cut of his tailored suit and confident gaze as he caught the other's intense observation. He lifted his eyebrows, expectantly, and Porsche pulled himself from his reverie.

“You're here for the watch, right?”

Kinn made an amused sound and casually shook his wrist, freeing the watch from his cuff and glancing at it with a smirk. Porsche stared, not sure he was seeing correctly.

“You may want to speak with your fence. This watch is worth at least 500,000.”

He had no clue how to respond. His uncle had given no indication he had already sold it, much less what he had gotten for it.

“So what do you want?” he finally managed to say.

“From the top bartender?”

Kinn tilted his head, his dark eyes observing Porsche closely.

“A drink would be a good start.”

He wanted to refuse but the atmosphere was heavy and there was a hidden threat behind that searing gaze, one he didn't intend to find out. He went behind the bar and pulled up a lowball glass, getting started. Despite being in his element, the situation felt oppressive. He was almost sorry to finish the drink and losing the excuse to distract himself.

Kinn tasted the mix, his eyes never leaving Porsche, who waited with bated breath for the verdict, and not solely because of the threatening aura of his customer.

“Bitter, chased by sweetness. In other words, the perfect old fashioned.”

The mafioso seemed pleased and a little impressed.

“So, what the hell do you want?” he asked, emboldened by his small success.

“You and I have some business to discuss. Somewhere more private.”

“I'm not going anywhere with you.”

“Are you sure? Talking about these sorts of things in public tends to be...messy.”

Once again, he felt cornered, unnerved by the predatory gaze of someone far above himself in the social strata. He made a gesture for the Mafioso to lead the way, and hoped he wasn't walking to his death.

They had barely entered the shadows when something black fell over his vision and he was grabbed from several directions. He didn't have the chance to cry out as a hand quickly clamped over his mouth, through the fabric covering his face.

He could not tell how much time passed or where he was brought, he just knew that he was taken somewhere else and tied to a chair. The ground seemed more unsteady, despite the sound of wooden floors beneath his restless feet.

“Hey assholes, is someone gonna take this thing off, soon? Hellooo!”

The bag was suddenly removed and he looked around trying to orientate himself. Large windows showed a black sky behind a dazzling city of lights, which reflected off a water surface, most likely the Crescent Moon River, which flowed through Crescenda from the West.

“Pachara Kittisawat, also known as 'Porsche', age: 27,” a dark voice read.

Porsche looked at Kinn, as the latter sauntered towards him with a tablet in his hand. His other hand was in his pocket while he slowly made his way behind Porsche.

“Former national champion in taekwando and judo. Parents are deceased, leaving behind one biological younger brother. Both sons were put under the guardianship of an older, adopted sister, sometime after the parents' death.”

The mocking edge in Kinn's voice grated on Porsche's nerves, though he focused his attention on working the ropes behind his back, whenever his captor wasn't looking.

“Main occupation is as a bartender in 'Hum Bar', and is known as a hard worker, well-liked by staff and customers alike. Secondary occupation as an underground fighter, known as 'Phoenix'.”

Porsche couldn't help but smirk as he looked at Kinn.

“I feel a whole new level of sympathy for you. That was so goddamn boring to listen to, I can't imagine what it must have been like to figure all that shit out and having to read it. Out loud.”

He chuckled.

“You mafia-types sure love your torture methods but kidnapping me, just to tell me things about myself that I already know? It might just be the most ingenious thing, yet.”

He looked around at the stone-faced men who were glancing between the two from safely behind Kinn's back.

“Are we done here? Can I go? Or do you want to tell me my blood type and measurements, as well?”

Kinn gave him a measured look.

“I want you to be my bodyguard.”

Porsche laughed.

“So you have gone insane. There's not way I'm putting my ass on the line to save your life. Let these sad ballsacks do it,” he replied, nodding at the other guards.

One of them charged at him, but he swiftly kicked the man away. When he came again, Porsche put up his leg to keep him at a distance.

“Uh-uh-uh. Don't go shooting the messenger.”

“I know you don't like the idea,” Kinn acknowledged. “But you'll be well compensated.”

He bent closer.

“It could be the break your family needs.”

Porsche spit at the man.

“You think I've stayed like this because I got no better offers? I won't sell my soul for a bit of luxury.”

He had managed to free his hands and was now eyeing the people around him.

“This is your world, not mine.”

With that, he stood and swung the chair around, slamming it into the nearest bodyguard, then kicking another away. Kinn did not seem surprised and calmly kicked him in the chest so he stumbled against one of the guards who immediately took a tight grip on him.

Kinn held up a hand and the men froze for a second, before the guard holding Porsche released him. The Mafioso stepped close, lifting his chin in a silent challenge.

“Seriously?” Porsche asked, wondering how fast he would get a bullet in the head for harming the precious master.

When the other made no attempt to retreat, Porsche sighed, then lashed out and was immediately deflected. It quickly became evident that Kinn's arrogance was far from mere bravado, as he skillfully countered every one of Porsche's attacks, while also getting his own hits in, all the while seeming to find the situation mildly amusing.

Every movement was precise and no muscle moved superfluously. Porsche struggled, his anger rising at the taunting smile on his opponent's face. He kept up the barrage of attacks and eventually managed to get Kinn in an arm lock as the pair wrestled to slam each other against the large wood-framed windows.

When Porsche finally managed to get the upper hand, Kinn kicked his leg out from under him, so he fell to his knees. Rather than leave his enemy standing over him, he lifted both their arms and slammed his head into the other's solar plexus, causing him to cry out in pain.

However, Kinn quickly released his hold on Porsche's arms and grabbed him by the throat. His expression was furious but Porsche grabbed him by the crotch, squeezing tightly as Kinn groaned in agony. The latter tore Porsche's hand away and pushed him back, slamming him into a nearby wooden beam. As Porsche tried to once again punch Kinn, the other grabbed his wrists, forcing them down. With no other recourse, Porsche used what he had left and bit into the side of Kinn's throat.

Kinn roared with fury as he tried to free himself from Porsche's teeth. The latter finally released him and scurried away, making his way out the nearest door. He reached the upper deck, looking for some way of escaping when a gun shot sounded behind him.

Spinning around, he saw Kinn, trembling with barely contained fury as he pointed the weapon at Porsche.

“I believe there's been a misunderstanding between us. When I said I wanted you to be my bodyguard, it may have sounded like I was giving you a choice in the matter. Allow me to correct that assumption.”

The other guards all had their guns trained on Porsche, whose nerves were still frayed from the fight.

“Your choice is as follows: You become my bodyguard, or you become food for the fish. I'll give you to the count of three.”

Porsche's heart was beating against his ribs with enough force to be borderline painful.

“One.”

A shot sounded as Kinn aimed slightly away from Porsche, who jumped, his body twisting as the rush of nerves and adrenaline made it impossible to keep still.

“Pardon me. My fingers slipped,” Kinn told him with a wicked smirk.

“You want me to be your bodyguard?” he yelled, desperately. “I'd prefer death!”

He ran to the nearest railing and tossed himself into the water.

Chapter 5: Checkmate

Kinn's expression was closed off and dark as he headed straight for the bourbon.

“You're back, empty-handed?” Korn asked, after placing his knight.

“I told you he wouldn't wanna work for us,” his son complained. “And I don't see why I should want him to. There are better options out there.”

“Undoubtedly. And they'd easily follow you, if you pay them enough. But someone who cannot be bribed into betraying his own morals...isn't he exactly the kind of person you should aim for?”

“Or he could be a complete idiot.”

Chan suppressed a chuckle as he made his move.

“A fool with integrity or a genius without. Who would you rather have working under you?”

Korn looked at Kinn, the question hanging between them.

“Did you have any luck?”

Chan glanced at the young master, who seemed intent on dragging the secretary into the discussion. With a slow breath he righted himself in his chair.

“I made the offer and she rejected it. But I did get to test her skills.”

“And?”

Both father and son looked at him, waiting for the verdict of their top bodyguard.

“She's quick and experienced...but reckless. Dangerously so.”

Korn chuckled as he returned his attention to the chessboard.

“Well, as long as we don't put her in a dangerous situation, recklessness is not necessarily a problem.”

“What exactly is your plan with her, Papa?”

Chan perked his ears as Korn moved again, finding himself curious about the answer, as well.

“Hmm, I wonder whether it wouldn't be better to wait with deciding that until she's here.”

“You mean if she agrees to come,” Kinn corrected.

“Do I? I should hope you won't let them slip through your fingers, that easily.”

He moved his queen, taking Chan's.

“Checkmate.”

“What the hell happened to you?” Jay asked as Porsche walked up the driveway, still dripping wet.

“I could ask you the same.”

She was drenched as well, and covered in scratches and a few bruises.

“I asked you first.”

He sighed.

“I jumped off a boat at gunpoint.”

“What? What happened? Are you okay?”

She stood and started fussing about him, but he quickly pushed her off.

“Uh-uh, your turn.”

She started shaking her head but he was not about to let the matter go. With an annoyed click of the tongue, she gave in.

“I...set a hotel room on fire, set off the sprinklers and...jumped out a window.”

He tilted his head giving her a loaded look.

“It's different. I didn't have a choice!”

He pointed to himself.

“Gunpoint,” he reminded her.

“Who held the gun?”

The dark undertone in her voice put him on edge and he narrowed his eyes as he took in her clenched jaw and the murderous look she shot their surroundings.

“I'll tell you, but you better not go psycho, okay?”

She nodded, stiffly. He didn't speak right away, trying to gauge her sincerity, but the wind was cold and a hot shower was all of which he could think.

“That guy we saved, Kinn? He kidnapped me to a boat and asked that I be his bodyguard.”

“He what?”

“It's fine, since I got away. But he knew exactly who I was.”

Jay tapped her temple, her expression going from fury to annoyance in an instant.

“Right, that reminds me.”

She smacked him over the back of his head and the pain was so unexpected, he couldn't help but yelp out.

“Ow, what the hell?”

“You mind telling me why the fuck the freaking mafia knows my code name?”

Intense guilt flooded him, as he rubbed the back of his head.

“That Kinn guy asked for a name, and I didn't want to give him mine,” he mumbled, wondering whether it would leave a bump.

“You were on your bike! You push the dude off and keep fucking driving! It's not rocket science.”

“That could have killed him! Besides, we were already parked.”

“Even easier to shove him off, then.”

Before he could argue, there was a crash from inside the house. They both rushed inside to find Chay standing among the shards of a broken plate, looking guilty. However, the state of the rest of the room was a far more immediate concern.

“What the hell happened here?”

“Did Kinn do this?” Porsche said, simultaneously with his sister's question.

“Who's Kinn?” Chay asked, his expression annoyed. “Grant's people were here. They said they want their money.”

“What money?” Jay asked.

Chay looked away, not answering. Porsche had a sinking feeling in his stomach and pulled on Jay's arm.

“Come on, we gotta go see Grant.”

Jay looked from Porsche to Chay, conflicted. In the end, Chay urged them to sort it out while he cleaned up. They took Porsche's bike to Grant's office, neither of them talking. Grant ran a small gambling hall in the inner parts of the city, the entrance tucked away in an alley. It was a well-known hole, despite its obscure location; if one was down on their luck and barred from any respectable establishment, Grant's would still open its doors.

When they parked, Porsche took a deep breath before dismounting. Jay remained quiet, her expression unreadable while they made their way inside. The people nodded at the pair, letting them straight through to Grant's office.

Porsche opened the door to find Arthee on the floor, being worked over by two goons, while the proprietor observed with a cold gaze.

“Uncle!”

He wanted to rush to him but Jay grabbed his shoulder, keeping him in place as she leveled her eyes at Grant.

“What's going on?”

“Just a little reminder about paying your debts.”

“What debts?”

“Your uncle came in the other day, flush with cash. Of course, that changed, real quick.”

Jay stared at Arthee, who had finally been given a break and was sitting against the wall, avoiding her gaze.

“Who in their right mind would give you mon-”

She stopped and turned towards Porsche.

“Why would you give him money?”

He wanted the earth to open and swallow him up but tried to keep his composure.

“Mr. Kinn gave me a watch for saving his life. I asked uncle to sell it for me.”

Jay's eyes were drilling into him and he could see her mind working fast to try and find a way to resolve the situation. It only magnified his guilt and he gave her an apologetic look.

“How much did he lose?”

She turned towards Grant again, who carried a crooked smile.

“200,000, at first.”

Jay groaned.

“After that, he put your rent contract up as collateral, in a desperate bid to win it all back.”

Porsche froze and Jay's face lost all color.

“If you don't pay what he owes, I'll have you all evicted, and I can finally charge what the place is actually worth.”

“You tricked me! I wouldn't have lost it all if you hadn't cheated,” Arthee protested but was promptly delivered a fist in the face.

“How much does he owe?” Porsche asked when it seemed Jay was too stunned to speak.

“Five-fifty.”

He gasped, staring at his uncle who was back to looking at the floor.

“Give us a week.”

He looked at Jay, shaking his head. There was no way they could come up with that kind of money in a week.

“Piss off! I've been waiting for this since I won the deed from him almost twenty years ago. If I hadn't been so sympathetic towards your brothers, I would never have let the lot of you stay and pay next to nothing in rent!”

Porsche felt like he had been punched in the gut. He swallowed with difficulty and tried to wrap his head around the last two decades of being deceived into thinking the house had been sold to pay for his and Chay's expenses.

“You can have a day. I suggest you use it to pack.”

The comment brought him back and he tried hard not to yell and scream about the unfairness of it all. Grant allowed them to take Arthee out of the office and the three went to the alley.

“Porsche, I'm so sorry!” the uncle said as soon as the door closed behind them. “I never meant to spend all the money, but Grant wouldn't stop pushing me to keep playing.”

Jay was staying silent and Porsche struggled to keep his temper under control.

“Just go,” he said, quietly.

“Please forgive me! I swear, I won't ever do something like this again, never!”

“Get out of here.”

“I've raised you and Chay since you were little kids. I'm the closest thing you have to family.”

Porsche slammed a fist into the nearest wall and Arthee flinched.

“The only reason I haven't finished what those guys started is because you've been like family to us,” he said through gritted teeth. “At least, I thought you were. But you never cared about anyone but yourself, did you?”

Arthee's expression became nervous as his gaze flickered between Porsche and his sister, who was surreptitiously looking away.

“That's not true. I cared about you both as if you were my own! But when she came, everything changed.”

He pointed a bony finger at Jay, who gave him an indifferent look, making no move to interfere.

“You stopped needing me, but did you ever think about all I sacrificed for you? I deserved to be compensated for my time!”

“Well, consider yourself compensated,” Porsche announced, not bothering to hide edge of disgust in his voice. “You're no longer family, in fact you have nothing to do with us, anymore.”

Fear flashed across the older man's features.

“Porsche, I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I was stupid. But you can't just cut me off like this.”

“Just...leave.”

Arthee scanned Porsche's face but eventually nodded and turned his back, limping his way out of the alley. Porsche felt tears pressing behind his eyes and fought to hold them back.

“You knew, didn't you?”

Jay sighed, not bothering to feign innocence.

“I knew he had a problem. I made him give it up, once, but when my accounts started showing discrepancies, I thought he might have fallen back in. Or maybe he just never stopped.”

“Why did you never tell me?”

“I had hoped he was done with it, for good. I didn't want to be the reason you lost someone else.”

His mind was swirling with counter-arguments and angry retorts but at that moment, he just could not process everything he had learned.

“Let's go back,” he said instead.

When they returned, he looked through the house, picking things up, here and there, while lamenting that it may be the last time he would be there. Chay came in, offering a plate with two slices of cold pizza.

“Fresh from the fridge,” he said with a grin.

Porsche chuckled, accepting the plate. They sat down on the couch, as he took a bite. Chay picked up a picture of the two of them, laying apart from its broken frame.

“You know, maybe it's time to give up on this place,” he noted, sadly.

Porsche looked around, feeling his heart clench at the idea.

“I love this place.”

“Who doesn't? But there are cheaper places out there. Without Grant and his thugs knocking on the door. Maybe outside Crescenda.”

A small tremble in his voice was all the indication of the boy's emotional turmoil. Porsche put an arm around his neck.

“And what about school? We finally saved up enough to apply for the music academy, here in the city, remember? No more local college classes.”

“What good is studying gonna do, when I could help you and Jay better by working?”

His brother's words pierced Porsche's heart, and he put his hands on either side of the young man's face.

“I promised mom and dad I'd look after you. What kind of brother and son would I be if I allowed you to give up on your dream, just so we could make more money, now?”

Tears started running down Chay's face and Porsche gently wiped them, smiling.

“Besides, Jay would kill me if I let that happen.”

They both laughed.

“I could talk to her about it.”

“Then she'd just kill you, instead. It doesn't really solve the issue.”

“But...you know how you've always wanted to open your own bar, maybe on a private beach somewhere?”

Porsche nodded.

“We could do that. You could mix drinks all day, I could play live music and entertain the guests.”

“Ohoh! Is that so?” Porsche laughed. “You know, between your amateur music and Jay's penchant for scaring the hell out of people, I won't have a customer left by the end of the week!”

“Hey! I'm gonna tell Jay you said that!”

“Oh shit, please don't!”

They got into some light play wrestling but as they settled down again, Chay became serious.

“Porsche, I want you both to remember I'm also here. It's okay to rely on me, sometimes. You're not fighting alone.”

The older brother wiped his eyes, trying to smile through the tears.

“I know. But you're the brains in this family. I'm the brawn, so leave the hard work to me.”

“Where does that leave Jay?”

“Jay's the crazy one, I can't believe I have to tell you that.”

“I heard that!”

The voice came from outside the veranda door and both brothers smiled at the indignant tone. Porsche pulled Chay in for a hug.

“I love you,” Chay said, his voice raw.

Porsche pulled away to kiss his forehead, before pulling him close again.

“I love you too.”

After making sure his younger brother was sleeping, he sought out Jay in the garden. She was on the swing chair, once again lost in the night sky.

“So, what do we do?” he asked as he sat across from her.

Her eyes slowly lowered until they landed on him and she smiled.

“You don't do anything. I have some contacts I can call on. With a little luck, I can scrape together enough to stall Grant for a bit.”

Porsche narrowed his eyes at her.

“What kind of contacts?”

“Does it matter?”

“It does to me.”

She didn't answer, leaning her head back to stare up at the sky again.

“Jay, please don't go to them.”

There was a whimper in his voice, despite his best efforts to hide it.

“Would you rather lose the house?”

He hesitated and immediately hated himself for it.

“What if there's another way?”

She looked at him and he cleared his throat.

“Kinn tried to recruit me as a bodyguard. He promised to pay well.”

“Porsche, don't get involved with the Families. It won't end well.”

“It's our best option. I'll make it a condition that they pay our debts and let us keep the house.”

“It's too dangerous!”

“I'm willing to accept the risks. If it means you won't have to do that again, I'll do anything. So, please don't stop me.”

Jay stood, walking a few meters away. Her hand kept running through her hair as she was lost in thought. Porsche observed her conflicted state, his heart knowing full well the roar of emotions she struggled with: fear, guilt and a desire to protect her family. He went to her, putting his arms around her body and leaning his head on her shoulder. She turned around and hugged him, fiercely. He held her, taking a relieved breath.

“I promise, I won't get hurt.”

“You better not,” she mumbled, before stepping back. “Well, if we're going to the Theerapanyakuns tomorrow, we better get some sleep.”

He nodded.

“Right... Wait, what do you mean 'we'?”

Chapter 6: Chaos Is the Enemy

Porsche was trying hard to seem unimpressed with the splendor but his eyes seemed to grow bigger with every new piece of evidence of the wealth of the Theerapanyakun estate. Jay couldn't hide her smile whenever his eyes lingered on anything which seemed particularly expensive.

Two bodyguards, one in a track suit and one with his arm in a sling, led them through a wooden door into a short hallway with dark oak panels. It opened into a large lounge room with tall windows, all with modern décor and furnishings. Kinn was standing next to a marble-topped bar, drinking from a tumbler.

The sibling pair stopped a few meters away from the second master. Porsche spoke first.

“So, do we have a deal?”

“Your debts and brother's tuition fees in return for the two of you, working for the clan,” Kinn confirmed. “As long as you keep in mind, your lives are no longer your own.”

“Like hell they are!”

“Don't you dare speak to Master Kinn that way!” the man in the arm sling snapped.

“Why shouldn't he?”

Jay's tone was bored as she gave the man a languid stare.

“Last I checked, Mr. Kinn was a man, not a god.”

“Watch your damn mouth,” the other retorted.

“The things that pass for insults around here,” she noted coolly to Porsche who smirked in reply.

“You two have no idea-”

Kinn shot the injured man a look causing him to stop, mid-sentence, then looked them both up and down.

“They'll learn...in time.”

“Porsche, Jay.”

They both turned to find Chan standing there, in his immaculate suit.

“The boss wishes to see you both.”

They shared a glance before following him, though Jay made sure to stay behind her brother. The outside showcased more of the family's splendor as they traversed the numerous gardens, surrounding the main house. Chan led them to a secluded section, where a small spring was babbling quietly before a tall pagoda.

Master Korn, head of the family, stood on the veranda of the lowest level with a drink in his hand. Jay hesitated, avoiding his gaze as the group came nearer. He never turned to look at them as they all lined up behind him. Only Kinn dared to stand by his side.

“You two gave us quite the run-around,” he finally said, though there was no disapproval in his voice. “It was very clear you were none too keen on working for us.”

Neither of them answered. Porsche glanced at Jay who caught his gaze and shrugged, folding her arms across her chest.

“But I do hope you'll fall in well, here. And learn to be happy.”

“To hell with that shit,” Porsche muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

Korn turned around, looking at each of them.

"Don't worry about your brother. I'll make sure he's taken care of.”

Jay could feel his gaze as he said it and gave a curt nod. Porsche looked from one to the other and back again, his eyes narrowed.

“If you want me to work as a bodyguard,” he announced, breaking the tension, “I have to be in charge of those two.”

With a nod, he indicated the two who had originally shown them around. They both glared at him but he just winked at Jay who rolled her eyes at his antics. Kinn barked out an incredulous laugh, while Korn grinned.

“Well well, you certainly got the guts,” he noted. “Alright. Considering Big's current condition, we can arrange for that.”

“But sir-”

The injured guard was silenced by a sharp look. Those shrewd eyes turned on Jay, next.

“And you...Jay, was it? I'm sure you have some conditions as well?”

She took a deep breath.

“Just one. Make me a bodyguard as well.”

“You can't be serious,” the track suit scoffed.

“We've never had a female bodyguard among our personal details,” Kinn added.

“It's both of us or none.”

Porsche nodded his agreement as the others exchanged glances. Only Korn seemed unaffected, chuckling to himself.

“Alright. Consider it done.”

“Sir, you may want to reconsider,” Chan suggested, eyeing the pair warily.

“I'm feeling rather tired. You may leave, now.”

The head of security hesitated for a moment before nodding and gesturing for the rest to follow, until only Kinn was left, observing his father.

“Papa, are you sure about this?”

Korn said nothing, instead sipping his drink with a pensive expression.

Later, as he set up the board against Chan, he looked at the black queen in his hand, lost in thought. His secretary still carried a troubled expression.

“You know, fate always delivers all the actors to the stage,” he muttered before placing the piece. “It seems everything is finally set.”

He met Chan's gaze with a smirk.

“Let's begin.”

The two bodyguards showed Porsche and Jay around the facility, which included an Olympic sized pool, a shooting range and a gym.

“Every bodyguard must follow a strict training schedule,” Big explained. “To that end, the estate provides state-of-the-art training equipment and facilities.”

He gestured to the row of people practicing at the shooting range.

“The clan provides weapons and ammunition for both practice and missions, since shooting is an essential skill for everyone working in security.”

Both bodyguards looked the siblings up and down.

“Physical conditioning and strength are paramount for bodyguards,” the man in track explained. “Anyone who's out of shape will be booted. There's a standardized test every month. Fail it and you're out of here. Understood?”

“Sure.”

“Got it.”

The next stop was one of the upper floors where living quarters were located. The glass elevator carrying them up, afforded a view of the internal layout of the estate.

“The first rule: all bodyguards are stationed at the estate at all times, unless we're out on missions.”

“Wait, so I can't sneak out to eat, at night?” Porsche asked.

“Food? Really?”

Jay gave him an incredulous look.

“I would have asked about sex, instead.”

“Well, I get hungry after!”

“Buy a snickers.”

“Oh, come on!” the track suit exclaimed. “That's your business, do we really have to hear about it?”

“What do I do about school?” Porsche mumbled to his sister.

“I already arranged for your classes to be done, remotely, you just have to show up for exams.”

“You could have just pulled me out.”

She gave him a stern look.

“Not a chance.”

They reached the floor and as the door opened, they were met with the unfriendly stares of a score of suited men, casually strewn about a large, luxurious lounge area. They stepped off and a jingling suddenly broke the silence. Everyone looked at Porsche, who only then felt the vibration of his phone. He fished it out, groaning as Jom's name showed on his screen.

“What the hell are you calling for?” he asked, the second he answered. “I'm at work right now, you-”

Before he could finish, the phone was snatched from his hand and Big held it up with a stern glare.

“Second rule: No personal devices allowed, unless on a mission. If you have urgent calls to make, use the central phone.”

Big nodded to a counter with an old-fashioned rotary dial telephone.

“No more than ten minutes per call and everything is recorded,” the other chimed in.

“Is this a bodyguards' residence or a prison?” Porsche wondered aloud.

“Watch your mouth!”

“Prisons allow conjugal visits,” Jay mused.

“Would you stop that!”

For some reason the guy in track was getting agitated.

“Ken,” Big warned.

“Ah, a name at last,” Porsche smirked.

“Yeah, I see it.”

“See what?” Ken asked Jay.

“You have the hair and face sculpting of a Ken-doll, and you're probably just as smooth, below.”

“You bitch!”

Ken swung at her, but she evaded, while Porsche dove in, pulling the man's pants down.

“Wait, what's wrong with you!” Ken yelled.

“Oh, not so smooth, after all,” Jay noted with a tilted head as he hurriedly pulled his pants back up, his face crimson.

Big pulled out a gun, aiming at the pair who exchanged looks, barely able to contain their grins.

“We're no longer on the streets. Leave your filthy habits outside.”

Before Jay could retort, Porsche attacked, wrestling the gun away from Big, only to be kicked down as the guard pulled out another firearm. Every other guard was now on their feet, their guns all aimed at Porsche on the ground, but Jay quickly stepped in, standing above his body, staring the men down.

“Oi!” a deep voice boomed through the room.

Chan walked through the clusters of men, each of them standing down, averting their eyes when he looked in their direction. He came to a stop, next to Big, glaring at him.

“What's the third rule?”

Big hesitated but eventually succumbed to the heavy gaze of his superior.

“Bodyguards must get along with each other. No arguments, no fights. Chaos is the enemy.”

Chan stepped closer to him, straightening his tie, his eyes never losing their imposing authority. He bent his head slightly, to look straight at his employee's face.

“So you do know.”

“Shouldn't such an important rule be top of the list?” Jay whispered to her brother as she pulled him up.

He shrugged.

“This is not a playground!”

Chan turned towards at the rest, disapproval radiating from his posture.

“If you want to work here, you will live by the rules and know them by heart. Understood?”

He looked from one sibling to the other, neither of them answered.

“The rest of you, back to work,” he ordered. “You two, with me.”

He showed them past a row of smaller, office-like rooms, while pointing to each.

“Here we have the tailor for all your sartorial needs. We also provide a medical room, if you're lucky enough to survive getting shot.”

He stopped and turned to them.

“If you die, then that's unfortunate.”

“What, no morgue?”

He looked at Jay, the corner of his mouth quirking upward before turning back, gesturing down one of the halls.

“Porsche, your room is down this way, fifth door on the right. Your roommate should be home. Jay, you come with me.”

As her brother split up, she was suddenly very aware of her proximity to the man, she had been fighting with less than 24 hours earlier.

“I would prefer, if in the future, you and your brother refrain from provoking the other men. They're already on edge because of your recruitment.”

“I'm sure their bruised egos will survive.”

“We will need some time to make the proper adjustments for you. It's been a while since we last employed female bodyguards, so a female tailor and doctor will need to be found.”

“There's no need, I trust their professionalism.”

“Master Korn insists you be made to feel comfortable, during your stay.”

“I'm supposed to put myself in the line of fire for people I barely know,” she noted, calmly. “The current level of comfort is more than sufficient for that.”

“That's exactly the point.”

Chan stopped and spun on her.

“We're the first and last line of defense, the family knows that, they know what they're asking of us, every day. So, they're willing to make concessions, in order to mitigate that sacrifice.”

His expression never changed but Jay could sense the tension in the air as her eyes widened at the outburst. He cleared his throat and went back to guiding her down the hall.

“You'll be given a private room, opposite end from the men's quarters. I encourage you to keep your doors locked at night and avoid needlessly antagonizing your colleagues. While we don't accept discrimination or assault, we have hired the wrong people, before.”

“Got it,” she mumbled.

“If anyone gives you problems, seek me out. No exceptions.”

“What if I can handle it?”

“No exceptions,” he repeated and she nodded, belatedly realizing he wasn't looking at her.

“Understood.”

Porsche could not help but be impressed with the state of the rooms. Oak paneling and beige wallpaper encased a modern apartment with simple, yet elegant furniture. His attention was pulled from his exploration, by a door opening at the other end of the room. A man, about his own age, came out in nothing but an undershirt. A towel was draped over one shoulder and he was moving to an inaudible beat, humming to himself. Porsche stared in puzzled silence as the man started punching a sandbag and lifting weights.

After a few second, the guy finally turned around and immediately dropped everything at the sight of Porsche, pulling the towel to cover his crotch.

“Holy shit!”

He made an exasperated sound.

“Oh man, I totally forgot! You're the new guy, who's supposed to arrive today, right?”

Porsche gave an awkward nod, unsure what to make of his roommate.

“Hi, I'm Pete!” the other greeted, with a sheepish grin.

After getting dressed, Pete invited Porsche to eat the food, prepared at the large table. The latter agreed, impressed with the quality and flavor of the meal.

“Are we allowed to eat in the rooms? I saw a huge cafeteria on my way here.”

“Technically? No. But my grandma sends me this; it tastes way better and my boss looks the other way, so...”

“Who's your boss?”

“Master Tankhun, the oldest son. You're in charge of Master Kinn, right? Heard you made head bodyguard, already.”

“Yeah, though I didn't know he was the younger son. He always acts so smug and mature.”

“Well, there are three of them: Master Tankhun, Master Kinn and Master Kim,” Pete counted on his fingers. “Though Kim moved out ages ago. He only comes back sporadically.”

“The prodigal son, huh? And what about Master Tankhun? Is he a psycho like Kinn?”

“Nope.”

Before Porsche could tell him how lucky he was, Pete continued.

“Tankhun's even worse. Master Kinn is the most normal one of the family.”

“Normal, my ass! Ain't nothing normal about that guy.”

“Hey!”

They both looked to see Big standing behind the counter, holding up a suit.

“Get changed and go to the kitchen for your pick-up.”

Chapter 7: Fit to Be a Bodyguard

Porsche hated ties. Though his experience with them was limited, he could already tell they would become the bane of his existence. He pulled at the restrictive garment, as he entered the cafeteria, looking around the space. A buffet-style setup lined the main counter and employees were walking to and from, gathering food, sitting down to eat or bringing back used utensils.

He caught the attention of one of the kitchen staff.

“I was supposed to pick something up for Master Kinn?”

She nodded before picking up a tray, loaded with drinks and fruit and placing it in front of him.

“There you go. Master Kinn will be at the shooting range.”

He stared at the platter and back at the woman.

“But...I'm a bodyguard?”

“Oh, you're new, right? Don't worry, this is normal. You'll get used to it,” she explained, with a polite but reserved smile, before walking away.

He sighed, wanting so badly to just leave everything and go back home. His eyes landed on a tube of wasabi paste and an idea struck, making him smirk.

He moved behind the three men, twitching every time one of them fired off a shot. The sound never failed to make him uneasy. Kinn and his friends took their ear-phones off, gauging their results.

“Nothing but bullseye,” the one on the left noted to the second son.

“You're such a showoff.”

The one on the right rolled his eyes, then caught sight of Porsche with his hands in his pockets, standing in the back.

“Who's the new guy? He's not your usual type, is he?”

“His name's Porsche. Papa brought him in.”

Kinn gestured in his general direction.

“Feel free to use him.”

Porsche rolled his eyes, trying to focus his attention on anything else but the group.

“Hey,” the left guy said, leaning towards Kinn. “Tell your papa, I want one, too. And make it a feisty one!”

“Oh, you want feisty, Time?” the right guy ask with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Kinn chuckled at their banter before going to sit down. The other two followed.

“I'll ask Papa, if you'll tell your dad I want to expand my business in the upper Eastern part of Crescenda.”

“You'd be better off asking Tae's dad,” Time replied, with a wink to his partner. “It's his old domain. I crashed my car there, and he had it all cleaned up, not a peep made it to the media.”

Porsche was reminded of how his sister referred to the Families: a bunch of spoiled assholes, who's never been held accountable towards anyone in their lives.

“Spoiled assholes, indeed,” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Kinn asked with a sharp gaze.

“I said, the weather's neat.”

The trio seemed unconvinced but returned their attention to the drinks. Porsche tensed up, momentarily, as Tae's hand moved towards the glasses, but he relaxed as the other picked one with a yellow straw. Kinn glanced at him, curiously, but Porsche merely smiled, trying to seem friendly. The mafioso narrowed his eyes and turned back, slowly reaching towards the glasses; as he picked the one with the green straw, the bodyguard tried to school his expression into a neutral mask.

Kinn swirled the contents for a moment, before handing it towards Porsche.

“You know what? You've been working hard, why don't you drink this?”

“What? No, I had some in the cafeteria, I don't have room for any more.”

“You had this particular drink in the cafeteria?”

Kinn's eyebrow raised, skeptically.

“Well, something like it.”

“This is a special recipe, I'm sure you've never tasted anything like it. Drink.”

Porsche frantically tried to think of another excuse.

“I wouldn't dare. It was made specially for you.”

“You made me a drink once. Consider it my way of repaying you.”

He was out of options. His eyes flickered between Kinn and the ominous green liquid before he finally picked it up. The taste was truly revolting; whatever the drink had tasted like before, it was completely ruined and the only thing Porsche could compare it to, was when Chay was making food for the first time, mixing all the worst kinds of ingredients together.

“Very refreshing,” he managed to say, after the sip.

“Good, then you should have the rest.”

Porsche cursed, internally. With a deep breath, he downed the rest of the drink, suddenly appreciating Jay's acting skills whenever she ate their burned attempts at cooking dinner. He made a silent promise to apologize to his sister, when he got the chance, as he finished the last of the disgusting fluid.

The trio went back to their target practice, as Porsche stuffed his ears, trying not to fidget with every bullet, shot. As the three congratulated each other again, Porsche sighed.

“Sure, celebrate hitting a barn with a rock.”

He thought he had been quiet enough but Kinn suddenly spoke up.

“Enough with the paper targets. Porsche, put an apple up there.”

Porsche hesitated for a beat, then went and got the apple, casually tossing it in the air as he made his way to the front of the target.

“Where do you want it?”

“On your head,” Kinn replied.

“Nice one,” Time said from his position behind Tae, wrapping his arms around the latter.

“I'm serious. Do it.”

Porsche stared, fighting the rising wave of panic threatening to swallow him.

“Or what? Are you scared?”

He was. But the idea of showing weakness in front of the haughty heir was somehow more terrifying. With stilted movements, he placed the apple on top of his head, putting both hands in his pockets, mostly to keep them still. His gaze locked with Kinn's as the latter lifted his weapon.

They both looked at one another, neither breaking eye contact, as Kinn squeezed the trigger.

Jay followed Chan outside, trying not to give in to the urge to bolt. The pagoda came into view again, as the secretary lead her up the steps to the veranda. Korn was waiting with a fully set-up chessboard. He gestured for Jay to sit and she did, just as another guard came running, whispering something to Chan. The man glanced at Jay before following the other guard, leaving her and Korn alone.

“Do you still play?” Korn asked.

“You know I hate this game.”

He smiled.

“Humor an old man.”

With sigh, Jay made her move before leaning back in her chair.

“I thought you would continue to pretend,” he noted, moving his piece.

“There's no point. It'd just be a waste of time.”

“Always so direct.”

“Finesse was never my strong suit.”

“Is that why you chose to become a bodyguard? You know I have safer positions available. I could even-”

She held up a hand, stopping him.

“I'm not going anywhere Porsche isn't.”

She took one of his pieces and he smiled, though his expression was melancholic.

“Do you still hate me?”

Her eyes never left the board.

“What an odd thing to ask. I never hated you.”

For once, Korn seemed surprised.

“That...hardly seems possible.”

Jay was fully concentrated on the game, not even looking in his direction.

“Why shouldn't it be? Do you really think I would trust you with them, otherwise?”

“Ever the pragmatic,” he said with a smile, this time genuine, before returning to a more serious expression. “When you saved Kinn, he had just been to a meeting with Mr. Don of the Savelli family. The others are moving against us behind the scenes.”

“So? You've known this would happen for years,” she answered, unaffected as she took another piece.

“Without the Cristatas, our position isn't as strong as it once was.”

“Maybe you should stop chasing ghosts and start relying on the living, instead.”

He chuckled, playing against her in silence for several minutes. When he finally put her into checkmate, she slumped in her seat.

“Do you know where you messed up?” Korn asked.

“I sat down.”

He laughed while she rubbed her face.

“You're still too impatient.”

“Yeah well, almost two decades of being paid to get the job done quickly hasn't exactly tempered that quality.”

“I always felt raising three boys taught me patience.”

“I'm sure it did.”

He seemed disappointed in her answer but quickly shook it off.

“I hope you'll indulge me in another game, from time to time.”

“We'll see what happens,” Jay said as she stood from her seat, leaving the pagoda behind.

Porsche was pretty sure he was dying. At least it felt like that.

“Two-hundred-and-ninety-nine,” he counted, pushing himself off the ground with a groan.

He probably shouldn't have smoked inside the coffee alcove. He definitely should have put his cigarette out before dumping it in the trash and he most certainly should have sniffed the bottle before tossing the contents onto the flames. Then again, he could at least partially blame the asshole who filled a clear bottle with freaking vodka instead of water.

Everything would have been fine, if only he had had the time to smother the fire, but the sprinklers came on, flooding the whole area and Kinn had been furious.

“Three-...hundred,” he wheezed, after another halfhearted attempt, before he collapsed on the ground.

“Who said you were done?” Chan asked, coldly. “Get up!”

“Why don't you do it, you damn bastard,” he grumbled, quietly to himself.

But he did get on his feet, standing up slowly.

“Continue your daily training.”

Chan stalked off, while Porsche tried to catch up to him.

“Wait, I need to know where the restrooms...”

But the older man had already entered the house and Porsche was left, squirming as he sighed in frustration.

“Would it be so fucking hard to just listen for a sec, you freaking saphead?”

He looked around, hoping to glean where the toilets could possibly be, when his gaze landed on the pond. The sound of the babbling fountain did nothing to ease the call of nature. With a smirk, he stepped up on the edge and relieved himself into the water, cursing the whole family in his mind as the pressure on his bladder lessened.

He only had a couple of minutes to rush to the next part of his training, where he was asked to memorize facts about the Theerapanyakun family. The video quickly put him to sleep and he was woken by Chan slamming his hand on the small desk.

Every subsequent training regiment was a similar failure. From the attempt to untie himself under water to shooting drills, he was dead last, to the enjoyment of the other bodyguards, snickering around him.

“I changed my mind. This place isn't like a prison, it's a goddamn battlefield!” he complained to Pete when it was finally time to eat. “Are we being outsourced to a war zone? This shit's exhausting!”

“Hang in there,” Pete comforted. “It'll all be worth it when you're on a mission.”

“And what's with the food? I'm a grown man but this is a kiddy-sized portion!”

“All the food is carefully calculated by the chef to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for the individual.”

“Maybe. Or maybe they're saving the good stuff for the fat cats running this place.”

“Would you stop your bellyaching and eat your damn food,” Pete snapped, then grinned, shaking his head. “You big baby.”

Porsche started chewing on a carrot stick when Pete's face paled.

“Master Tankhun,” he whispered, jumping to his feet.

Porsche looked behind to see a furious man, slightly older than himself, storming into the cafeteria. He was in a bright magenta robe and followed by two bodyguards. Porsche got on his feet, getting a bad feeling this was somehow related to him.

“Which one of you did it? Which one of you bastards killed Elizabeth and Sebastian?” the oldest son yelled.

“Who?” Porsche asked Pete.

“They're Tankhun's pet koi fish.”

Oh...fuck me...

“I've raised them since the were mere babies. Babies!”

No one spoke.

“So, who's going to confess?”

The silence persisted, Porsche resolutely keeping his mouth closed, though he could feel the man's intense stare.

“No one? Really? Alright, then! Arm!”

The bodyguard with glasses stepped forward, holding a tablet.

“Show him.”

In a split second, Porsche had the screen shoved in his face, clearly showing him standing at the pond, pissing into the water. Pete gave him a disgusted look, but Porsche could only stare at Tankhun, looking guilty.

“What's wrong with you? How could you do something so disgusting, you crude...beast!”

He turned to the other bodyguard.

“Pol, grab him, he needs to pay for this!”

Porsche didn't resist as the man pulled his arms behind his back, but before they could take him away, someone ran into the cafeteria.

“You guys, you're not gonna wanna miss this! The other bodyguards are teaming up against one of the newcomers!”

“What?”

Porsche felt his breath hitch. Surely they wouldn't be this stupid?

“It's completely insane, you have to come to the sparring hall, right now!”

Tankhun looked at the messenger and back to Porsche but it was clear he was more drawn to drama than punishment.

“Guess today's your lucky day, you get to- Hey!”

Porsche stormed out as soon as his arms were released, hurrying towards the training hall.

Kinn glanced at the report, not seeing anything that surprised him. A sense of boredom was slowly creeping in as he sipped his coffee.

“Both his physical tests and his weapons test were below standard,” Chan explained.

“Good at fighting doesn't mean he's fit to be a bodyguard. Once a thug, always a thug.”

“Boss says to give him more time, he's very new to all this.”

“Papa better hope he improves by the time Big is fully recovered. What about the other one?”

Chan didn't speak right away, earning himself a curious look from Kinn. Eventually, he seemed to make up his mind.

“Her results are within acceptable range. But she's...problematic.”

“How so?”

Chan hesitated again. When he opened his mouth to speak, they were interrupted by another guard, who quickly whispered something to the head of security. A flicker of irritations crossed his face and Kinn raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the change.

“Speak of the devil,” Chan muttered with a sigh, then gestured for Kinn to follow him. “It would probably be faster to show you.”

Kinn stood and trailed after him, wondering what could put the normally stoic man so on edge. It was abnormal enough that it might just be entertaining. As they made their way towards the sparring hall, they saw several employees milling in the same direction.

“What's going on?” Kinn asked, as he spotted even the older staff hurrying towards the commotion.

“I was initially worried about Jay's status as the only woman on the bodyguards' floor,” Chan revealed as they neared the doors.

The telltale sounds of an agitated crowd could be heard through them.

“Turns out that shouldn't have been my main concern.”

He opened the door and they both went in. At first, there was nothing to see, through the throng of people filling up the room. However, Chan quickly pushed his way through, making sure Kinn was right behind him. They reached a clearing around the blue mats and whatever Kinn had expected, he realized at that moment, would never do justice to the scene before him.

Jay was wearing a black training outfit, covering both arms and legs, but even so, it was clear her body was battered. Her face sported several smears of blood and a few scratches, but she was grinning maniacally in the face of her opponent.

Kinn looked at Ken, who seemed to not have a single injury on him.

“Was Ken always this good?”

“My guess is he's only just stepped up,” Chan replied, nodding towards the left side of the mats.

Kinn turned his head, his eyes widening in shock at the row of men sitting with various stages of obvious signs of battle. They all seemed sullen and defeated, glaring daggers at the woman still standing on the blue mats.

“What the hell is this?” Kinn breathed, not sure he was understanding the situation correctly.

Ken flew at Jay and she dodged him, making her own counter, but he was faster, catching her wrist and punching at her ribs. She grabbed his arm as his fist connected and slammed her forehead into his nose, making him stagger backwards.

A loud snort drew Kinn's attention to the left side, where Porsche was sitting against the wall in his track suit, grinning. Kinn walked over, followed by Chan.

“You don't seem particularly concerned about your sister,” he noted.

“You know, whenever she would kick my ass, I'd always catch Chay grinning like an idiot,” Porsche said without looking at them. “But now I get it! It's fucking funny to watch her rail on someone else.”

Kinn looked back at the fight, noting the absolutely euphoric look on Jay's face as she engaged up close with Ken, wrestling him. He glanced at Chan who observed the situation with gritted teeth.

“Are you saying she's been fighting all of them on her own?” he asked, turning his attention back to Porsche, who nodded.

There was a gasp from the onlookers and Kinn looked back to see Ken having pinned Jay to the floor, a strange grin on his face.

“What's that fool doing?” Chan growled.

Kinn could see Ken's mouth moving but they were too far away to hear what he said. However, it became evident what was going on, when his hand reached for the waist band on Jay's pants.

“What the fuck?”

Kinn started towards the pair when his wrist was grabbed. He looked back at Porsche, who was smirking, wickedly.

“Now now, don't wanna stop the show before its climax.”

He nodded towards the mats. Kinn looked to see Jay smile up at Ken. The man's eyes widened and he froze. When thinking back on the next few seconds, Kinn was unsure how to fully understand what had happened. One second, Jay was beneath Ken, the next, Ken was on his stomach, with Jay planted firmly on his back, holding both his arms in an iron grip.

She leaned down whispering something in his ear.

“Fuck off!” Ken screamed, struggling ferociously but to no avail.

She whispered again, this time grabbing his hair and pulling his head backwards. Before anyone could think to stop her, she buried her teeth in his neck.

Chapter 8: Unclench, Bitch-Boy

“Should we check if you're smooth like a barbie doll?” Ken mocked, as he had her pinned.

His hand started traveling down her body, pulling on her waist band. Jay relaxed her body and smiled.

“Go ahead, babe. I'm even smoother.”

He froze, staring at her, wide-eyed. In a split-second, she managed to lift her body, throwing him slightly, and roll out from under him, before full on tackling his body from behind, pinning him down, with his arms folded behind his back, utterly helpless in her grasp.

She bent down, putting her lips right next to his ear.

“Now, here's how it's gonna be: you playing tit for tat doesn't bother me. I get it, I saw your underwear and your pride got hurt. But the fact that you let your guard down the very instant I gave in? Pathetic.”

She hissed the last word, before chuckling darkly.

“So from now on, you're my bitch-boy. When I snap my fingers, you come running. Do you understand?”

“Fuck off!” he yelled, furiously struggling.

She grinned, grabbing him by the hair and pulling his head backwards until he cried out.

“Well, that's too bad, because now, I'm not gonna let you go until you say 'yes, mistress', like the good little bitch-boy I know you are.”

She wrenched his head to the side and sunk her teeth into the supple flesh where his neck met his shoulder, not bothering to hold back even as he screamed in agony. The taste of blood filled her mouth, yet she only bit harder, still keeping her iron grip on his limbs.

There was a feeling of hands, grabbing at her, but she refused to let go, everything in her brain focused on holding on to her prey.

“I give up! For fuck's sake, let go!”

She made a noise of refusal, not releasing her bite in the slightest. His helpless squirms only added to the thrill she felt at having this foolish man at her mercy.

“Argh! 'Yes mistress', is that what you want to hear? I fucking said it, now let me go!”

She squeezed tightly, to keep him still as she retracted her mouth carefully from the bite mark. She had barely let go, when she was pulled away from him by a pair of broad hands. Blood trickled from her teeth and lips, and she slowly licked it with a satisfied grin.

“There's a good boy.”

Ken scurried away from her, his eyes filled with tears and fear as he mustered a glare at her.

“You're some sort of psycho!” he spat.

“Oh, you better hope so. Being the bitch-boy of a psycho is bearable, it makes sense that it can happen. Being the bitch-boy of a sane person? Well, that's just sad.”

“That's enough.”

Chan stepped in front, blocking her view, his expression displeased. She only then noticed the hall had been cleared, and besides Ken, who was till nursing his wound and injured pride, she and Porsche were alone with Chan and Kinn.

“A word,” the secretary snapped.

It wasn't a request.

He looked back at Ken.

“Go to the medical office. I'll deal with you, later.”

The threat held within the words sent Ken scurrying. The second the door closed behind him, Jay sunk to the floor with a groan. Porsche handed her a water bottle and she promptly poured half its contents out over her face. The cool liquid felt good against her battered skin, even as it pulled at her wounds, stinging.

“If you were this spent, why did you keep going?”

Chan's tone demanded an answer.

“Because they kept coming.”

“That's not an acceptable reason to injure a dozen of our best bodyguards.”

Jay stared up at him.

“Alright.”

“And absolutely no biting, ever again.”

“Sure.”

Kinn glanced at Porsche.

“I see where you get that little trick from.”

Her brother furrowed his brow, then nodded at her.

“Show him.”

Jay pulled on the neck of her shit, to expose her shoulder and collarbone carrying clear double half-moon scars, though they were smaller than the mark she had left on Ken.

“When I was little, we would spar and she would always tell me not to hold back,” he explained. “One day, I took that a little further than she expected.”

“Did you win?”

Instead of answering, Porsche just grinned. Jay rolled her eyes as she put her clothes back in order, before draining the bottle of the rest of its contents. It had been a while since she went all out, but it was nice to work her body over like that, even if the trickle of blood from her busted eyebrow was starting to irritate her. She wiped it away, ignoring the smear it left on her face.

“Come on, Sis. We should get you cleaned up.”

Porsche reached out a hand and she grabbed his forearm, letting him pull her to her feet. He supported her as she limped out of the hall, leaving Kinn and the head bodyguard to stare after them.

“I see what you mean with 'problematic',” Kinn noted with a pensive look.

“Master Korn refuses to entertain the idea of sending her away. And as long as her brother's a bodyguard, she won't accept another position.”

“Does she follow orders?”

“So far.”

Kinn raised an eyebrow, compelling the guard to elaborate.

“She does as told, but it's clear her obedience is not out of respect for our authority.”

“I'm guessing as long as you don't order her to act against her brothers, it won't be an issue.”

“Perhaps,” Chan replied with a reserved nod, “but it still leaves her recklessness to be dealt with.”

Kinn put a hand to his chin in contemplation.

“Not dealt with, tempered.”

“What do you have in mind?” Chan asked the heir, not entirely sure he wanted to know.

“Put in an extra training session, every evening. Use it to modify this issue.”

“You want me to personally train her.”

“You saw what she did to the others. If anyone can counter that level of aggression, it's you.”

The unwavering trust in his abilities did nothing to ease Chan's discomfort with the arrangement. However, he could think of no particular argument against the plan, at least none that would be convincing. He did not fully understand the motivation behind his unease, other than the feeling of wanting to keep some distance between himself and the woman.

“I will have to clear it with the boss.”

“I'm sure father will have no objections.”

Kinn was most likely correct in that assessment, but Chan was still hoping for an excuse to decline.

“That woman is a psycho-bitch,” Ken cursed.

“Yes, you've mentioned,” the doctor said evenly, as he stitched the bite-wound.

“What were you thinking challenging her like that?” Big asked with a frown.

“It wasn't my idea, I just went along with it. Didn't exactly expect to have a chunk of my flesh bitten off!”

The pain in his shoulder was throbbing and every second was haunted by the feeling of being completely helpless, while that woman tore him to shreds.

“I told you to wait and see.”

“They asked if I was in, and I couldn't let the opportunity to teach her a lesson pass by. It was twelve against one, it should have been easy!”

But ever since the first bodyguard had stepped up and she had shown that insane grin, there had been nothing easy about it.

“She doesn't belong here!”

“Hey! Can someone give us a first-aid kit?” a voice called from outside the door.

The doctor put aside his tools and went out.

“Does it hurt?”

Ken glared at Big.

“Wanna try?”

Big shook his head with a smirk.

“Maybe next time, you'll learn to listen to me.”

“Don't hold your breath.”

“Quite the lady,” the doctor mused as he re-entered.

“What?”

“Jay was outside?” Big asked.

“So it would seem. If that's how she looks, after taking on all the people I had to put back together, I can only be glad she's on our side.”

“She has no business being here!” Ken reiterated, irritably.

“I would argue someone who can produce such results absolutely belongs here, wouldn't you?” the doctor pointed out, turning to the other guard.

Big looked at him in surprise, then glanced at Ken and back.

“Uh, I wouldn't exactly say no, but...”

The doctor sighed, putting the bandage on Ken's wound slightly harder than necessary.

“You can hate someone to your heart's content, but when it comes down to it, you're not working for yourselves, you're working for the family. And who would you rather have protecting the people you work for?”

“There's a difference between skill and blind ferocity,” Big pointed out. “No bodyguard would ever act like that.”

“Exactly! She doesn't know the importance of restraint!”

The doctor squeezed the bridge of his nose.

“I could argue that twelve against one isn't a situation which calls for restraint.”

“We took her on, one at a time,” Ken countered but his voice wasn't as resolute as earlier.

“Just count your lucky stars she didn't cause more harm than this,” the doctor said, touching the bandage. “From the looks of it, she was careful in extracting her teeth, so she didn't actually tear out any flesh.”

He soon dismissed the pair and Ken was left with a feeling of being brushed off. He stomped down to the cafeteria, eager to divert his attention from the dull ache in his neck and shoulder.

“Are you gonna give up?”

He glared at Big as he chomped down on the apple, part of him imagining it was the neck of a certain female bodyguard. Of course, if he ever had that chance, he would crush the bones and not let go until she died.

“I'm gonna get back at her.”

“How?”

“I don't know. I'm sure there's something I can use against her. Those two are too suspicious to be clean.”

Big nodded.

“Well, you could pretend to apologize to have an excuse to talk to her.”

“She's not gonna admit something like that!”

“Of course not, but she might give you somewhere to start. Or do you have any idea where to look, yourself?”

Ken opened his mouth but no words came out. After a few moments, he closed it again and rose from his seat.

“What now?”

“I'll go talk to her.”

“What? Now?”

“Then it's over with,” he pointed out, before making his way to the elevator.

Walking down the corridor felt like walking to his execution. Okay, maybe not the execution of his life, but definitely his pride. If Chan caught him heading towards her room, he would be doing punishment drills for the rest of the year, apology or not. Yet, that was somehow less of a deterrent than the idea of bowing down and losing face to that bitch.

He reached her door, almost unconsciously, and yet it seemed his whole body was protesting the mere act of knocking. He had to put in conscious effort to lift his fist and rap it against the wood. For a long time, nothing happened, and Ken entertained a small hope she wouldn't answer. Then the sound of a lock turning broke the stillness and the door swung open, revealing Jay in flannel pants and a t-shirt.

“Dude...” she groaned upon realizing who he was. “Can't we do this tomorrow? I need sleep too, you know.”

“I'm just here to talk,” he clarified.

“Oh... Fair warning, then: my trash talking won't be at its peak, I'm pretty beat.”

“Just talking...no trash.”

“Seems out of character, but alright.”

She walked back inside, leaving the door open. Ken took it as an invitation and followed, closing it behind him, before looking around the space. It was pretty much like all the other apartments, except there had yet to be any personal touches, so everything was still neatly arranged.

“How are you liking it here?” he asked, unsure how else to engage.

“Neighbors are a bunch of assholes but the facilities are top notch.”

She was leaning on the counter, watching as he glanced around the room, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

“I want to apologize for taking part in the whole...group attack-thing.”

“It's okay, I had a blast.”

He looked at her in confusion.

“You enjoyed that?”

A slow smirk crept forth on her face and he caught a glimpse of her tongue running along the edge of her teeth. The gesture sent a shiver through his body.

“Didn't you?”

“Not particularly,” he said, grazing the bandage on his neck with his fingers.

“Oh, come on now. When you had the upper hand, are you telling me there wasn't any part of you that reveled in overpowering me?”

The question prodded at something within he was not fully ready to acknowledge, so he stayed quiet, instead. It didn't seem to bother her.

“I'd probably have enjoyed it less if I kept losing, but since I didn't...”

She shrugged, smiling in a way that wasn't condescending but not really kind, either. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her behavior but at the least, it wasn't threatening.

“I thought you'd be calling me Bitch-Boy, first chance you get.”

“Oh, I will. But this isn't really a good time for a tit-for-tat.”

He looked closer and she did seem sluggish. There was a butterfly bandage on her eyebrow and various bruises were slowly becoming more defined. It dawned on him that winning or not, fighting for so long against so many different opponents would exhaust even the most hardened of people. Perhaps it meant her guard was lowered? He decided to try his luck.

“Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“Here and there. Stay alive for three decades plus, you manage to pick some things up.”

She stood and leaned back against the wall.

“Your fighting style is just very...unorthodox,” Ken said.

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“'Unorthodox', huh? Sounds like a fancy way of saying that you think I cheated.”

He knew he should deny it, should try and get on her good side, but he couldn't pretend he found her methods reasonable or honorable.

“Unclench, Bitch-Boy, I'm not looking for your approval.”

He glared.

“I thought you said you wouldn't do that, tonight.”

“What is life without whimsy?” she replied with a shrug. “You've made your apology and I've accepted. Now, get out of here, I'm exhausted.”

“But...maybe I wanted to talk more?”

She covered a big yawn as she stretched.

“It'll have to be some other time. My bed's calling.”

Ken left, unsure if he had successfully masked his dislike. The only thing he could really claim to have learned, was that his little stunt had not hindered this woman, in fact it seemed to have had the opposite effect, and that thought terrified him.

Chapter 9: Knock-Off Disney Princess

The laughter of the other bodyguards was bad but it wasn't the worst, neither was the pink mermaid tail with matching bra that he was forced to wear, while splashing in the pool. No, for Porsche, the worst part was knowing he had no one to blame for his current situation but himself. Well, part of him blamed Chan for not telling him where the goddamn toilets were, a few days ago.

He had woken up to find Khun at his door with a smug smile, as his bodyguards shoved the costume into his arms, ordering him to change, before dragging him to the small balcony pool. For the past two hours, he had been doing tricks and splashing to the enjoyment of the older son and his entourage, internally cursing at their smug faces.

Pete had tried to mollify his boss but after being threatened with joining 'the show', his mild protests had died down.

“Elizabeth The Second, eat your treats!” Khun jeered, as his people dangled bread above Porsche's head.

“What's going on?”

Everyone went quiet and looked at Kinn as he pushed his way to the edge of the pool. He tilted his head at Khun.

“What are you doing?”

His brother frowned, gesturing to Porsche, unhappily.

“Well, he killed Sebastian and Elizabeth!”

He stood, flailing a foot at the mermaid-clad bodyguard.

“He's lucky I didn't pee on him, too!”

Kinn sighed.

“Come on, knock it off already. I'll buy you new ones. You don't really think he's a worthy replacement, do you?”

Khun pulled the sunglasses down his nose to give Porsche a condescending glance.

“Hmm, I suppose. My Elizabeth was definitely cuter than this lout!”

He walked past Kinn.

“He's all yours, but don't forget your promise! Come along now!” he said, gesturing for his guards.

Porsche was caught between apprehension and relief. The laughter was gone but being saved by the smug and admittedly well-dressed second son while wearing the outfit of a knock-off Disney princess very much diminished his gratitude.

“Nice outfit, Porsche,” Big gibed, splashing him with his uninjured hand. “Give us a little twirl, why don't you?”

Porsche said nothing, enduring the taunts and splashes as best he could.

“You look good in a tail,” Kinn noted with a smirk.

Porsche glanced at him, still quiet. The other reached out a hand and a slight flicker of gratitude entered his chest as he grabbed it.

“Thanks.”

Kinn chuckled.

“Did you really think I was saving you? There's an event tonight, and you're coming with me,” he explained before wrenching his hand free. “I'm just making sure you don't die before then.”

And just like that, Porsche was plunged back into the reality that he was an unwanted element among the people of the estate.

“Let's go, Big,” Kinn instructed as he left.

“You win, your boss is absolutely more psychotic than mine,” Porsche admitted as Pete walked with him to pick up his gear.

“Hold on a sec,” his roommate called, gesturing for him to come closer. “Look, Tankhun was kidnapped as a kid. They didn't exactly treat him gently and he ended up deeply traumatized. That's why he's a bit...eccentric.”

“A bit?”

Porsche gave him an odd stare.

“It's not just Khun, the whole family has their oddities,” his friend explained, lowering his voice further.

Porsche looked around, before leaning in as well.

“Are you also gonna tell me the sky is blue?” he whispered.

Pete rolled his eyes.

“Listen, there are a lot of people in this house and word gets around. So, be careful.”

“This is your way of admitting you're a huge gossip, isn't it?”

Porsche was about to move on, but Pete pulled him back by the shoulder.

“This is why I told you Kinn is the most normal among them. Mr. Korn is more or less forced the let him inherit everything, unless he wants to doom the whole family. Any sign of weakness on our part and the other families will tear us to shreds.”

This time, there was nothing light about his tone, in fact, his expression was grim as he patted Porsche on the back. The latter hesitantly resumed walking, understanding a little more why Jay was so adamant about avoiding the Families.

They arrived at the weapons counter, where an older woman greeted them before instructing them to check out their weapon of choice on the screen in front of her. Porsche looked through the options, with a huge grin, feeling like he had entered his favorite shooting game. Pete eventually pulled him back to reality.

“Let's walk before we run. A glock should do fine for starters.”

“Would you like ammunition and a silencer with that?” the woman asked.

He glanced at Pete who just gestured for him to answer.

“Uh...yes, please.”

She pressed something on her console and a wall-segment opened up behind her. The room they entered was small, dark and packed with weapons, auxiliaries, gear and equipment. Porsche gaped, nudging Pete as he broke into a huge smile, feeling as if he had stepped into a childhood fantasy.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” he asked, staring at it all. “It's like James Bond's personal lair!”

He spun around, wanting desperately to touch everything.

“All that's missing is some nerd to hand out the guns.”

“I guess that would be me, then.”

They spun to see one of Khun's bodyguards, Arm, standing at the entrance. He pushed up his glasses and went to one of the cabinets along the wall. Porsche was awkwardly looking away, not sure how to react to the newcomer after his comment.

His attention was pulled back, as he was handed the gun and a small box.

“Your weapon and communication device.”

He held up the box.

“How do I use this?”

Arm paused.

“Didn't you listen during your training?”

Porsche exchanged a glance with Pete who was trying to suppress a smile. The other guy sighed before explaining.

“Earbuds are the standard means of communication for security, worldwide.”

“You mean, like in the movies?”

“Sort of.”

He held the device up for Porsche to see.

“One click for general communication. Double click to turn off hearing mode, in order to send an audio signal. Finally, press this button to send an emergency signal straight to the main terminal. Got that?”

Porsche nodded hesitantly.

“Ask if there's something you don't understand.”

“Arm is our technical expert,” Pete explained. “He's in charge of IT, weaponry and surveillance.”

“Then Jay would probably have more in common with him.”

“Both your info was surprisingly well protected,” Arm noted, his expression more animated than before. “I couldn't get my hands on any of it from the public records; I had to hack your school's servers just to get the basics.”

“Hmm,” Porsche pondered. “She did always say we could disappear if we ever needed to, and no one would find us. I just thought she meant no one would come looking.”

“Do you think I could pick her brain about how she did it?”

Arm was suddenly very close, his eyes wide and Porsche stepped back a bit, eyeing him warily.

“You'd have to ask her. She's usually tight-lipped about that sort of thing around me and Chay.”

“Oh.”

Arm's disappointment was palpable as he stepped back. He went and sank into his chair, only to shoot right up as Kinn entered the room.

“Aren't you done, yet?”

Porsche took a few seconds, looking around before nodding.

“I am. Let's go!”

He walked around Arm's desk muttering under his breath, “Ain't no rest for the wicked, I guess,” only for Kinn to grab his arm.

“Wait a second.”

The man looked him up and down. Initially confused, Porsche noticed Kinn was wearing a white suit jacket and white shirt with black pants and bow tie. He looked down his own attire, the track suit issued to all bodyguards and back up at Kinn, suddenly having a bad feeling he knew what was about to happen.

“We're launching a new product,” Kinn explained as the tailor made the final adjustments on Porsche's suit, in the sartorial office. “It's at a five star hotel, black tie only.”

“You do realize my current outfit is more expensive than all the clothes I've had in my life, combined?”

Kinn ignored the comment as he pulled out a tie matching the black vest Porsche was wearing. He held it against his collar for a second before spinning Porsche around to face the mirror. Stepping in close, he held one shoulder while using the other hand to place the tie up against Porsche's throat, carefully examining the reflected look.

The seconds ticked by and his gaze slowly turned from the reflection to look at Porsche's profile. Porsche followed the move in the mirror, turning his own head to meet Kinn's gaze, wondering what the other had an issue with, this time.

However, when their eyes met, the question died on his tongue. He could not decipher the emotion in those dark depths or the sudden tension in the body pressed up against his own. Before he could even register it, Kinn looked away, tapping the tie against his chest, resolutely.

“Just make him look presentable,” he ordered before handing Porsche the tie and leaving the room.

Porsche stood there, wondering what had just happened to chase the otherwise collected mafioso out of there.

“Jay! Come on, open up! I know you're in there!” Porsche yelled as he hammered on the door.

It swung open.

“Yes, I'm here! What the hell's wrong with you?”

“I have an emergency!” he told her as he pushed his way inside.

She looked to sky as if asking for strength before closing the door and chasing after him.

“What's wrong?”

He turned thrusting a tie at her.

“It was all finished and perfect, and then I wanted to drink something, but I didn't want to risk spilling on my clothes, so I took all the top layers off and when I went to put them on again, the tie was already unraveled and now I don't know how to tie it!”

Jay groaned.

“For fuck's sake, Porsche, that's your big emergency? You had me thinking your room had burned down or something!”

“Just help me...please!”

His panicked expression abated her anger and she took a deep breath, putting a hand over her eyes.

“Alright, calm down. I'll tie it, this time, and once you're back, I'll teach you to do it, yourself.”

She took the garment and hung it around his neck, flipping up the collar in the process.

“I believe most bodyguards wear the half-Windsor,” she mumbled as she started looping one end around the other. “And even if they don't, it's discrete enough to not warrant a second look.”

Porsche observed her concentrated expression for a few moments.

“When did you learn to tie a tie?”

“Someone taught me when I was little.”

“A family member?”

“Probably.”

“You never talk about it.”

She glanced at his face and smiled.

“Is it that time of year, again?”

“Come on, just something, anything really.”

“Well, the story is as it always was,” she started, earning herself a groan from Porsche, “that my mother carried me, gave birth to me and raised me. After she died, I found you guys and figured you seemed lonely, so I decided to raise you.”

She pulled the knot up.

“Of course, by the time I got to really know you, it was too late to back out.”

“So, who taught you about the tie?”

“Whomever it was is lost in the hazy memories of another life, Porsche.”

He rolled his eyes and she grinned, adjusting his collar.

“There. Perfect.”

“You know, you're gonna have to talk about it, some day.”

“Undoubtedly,” she agreed. “But luckily for me, today is not that day.”

“Smartass.”

“So, what's with the getup slash panic attack?”

“Kinn's going to this black tie event. Some sort of product launch. What about you?” he asked. “Got big plans for the night?”

“I have a session with Chan.”

“Really?”

She nodded.

“Extra training. Every night for the foreseeable future. They're trying to beat the psycho out of me.”

Porsche chuckled.

“Not sure if I should send him a gift basket or my condolences.”

“You want me to pull that tie off, again?”

He put both hands up to cover the precious knot.

“Have I mentioned what an awesome sister you are?”

“And don't you forget it!” she said, poking him in the chest. “Now, get out of here. I still have an hour before training and I wanna catch some Zs.”

She turned around, but he put a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey. I mean it. I know I'm being a brat, sometimes, but I really appreciate that you're here with me.”

She turned back, ruffling his hair with a grin.

“If you weren't being a brat, I'd start to really worry.”

“Hey! Now I have to re-style it!” he complained, quickly running to her bathroom for the mirror.

She looked after him, with a fond smile, which slowly faded into a contemplative frown.

Porsche felt confident as he stepped out into the foyer. Even Kinn seemed impressed as he caught sight of him moving towards the black car, parked in front of the house. That was, until he tripped and fell flat on the floor. Both Ken and Kinn looked momentarily stunned before trying to hide their smiles as Porsche jumped back up.

“Are you done?” Kinn asked, though the corners of his mouth quivered. “Get in the car.”

The event was every bit the high-end affair Kinn had hinted at with men in tuxedos and women in sequin dresses with feathers in their hair. Porsche hardly knew where to look to avoid being blinded the by glitz and glitter.

“You guys can leave, I'll call you if I need you,” Kinn said, after getting situated.

“Yes, sir. Come on, Porsche,” Ken affirmed.

It was clear the second Theerapanyakun son was the star of the evening. People were swarming the young man to get an opinion, an interview or just to comment on how handsome he was and how well he was doing. Porsche observed everyone fawning over his boss, thinking how nice it must be to be so admired, simply for being from one family rather than another.

The idea put Porsche on edge and he nudged Ken, who was glancing around the place with a relaxed demeanor.

“Hey, go watch the front door. I'll keep an eye on Kinn.”

“What? Why?”

“It doesn't make sense for both of us to stand in the same spot.”

“So, you go.”

Porsche raised his eyebrows.

“Which one of us is in charge, again?”

Ken shook his head, mumbling something under his breath as he stalked off. It was petty but it felt satisfying to put just one of those high-strung bastards in his place. If only he could do the same to Kinn, who was still smiling and chatting away, merrily.

One of the wait staff came to stand next to him. The subtle scent of liquor tickled his nose and he turned to see a tray of champagne flutes, mere centimeters from his position. It occurred to him how parched he was, right then, but it did not seem right to indulge.

However, as the minutes ticked by and Kinn seemed no closer to being done, Porsche started eyeing the drinks more frequently. Surely, he wasn't supposed to completely forego drink and food, while his employer partook, right?

Chapter 10: There, Just He Was

Jay landed on her back, the wind wheezing out of her on impact.

“Get up.”

“Can I wait until my vertebrae heal back together?” she asked with a groan.

“Don't bother with the act.”

“Is that a no?”

“Up!”

She rolled over and got on her feet, panting.

“I'd like to remind you that I'm only gonna be effective at my job, if I can actually, you know, move.”

Chan was not impressed with her logic.

“You moved just fine when you sent several people to the doctor.”

“You're still mad about that? It's not like I caused any permanent injury.”

“I've had to switch people around, all week, to make up for the ones you've put out of commission.”

“They came and challenged me to a sparring match, what was I supposed to do?”

“What I told you to do, your first day here!”

His expression twisted and she held up her hands, palms outward.

“Alright, alright! No sparring against the menfolk.”

“Not unless it's done under my supervision,” Chan added. “Because of your little stunt, I'm not able to punish them for singling you out.”

Jay paused, looking at him. His face had softened but there was still tension.

“I didn't realize it mattered,” she said, quietly.

“I told you, we don't allow discrimination.”

“Everyone says that. Besides, if I run to you, they'll just find ways to be more covert,” she countered.

“I wouldn't let them.”

He met her gaze, earnestly, and the truth in there made her look away.

“Look, are we talking or are we training?”

He did not reply, right away, his eyes scrutinizing her, expectantly. She sighed.

“And next time, I'll come straight to you,” she acquiesced, before getting into fighting position.

He nodded before going into his own stance and once again they entered into a rhythm of attacking and countering. Chan was pressing her, constantly switching the tempo and style and she was struggling to keep up, only missing a fraction of his punches and kicks while landing few of her own.

None of her usual tricks worked, as Chan was either thick-skinned enough to ignore them or just outright foiled her attempts. It was a matter of minutes before she landed on the floor, again.

“Ow...”

“Get up.”

“I'm getting a sense of deja vu.”

“Are we talking or are we training?”

“Okay, now you're just messing with me,” she complained, rolling to her stomach.

Instead of getting up, she folded her arms and rested her head on them. Chan looked down his nose at her.

“I admit, I expected more from a runner.”

“Top runner.”

“Is there a difference?”

She looked at him, noticing the silent challenge in his demeanor, and shrugged.

“I suppose not, Mr. Assistant.”

The slight tensing in his posture was the only sign her jab had gotten to him but it was enough. She smirked up at him and he looked away, clenching his jaw. She got to her feet and readied herself again.

This time, she focused on learning his movements, keeping her attention on every little twist and turn of that muscular body as it came at her, again and again. It became easier to read some of his actions but she was still woefully inexperienced in comparison. However, time was on her side, so she kept her cool, allowing herself to enjoy the fight. There was no rush, she would be training like this for many nights to come.

Every time a particular move seemed to bring her down, she changed up her counter-method, hoping to stay standing a bit longer. When Chan finally called a halt, she was panting heavily, and drenched in sweat. He was winded but nowhere near as badly as her.

“Not bad,” he noted with an evaluating expression.

Something warm burst in her chest at the compliment (if you could even call it that) and she grinned.

“Can I assume that means there's hope for me?”

A small smile crossed his face, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

“You'll get there.”

He gestured to the doors.

“Go rest up, you still have training in the morning.”

Alright, so that last drink was probably a mistake. Well, maybe the last...three? The number was a bit iffy in his brain, but he felt good. So good, he wasn't even that bothered when he bumped the waiter and knocked over several glasses on the tray. Luckily, they were all empty. Someone must have been thirsty.

“Oh, so sorry about that,” he chuckled, trying to help, only to make it worse. “Sorry, soey, soy...”

Was that really how that word sounded? Probably. Words were weird like that.

“Porsche. Porsche! Where's Master Kinn?” Ken asked, looking concerned.

“He's over...”

Porsche looked at where Kinn had been, but the second son was conspicuously absent as he glanced around the room.

“Seriously, where is he?”

Ken looked from Porsche to the direction he was pointing, his brow furrowing more by the second.

“There, just he was...” Porsche tried to explain, feeling he had done a pretty good job of stringing the words together.

Ken shook his head, dragging him by the arm.

“Come on, we gotta find him.”

He was pulled into the nearest hallway, where Ken let go, moving further along.

“I'll look this way, you go down there,” the bodyguard said, as he pointed down the hall, while taking the stairs up.

Porsche nodded, steadying himself against the wall as he moved. Whoever installed these spinning hallways deserved to get fired. The sound of something breaking in the bathroom pulled his attention. He straightened up, hoping to seem semi-sober, as he went inside.

He saw Kinn with a beautifully dressed woman pressed against him, and immediately felt the blood rush to his face. As Kinn's gaze locked with his, he made some gesture of apology and approval.

“Nice one,” he mouthed, before turning around to head back out.

“She's fucking killing me, you dolt!”

The words dragged their way into his brain and for a second, he tried to figure out whether the appropriate response was to leave or stay, before their meaning finally registered. He shook his head to clear it as he aimed a kick at the woman, only for her to spin herself and Kinn around, so his foot impacted against his boss' back.

“Why're you kicking me?” Kinn yelled.

“Why're you getting in the way?” he asked back.

The woman took advantage of their distraction and managed to kick Porsche back against the stalls, before spinning Kinn around and kicking him into the opposite wall. She attacked Porsche with a baton, but he managed to dodge and grab her wrist when she came for him again. As she punched with the other hand, he grabbed that too and pulled her arms in opposing directions, effectively locking her in her own embrace.

He held her pressed against the sink station, when his stomach reacted to all the violent motion with a very quick and decisive evacuation of his stomach contents. He managed to hit the sink as it spurted out of him but it forced him to loosen his grip and with a quick twist of her body, the attacker was free and out. When he finally pulled himself back together, he tried heading towards the door.

“She's long gone!” Kinn yelled.

Once again, the words took a while to make sense, but when he got the message he stopped, uncertain about what to do or say.

“Is she with those guys who chased you behind Yok's bar?”

“Haven't you been paying attention? Everyone wants me dead... Including you, apparently!”

He had no comeback, and instead fidgeted before making his way to Kinn, extending a hand.

Kinn glanced at him, warily, before grabbing his forearm, pulling himself up. He was panting from the fight and his clothes were in disarray, but he still managed to look poised and collected. The idea that this wasn't the first attack on his life entered Porsche's mind and guilt started poking in the back of the bodyguard's mind.

The trip back to the estate was uncomfortably quiet and the second the trio entered Kinn's room, Big was waiting to lay into Porsche, no doubt apprised of the situation by Ken.

The bodyguard grabbed a hold of his collar.

“You don't work in a fucking bar, anymore. What the hell were you thinking?”

Porsche's balance was shaky and he nearly fell over from being pulled.

“Leave us,” Kinn ordered, calmly.

He waited until the door clicked shut, observing Porsche with an annoyed expression. Porsche wondered who had pissed the mafioso off this time.

“You do realize you made a fool out of me, tonight?”

It slowly dawned on Porsche he was the object of Kinn's anger and that thought, coupled with the fact that he only then noticed they were alone made him giddy, for some reason.

“Are you trying to get on my nerves?”

Porsche glanced at his feet, wondering what Kinn's nerves would be doing under them, then realized what the words meant and chuckled at his own blunder. The next thing he felt was something grabbing at his jacket and then everything seemed to just fade to nothing.

It was during the early morning hours when Kinn was called to the ground floor, where Chan pointed his attention to a spy camera in a vent.

“Would you have us remove it?” Chan asked, while making sure they were both outside its line of vision.

“Now, we know it's there, we might use it to our advantage. I'll ask Papa about it, later, see what we can come up with.”

Chan nodded.

“What do you plan to do about Porsche?”

Kinn hesitated, still remembering the weight of a warm body as it toppled on top of him. Porsche had been knocked out cold, but for some reason Kinn wasn't as furious as he should rightly be. The sleeping face so close to his own had left an impression, not altogether unpleasant, but extremely unsettling.

“I'll have to think of a fitting punishment,” he answered, trying to sound sufficiently irritated.

They turned to walk back to the elevator, but both stopped in their tracks as Porsche's body, slung casually over someone's shoulder, was seen being carried down the hallway.

They exchanged glances.

“Was that...?”

Chan nodded and the pair hurried to turn the corner to see the person still walking, oblivious to their stares.

“Master Kinn! Mr. Chan!”

They turned to find Pete rushing towards them in pants and a t-shirt. He stopped as he came close.

“Pete, what's going on?” Kinn asked.

“I don't know. Jay suddenly came into our room and picked up Porsche as if he weighed nothing. I hurried to get clothes on so I could follow.”

They all looked at Jay, who walked through the door marked for the pool. Kinn made a gesture for them all to be quiet as they hurriedly followed, carefully opening the door without making noise.

When they reached the opening to the actual pool, they took up positions on either side, sneaking to look inside.

Jay was standing in front of the water, holding on to Porsche, who now had both feet on the ground, but still did not seem really awake. She patted his cheeks.

“Porsche. Come on, wake up!”

She hit a bit harder and he finally seemed to come to, looking at her, through narrowed eyes.

“Hi,” she greeted him, smiling sweetly.

He grinned.

“Sis, hey,” he mumbled, slowly.

A split-second later, she had kicked Porsche into the pool. She watched, still smiling innocently, as the water churned where her brother had fallen in, not even moving a muscle as Porsche emerged from the depths.

“What the fuck, Jay?”

“Oh, good! You're up,” she said with a saccharine voice, which turned to steel as she continued: “Mats, fifteen minutes!”

She spun on her heel and stalked out of the room. Kinn, Chan and Pete quickly pulled back into the shadows, hoping to escape her notice. Whether she saw them or not, she said nothing, simply continuing out of the door.

“What did she mean by 'mats'?” Kinn wondered.

The other two were silent for a moment, before Pete lit up.

“The sparring hall!”

The trio took great pains to avoid Porsche's notice as they left the area, heading for the sparring hall. Kinn lead them to an overlook, from where they could see the whole hall without being spotted. Jay was already standing at the blue mats in her track suit, waiting patiently.

Porsche came trudging in wearing the same outfit, about ten minutes later, his hair still wet and a sullen look on his face.

“How many rounds?” Jay asked.

He took a deep breath before answering.

“Five.”

“What intensity?”

“Ten.”

She nodded.

“So you have some self-awareness, at least. That's a good start.”

What followed was quite possibly the most brutal rounds of sparring Kinn had ever seen. Jay held nothing back, jabbing, punching and kicking every opening as it appeared, while Porsche put up halfhearted defenses. There was no blood and very few visible marks but there was no doubt it was painful.

Every time Porsche fell to the floor, Jay would go to the end of the mat and wait for him to get back up, saying nothing the entire time. The absolute coldness with which she meted out her punishment was enough to make Kinn want to put a stop to it. Pete seemed about to call out, when Chan's hand landed on his shoulder. The older man shook his head at them both, and so they watched, quietly.

The fifth time Porsche fell seemed to be the last, and Jay dropped her battle stance, moving to a small bundle next to the mats. She picked up two water bottles and handed one to Porsche.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, before sitting up with a groan.

“You wanna tell me what the hell possessed you to do something so mind-numbingly moronic?” she asked, as she plopped down next to him.

“I...have no answer for that. It was stupid.”

“Incredibly stupid!”

“I guess I really let you down, huh?”

Kinn saw her hand move towards the side of Porsche's face.

“Ow!” he yelped.

“You really think that's what this is about?”

“What else would it be? I got drunk on the job and humiliated you by making an ass of myself.”

There was another cry of pain.

“Stop flicking my ear!”

“Porsche, when you were in middle school, I was working nights, remember that?”

He nodded.

“The other kids were teasing you, saying I was a whore. You got fed up, and during a school assembly, you stood up in front of the crowd and proclaimed that if I were a whore, I was the best goddamn whore in Crescenda, and if anyone wanted to buy a night with me, they would have to talk to you, first.”

Porsche started coughing at the same time, masking the sounds of Pete and Kinn, who sputtered from the overlook, ducking down, to hide themselves as they tried to get their laughter under control.

“It took three months of weekly talks with the principal and two favors from Center Tower to smooth the whole thing over, and I had to sign a document, stating I would never go near any of the other kids and would only stick to specially designated areas, whenever I was on school grounds.”

Her voice held no irritation or resentment, just a serene acceptance of the past she relayed.

“I don't care if you humiliate me. It's part and parcel of being brother and sister. But you could have gotten Kinn killed, last night. You could have gotten yourself killed.”

That simple truth seemed to hit him harder than any of the punches he'd taken during the sparring.

“You're not a meat shield, Porsche. Your job is not to absorb whatever damage should have gone to someone else. It's to be good enough to keep you both safe. And if I didn't think you could be, I would never have let you enter this place.”

Porsche looked down, wiping his eyes. Even from the overlook, Kinn could feel the tenderness between them, and something in his chest clenched. A quiet longing he never allowed himself to acknowledge was aching inside him. When Jay smiled at her brother, the warmth of such a simple gesture was enough to make Kinn look away. With a sigh, he gestured for the three of them to leave with Jay's last comment following him out the door.

“A dead bodyguard protects no one.”

Chapter 11: I've Been Good...Ish

“Chay!”

He spun to see his sister waving at him from among the crowd of students. The sight of her happy face drove home how lonely it had been without his siblings. Before he had realized it, he was rushing through the throngs of people towards her. She laughed as he barreled into her, returning his fervent embrace. Her warmth was so comforting and familiar that the urge to cry almost overwhelmed him. He took a deep breath, trying not to let her scent make him more emotional.

“You're too big for this, you almost ran me down!” she chuckled.

“Don't care,” he mumbled, squeezing tighter. “It's your fault for leaving for so long.”

“I'm sorry about that. Work has been...a lot.”

“What exactly are you doing?”

She didn't immediately answer and he pulled back to look at her.

“Neither of you told me what this new job was, you just said you couldn't contact me as often.”

A frown graced her face for a moment, before she picked up the corners of her mouth, putting her hands on his shoulders.

“I'm so sorry, Chay. It's really nothing dangerous. Mostly, we just stand around keeping an eye on things.”

He smiled, breathing out heavily, then furrowed his brow.

“How's Porsche doing?”

“Well...” she hedged, making him uneasy.

It took a second for her to catch the shift in mood. A warm hand settled on his head, ruffling his hair.

“He's the same old Porsche, getting himself into trouble. But he'll get there.”

She turned towards the large main building, gesturing to the banner above, saying: 'WELCOME, PROSPECTIVE FUTURE STUDENTS!'

“How's the open house, so far?”

“It's been great! They have professional recording equipment and classes focused specifically on starting a career in music! They also offer to sponsor a debut album for the top students, and-”

Chay stopped himself, realizing he was babbling, but his sister just smiled, putting and arm around his shoulders.

“Then you better work hard.”

“Are you gonna stick around? There's a concert with this guy, Wik, who's really popular on social media, and afterwards, the teachers will explain about the individual classes...”

Chay trailed off as her smile fell.

“You probably have work, right? Don't worry, I have some friends I can go with.”

He glanced around, trying to hide the stab of disappointment in his chest. Jay pulled him into another embrace, her smile lifting again.

“Not at all. I was just disappointed that I have to go to the office and sign some documents for your application, so I'll miss most of the concert. But I'll meet up with you after, and go listen to the teachers, okay?”

He stared at her.

“You promise that's all?”

She nodded.

“Head on inside. I'll see you later, okay?”

“Okay. Love you, sis!”

They hugged once more before she walked away. He met up with a mate of his and went inside where a staff member was busy welcoming the students to the open house and introducing the student who had become the poster child for the school.

“Please welcome, Wik!” the man yelled as Chay and his friend crept closer to the stage.

A handsome man, slightly older than Chay, swaggered onto the platform in a brown leather jacket. He gave the announcer a quick handshake and hug before picking up a guitar and sitting down.

“Who's that?” Chay's friend asked.

He stared, dumbfounded.

“Are you serious? That's Wik!”

“Who?”

“The guy who's been blowing up on the internet? He writes his own songs and records himself playing them?”

Wik started strumming his guitar and Chay looked at him.

“He's the reason I want to get in to this school.”

A smooth voice carried through the room and Chay was lost in the lyrics, his mind floating along the words as the melody wrapped around him.

When the song came to and end, there was a roar of applause before Wik spoke to the crowd about the school, his career and his motivations.

“The two questions I always ask myself are these: 'How badly do I want to make my dream happen?' and: 'If I lose something along the way, will it still be worth it?' When we love something with everything we have, everything we are, we need to be willing to make the sacrifices necessary.”

He looked across the crowd.

“I hope my story will be useful to some of you and good luck with getting where you want to be.”

The crowd applauded again and the announcer came back on stage.

“And wait, there's more! For all of you fans out there, it's time for a little, friendly competition!”

What followed next were several rounds of questions relating to Wik's career. Chay eagerly put his hand up at every turn, but was overlooked in favor of other attendees.

“Okay, time for the last question: In which of Wik's music videos does a cat feature?”

Chay's hand shot up, but once again, he failed to be asked.

“The Beached Whale,” said the girl who was picked.

“That's correct!” the announcer declared.

“Wait! That's not the whole answer!”

Chay could feel everyone's eyes on him, as he protested.

“In 'Lost Star', there's a cat tail, after the hook, 'Shape of You' has a paw seen, during the intro, and there's a cat doll in 'I Secretly Like You'.”

As people around him stared, he grinned, sheepishly.

“Do-does that count?”

The announcer looked at Wik, who seemed stunned; then he slowly began to clap, leading the crowd to join. Chay's friend cheered, grabbing him by the shoulders, but he was still looking at his idol whose eyes seemed to linger on him.

After the concert, the winners were given autographed t-shirts and taking pictures with Wik. Chay eagerly approached the group and the announcer's expression became awkward at the sight of him.

“Uh...we only had a limited amount of t-shirts available,” he explained and Chay felt a wave of disappointment run through him. “We hadn't really accounted for a super fan.”

“Oh...that-that's alright. It happens.”

He smiled politely at the announcer and musician as he turned away.

“You got three answers in one.”

Chay turned around.

“I'm sorry?”

Wik shot him a kind smile.

“It's not really fair that you gave a more complete answer and get nothing, so...is there something else you'd like?”

“Are you sure? For real?”

“What do you have in mind?”

Chay took a deep breath.

“I really want to get into this school. Is there any chance you could give me some guidance? Maybe meet up to help me?”

Wik's expression fell, something Chay was all too familiar with, having witnessed it on numerous occasions from Porsche and Jay, when their busy schedules collided with the events at school. He put his hands to his face.

“Oh my god, I-I'm so sorry. Of course you're busy, I can't believe I...again, I'm really sorry.”

He turned around, more dejected by his own audacity than Wik's rejection. A sigh could be heard behind him.

“What's your name?”

He turned back, struggling to hide an embarrassed smile.

“It's Porchay.”

Wik came close, writing his autograph on Chay's uniform shirt. Afterwards, he patted him on the shoulder.

“I really hope you get in.”

Chay was barely out of sight, before he started gushing with his friend about the event, struggling to believe it had really happened.

“You're late.”

Chan shot Jay a sharp look as she took up position, next to the other bodyguards.

“Yep.”

“What's your excuse?”

“Don't have one.”

“Then you can start with two hundred sit-ups. Porsche, you join her.”

Porsche, who had been smirking, gaped.

“What'd I do?”

“Get to it.”

“I'm the one who's suppose to get you in trouble,” he grumbled as they did the exercise opposite each other.

“Consider it payback.”

“How's Chay?”

“He's hanging in there. I'll talk to Korn about allowing us to call him more.”

Porsche made a sound of agreement.

“He kept talking about his idol signing his shirt at the academy,” she told. “Wouldn't even hug me afterwards, in case I smudged it.”

“You realize if he doesn't get in, he's gonna be mopey for the rest of his life, right?”

“Thanks, I needed the added pressure, on top of keeping myself, you and this damn family alive.”

“Happy to help!”

“Cut the chatter!” Chan chided.

They continued in silence, keeping up with the rest of training, after the punishment was done. At the end, they were all lined up again.

“Next week, the pre-meet with the minor family will take place. You're expected to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Theerapanyakun clan's top security. Any mistakes will be severely punished, keep that in mind. You're dismissed. Jay, you're with me.”

“Somebody's in trouble!” Porsche teased.

“If this is your doing again, don't count on sleeping tonight,” she warned, darkly.

“Hey, don't look at me! I've been good...ish.”

“Wouldn't that be something.”

She followed Chan through the estate, wondering what new hell awaited her. He stopped in front of a counter with a glass screen, reading 'Welcome'.

“Ms. Erika, I'd like you to open the storage and call Arm down to join us, please,” he told the woman behind the counter.

“Of course, Mr. Chan.”

He turned to Jay.

“Ms. Erika is in charge of access to the weapons storage, if you need to check out a firearm, she's the one to talk to.”

Jay glanced at the older woman.

“I love your eyebrows!”

Erika stared, confused.

“Th-thank you?”

“Did you just get those done?”

She glanced at Chan before nodding.

“I...yes, I did.”

“So pretty. You know-”

“Let's go,” Chan interrupted, pulling Jay inside the storage.

“What's your problem?” she asked when he finally let go. “It was just a compliment.”

“I don't need you to go around making the rest of the staff uncomfortable!”

“What makes you think she was uncomfortable? Maybe she was just surprised someone took their head out of their ass long enough to notice her.”

Chan pinched the bridge of his nose as he breathed deeply.

“We're getting off track. I brought you here because we've decided to place you as one of Tankhun's bodyguards, for the time being.”

“Alright.”

“I assume there'll be no issue with that?”

She furrowed her brow.

“Should there be?”

He seemed hesitant to answer, then shook his head.

“I heard you called for me?”

They turned to see another bodyguard enter.

“Arm, this is Jay, she'll be added to Khun's security detail. I'd like you to fill her in on the specifics.”

Jay took in the newcomer, her lips widening into a crooked smile.

“Are you telling me this adorable four-eyes is at my disposal?”

Arm coughed awkwardly while Chan grunted.

“What did we just talk about?”

“I have a weakness for glasses, what can I say?”

“Despite first impressions, Jay is skilled enough that keeping Khun from attending the pre-meet shouldn't be too difficult,” Chan explained to Arm, who nodded, while glancing at the smirking woman.

“Meeting the minor family is always a problem, with Khun,” he then elaborated towards Jay. “So, his bodyguards are tasked with keeping him contained, to ensure he doesn't attack his cousins.”

“Khun needs a few days to get used to a new person in his circle,” Arm added. “But once he trusts you, he's relatively easy to manage. We're gonna have to distract him, until the minor family leaves the premises, on the day of the meet.”

“Noted.”

Arm looked from Jay to Chan, the simple response seemingly putting him at a loss. Chan sighed, turning his attention to Jay with a stern expression.

“Since you're the newest bodyguard, you answer to the others. I expect you to follow their every command.”

She grinned at Arm.

“I get to be ordered around by you? Must be my lucky day.”

The young guard averted his eyes, a rosy tint darkening his cheeks. Chan groaned.

“Try not to take her teasing to heart, her level of discipline could use some work.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jay glared at him.

“I don't go around spoiling your hobbies.”

“Making people uncomfortable isn't a hobby, it's a disturbing compulsion.”

“Agree to disagree.”

Chan opened his mouth for a rebuttal but thought better of it and just shook his head, gesturing to Arm.

“I'll leave her with you. After you're done, you can both resume your usual schedule.”

He left after that, leaving Jay alone with the bespectacled bodyguard, who gestured to the only chair in the room.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Yes, sir!” she replied with a smirk.

“I must admit, I've been looking forward to meeting you.”

Her eyebrows rose.

“Really? Color me intrigued.”

“I was tasked with finding information on you, before we knew who you were. I must confess, trying to look up anything about you left me quite stumped.”

“Yeah, Center Tower has some ridiculous security measures for its runners,” she chuckled.

“I would be really interested in knowing what kind.”

Arm's eagerness was cute enough she was tempted to play along, but instead she tilted her head, tapping the table with a fingernail.

“I believe this meeting is about Tankhun, not my former employer, Mr. Arm.”

His face fell with such comical starkness, she laughed.

“Oh, cutie, no need to look so forlorn. We'll be working together for a while. Maybe you'll find a way to wear me down.”

She winked at him and he stiffened.

“Uhm... So, the important thing to know about Master Khun is this:” he quickly redirected. “As long as he's watching dramas and talking about them, he's in a good mood and rather easy to deal with.”

“Dramas, huh? A big step up from Candy Candy, I suppose,” she muttered under her breath.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Just thinking out loud.”

Chapter 12: Typical Cocky Little Shit

“Why would I need a female bodyguard? I'm a guy!”

“Master Khun, your father insists she learns how things work from observing us with you,” Pete argued, calmly.

Indignant eyes turned towards Jay, who had yet to speak.

“Papa says you're pretty good. He says you defeated ten of our best bodyguards. Is that true?”

“More or less.”

“What's that supposed to mean? Is it true or isn't it?”

“It was twelve, but yes, it's true.”

Khun scoffed, rolling his eyes away from her.

“Ten or twelve, what difference does it make? Are you trying to brag about it?”

“Wouldn't you?”she said with a grin.

Having the question turned back on himself seemed to take him by surprise, but he did ponder it for a moment.

“Alright. I suppose you can follow us around. Just make sure you follow orders! Discipline is very important to me.”

Arm and the third bodyguard exchanged glances, shifting subtly.

“These guys are Pete, Arm and Pol, they're my loyal bodyguards and best friends,” he introduced, gesturing to each of the men, who nodded at her. “So, you better not get any funny ideas about turning them against me!”

“Wouldn't dream of it.”

He looked at her, scrutinizing her face before he nodded.

“Good. You can sit over there.”

He pointed to the end of the couch, next to Pete, as he took the floor in front of it.

“Let's start the show.”

A drama began playing on the large flat screen and the guards sat behind, as Khun became absorbed by the show. Pete leaned in, when he was sure his boss was no longer paying attention to anything else.

“Did Arm warn you about Khun's habits?”

His voice was low enough to not disturb the sound and Jay nodded, thinking it better than risking being heard.

“It's really not that bad, but it can get really boring. Especially if dramas aren't your thing.”

She glanced around but while Arm was within hearing distance he made no sign of actually listening. With a crooked smile she leaned closer.

“One time, our brother got sick with the flu for a week, so I had to stay home with him, watching TV. To this day, I can't see a teletubby without getting a murderous urge to punch it,” she replied, earning a snort from Pete.

“So, who do you think this guy is?” Khun asked, after a few minutes. “Good or bad?”

“He's looking sketchy and he was clearly spying on the male lead, obviously he's a bad guy!” Pol eagerly said.

Pete nodded along.

“Yeah, and the news mentioned an escaped criminal, right? It has to be that guy.”

“It's a red herring.”

They all turned to stare at Jay.

“You mean, he's not the villain?” Khun wanted to know.

“You're meant to think he is, but the villain is most likely someone else.”

“Who?”

She thought it over for a moment.

“My money's on the new doctor at the hospital.”

“But he's so nice! He helped the female lead out of her panic attack,” Arm argued.

“Which would make the betrayal that much more devastating, wouldn't it?”

“But-”

“Alright, alright!” Khun interrupted Arm. “Let's see who's right!”

After the show ended, Khun laughed.

“Ha! I win! You were wrong, Arm.”

“But it was Jay's theory?” Pete argued.

“Yes, and since Jay's my employee, her theory is my theory! So I win.”

He turned to Jay with a big grin.

“What's my reward?”

By lunchtime, she joined Porsche in the cafeteria.

“How's working for Khun?”

“Well, you'll be happy to know that I can now flawlessly recite the intro lyrics to 'Heartbreak Hospital'.”

“The...soap opera?”

“It's a drama.”

Porsche furrowed his brow.

“What's the difference?”

“I don't know, but Khun was furious when I got it mixed up. I hope it's not the lack of an amnesiac story line, I'm still waiting with bated breath for it.”

“Sounds like my worst nightmare.”

“Mm-hmm.”

She seemed distracted as she ate, her hands making counting patterns, whenever she wasn't holding anything.

“What's wrong?”

“Hmm?”

He pointed at her fingers and she stretched them before clenching them into a fist.

“Nothing. How's it going with Kinn?”

“There's not much to say. He hasn't bothered with punishing me and I've kept a low profile, per your instructions.”

She nodded and focused on her food, not meeting his gaze. The avoidance was curious and it made him itch to figure out more.

“Did you just watch TV the whole time?”

“No, we also did some activities together and he asked me some questions, stuff like that.”

Getting something to drink suddenly seemed imperative to Jay, who stood and walked away, soon returning with a glass of water, which she promptly emptied. Porsche narrowed his eyes, waiting impatiently for her to be done.

“What kind of activities?”

“Look out below!”

The sound of something being shot and slamming into stone, breaking it, could be heard from the central atrium.

“Oh, this and that. Could you pass me the salt?” Jay answered, acting oblivious.

He rushed to the railing to see a line stretching from one of the top floors, several floors down, where a metal claw had penetrated into the stonework, securely attaching the rope.

“You gave him your grappling hook?” Porsche asked in disbelief.

“Actually, it's the line shot. The hook only attaches at one end and it can't grab onto stone.”

“WOO-HOO!”

Khun, in full harness, wearing what looked like a fur coat made from a whole leopard, came flying down the zip line, in a blur of yellow and black, only to slam flat into the stone wall.

“And the harness?”

Jay came to stand next to him, looking down at Khun, groaning in pain.

“Probably should have taught him how to brace when reaching the other end.”

“Master Khun! Are you okay?” Arm and Pol were both looking down from the floor he had jumped off, while Pete could be seen descending in the elevator, with a concerned frown.

“What on Earth is going on here?”

The siblings both turned their attention to Korn, down at the ground floor, looking up at the zip line in confusion. He caught sight of Jay and Porsche, the latter quickly ducking out of sight, while his sister saluted the head of the family with an awkward smile.

“Maybe I should have told him not to use it inside.”

“I better get back to work,” Porsche said, crawling away from his spot on all fours, until he was safely out of sight of the spectacle.

Porsche entered Kinn's room, placing the envelope he had received from Chan next to the laptop his boss was working on, before stepping back. Kinn picked up the envelope, then tossed it back with a disinterested look. He turned towards Porsche, his eyes darting towards the entry hall.

“Sounds like there's a lot going on out there.”

“I had nothing to do with it.”

It seemed wise to distance himself from the chaos, considering his recent screw-up. Besides, he was being honest...for once.

“This is all Jay's crazy idea.”

Rubbing his hands together, Kinn did not question his assertion, nor did he seem displeased. Rather, his expression was somber, almost a bit awkward.

“About Jay: I heard she gave you a hard time...about the incident at the hotel.”

“Is this the part where you admit to spying on us?”

Kinn stilled and his cheeks darkened. He looked away, clearing his throat. The whole image was so odd, Porsche had to suppress a chuckle.

“I was on the ground, a lot. I was bound to look up at some point. Also, Pete kinda blew your cover the second I got back to the room.”

There was another clumsy cough.

“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-”

“It's fine.”

Kinn's head snapped up and he looked at Porsche, who scratched the back of his neck.

“I'm the one who fucked up. At least, now you know I didn't almost get you killed, only to act like nothing happened.”

Porsche put his hands in his pockets, regarding his employer with a pensive look.

“You probably have some questions. You might as well get them out of the way, now.”

“Five and ten. It seemed pretty self-explanatory but...”

“Oh that? When I was in high school, I was your typical cocky little shit who knew how to fight and therefore thought he was king of the world.”

Kinn looked at him with a knowing smile and he chuckled.

“Turns out I wasn't. It didn't stop me from acting like it, though. I got in trouble...a lot. It got to the point where services were called on us and Jay was facing angry letters from teachers and parents every week.

“One day, Jay took me outside and asked how hard she should go at me. I, being the aforementioned cocky little shit, told her to go full out. Then she asked how many rounds, and I, because I was not only cocky but also stupid, proudly answered 'ten'.”

He paused but Kinn said nothing, listening with rapt attention.

“She tore me to pieces. I have never been beaten so badly in a fight. All that overconfidence I had been shoving in people's faces? Shattered in seconds. She never taunted me or yelled at me, she didn't have to say a word. All she did was show me how far below her I truly was. How she had been going easy on me, all this time. And to make matters worse, at round five she stopped, because I could barely stand anymore.”

The memory was still surprisingly painful, despite the years having passed. He sighed, lamenting what came next.

“I was humiliated. I was so pissed, I didn't say a word to her for three whole days. But she just acted like usual, taking care of me and Chay and making sure everything carried on the same.”

All the tension he had carried out of spite for her still made his shoulders itch when he thought about it. Like a ghost, running a phantasmal nail down his spine.

“Eventually, I just...let it go. I never talked to her about it and she never pushed. But I stopped acting like an idiot. Even apologized to some of the guys I had been too rough on. Ever since, whenever I do something monumentally stupid, like getting drunk on a mission, Jay takes me aside, asks me to pick two numbers, and depending on how badly I think I screwed up, I decide the punishment.”

For a long moment, Kinn seemed to consider the story. He nodded, seeming to understand but there was still something about the way he fidgeted, some restless energy that hadn't quite abated.

“Then why did she toss you into the pool?”

Porsche grimaced, then laughed.

“To kill me, maybe? She was really pissed.”

“Still,” Kinn argued, “it must be nice to have someone care so much.”

Something in his voice made Porsche hesitate. He was looking away and his shoulders had slumped, ever so slightly. Porsche could hear as he exhaled slowly, through the nose. The imposing mafioso and heir to the Theerapanyakun clan suddenly seemed smaller, younger even.

Porsche made an awkward sound, trying to break the tension.

“Tell you what: I'll trade you. You let me play the role of a pampered mafia son, and you get to have a psycho sister kick your ass, on the regular.”

The chortle from Kinn as he straightened in his seat was enough to ease the atmosphere.

“Did I say it was nice? I meant for some people.”

“Oh, come on, please? I'll even pay you!”

“You're already indebted to me, and you almost got me killed. Do you really think you can offer anything that would tempt me?”

Porsche opened his mouth but after several seconds, closed it again, shaking his head.

“Okay, point.”

Kinn sighed.

“Just do your job...preferably without burning my house down.”

The barbs were there, but there was no heat behind them. Rather Porsche felt the air between them was relaxed and almost friendly.

“Sure thing, boss.”

He bent his head to hide the small smile playing on his lips.

“So, let me see if I got this straight,” Porsche asked Pete as they stood in a line outside the main entrance, “the minor family meets with the major family every month, but this time, it's different? Why?”

“This is the last meeting before the big gathering with all the Families. It's the last chance to make adjustments and make sure the clan presents a united front,” Pete explained.

“But the head of the minor family is Korn's younger brother, right? Why wouldn't they be united?”

With a quick glance around, Pete leaned in, lowering his voice.

“It's complicated, but the short version is they don't agree on who should lead the clan. However, if the other families learned about this division they would tear us apart.”

“So, how long do we have to wait here?”

He glanced over Porsche's shoulder and his eyes widened.

“Here they come, stand properly!”

Porsche immediately took up position as a couple of expensive cars drove by to stop in front of the double doors.

“It's depressing to think I could work the next 50 years, non-stop, and still not afford one of those,” Porsche mumbled to Pete, who nudged him to be quiet.

The people who stepped out first were the polar opposites of the neatly suited bodyguards in front of the building: wearing biker boots or sneakers and jeans or crumpled cargo pants with short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts. Some of them sported scarves or bandannas, and several were adorned with large, flashy jewelry.

The first car had its door opened to let out a tall man in a tan suit, sporting an orange scarf, loosely tied around his neck. His appearance was a stark contrast to the staff's unkempt looks, as he glanced over the line of guards with cool indifference.

“That's Master Kan, head of the minor family,” Pete explained, bowing slightly in deference.

Porsche followed suit before looking the other way to see a young man, about his own age, in black tee and a leather jacket walk by, smirking in their direction. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Pete who leaned in to clarify.

“That's Master Vegas, the oldest son. His position is on the same level as Master Kinn.”

Porsche looked after the young man, then grinned at his roommate.

“So, who was he smiling at?”

“How would I know?” Pete asked, furrowing his brow.

“Oh, come on,” Porsche chuckled. “You're clearly the handsome one, who else would he smile at?”

Pete laughed, making a show of sweeping back his hair.

“Well, of course, but even us lookers should be humble.”

“Are you guys done?” Arm asked, exasperated.

“Hey, if we're all supposed to be here, where's Jay?”

Porsche looked down the line, not spotting his sister anywhere.

“Someone has to stay with Master Khun, to keep him from causing trouble.”

Arm gestured to Pete.

“It used to be his job, but this time, Jay volunteered.”

“Wait, you can volunteer to not do this?”

“Trust me,” Pete cautioned, “it's not worth the hassle. Master Khun is a nightmare when it concerns the minor family.”

“How's she handling the job, otherwise?”

Arm and Pete exchanged glances.

“Well... Master Khun loves her. She can talk to him for hours about dramas and plot lines. When he gets in a mood, she can calm him down within minutes, and ever since she's lent him her gear, he's been getting outside, more,” Arm revealed, reluctantly.

“But...?”

“She's not really acting like an employee. She talks back, puts him in his place and sometimes just outright refuses his orders. It makes him take his anger out on the rest of us.”

It was the least surprising news he had heard. He rubbed his forehead with a sigh.

“Yeah, she does that. I'll try and talk to her.”

“Don't bother,” Pete protested. “It's not all good, but on the overall, Khun has calmed down, since she became his bodyguard.”

“If you gonna talk to her, see if you can get her to answer my questions, instead.”

Porsche looked at Arm in bewilderment.

“What?”

“No matter how I approach the subject, she refuses to tell me anything about how she kept your information hidden. I'm dying to know, but she just laughs it off. Every. Single. Time! I'm getting gray hairs from dealing with her.”

Porsche laughed at the poor man's despair.

The guards were soon given orders to disperse and Porsche headed for one of the gardens, eager to light up. The smoke filled his lungs as the nicotine entered his bloodstream calming his jittery nerves. He looked up at the sky as he exhaled, noting the many lines which had spawned around the estate's outside areas. It was no longer uncommon to wake up and see Khun or one of his guards fly by the window, whooping the whole way.

The sound of something plopping into water pulled his attention from the sky. He moved towards the noise, spotting a kid, probably in his mid-teens, trying to skip stones across the surface of the pond where Khun's new koi were swimming around.

The sight was not unusual, several staff members often let their kids roam the estates and most of the little tykes knew what areas to stay away from. This one clearly didn't get the memo.

“What'cha doing, kid?”

The boy ignored him, tossing another stone.

“Come on, why the hell are you doing this, huh?”

“None of your business,” the kid replied, not even looking in his direction.

With exasperation, Porsche tossed the cigarette at his feet, stomping it out.

“Are you seriously gonna pull this crap? Didn't your parents teach you manners?”

when he got no answer, he reached out to pat the brat on the shoulder, only for his hand to be slapped away as he received an arrogant glare.

“Why don't you just fuck off?”

Having had enough, Porsche grabbed him by the sleeve and started dragging.

“Don't be such a brat. Leave the poor fish alone or Khun will have another fit.”

“Don't fucking touch me, asshole!” the boy sneered, wrenching himself free before shoving Porsche.

“Are you serious, you little shitling?” Porsche laughed, dodging as the kid threw a fist at him, causing the teen to stumble into the pond's edge wall and fall against the stone pillar of the fountain.

“Shit!”

The kid turned around, holding his forehead.

“Serves you right,” Porsche chuckled. “Don't look at me like that, it's your own damn fault.”

The boy removed his hand, covered in blood which was spilling from an open wound on his forehead. He glowered at Porsche.

“What now? You want me to slap those rude eyes out of your head?”

“Master Macau, what happened?”

A man in jeans and an open Hawaiian shirt came rushing, stepping into the water to help the teenager, while Porsche stood, befuddled.

“'Master' Macau? That sounds...familiar.”

“What the hell happened?” the newcomer demanded to know, staring at Porsche.

“Uh-oh...”

Chapter 13: A Den of All the Worst Pests

“So, you couldn't even keep him entertained for a day?” Chan asked, not masking his disappointment.

“Khun told me to spy on the meeting and report back to him.”

“And you agreed.”

“Of course not. But then he threatened to put on a Teletubby marathon and...well.”

Jay shrugged, none too bothered with her failure.

“You were supposed to keep him distracted.”

“Look, I waited until Pol came back, I made him promise to do exactly as told, or I'd never let him zipline again, and I made it a requirement that he had to ask all three of his other bodyguards before he left his room. He agreed to all of it.”

Chan seemed skeptical.

“And all you have to do is relay what happens at the meeting?”

Jay grimaced.

“I might also be wearing a recording device, which I may or may not have forgotten to turn on.”

This seemed to finally convince Chan who gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

“It'll do.”

“It's not my first time dealing with stubborn kids.”

He looked like he wanted to ask more but was prevented when the meeting began. Jay made sure to position herself behind Chan, but the odd look from the minor family still made its way in her direction.

“I didn't realize you had begun employing female bodyguards again,” Kan noted, during a break in the conversation, looking solely in Jay's direction as he spoke.

“We're dealing with some special circumstances,” Korn replied, affecting a calm demeanor. “She has proven herself an asset to the team.”

Chan's stance shifted ever so slightly, keeping Jay further out of sight. The head of the minor family exchanged glances with his son, before turning their attention back on the meeting.

“Papa!” a voice cried out as a teenage boy came into the room, holding his bleeding head.

He pointed behind himself, where two guards were dragging Porsche into the room, shoving him forward to stand in front of the table.

“He hit me! That shithead injured me, Papa!”

Jay gritted her teeth and her stomach dropped.

“Macau, what happened?” Kan asked.

“I was feeding the fish when he came out of nowhere and shoved me into the water!”

Porsche's jaw clenched and he squirmed while glaring at the boy.

“Then he told me he'd slap my eyes out of my head!”

“Wow, maybe you should try telling them the truth, instead?”

“Who gave you permission to speak?” Kan snapped.

“Easy, brother. Porsche is very new, here.”

Korn held out a hand, gesturing for Kan to calm down.

“Are you telling me the standards of the main family have fallen this low? You just drag women and thugs off the streets and into your ranks now?”

Jay tried to step forward but Chan quickly blocked her path, shaking his head almost imperceptibly. Kan turned towards Kinn.

“Is this how you plan to lead the clan?”

Kinn kept his composure as his uncle continued raging.

“Teaching them to play with guns isn't enough! You have to teach them how to behave properly as well.”

“That's my job, not his,” Korn argued. “These are my people, their mistakes are my mistakes.”

Jay locked eyes with Porsche, raising her eyebrows at him as her gaze darted towards Macau and back in a silent message. He sighed and gestured to the teenager.

“Okay, I'm sorry he got hurt, but I didn't actually push him.”

Everyone stared and the added attention made him nervous enough to blurt out: “I didn't know who he was, I thought he was a kid of one of the staff.”

“Well, that backfired,” Jay muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Did you hear him? He says I look like some poor kid!” Macau complained.

“It's not like that! Alright, I'll call the people here and you can see how I could mistake-”

Porsche got no further as several of the visiting bodyguards pulled out guns, pointing them straight at his head.

Jay tried to run to him but Chan quickly put and arm in front of her, his eyes carrying a stern warning. She shoved at it, but he caught her wrist and pushed her further behind himself.

She could see Kinn exchange glances with his father before speaking.

“It's my fault my people are out of control,” he declared, standing up.

He shot a quick glance at Chan who nodded and turned around, pulling Jay along, who was looking from Chan to Porsche, wondering what was going on.

She was almost out of the room when the sound of a slap could be heard. Heart in throat, she pushed Chan out of the way and ran to see Porsche pressed up against the wall with Kinn's hand on his throat. Her mind blanked. She opened her mouth to scream, but before she could utter a sound, a large hand clamped over her lips and she was grabbed and pulled out of the room, struggling the whole time.

When the door closed behind them, Chan let go and she spun, immediately trying to force her way past him.

“Jay, wait!”

“I'll kill you! I'll kill all of you! Porsche!”

She slammed her body against him, pulling and scratching everywhere her hands found purchase.

He shoved her away from the door, quickly dropping into a fighting stance, but the only thing present in Jay's mind was getting to her brother, before he died. Blind panic and rage drove her as she shot forward, dodging the first attempt at grabbing her, only to be pulled back, just as she touched the handle, and wrestled away again. She kicked, ripped and bit anything getting close to her, her sight focused solely on the brown slab of wood, blocking her path.

Chan was struggling to keep her at bay, her persistence and desperation wearing on him as he tried to get through to her without causing injury. Blood was running down his cheek from where she scratched him and his shirt was torn open at the chest. He had no room to catch his breath since she never stood still, her body constantly in motion, moving and twisting towards the door behind him, with no regard for anything else.

She came for him again, shifting direction at the last second, trying to dodge past him but he dove for her, managing to catch one of her wrists and spin her towards him before sweeping her legs and slamming her against the floor, placing himself on top in a way so she couldn't use her lower body and pinning her hands above her head.

She squirmed and wriggled, trying to toss him off, but he held steady. She was heedless of his weight on her as she screamed at the top of her lungs.

“He's gonna kill him! Porsche!”

He put a hand over her mouth, using it to force her face towards him.

“Porsche is gonna be fine.”

He kept his voice low and calm, taking deep breaths in the hope she would subconsciously mirror him.

“The minor family was about to kill him. Master Kinn had to intervene but he won't hurt your brother.”

While the glare she shot him was vicious, her body was slowly calming down. He waited a few seconds before removing his hand from her mouth. Her breathing was less frantic and she seemed to have regained some composure.

“Why should I believe you? You people don't care if we live or die. To you, we're expendable.”

“If that were true, we would have let them kill you both and started looking for your replacements in the morning.”

She said nothing, pressing her lips into a thin line. Her body had stilled but he knew better than to trust it, keeping his grip firm. Her frenzied gaze had lessened but there was still an unsettling shine in it.

“You said it yourself: dead bodyguards protect no one,” he added, his tone softening.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“I should have known those words would come back to bite me.”

“You don't seem surprised I know.”

“A lot of eyes and ears means nothing is ever really secret.”

He smiled.

“At least, you've calmed down.”

“I'm still considering killing everyone and burning the estate to the ground.”

The smile faded in an instant.

“Do you really think I'd let that happen?”

“I imagine you'd kill me before I got the chance...or at least try to.”

Her voice was empty, almost hollow.

“If you're at all uncertain about Porsche's safety, you'd better kill me right this second, because if you don't and I find he's dead, I will become your worst nightmare, even if it ends me.”

“And what of your other brother?”

She made a move like she was shrugging.

“I trust Korn's word that he'll be looked after. It's the rest of you that's the problem.”

“And when you find out he's fine? Will you apologize and finally trust us?”

“I'll apologize on my knees if that's what you want, but 'not killing my brother' is a really low bar to set on trust.”

Chan hesitated for a moment, then loosened his grip, sitting back on his legs. She made no move to attack, simply bringing her hands to lay on her chest. She was still following his eyes with her own, as if guided by an invisible string, pulled taut between them.

“Then what would it take, to earn your trust?”

She blinked a few times but did not answer, right away. Her mouth made small movements as if she were searching for the words. When she seemed about to speak, another voice cried out.

“What are you doing to my bodyguard?”

Khun stalked up to them, slapping Chan on the shoulder with a frown.

“I was waiting for Jay to come back, and here you are, keeping her away, you absolute brute!”

Chan closed his eyes and stood up.

“Master Khun, there was an incident, and some special measures had to be taken.”

Jay got to her feet, nodding her agreement.

“Don't worry, I was just about to look for you.”

“Well, now I had to come looking for you, instead! And I had to ask Pol, Arm and Pete for permission before I went!”

Jay smiled, patting his shoulder.

“I'm proud of you for keeping your promise.”

Khun's eyes flickered and his expression softened.

“I'm a Theerapanyakun, ain't I? We don't promise what we can't keep.”

He linked his arm through hers.

“Now, let's get away from this unpleasant man, I want to talk about Paul's relationship in Heartbreak Hospital.”

She could sense Chan's eyes follow them and it sent a shiver through her but instead of leaving her cold, it set fire to the blood in her veins. The sensation was enough to make her gasp, though too softly for Khun to hear.

“So, did you record everything? Is it juicy?”

“I'm sorry Khun. I'm pretty sure my scuffle with Chan broke the recording device.”

“What? That unreasonable savage! You think he was on to us?”

Jay shook her head.

“With your expert acting? Not a chance.”

He preened under her praise and she smiled before turning serious again.

“Now, take me to see my brother.”

Porsche opened his eyes slowly, at first confused about where he was.

“Finally up, huh?” Pete said from nearby.

Kinn's face as he choked the life from Porsche flashed through his mind and he shot up from the couch.

“I'm gonna fucking kill him!”

Pete quickly grabbed him as he tried to storm out of the apartment.

“What are you doing? Let me go! That piece of shit's going down!”

“Would you calm the fuck down?”

Gone was all of Pete's usual cheer and he looked at Porsche with grim impatience. The difference was enough to startle Porsche out of his fury and make him pause.

“Master Kinn saved your life, out there.”

“Strangling me is saving my life?”

“You had several guns pointed at you. Guns, Porsche!”

Pete ran a hand through his hair.

“A second later, and you would have had your brains blown out by the minor family for hurting Macau. Think about it!”

He tapped Porsche's temple.

“If he really wanted you dead, he'd have shot you, right then and there! Yet, here you are.”

The rationale was too sensible to dismiss out of hand but Porsche was not entirely ready to admit defeat.

“What about Jay?” he asked, quietly.

“Chan kept her from interfering. She came to check on you with Khun earlier, but he dragged her off before you woke up.”

“She always said the Families' territory was a den of all the worst pests, just waiting to for a chance to destroy you,” he lamented, sitting back down. “I thought she was exaggerating, but now...”

Pete sighed, putting his hands in his pockets.

“It wasn't always like this, at least not in this family. Kinn used to be...actually, he was once really kind. Loved his people, got along with everyone, did his best to protect them.”

Porsche narrowed his eyes at his roommate, frowning.

“It's true! But something happened to make him colder. It wasn't entirely within his control and it wasn't really his fault, but it forced him to reevaluate his role in the family.”

“What happened?”

“It doesn't matter,” Pete replied, shaking his head. “Just know that today's incident could have gone much worse, and you should be damn grateful it didn't.”

It was one of the most preposterous ideas Porsche had heard in a while. Grateful to that arrogant, pompous ass? He'd rather get his dick trapped in a beehive.

However, the more he thought about it, the more Pete's version of events made sense. If Jay had had any doubts about their motivations, she would have destroyed everything within a two-mile radius by the time he woke up and then pulled him out of the crater to drag him back home.

Even without her reaction to go by, the logic his roommate presented was solid and given the events he remembered, more than slightly plausible.

Haunted by these thoughts, Porsche found himself in the coffee alcove, trying to make a proper americano. He brought the resulting beverage to his boss's room.

Kinn was reading through a report when he entered. He kept quiet while placing the cup carefully on the low table before depositing the tray on the other side. His employer remained silent throughout and made no move to speak, once he was done.

“I didn't burn down the house, this time,” Porsche said after a few seconds.

A small exhale through the nose was the only indication he had been heard. After another couple seconds, Porsche grew antsy.

“I'll even taste it, if that's what you're worried about.”

He picked up the cup but before he could lift it to his mouth, Kinn gestured for it and he handed it over, observing tensely as the mafioso shot him a meditative look.

“I'm not sure what to make of you,” Kinn admitted. “Which Porsche is the real one?”

“I could ask the same. Wouldn't the 'real' Kinn have let me get shot?”

Kinn wet his lips and smirked, his eyes darkening.

“I have my own issues with the minor family.”

Porsche looked away, fighting not to roll his eyes. Kinn brought the cup to his lips, his expression twisting into disgust when he tasted the contents.

“Stick to alcoholic drinks,” he warned, putting it back.

Porsche fidgeted, looking from Kinn to the coffee.

“Did I use the wrong recipe or something? I was pretty sure I got it right.”

“It's fine,” Kinn said, picking the report back up. “You'll get there, eventually.”

Before Porsche could reply, Khun entered with Pete and Jay in tow. He plopped down next to Kinn.

“What'cha reading?”

“It's the report the minor family handed us, earlier.”

“Oh, about that...”

Khun went into a big spiel about the visit, while Porsche looked at Jay. She gestured to her throat with questioning eyes.

He nodded, then noticed the bruises on her wrists. He pointed discretely.

She pulled her sleeve down, shaking her head.

Kinn had eventually tuned out his brother's chatter, glancing between the siblings as they continued their soundless conversation.

Jay tilted her head and raised her eyebrows as she took a deep breath through the nose.

Porsche rolled his eyes and shrugged, before gesturing to his wrists and pointing towards her.

She clenched her jaw, her eyes growing hard, before she made a crossing motion with her arms, pointed straight at him and then held up her index finger.

Porsche looked up at the ceiling, making Pete snort and Kinn pinch the bridge of his nose, fighting not to chuckle, while Jay was lightly hitting her forehead with a closed fist.

“And about you, Porsche,” Khun said, without missing a beat, drawing his attention away from his sister.

“I heard you cracked Macau's head open?”

He put his feet up on the table, leaning on one elbow. Porsche felt the embarrassment rise again, as he scratched the back of his neck.

“Well, I really didn't mean to...”

“Great job!”

He stared, trying to figure out if the older brother was being sarcastic, however Khun's gestures were filled with excitement. Kinn glanced at him with exasperated patience, solidifying the authenticity of his words.

“I completely approve, it was totally awesome!”

“You're a total badass!” he said, gesturing to the young bodyguard, before turning to Kinn, placing a pleading hand on the younger brother's shoulder.

“Let me have Porsche!”

He looked towards the pair following him.

“You can have Pete, instead.”

Pete bowed his head trying to look chagrined, while pursing his mouth to keep from smiling.

“Don't try and look guilty now, I told you to tie up Macau, it was your choice to disregard my direct order!”

He stood and dragged Pete towards Kinn.

“You go over there.”

Pete sat down, sharing a look with Jay who shrugged, chuckling at the absurdity.

“What do you say?” Khun wanted to know.

Kinn looked from his brother to Porsche.

“Even if he's troublesome, Papa hired him specifically to be my bodyguard. I don't want to go against his word.”

“C'mon!” the older Theerapanyakun whined. “What else do you want?”

Kinn sighed, glancing at everyone in the room in turn before nodding towards Jay.

“Alright, let's trade the brother for the sister, then.”

Khun hesitated, looking at her.

“But...Jay is mine. And she's so much fun!”

“Those are my terms,” Kinn insisted.

For a long moment, Khun seemed torn, then grunted, stomping his foot.

“Fine! You can have Pete and Jay if I get Porsche.”

The siblings traded looks, each rolling their eyes as the two brothers treated them like Pokémon cards. Kinn looked at Porsche.

“Then it's a deal, he's all yours.”

“Yay!” Khun exclaimed, running over to throw his arms around Porsche, who recoiled from the unexpected show of affection.

“We're gonna have so much fun! Way more than I had with Jay!”

He pulled Porsche along, giving a last look of disdain to Pete and one, slightly less rude, to Jay.

“You two better not embarrass me!”

He stalked out of the room, dragging Porsche the entire way. Jay closed her eyes, sighing heavily.

“He'll be fine,” Kinn said, with Pete nodding along.

“That's not it. I just realized Khun hasn't returned my gear, yet.”

Chapter 14: Stop Talking!

The Crescendan night air was still warm, though the first hint of the coming winter could be felt in the breeze. Kan stared out at the city. While the families' estate territories were removed from the general hustle and bustle, most still retained a magnificent view, as the nightlife coated the city in colors and lights, the cacophony muted by distance.

There were few places better to ponder, and ponder was what Kan needed to do, after the events at the pre-meet. Even from an outsider's perspective, it was clear the new bodyguards were more than just inexperienced hires, at least from Korn's perspective. But something was nagging him beyond that. Both of them had something familiar about their looks but in a way that did not quite feel right, like a puzzle piece turned the wrong way.

“Papa,” Vegas called softly, as he joined his father on the balcony. “Is everything alright?”

Kan nodded, turning to him.

“I want you to keep and eye on those new bodyguards. Particularly the one who hurt Macau.”

There was a beat of silence as conflicting emotions played across Vegas' features.

“Why do you suddenly want-”

“Just do as I ask!”

Vegas' face fell and his thin lips settled into a resigned frown.

“Yes, Papa.”

Kan watched his son walk back in, before turning his attention back on the cityscape.

“Sometimes people need a second chance...maybe even a third one.”

“And do you apply those standards to everyone?”

Korn met his gaze but didn't answer, instead walking away.

His older brother had always been cryptic, only ever revealing what was absolutely necessary, and even then, in as limited capacity as he could reasonably – as well as unreasonably -- get away with. Kan rubbed the stubble around his mouth.

“I'll find out what you're hiding from me, Korn,” he muttered into the night.

Porsche was sure his IQ was dropping by the minute. Jay had come by, early in the morning, confiscating her gear, meaning Khun was returning to his second most favorite activity: watching dramas, though not without chastising Porsche for costing him his new 'toy'. And it wasn't even like Porsche had been all that reckless, he just didn't want to take the elevator down to the cafeteria.

He tried to nod off against the back of the couch, only for Khun to hit him until he woke up, asking random questions about the characters on the screen.

“What do you think, will he die by the end?”

“I-I don't know,” Porsche replied, yawning.

“Is he another red herring or is he the real bad guy?”

Porsche shrugged, not sure how to respond.

“Come on, Porsche! Pay attention.”

He tried his best to do as told and watched the entire show, though his thoughts often wandered. By the end, Khun was in tears, hugging a plushie.

“You guys said he wouldn't die! I wish Jay was here, she's much better at this than you three.”

Porsche sighed, fighting the urge to point out that he specifically said nothing about the character in question and instead gestured to the screen.

“He didn't die. The villain did.”

“Exactly, Master Tankhun,” Arm aided, patting Khun on the back.

“What, really?”

“You must have gotten them turned around at some point,” Pol suggested.

Khun stared at the screen for a second.

“Well, now I'm totally confused, we'll have to watch it again!”

All three bodyguards groaned, falling back onto the couch.

“Come on, aren't you getting bored of this?” Porsche asked.

“Hey, don't do that!” Pol whispered, pulling him back.

“Why not?”

“Why would I be bored? Let's begin.”

“Look, he's watching quietly and not throwing a fit, despite losing the zip-line. This is a good day for him, so count yourself lucky,” Arm warned.

“Aren't you bored out of your minds?”

“Of course! I've watched this series three times already,” he revealed.

“But what else are we gonna do?” Pol asked.

“Just trust me.”

Porsche winked at them and leaned closer to Khun.

“Master Khun, this sort of thing might be super exciting for Jay but I can show you something even better.”

“Better than Heartbreak Hospital?”

“More thrilling, more exciting and definitely more interesting!”

Minutes later, Porsche was buckling over in laughter as Khun stared at the screen, featuring a woman being fucked by three men. Pol seemed hypnotized while Arm pulled on Porsche, panicking.

“Why the hell are we watching porn?”

“Would you rather switch back to the soaps? Personally, I'd prefer porn.”

Pol pointed at the TV.

“I...I'll stick to this...”

Arm was struggling not to join Porsche's laughter, hiding his face behind a stuffed bear.

“Hey, Porsche,” Khun said, barely glancing in his direction. “Is this girl gonna die?”

“What the hell are you watching?”

Kinn entered the room, followed by Jay. Porsche and Arm both fled behind the couch, while Khun remained disinterested in anything not currently playing in 8K on his screen.

“It's porn. Like you couldn't figure that out?”

Kinn's eyes flickered to the screen and back as he tilted his head at Pol.

“And which genius decided to show this to him?”

The bodyguard looked around, belatedly noticing he had been abandoned by his colleagues. He pointed helplessly at the empty seats, looking like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. Jay followed his gaze and went to the spot, standing on her knees on the cushions.

“What're you doing?” Kinn asked.

“Going fishing.”

She put both arms behind the couch and came up with Arm and Porsche, holding each of them by the ear.

“Ow, ow, ow,” Porsche whimpered, while Arm was stoically trying not to make any noise as he was pulled over the furniture.

“I believe we've found the culprits,” she announced, before letting them both go.

“And so what?” Khun asked, irritated. “Is there something wrong with watching porn?Just look at that, it's huge!”

Ignoring the fact that the large TV no doubt added to its size, Kinn turned his attention towards Porsche, who was still rubbing his ear.

“Is this really the best use of your time?”

“Better than the dramas.”

The sullen mumble made Kinn raise an eyebrow at him.

“So, you're into the big ones, huh?”

While Porsche made a sheepish smile, Jay stiffened, clearing her throat.

“While I'm sure this conversation is important, I would like to excuse myself before the discussion regarding my brother's preferences in porn go any further.”

She quickly exited, just as Khun began to imitate the woman's increasingly louder moans. Kinn made a disgusted expression, quickly following her example.

Jay was getting rid of her eating utensils when Big and Ken came up to her, the latter carrying a tray with a drink and some fruit prepared.

“Pony-Tail. Bitch-Boy.”

She greeted each of them with a nod, ignoring how they bristled at the nicknames.

“To what do I owe the...”

“Pleasure.” Big finished, when she paused.

“No...”

He clicked his tongue, gritting his teeth while pointing at the tray.

“You're supposed to bring this to Kinn.”

It was handed over with more force than necessary, making the service rattle.

“Alright.”

“Make sure to tell him the drink is specially made for him,” Ken added. “The head of the kitchen staff wanted to give him a nice surprise.”

“Aren't surprises generally frowned upon among the mafia? I'm pretty sure the movies show most of them to be unpleasant.”

“Just do it!”

Jay raised her eyebrows at Ken's outburst. Big shot him a warning glare before turning back to her.

“We've checked the contents. Trust me, no one had a chance to tamper with it.”

“Besides, you wanna get on Master Kinn's good side, right?”

“...Sure.”

They both smirked as she looked from one to the other.

“Can I go now, or...?”

They got out of her way and she left the cafeteria. It had been a while since she had had a peaceful night's sleep and she was combating a migraine while trying to forget the sounds Khun made, that morning. All she wanted was to curl up in a bed with the lights off, the curtains down and the gentle sound of rain playing from her phone.

Kinn was rubbing his temple, while staring at his laptop, when she entered, not bothering to acknowledge her arrival. She placed the tray next to the computer, before heading for the wall.

“I didn't ask for that,” he said.

“Special surprise from the kitchen.”

His face tensed, and he lifted the drink, eyeing it warily.

“A 'special' surprise?”

“Apparently? I can bring it back, if you don't want it.”

He swirled the straw around, lazily observing the tiny maelstrom.

“That won't be necessary. Instead, why don't you taste this.”

He reached the glass towards her but she held up a hand.

“No thanks.”

“Why not?”

“I don't want to.”

The foot of the glass clinked against the table veneer, while Kinn sighed, looking from it to Jay.

“What did you do to it?”

“Why would I do anything to a drink?”

“Then taste it.”

“Nope.”

The corner of Kinn's mouth quirked.

“Are you scared?”

“Yes, let's go with that.”

He closed his eyes, rubbing his forehead while exhailing through the nose.

“Are you gonna drink or am I gonna force it down your throat?”

It was her turn to leer at him.

“If you're worried about poison, loosen your purse strings and shell out the money for a taster, like the rest of the rich kids.”

“Drink it, Jay.”

“I'm not going to.”

“That's an order!”

She lifted her chin, looking down her nose at him.

“It's not happening, Kinn.”

They stared at each other, neither backing down as the seconds ticked by. Eventually, Kinn seemed to be fed up.

“Sit.”

He pointed to the chair at the other end of the table. She did as told and he walked around, picking up the glass and placing it in front of her.

“You'll stay there until you decide to remember who's your master. Nothing else to drink, no food and nothing to do.”

She shrugged, getting comfortable in her seat. Kinn went back to work, occasionally glancing at her. After a while, he saw her scribble on the table with her finger, occasionally sweeping her hand over the surface and then starting over.

Similarly, Jay would occasionally look at Kinn, often finding him running his hands through his hair or rubbing his temples, forehead or eyes. The hours slowly passed by with both of them nowhere nearer a resolution and neither taking the initiative to speak.

Jay would spend some intervals staring out at Crescenda, remembering the parts of the city she had grown most fond of and wondering what her fellow runners were up to. When she caught Kinn groaning quietly as he once again massaged his forehead, she sighed and rose from her seat.

“Where are you going?”

Instead of answering, she made her way behind the bar and picked up a water bottle from the mini-fridge, underneath.

“I told you: no drink until you empty the glass!”

“I know.”

She went to where he sat and placed the bottle next to his laptop, before fishing a tiny bag out of her breast pocket, putting it besides the bottle.

“Take those and drink something.”

She went back to her seat as he picked up the bag, looking at the pills inside.

“What is this?”

“A drug cocktail. It'll help.”

“Help what?”

She tapped her head. He scoffed, dropping the bag back onto the table.

“Why would I trust anything you give me? You already messed with my drink.”

“I didn't do anything to your drink!”

“Oh really? Then why do you refuse to taste it?”

She tilted her head to the side.

“Will that make you trust me? Fine.”

The green liquid almost splashed out from the force with which she picked it up. She took the straw between her teeth, quickly sucking in a mouthful before realizing what she was tasting. With a quick turn, she spat out the drink across the floor, trying her best to expel all of it from her mouth.

“See! You can't even drink it.”

“Those motherfuckers!” she growled, still spitting.

“What?”

“I'm gonna kill those assholes. They put ipecac in the drink.”

Kinn stared at the glass then back at her.

“Ipecac? Are you sure?”

“There's no way I'd ever forget that taste. So sweet, it's like your teeth are rotting out the second it touches your tongue.”

The look of surprise quickly turned into suspicion.

“Wait, that doesn't prove anything. You could still have put it in and now it backfired.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I hurt Porsche!”

The eruption was so sudden and fierce, Jay was lost for words. Kinn breathed deeply, calming himself down.

“I know you hate me for what I did.”

“Wait, hold up-”

“I hit him and choked him out, and you wanted to kill me. Kill all of us. That's what you told Chan, isn't it?”

“What? I didn't want to kill you, I-”

“Are you telling me you're fine with Porsche getting hurt?”

“Yes! I mean...no, of course not, but-”

“Don't waste my time with these petty games. Papa may have-”

“Stop talking!”

Whether it was the volume or just the fact that he had never been ordered around by a bodyguard before, Kinn fell quiet, though his eyes continued to blaze, secure in his assumption.

“I don't hate you, Kinn.”

She took a deep breath, trying to find a way to explain.

“What happened to Porsche sucks, okay? Yes, I hated it. Yes, I wanted nothing more than to tear through whomever stood in my way to save him.”

Her hands were up, palms splayed outward, in a bid to keep him from interrupting her.

“But I know why you did it. And I don't blame you.”

Kinn swallowed, his eyes flickering as an expression of uncertainty crossed his face.

“You don't?”

She shook her head.

“Chan explained the situation and I'm...grateful.”

The word sounded so odd on her tongue, considering the context, but she meant it.

“Grateful?”

The skeptic look was back and Jay took another breath, knowing she had to tread carefully.

“You've been navigating this world, your whole life. I know that the fact you're still alive is a victory on its own.”

Kinn shifted, his eyes glancing away from her, but she continued, keeping her voice steady.

“It can't have been easy. But you've learned the rules and you used them to keep Porsche, and probably myself, safe.”

She lowered her hands.

“You don't have to trust me about the pills, you don't even have to trust that I want what's best for you. But please trust that I don't hate you. I never did.”

He seemed on the verge of believing her, then he scoffed, his expression becoming closed off.

“Trust you? You're inside my room, you could attack me at any point. You don't even follow my orders. Why would I trust you?”

“Is that what this is about?”

The challenge exuded from him as he grit his teeth, refusing to say more. Jay rubbed her hands over her face several times, groaning. Then she picked up the glass, took out the straw and gulped down the contents. The revolting flavor barely touched her tongue but she still struggled not to gag.

When it was all gone, she wiped her mouth, placing the glass back on the table. Kinn stared, dumbfounded.

“There. It's done. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to be in my own room when I start puking my guts out.”

She started walking towards the door, but paused next to him.

“Oh, and I won't be coming to work tomorrow.”

She gestured to the pills.

“If you take those, make sure to get some rest, they work better that way.”

The door closed behind her and Kinn was left alone, staring at an empty glass.

Chapter 15: Puked My Soul Out

“How do you do this?” Porsche groaned, lolling his head about on the back of the couch. “Day in and day out, watching the same shows, over and over again.”

“Why do you think I told you Master Kinn is a better boss?” Pete replied, from beside him.

“Some of the shows are pretty good,” Pol admitted, while yawning.

Arm was busy cleaning his glasses, and wholly disengaged from the conversation.

“Yo, guys!”

As one, every guard in the room, stood from their seats as Khun sauntered over, sporting another fashion disaster of mismatched clothes, complete with a pair of cowboy boots, which weren't even the same color. He flitted his hands at them all.

“It's all good, sit, sit, sit!”

He went and plopped down between Porsche and Pete.

“Are you done slacking off? I found a new show, it looks really awesome.”

He thrust one booted foot at Arm, who struggled to untie the various knots.

“Another series? Aren't you getting bored?” Porsche asked.

“Nope.”

The answer was so instantaneous, he was slightly taken aback. He narrowed his eyes and smiled, slyly.

“But, you know...there are a lot of things to do, out in the cit-”

A raised hand cut him off, mid-sentence.

“Unless it's absolutely necessary, there's no way I'm setting foot outside these grounds.”

“But if you went with me, I could show you something amazing.”

“Not interested.”

“Come on,” Porsche nudged. “I can't imagine being locked up like this, my whole life!”

“Of course, you can't. You were never kidnapped.”

Khun looked down, his voice trembling as he continued.

“You never lost...”

A frustrated expression passed over his face as if he was unsure how to complete the sentence. Closing his eyes, he furrowed his brow as if trying to remember something important. Or perhaps he was trying to forget? Eventually, he gave up shaking his head.

“It doesn't matter, the point is: you don't know what it's like.”

Even without knowing the specifics, it was evident how painful the memory was to Khun. Porsche put a hand on his shoulder, still smiling.

“But you don't have to be afraid, Master Khun. You got me, Pete, Arm and Pol now, and we would die before we let anything happen to you, right guys?”

The others nodded at Porsche's prodding, assuring Khun they would protect him. They were all leaning forward, following the exchange with bated breaths.

“Besides, you're all grown up now, who would dare lay a finger on you? Trust me, it'll be fine.”

Khun snorted.

“Trust you? The man who got drunk during his first mission while Kinn got attacked? Are you serious?”

He hit Porsche over the back of the head, scoffing.

“Don't be ridiculous. If it hadn't been for you, I would still be zipping around, outside.”

“Look, I admit I acted poorly, but that's in the past,” Porsche argued, rubbing the spot he had been hit before gesturing to them both. “But don't you think we deserve a second chance to prove ourselves?”

Khun seemed to hesitate and he pushed on.

“Give me a chance to show you. I'll prove that I've learned from my mistakes and more importantly that you are much braver than you think.”

He glanced at the others, who quickly voiced their agreement.

“Master Khun, think about how cool you would seem to the other families!” Pete pointed out. “They'll think you've been tricking them, this whole time, they won't know what to make of it!”

Khun looked from Pete to Porsche.

“I already told you! Unless it's absolutely necessary, I'm not leaving the estate!”

“But it is necessary.”

Porsche grabbed his arm, trying to seem earnest.

“No it isn't!”

“Come on, we both know you want to! You're going.”

“I'm not!”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I'm not!”

Khun pressed his forehead against Porsche's in an attempt at dominating him. Porsche pushed back.

“You're going.”

“No!”

“Yes.”

“I said I'm not freaking going!”

“Maybe Jay would let you borrow the harness if you proved you could navigate the city safely,” Arm suggested, quietly.

“Wait, what? You really think so?”

Khun's head snapped around so quickly, Porsche could not stop his momentum and ended up smashing his forehead into Khun's shoulder.

“Ow!”

“Ouch! What was that for, Porsche?”

“Me? You're the one who turned without warning!”

“That's no excuse to hurt me!”

As the pair continued arguing, Pete, Pol and Arm fell back into their seats, groaning.

Jay opened the door to find Chan outside; she stared at his face, trying to remember if he was supposed to be there.

“You're not Porsche,” she muttered, after several seconds.

“I'm glad to see your powers of observation are still sharp,” he noted dryly, studying her face. “You seem to have had a rough night.”

Jay just nodded, too exhausted to form an answer. The drink had been laced much more heavily than she initially thought. Her head was pounding and her stomach seemed to only have an appetite for devouring itself.

“Master Kinn told me what happened. You should have gone to the medical wing, we have counter agents for emetics.”

He held out a small pack and she took it and stared at the small letters, hoping they would divulge their secrets without any effort on her part. After a long silence, there was a sigh and a large hand took the medicine away. Her gaze followed, staring at his fingers as they quickly opened the box. He was really dexterous, she thought.

“Can I come in?”

She lifted her head to his face, taking a few moments to understand the question, then nodded and stepped back, letting him inside. He went straight to the counter, pulling a small bottle out of the box and placing it on the surface, then gestured to a nearby chair.

“Sit. You look like you're about to tilt over.”

Jay realized she had been leaning forward, still staring at his hands, almost to the point of losing her balance and did as asked. Chan uncapped the bottle and filled the lid before handing it to her. She took the little cup, trying to keep her hand steady. When the contents almost spilled, warm fingers wrapped around her hand, guiding it to her mouth.

She grimaced as she swallowed, sticking her tongue out.

“Why does it taste even worse?”

The corner of Chan's mouth quirked, but he said nothing, instead putting the lid back on the bottle before heading for the sink to fill a glass with water.

“It should work within a few minutes. Wait a little while, then drink something before going to sleep.”

Jay nodded, working her tongue around her mouth to scrape the taste away.

“They certainly didn't have this in my day.”

“What?”

She froze, her eyes darting around, trying not to meet Chan's searching gaze.

“Uh, just didn't know you could avoid the whole...vomiting-thing.”

The head bodyguard placed the glass on the counter, then crossed his arms, his scrutiny intensifying.

“It sounds like you've tried this before. Care to elaborate?”

The fog in Jay's head was too heavy, born from a lack of sleep and absence of sustenance in her body. She rubbed her face, trying to keep track of what she could and couldn't say.

“I've tried a lot of things in my life. I can't really remember all of them.”

The answer did not seem to satisfy Chan and she tried to think of something to add.

“Maybe as a kid? I might have eaten something and my mom gave me ipecac to make me throw it back up.”

“Is that the best you can come up with?”

She yawned.

“Ask me after my nap. I really need some rest.”

He made a low noise of contemplation as he handed her the water. She drank under his keen watch. After a several seconds, he seemed to let it go, relaxing his stance and Jay sighed, trying not to seem too relieved.

“Master Kinn wanted me to let you know he took the pills.”

She perked up.

“Really?”

“He had the doc check them but when he learned it was just caffeine and some NSAIDs, he took them. Said they helped.”

“That's good,” Jay said, nodding. “Good.”

There was another silence but it was pleasant, almost comfortable. Her eyes struggled to stay open and she had long since given up on keeping her head lifted enough to look at Chan, though his presence was still clear to her senses. Something tapped her shoulder and she managed to lift her lids to see Chan standing closer.

“Go to bed. I'll let Porsche know to bring by some food.”

“Right...yeah...thanks.”

The atmosphere was already filled with music and the smell of liquor and most guests had taken to the floor rather than their seats, as Porsche held the bead curtain open to allow Tankhun and his entourage to enter the bar. Khun looked around, scrunching up his nose.

“What is this place?”

With his bodyguards in casual clothes, Khun's outfit looked more quirky than outright eccentric and people barely glanced in their direction as they moved through the room.

“Come on, Master Khun, sit down!”

Porsche patted a seat by the bar, steadily guiding his boss towards it. Khun only reluctantly did as told.

“Why'd you bring me here?”

Porsche caught his gaze, gesturing between their eyes.

“Just trust me, okay?”

“Porsche! My baby!”

A soft arm wrapped around Porsche's neck as he was pulled into an embrace by the proprietor.

“Yok! It's great to see you!”

“Aw, you too, darling, though it's been too long, far too long.”

She turned towards Khun and his guards.

“And I see you come with guests! You're all welcome at Hum Bar!”

She spread her arms, gesturing to the entire place.

“Who is this?” Khun squawked. “Why is she all over you like some freak?”

Yok's face turned dark in an instant.

“A freak, am I? Look at you! Look at your outfit! This isn't the carnival.”

Porsche quickly stepped between them, holding Yok back as he whispered to her.

“Don't get offended, Yok. He's Master Kinn's older brother and he's a little off.”

“So what? I'll slap some sense into that brat!”

“No, don't! He says some crazy shit, but he's really rich.”

She paused, her lips pursing.

“Rich, you say?”

“If you keep him happy, he'll probably order drinks for the whole bar!”

Khun took off his sunglasses, looking at them both with an expectant gaze.

“I'm sure Porsche has already told you, but I am Tankhun Theerapanyakun, oldest son of the Theerapanyakun clan!”

“The...Theerapanyakun clan?”

Yok pulled Porsche around, leaning in.

“Are you serious? Bringing the mafia here? What the hell are you thinking?”

“Calm down, he's strictly here to enjoy himself. Nothing's gonna happen.”

“That's what you said when Jay was being chased by thugs! It took months to put the place back together!”

Her voice was getting increasingly louder and Porsche shushed her, glancing around.

“Look, he's not being chased, he's not even heir to the family. He's just some poor recluse who finally ventured outside his bedroom. I'm just showing him a good time, and then bringing him back home, okay?”

She eyed the trio of men, then looked back at Porsche.

“Alright, but he better be a big spender!”

“As long as you bring the honey, I'll keep the drinks flowing and the cash coming, what do you say?”

With effort, her expression softened into her trademark flirty smile, and she whirled around, putting her arms in the air.

“Oh my goodness! I just had to make sure it wasn't some joke, but Porsche assures me you're actually the Mr. Tankhun!”

Khun's smile fell.

“And why wouldn't I be? Do I look like some tawdry fake to you?”

“Oh no, Mr. Tankhun, not at all. But you know, people are always jealous of those in high places.”

Yok leaned in, lowering her voice as she made a show of looking around the place.

“And what kind of barkeep would I be, if I just believed any old fool who came in here?”

He pouted, but seemed to take her words to heart.

“I suppose it's a good thing, someone isn't ruining my reputation.”

“Exactly,” Yok agreed. “But when Porsche vouches for you, I have no choice but to believe it! Speaking of which: Porsche! Come take care of your friends! Only the best for this VIP.”

She winked at Khun before moving aside, letting Porsche behind the bar. Khun smiled, looking around with an expression of approval.

“You know, this place isn't so bad, after all.”

“I'm sorry.”

Kinn looked straight at Jay as he spoke.

“I'm not good at trusting people, but that doesn't give me to right to make my subordinates sick.”

“It's alright. I managed to stay alive...though, I'm pretty sure I puked my soul out at one point.”

She looked contemplative for a moment.

“Not that I ever used it much.”

It elicited a short laugh from Kinn and dissipated the tension between them. His face soon became solemn again.

“Do you still not want to tell me who did it?”

“I don't remember.”

“You know I don't believe that.”

She shrugged.

“Yeah, but it sounds better than 'it's more fun to punish them, myself'.”

Kinn pursed his lips, seeming to consider what do do with the information.

“I don't feel I have the right to get in your way, but I can't help you if Chan catches you dishing out your particular brand of 'justice' again.”

“Well, you'll be pleased to know I plan on leaving them fully functional...or some version thereof.”

Kinn seemed on the verge of protesting but thought better of it, and sighed.

“Alright. Then let me ask you something else.”

“Sure.”

“You said you 'never hated me'. But considering I chased you guys down and pretty much forced you to work for me...is that really the truth?”

The question was so unexpected, she stared for a moment, unsure what kind of answer he was looking for. He watched her intently, and there was a strange sense of expectation coming from him. Before she could think of what to say, their attention was drawn to the commotion of several people entering the area.

“Once the music shtarted, it was qui-*hic* quite fun!”

They both walked over to find Khun being carried by Pol, Arm and Porsche.

“I danced with eeeverybooooodyyyy.”

“You sure did buddy,” Porsche agreed.

“You know, Porschhhhh, you are m-m-more fun than Shay. Shay? Shay...is that her name? Shay, Shay, SHHHHHAAAAAYYYY. Oh, Shay!”

He waved at Jay with a grin, as Porsche quickly dropped his legs to stand straight with the other two bodyguards in deference to Kinn. Jay waved back, smiling softly at his drunken ramblings.

“Shay! Shay, Shay, Shay! We should go shipping!”

Everyone turned their heads toards him, puzzled.

“You know!” he gestured impatiently. “Shipping! Across the sky, like flying...weee!”

He stretched out his arms, making Arm and Pol stumble under the strain of keeping him upright.

“Are you drunk?” Kinn asked. “What the hell happened?”

Khun laughed.

“Porsche took me to see the world! And you know, Kinn? It's full of fffreaks! Freaks, everywhere! And it's so much fun, so much fun. I wanna go, every day.”

Kinn looked to Porsche.

“You were able to bring my brother out of the house?”

Porsche hesitated for a second, then smirked.

“Just think of it as one of my many skills.”

Something in Kinn's expression changed as he gave Porsche a long look.

“You, come with me. Jay, you can help with Khun.”

Kinn turned around and walked off, while Porsche was left to catch up to him.

Jay helped Arm and Pol with getting Khun into his room, then dismissed the other two. She took the time to take off most of his accessories and outer wear, before tugging him into bed, then sat down next to his head, watching his face as he breathed deeply in his sleep.

A careful hand reached out, gently stroking his hair.

“I'm so proud of you, Khun,” she told him, quietly. “I know you've been struggling since... And I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to be so scared of the world.”

A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed, trying to dissolve it but to no avail. Her fingers still combed through the reddish locks, careful not to disturb him.

“When you took Porsche, I was really hopeful. You chose the right person, you know. He's always been able to draw people in and he won't just leave you to yourself. He'll be there for you.”

Khun shifted in his sleep and her hand froze as he began mumbling incoherently to himself. For several minutes, she kept caressing his head, listening to the little sighs and noises with a smile on her face.

“Zyano...”

Jay blinked, once again going still, while she struggled to hold back the tears.

“I'm sorry I wasn't here, Khun. But I was so happy to see you have fun, today.”

Her voice cracked, and she decided it was time to stop. She leaned on the bed planting a soft kiss on Khun's head before leaving the room, taking great care to close the door without making a sound.

Chapter 16: Big Bad Baddie

It took several days before Jay got her chance to strike back at Ken and Big, but she was patient and bid her time. When they finally both showed up to training, it was a quick and quiet matter of changing their water bottles, while they looked away.

She was back at Porsche's side by the time Chan called everyone to order.

“Today, we'll be focusing on tactical fitness, mainly movement. That means sprints, climbs and crawls, people!”

Jay had to cover her mouth to hide her grin. What a perfect day to carry it out and now, it was just a waiting game. Luckily, Chan did not go easy on the warm-up and Big was already drinking before the training really began. Ken emptied half his bottle after the first sprints.

“Why're you so focused on those douche canoes?”

She smirked at Porsche.

“I just have a feeling they'll be the most entertaining part of training.”

The minutes went by at a snail pace, but eventually, the effects showed themselves. Big was the first to clearly display his discomfort. The injury kept him on the bench, alone and in full view of everyone, a good chunk of the time.

“Someone's pitching a tent!” one of the other guards shouted when he stood up to rejoin the rest.

Big was quick to sit back down, surreptitiously crossing one leg over the other, but the view had been obvious and the other guards were fully enjoying his humiliation.

“You didn't!” Porsche snickered.

“How dare you? That would be so unethical! I sure hope the issue won't cause him too much distress.”

He glanced at her smirking face with one raised eyebrow.

“Still struggling with the innocent act, huh?”

“Yeah, I just can't keep a straight face when I try.”

They observed the others jeer and mock Big, who did his best to seem unaffected, though his shoulders were raised and his expression tense.

Half-way through crawling on their bellies, Ken's face suddenly looked abnormally strained and his movements slowed down, becoming stilted. Jay and Porsche shared a look, trying hard to hide their laughter as they continued forward, pretending to be oblivious. On the way back, Jay's eyes caught Ken's and she flashed a quick grin.

The absolute rage on his face made it even redder and he looked like he was about to explode, though to his credit, he managed to keep it together, while Chan was still observing everyone. He reached the end and quickly adjusted his pants to hide the erection when standing up. There were too many eyes on Big, so the two made do with sharing a knowing glance before both leered at Jay, who smiled sweetly at each of them.

While she saw nothing of the pair, during the rest of her daily work, she overheard the other bodyguards talking about the incident and several small groups were laughing quietly among each other.

It was only when she was alone in her room that Ken burst in, slamming the door shut behind him as he glared at her. She looked him up and down, a slow smirk growing on her face, as her gaze lingered at his bulging pants.

“Hello, Bitch-Boy.”

“You! You did this!”

She lifted her eyes and tapped an index finger on her lips.

“Did what?”

“You know what!”

“I don't see how anyone could know. You're really not explaining yourself very well.”

He sputtered, gesturing to his pants, but the words did not come out. She kept looking puzzled, making no attempt at easing his already heightened level of frustration.

“You put something in our water, I know it!”

“To what end?”

“To humiliate us! Because of you, everyone saw Big's... And mine hasn't... It's still...”

He kept gesturing, unwilling to speak the actual words.

“Everyone saw Big's what? Underwear? Mole? Left Earlobe?”

She put on a serious expression, leaning slightly forward.

“Did he get his belly button pierced?”

“You made our dicks hard in the middle of training!” he finally yelled, only to immediately blush, though he tried to keep his glare.

“Did I? I had no idea I had such an effect on my fellow colleagues.”

“That's not what I... Ugh, you're just...”

His fists were clenched tight, as he fidgeted, his eyes darting back and forth from hers.

“You put something in the water that gave us erections, didn't you?”

Though he was speaking through clenched teeth, his voice had calmed down, though his body continued to tremble, every muscle tensed.

“Hmm, that doesn't sound like me.”

“Cut the crap!”

“I'm serious. Why would I tamper with your drinks?”

“Because you're a psycho-freak!”

“While that has certainly been established, I don't particular have a fondness for randomly drugging people. And even if I did, why would I pick you and Big?”

“To get back at us for what we did to Kinn's drink!”

“Ah!”

Ken blanched as he realized what he had just blurted out but Jay's smile turned predatory.

“So, you admit to tampering with your boss' drink, trying to poison him?”

“N-no, we knew he'd make you drink it.”

“So, you poisoned me.”

He pressed his lips together, but his expression became uncertain. Jay took a step towards him.

“If you did that, I would have a good reason to get back at you, wouldn't I?”

“You could have done something else.”

She chuckled.

“You're right. For a while, I considered using laxatives, then sabotaging the card reader on your door and lock the doors to every public bathroom, leaving you scrambling for somewhere to shit out your bowels.”

“That's disgusting!”

“True. I also didn't want to do that to the cleaning staff.”

She took another step.

“But then there's Devil's Breath. Ever heard of it?”

Ken shook his head, swallowing visibly; he tried to stand his ground, but his body was slowly leaning away from her.

“Nasty little piece of work. You blow it in someone's face and they become completely compliant, like a puppet, for 24-hours. And afterwards, they remember nothing.”

Their eyes were locked and she moved forward again, until they were centimeters apart.

“I could have had you run around the estate, naked, asking anyone you came upon to fuck you.”

He started backing away but she followed, until he was pressed up against the door.

“I could have made you kneel in front of me, begging me to let you eat my pussy.”

She place an arm on either side, locking him in place, as she leaned in, keeping her lips and the tip of her nose millimeters from his skin, while she continued talking, her warm breath fanning across his cheek and jaw as she moved her mouth closer to his ear. His breath caught but he made no move to get away.

“So, the next time you decide to poison me for shits and giggles, either make sure you kill me or get ready for a world of misery.”

She pulled back, catching his dazed eyes.

“Now, run along Bitch-Boy, I don't have time to play with you tonight.”

Pushing off from the door, she made a small noise of amusement while turning away. Before she could take another step, an arm closed above her elbow and spun her around, then Ken crashed his mouth against hers.

The action left her stunned for a moment. When her brain kicked into gear, she returned the kiss, matching his fervor with her own while tearing at his clothes, eager for it all to be gone. The feeling of Ken's desperate lips against hers awoke a blazing torrent of heat inside her body.

His tongue graced her mouth and she yielded to it, letting him in, seeking it with her own. She tore open his shirt, heedless of the buttons scattering around them. After discarding his jacket and ruined shirt, his hands were in her hair. He broke away from the kiss pulling her head backwards, to run his lips over her jaw and down her neck, in small, firm movements.

His hot lips left trails of fire on her skin and she sighed clinging to his body and tilting her head to the side, giving him full access. He reached the hollow, where her neck and shoulder met, swirling his tongue over the spot before biting down on it. She hissed, tendrils of electricity running through her, sending delicious tingles out to the farthest parts of her body. His teeth scraped over her skin and she bit her lip, raking her nails over his shoulders. A shudder rumbled through him and his arms wound around her body, pulling her closer as he sought her lips again.

His heat and eagerness stoked her own desire, and she nibbled at his lower lip, pulling on it before attacking his mouth again. Every sound of pleasure he made turned her on and she held his head, letting her tongue explore his mouth.

He tugged on her her blouse, pulling it over her head and tossing it on the floor, before running his hand along the outside of her bra, the sensation of his fingers making her pant with anticipation, as she moved her hand down his pants. His erection had become obvious, straining against the black fabric. With a smirk, she let her fingertips run down the length, making his breath catch.

“How was it, walking around with this, all day?” she asked with a low chuckle.

He grit his teeth.

“I'll make you regret doing this to me.”

“I hope you don't plan a disappointing performance,” she noted, still teasing his dick.

“I have no reason to make it satisfying for you. This is all your fault to begin with.”

He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her back until she was pressed against the wall, his form looming over her.

“And if I ever get the chance, I'll make you pay for it with excruciating interest.”

The dark tone of voice did nothing to scare her, instead it sent a delightful shiver down her spine.

“I look forward to it, though I don't expect much. You seem a bit...inexperienced.”

His expression darkened and the grip on her shoulders tightened. She could feel him twitch where her hand was still pressed against him and it made her smile widen into a grin.

With vicious delight, she opened his pants, putting her hand down and he hissed through clenched teeth at her touch. In an instant he closed what small distance remained between them, and pressed his lips against hers in another heated kiss.

She started stroking up and down and he moaned against her mouth, his hands moving around her back and undoing her bra. She only stopped the movement to let it drop to the ground, then continued, and Ken sought out her nipples, his fingers circling and teasing the hardened tips. She gasped, letting go of the last of her restraint; with deft movements, Jay pushed off his pants and boxers, grabbing a firm hold of his cock.

While she stroked up and down, she grabbed the back of his head, bringing him in so she could run her tongue up his neck until she reached the earlobe, carefully pulling it between her teeth.

His groans began to grow louder and she bit down, causing him to cry out, though it tapered into a soft moan as a tremble ran through him. His fingers trailed along her waistband and she pulled back with a small laugh.

“Ready to see how smooth I am?”

He nodded, quickly dipping down to pull a condom out of his pants pocket, ripping it open with his teeth. Jay grabbed it from him, and took great enjoyment in pushing it down his shaft, watching as his expression twist with pleasure and frustration.

“Had no clue you were so responsible,” she teased, letting her nails caress over the rubber. “Or did you seek me out hoping to get your dick wet?”

“Shut up,” he growled, pushing her pants down.

“Make me.”

He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around him, guiding his length to her entrance. He kissed her, his mouth rough and ardently devouring hers, while he pressed her up against the wall, eager to dive into her, but she held him at bay, as her fingers wound their way into his hair. She teased his tip, letting him touch the inside of her before pulling away again. Eventually, he broke off the kiss, glaring at her.

“I hate you,” he sneered, wrapping his arms around to keep her in place.

With a violent thrust, he entered her and the chuckle his comment had elicited ended on a groan as she felt him fill her up. His dick rubbing against her in angry bursts was every bit the passion she needed and she matched his movements, grinding her hips against him as heat and electricity mixed and pooled inside her.

Ken's lips found her nipple, his tongue circling it, teasingly, before his mouth closed over it, his teeth latching on and pulling. The exquisite pain shot through her and she moaned, arching her back to press her breast harder against his mouth. His tongue took over, laving the puckered tip before he placed several small bites on the surrounding skin.

Jay was panting, her body aflame with desire and need. She grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head back before sinking her teeth into his shoulder, opposite the mark she had already given him, though this time, she did not break his skin and he was far less eager to be rid of her, instead pressing them both firmer against the wall, holding her tighter.

“Don't you dare leave a mark!” he warned, thrusting into her even harder.

She chuckled, letting go of his neck and running her fingers over the scar on the other side.

“I already did.”

“Fuck you!”

“You already are.”

He covered her mouth with his, no doubt in a bid to keep her quiet, and increased their speed. He hit a spot inside her which sent a jolt through her entire body and she clung to him as he aimed for the same place, both panting between kisses as the pressure built. Her body craved to be closer, to feel more of his heat and have him deeper inside of her, and so she pulled on him, using her legs and angling her body to let him penetrate further and she could hear the effect on his voice, coming in short, panting grunts, while she was pushed to the very edge before tipping over it.

Jay groaned as the orgasm washed over her, squeezing Ken between her thighs while she rode the wave of pleasure. He increased the rhythm, soon following her as he emptied himself inside her. Their moans mixed as the tremors of pleasure raced through their bodies.

In the aftermath, neither spoke, letting the silence settle between them, as they parted. While Jay felt mostly sated and relaxed, it was clear her guest had a much harder time; she found it almost amusing how fervently he avoided looking at her, while gathering his clothes, hurriedly dressing himself.

“This...never happened,” he said, while closing his jacket to hide the ruined shirt underneath.

“Provided you manage to keep yourself and your BFF in check, I can agree to that.”

“Are you blackmailing me?”

She tilted her head, looking him in the eye.

“Would you really like to argue semantics with me?”

Instead of replying, he pulled on the hem of his jacket, gave her a curt nod and rushed out of the room. Jay yawned, pulling out her body in a languid stretch, figuring she had time for a quick shower before training with Chan started.

The clump of food landed in the water, immediately breaking apart. Pale shapes, barely longer than a hand, came to the surface, gobbling up the feast.

Porsche threw another pinch at the pond, quietly watching the fish eat in the moonlit water. He was squatting on the low brick wall, holding the feeding box in one hand, watching the rings spread and intersect wherever a mouth kissed the surface.

“Khun doesn't usually allow anyone to feed his precious 'babies'.”

Deep and smooth, the voice fit the quiet night air, mixing with the breeze, caressing his skin. He stood, stepping down from the wall, as Kinn came to stand next to him.

“I feel responsible. It was my fault his old fish died.”

“And this isn't just an excuse to get out of watching TV with him?”

Porsche averted his eyes with a sheepish smile.

“Can't it be both?”

Kinn returned the smile.

“I won't rat you out. Unless you somehow manage to kill them again.”

“That's fair. So, why are you out here?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Shouldn't I be? I do occasionally venture into my own garden, you know.”

“I just thought you'd be busy with mafia-stuff.”

Porsche explained, fishing out a cigarette.

“'Mafia-stuff'?”

He nodded while lighting up, speaking out the corner of his mouth.

“Yeah, you know, making secret deals, spying on the other families, whatever.”

“You have no clue what a mafia is and how it works, do you?”

Blowing out a cloud of smoke, Porsche shook his head.

“No, none.”

Kinn sighed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Not every day is about scheming and threatening. The clan has legitimate businesses which need to be managed, investments to overlook and new projects to plan out. Most of my day-to-day work is done on the computer.”

“Well that's disappointing. Here I thought you were this big bad baddie, feared by the whole city! I mean, you even kicked my ass on that boat...and pulled a gun on me.”

Kinn rolled his eyes, scoffing.

“That's still part of it, it's just not everything. For fuck's sake, you were there when I was attacked at the product launch!”

“Oh...right.”

Porsche wasn't sure how he had managed to forget the biggest blunder of his career...so far, at least. The events were still vivid in his mind, yet it was hard to think of that one incident as a regular occurrence when most days were so peaceful.

“Ever since I was announced as the heir, people have wanted me dead. Before that, they were happy to think Khun would take over.”

“They want an erratic eccentric in charge?”

“He's unpredictable but poorly equipped to handle social interactions, especially with people on his on own level. Being so isolated, he never learned how to properly judge someone's motivations or predict the consequences of trusting them too much.”

Porsche felt his shoulders tense as Kinn looked right at him. After a few moments, the gaze became too heavy for him and he averted his eyes.

“I don't have any reason to betray Khun.”

“That means nothing. Someone could easily give you a reason.”

Porsche tilted his head, narrowing his eyes.

“Is that really how you see me?”

Kinn's demeanor remained unchanged as he calmly observed the tense stance.

“If someone threatened your family...”

Porsche clenched his fists, his entire body tensing up, knowing what came next.

“Are you telling me that wouldn't be a reason?”

For a long time, he didn't answer. It wasn't a scenario he had ever pondered but it might one day become a possibility. But what could he say?

“Even if they did, I wouldn't just sell him out. I'd come up with something.”

“'Something', huh?”

A grim smile spread on Kinn's face.

“You can't save everyone, Porsche. And refusing to choose means you won't save anyone.”

Chapter 17: I Don't Remember, But My Heart Does

“Okay, you're angry with me,” Jay groaned, rolling over on her side.

Chan, being his usual stoic self, was as stone faced as ever.

“What gives you that idea?”

“Call it a feeling...of being slammed onto the floor. Repeatedly.” She had lost count around the sixth time and was now just waiting for the lesson to be over.

“Do I have a reason to be angry?”

It felt like a trick question. She got on her feet before answering...just in case.

“None that I know.”

It was a lie, she knew full well why he was pissed, but there was no reason to make it easy for him. Well, maybe except for the building soreness in her body.

“Then I must not be angry.”

She narrowed her eyes at him but it had no effect. Entering battle stance with a great deal of hesitation, she gave him a slow nod and he came at her with all the ferocious will of a charging beast and she landed back on the ground within a minute.

“Oh, come on! You can't tell me...that wasn't personal!” she coughed, trying to regain her breath.

“You said it yourself: I have no reason to be upset.”

“Yet, clearly you are!” She flipped onto her stomach and slowly got back up, rolling her shoulders with a grimace. “I think you've rearranged my bones.”

“You're not that frail.”

With a grumble, she dropped back down to sit on the ground.

“We're not done.”

“I am. This shit hurts!”

He frowned, showing the first hint of actual emotion that evening.

“I have no need for weaklings among my people.”

“And I have no need to prove myself through senseless pain,” she countered. “Either admit you're angry or stop punishing me.”

She met his gaze, refusing to back down as the silence settled between them, loaded with unspoken words. Eventually, he was the one to look away.

“Get up.” His voice was softer but still commanding and she got on her feet despite having no particular desire to follow the order. When he dropped into a combat stance she rolled her eyes but followed suit.

The next round was a complete switch and she finally had room to breath, as she countered his attacks, using every chance to try and get one over on him. He left openings for her to exploit and they settled into a more familiar rhythm, one Jay had come to look forward to, over the weeks. Every attack, deflection, side-step and throw was carefully carried out and guided towards a better version, every attempt just a little better than before. Just sparring against Chan, she was constantly improving and getting a little closer to beating him...or at least landing on her ass less.

Right when she felt secure in their routine, he switched it up, taking her by surprise, and managed to pin her to the ground. She struggled, but knew it was pointless. Besides, it was far more comfortable than his previous victories, so she didn't mind handing him this one.

“Alright, I give.”

He said nothing, looming above her, quiet and large. There was so much power in his presence, that even though she didn't feel threatened it was still overwhelming.

“You're still angry,” she guessed with a sigh.

“And why would that be?”

For a moment, she considered keeping up the charade, but continuing with this kind of animosity would make her favorite part of the day a chore. And it only had a little to do with not liking the idea of having Chan be angry with her. A very little.

“This is about Big and Ken.”

“The two you've been at odds with since the beginning and who recently poisoned you? Yes.” The edge in his voice did not seem directed at her, neither did the anger in his eyes.

“You figured it out.”

“It wasn't hard to guess.”

She acceded his point, with a small nod.

“I didn't fight them, this time, and you weren't out any people, so it's not the same.”

“You still took an unnecessary risk. And once again, you didn't trust me to handle it.” His teeth were clenched and the grip on her wrists tightened.

“It's not about trust.”

“It is to me. You're one of my people, Jay.”

The words stirred something within and she squirmed, trying to dispel the heat building in her chest. He continued, not paying attention to her unease.

“If someone is harassing you, I want you to tell me...no matter who it is.”

There was a weight behind the pause, something more than just a promise to hold his own people accountable. She met his eyes, dark and filled with certainty. For a long moment, she struggled with what to say. His body against hers made it hard to think. Had he always been this warm?

“Is that... Do you tell all the bodyguards that?” She immediately wanted to retract the question. She wasn't even sure what kind of answer she wanted, let alone expected.

For a long moment, he observed her with a gauging expression.

“I usually don't have to. They consider this job an honor, so they're easy to keep in line.”

“You could just say I'm a chore to handle,” she grumbled.

“I thought I just did.” The raised eyebrow coupled with his dry tone was enough to break the tension between them and Jay ended up chuckling despite herself.

“I guess I could easy up on the revenge schemes.”

When he made no move to let up, she made a sound of resignation.

“And I'll try and...trust-” she began, choking slightly on the word, before swallowing and trying again: “trust you.”

“I hope you do,” he said, letting go of her wrists and getting up. “Because there's a meeting with the Heißler family tomorrow, and I've suggested to bring you along.”

She got up from the floor with a furrowed brow.

“Why?”

“Because you're one of our best. And because a few of the usual crew are still nursing the wounds you gave them.”

Jay shook her head.

“I didn't hurt anyone that badly.”

“I meant the wounds to their pride. They've made it quite clear they won't return to work as long as you're employed.”

She snorted.

“I hope you're not expecting me to feel guilty about that.”

“They made their choice, and I have no use for fools who think there's a limit to who can get the best of them.” He folded his arms over his chest, his demeanor as uncompromising as his words.

Jay took the time to think the offer over. Though she had no immediate reasons to reject it, that did not equate to making it a good idea. Her mind was fuzzy on the Heißler family, outside of knowing they were generally neutral when it came to conflict between the other families.

“What would I be doing, exactly?”

“You'd be stationed somewhere in the hotel, keeping an eye on any suspicious activity.”

It meant no direct interaction with the members of the family itself, and only limited time in their vicinity. She could see herself managing that much.

“Alright, I'll go.”

“This isn't an invitation, it's an order.”

“What luck I have no intention of disobeying, then,” she drawled.

Porsche hesitated on the doorstep to the balcony, taking in his boss's latest fashion statement. The word 'loud' came to mind as bright red and green clashed on a full-body monstrosity littered with roaring tigers and blazing suns. If someone were to shoot him dead for the outfit alone, Porsche would be hard-pressed to blame them.

“Master Tankhun,” Porsche said, hoping to pull his attention away from his reflection in a small round mirror in his hand.

When Khun made no move to look away from himself, Porsche glanced around, noting the odd quiet. It seemed the perfect excuse to leave and get himself a snack from the kitchen.

“Did Arm and Pol oversleep again? You know what, I'll just go get them.”

“No need,” Khun said as Porsche turned around. “Papa has an important meeting today, so he took all the best bodyguards with him.”

Porsche stiffened before turning back to Tankhun, who was still fully absorbed by his hair.

“Let's dye our hair, today!” Khun declared, pulling out a box of store bought coloring. “With this, yours will look just like mine.” He read the instruction in an excited chatter, not realizing his bodyguard wasn't listening.

Porsche could not believe they had left him behind to babysit a grown man, while the rest of them got to go on a mission. He had no doubt it was Kinn's doing, again. What the hell was that guy's problem?

So, he had bungled the first mission and made a mess with the minor family, but most people messed up when they first started a new job, so why was he being singled out?

“Hey!” Khun called, when he realized he was talking to himself. He observed Porsche agitated face and scoffed.

“Don't look like that. Kinn said someone with your test results would only get yourself killed, anyway. So, keeping you where it's safe makes more sense, right?”

There was no good counterargument. Porsche knew his lackadaisical attitude regarding the training schedule was all on him and a bodyguard who couldn't even keep up with the daily workout would just become a hindrance if things went sideways. It still stung and it was hard not to feel slighted, which was probably the desired effect.

“Trust me, staying safe is for the best,” Khun continued, seemingly annoyed with Porsche's low mood. “You can help me with my hair, too. I want it more reddish, like dark red. It's gonna be so fetch!”

Porsche rolled his eyes, his mind still on the fact that he wasn't considered good enough, despite being chased down and all but forced to work for the clan. He had considered himself skilled enough to compete with the best of them, but he was now painfully aware he wasn't worth considering for any important jobs.

“Would you snap out of it?”

He looked at Khun who was pouting while shooting him an irritated glare.

“Who cares about those guys? You and I can have our own fun without them! Wanna play a game? Watch a new show? I would even consider an action show, if you want.”

“What I want isn't inside the estate.”

Khun's face brightened.

“Oh, you wanna go to the bar? I'm game!”

“Hum Bar is closed this early in the day,” Porsche explained.

“Well, then I'm out of ideas!”

He observed Khun for a moment, wondering if the question on his mind would create more trouble than he needed, right then.

“Master Khun, don't you ever miss the outside world?”

Tankhun became very still, looking out at Crescenda, spread out towards the East.

“There's nothing out there I can't enjoy here.”

“But you didn't use to be cooped up here, did you?” Porsche came and sat next to him, though Khun backed away a little. “What happened when you were kidnapped?”

Khun's eyes wandered and he kept up a childish pout but eventually shrugged.

“I don't actually remember. They said the shock made me forget most of it. I was tied up, mostly, and then there was a big battle to rescue me and...someone died.”

“'Someone'?”

The same flicker of frustration as before crossed his face before he shook his head in annoyance.

“Yes, 'someone'. I was traumatized, I don't remember who they were.”

Porsche narrowed his eyes, causing Khun to slap him on the chest.

“Don't give me that look! You weren't there. Besides, it's not like I don't miss them.”

“How can you miss them when you don't even remember who they are?”

“I don't remember, but my heart does.” Khun pursed his lips, looking thoughtful. “It's quite poetic, really. You know, I sometimes dream about them? Of course, I don't remember the dream, either.”

“Then how do you know the dream was about them?”

He looked at Porsche like a patient adult might look at child who asked what love is.

“Because of the feeling, of course!”

He didn't elaborate further and Porsche wasn't sure he would get a more coherent answer from him. However, the conversation had clearly affected the otherwise rambunctious oldest son, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.

“Would you like to play a game?” Porsche asked, mostly concerned with getting his boss back to his usual mood.

“I'm not in the mood, anymore.”

Porsche kept trying to cheer him up but Khun was barely responding, his eyes distant. With a sigh, Porsche gave up, wondering why he could never keep his mouth shut. After a few minutes like that, he was struck by an idea.

“Hey, Khun! I got a spare key for Jay's room!”

Khun gave him a disturbed look.

“So?”

“So, guess where her zipline gear is?”

“The Heißler family is notoriously impartial in most matters concerning the Families,” Chan explained as they moved through the hotel. “Since Mr. Don is sending the Savellis against us, we need to find allies and they're our best bet.”

“When I asked if this counted as a business trip, I really just wanted to know whether raiding the mini-fridge would be considered a work expense, but...okay.”

The glance Jay received from him made her grin. Something about his calm exasperation always tempted her to get under his skin. It was probably best not to dig into the whys of it.

“One of the smaller conference rooms has been reserved for the meeting, and only two bodyguards on each side is allowed to join the talks. Master Kinn has chosen Pete and I will accompany Master Korn.”

Jay nodded, saying nothing against the arrangement, while Chan pointed out some unfamiliar men in suits.

“The bodyguards from Heißler are all in blue and while they're professional, they're not unfriendly, so there's no need to be antagonistic towards them.”

“Wouldn't dream of it.”

Chan stopped and turned towards her with a severe expression.

“This is important. I've overlooked a lot of your problematic behavior back at the estate, but you won't get away with pulling something like that, with these guys. Do you understand?”

“No ruffling their feathers,” she summarized, nodding.

He held her gaze for a moment longer, gauging her sincerity, then moved on.

“Even if the meeting doesn't pan out, it's imperative that we keep the relationship intact. The last thing we need is to hand an ally to our enemies.”

“Heißler would never work with Savelli.” The odd look from Chan, quickly made her amend her statement. “From what I hear.”

“Let's not find out.”

The tour ended at the elevator on the floor dedicated to the meeting, where Arm was already waiting along with two bodyguards in navy-blue suits.

“You and Arm, along with Caspar and Florian, here, will be in charge of keeping others away from the floor. Anyone coming up has to be cleared by either myself or Mr. Brahm.”

“Mr. Brahm's the Heißler family's chief of security,” Arm clarified, in a whisper, as Jay came near.

“Depending on how long the meeting lasts, you'll be rotated with Big and Pol, later,” Chan continued. “If we stay, overnight, there'll be enough downtime to rest and eat. In the meantime, look sharp!”

Jay unconsciously straightened her back, along with Arm, earning a nod of approval from the chief before he left.

“And I thought Brahm had a stick up his ass,” one of the blue-clad guards noted with a wary glance in Chan's direction.

“To be fair, I 've been causing him a fair amount of trouble already, so...” Jay revealed, leaning against the wall with a shrug.

“I'm surprised the Theerapanyakuns are willing to hire a female bodyguard,” his colleague noted, nodding towards her. “They've been known as the sausage party clan for a while, now.”

“You should mind your tone.” Arm's voice was low and dark.

Jay looked at him, raising her eyebrows at his obvious hostility.

“It's not like they're wrong. Though not so much a party as just kinda...dangling.”

The two bodyguards chuckled.

“With you around, I doubt there's much dangling of anything.” The first one smirked, sending an appreciative glance down her body.

She could sense Arm tense up and gave him a tiny nudge, before beaming a smile at the others.

“Appreciate the compliment, cutie, but I'm strictly here on business.”

He put a hand over his heart in an exaggerated manner.

“Ah, my wounded pride. Can I at least ask your name?”

“Only if I can have yours too.”

He grinned.

“That's fair. I'm Caspar.”

She nodded and turned her head to the other guy.

“So, can I assume you're Florian, then?”

The other guy nodded and winked at her, making her chuckle.

“Alright. I'm Jay. I only just started working for the family, which, as you've correctly observed, is a little lacking in female energy.”

“If they give you a hard time, Heißler has never had a problem with hiring women, as long as they're skilled,” Caspar said with a crooked smile.

“Don't go poaching our people,” Arm interjected.

“Then maybe you should treat them better,” Florian observed.

“And what makes you so sure I am skilled?” Jay deliberately ignored the outburst of the other two.

“The Theerapanyakuns aren't known for hiring amateurs.”

“Hmm, I'm not sure I agree.”

“Hey!” Arm stared at her and she burst out laughing at his offended expression.

“Relax! I'm kidding. Though your reaction is adorable.”

He proceeded to blush and she turned her attention back.

“Much as I appreciate the offer, I enjoy messing with these guys too much to give it up.”

“I can see why.”

“Do you see her?”

“I'm old, not blind,” Brahm grumbled, looking at the security screen. “Mind telling me why this is so important?”

Chan hesitated, running a hand through his hair a few times before answering.

“Does she look at all familiar to you?” The question came out rushed, causing Brahm to raise an eyebrow at him.

“Should she? This is still CCTV footage, not a close up photo, you know.”

“I know. I'll introduce you to her, later.”

Brahm's bemusement deepened.

“What exactly is it you want me to see?”

“I think she's been involved with the Families in the past. But it may have been before my time.”

Brahm looked back at the screen, this time taking in the small image with greater interest.

“If that's the case, I'm sure you'd be able to find some record of her. Why ask me?”

Chan exhaled through the nose, not looking at him.

“I've already searched my sources but I can't be sure of anything about her. There's no sign of her existence, prior to cropping up as a guardian to another employee, almost twenty years ago.”

Brahm absorbed the information, moving his head from side to side as he digested and sorted through it.

“Where was she working prior?”

“Center Tower.”

The was a humph from him, as his fingers tapped on the low desk.

“No wonder you had little luck. CT's all hidden files and isolated cells.”

Chan didn't need to voice his agreement, just like he didn't need to point out the sky was blue and water made you wet.

“You've worked for the Families longer than anyone else. Even if you don't recognize her, you may have some connections who would.”

Brahm turned fully towards him with a serious expression.

“And what exactly is it you're worried about? Do you think she's plotting against your employer?”

The warning note in his voice did not escape Chan's notice and he knew he had to word his thoughts carefully. If the Heißlers got wind of someone on the other side being suspicious, it could derail the talks before they even began, or it could make them err on the side of caution and just shoot Jay before she became a problem. Neither option was good but the latter was particularly distasteful to him. However, if he lied and were found out, it could start an internal conflict with the other family and possibly spell both their deaths.

“I don't. She was reluctant to work for us, though she seems to feel that way about the Families as a whole.”

Brahm nodded. There was nothing unusual about such apprehension within the general populace.

“However, she shows great concern for Master Khun and Master Kinn and outside of being inexperienced, I have found no alarming behavior.”

“Then to what end is this investigation?”

Chan exhaled, trying to find the best way to formulate his concerns without causing unnecessary misunderstanding.

“Whatever she's hiding, I believe it's tied to the internal history of the Theerapanyakun clan. I want to make sure I'm prepared, should that history contain some unwanted skeletons.”

Brahm seemed skeptical but said nothing for or against, so Chan continued.

“I need this to be done, discretely. If there's nothing of note, I want to be able to act like I know nothing.” At the curious glance from Brahm, he elaborated: “Master Korn is fond of her, and I would hate for this to trouble him, unduly.”

The old man considered everything he had heard. Chan waited patiently as he looked at the screen again, his fingers still tapping against the desk surface.

“By asking for my help, you understand I'll have to take action if I uncover something I deem a threat to our clan?”

Chan nodded.

“Provided you keep any information not in that category to yourself.”

“It seems we have reached an accord,” came the reply.

Chapter 18: Easier to Carry On

Kinn woke up to the sound of his outer door opening and he immediately reached for the gun in his nightstand, when the intruder rushed into his bedroom.

“Hide me!”

“Porsche?” He stared as his newest bodyguard frantically looked around the room. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Jay's after me, and she's pissed, I need to lay low for a while.”

Porsche caught sight of the long curtains in front of the glass door and quickly went behind them but it was quickly revealed that despite his slender build, the fabric still bulged revealingly. He looked around some more when his eyes landed on the bed. Kinn raised an eyebrow.

“Don't even think about it!”

A sound from the hallways sent Porsche scampering across Kinn to take up hiding under the duvet, the latter groaning as his feet failed to avoid the body already beneath.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Kinn hissed.

“It'll just be for a couple of minutes, promise!”

“Absolutely not! Get out!”

He pulled on the duvet but Porsche held a tight grip on it.

“Just tell her your friend from last night stayed over, she won't suspect a thing,” he urged, diving under the covers.

“This is my room, you have no business barging in here and jumping into my bed!”

Porsche peeked out with narrowed eyes.

“Why're you being so difficult? It's not a big deal.” Something seemed to occur to him as he said and he smiled, slyly. “Oh, are you naked under there?” he asked, lifting the duvet, only for Kinn to push it back down, glaring at him.

“How's that any of your business?”

“What? Are you shy? I can take my clothes off, if it makes you feel better.”

Porsche started rummaging around under the bedding and Kinn was quick to shove at him.

“Stop that!”

“Why? What's-”

The noise of Kinn's outer door opening again made them both freeze.

“Hide!” Porsche whispered and they dove under.

“Wait, why am I hiding? This is my room!” Kinn moved to get out, but Porsche quickly pulled him back, covering his mouth while holding a finger to his lips.

“Shh! It's too late, you're an accomplice, now!”

“Kinn? Are you in here?”

The hand on Kinn's mouth tightened and he glared at Porsche, who was occupied with listening to the approaching footsteps. Despite his irritation, he kept still, not entirely sure why he was being pulled along.

Being forced to breath through his nose, it was impossible not to pick up Porsche's scent. It was more...discrete than he had thought. There were slight hints of citrus, probably from a body wash. It suited him. It was nice.

Footsteps got closer and Kinn could feel his heartbeat speed up. For whatever reason, he did not want to be found, and so he kept still, as the sound drew nearer.

“Kinn? Porsche? Porsche, if you're hiding in here, I'm gonna nail your scrotum to the wall!”

Porsche's breath caught on a hiss and Kinn quickly covered his mouth, sharing a look with him. He could feel Porsche's lips twist into a grin and the sensation made him mirror the expression.

They stayed like that, centimeters apart in that small space, neither daring to move for fear of discovery.

It was complete nonsense, of course; if Jay were to enter the bedroom, they would be found in an instant, covered or not, but luckily, the noise stayed outside the bedroom door. Jay soon retreated and they both pulled the cover away, gasping. Porsche was laughing while Kinn tried to keep an ear out for further sounds.

“What the hell did you do?” he asked, when he was sure they were alone.

“Khun was moping and I wanted to cheer him up. So, I kinda sneaked into Jay's room and stole her gear.”

Kinn's displeasure must have been obvious because he quickly continued.

“It was only supposed to be for an hour or two, but Khun's refusing to give it back and Jay figured out I was behind it, so now she's on the war path.”

“You realize she'll find you sooner or later?”

Porsche rolled his eyes.

“Of course. I just need her to get out of berserker mode, first.”

Kinn sighed, getting out of bed to get dressed.

“If I'd known how much trouble a pair of siblings would be, I'd have thought twice about hiring you.”

“Oh, come on. You got two brothers, this place must have been a battleground, when you were kids.”

Kinn hesitated, holding a shirt in his hand.

“It wasn't really like that for us.”

Porsche seemed to pick up on the shift in mood, his expression becoming serious.

“Why not?”

“Ever since Khun's kidnapping, we all had a sort of...realization, I suppose. We weren't just kids, we were the future of one of the most powerful mafia families in the country.”

He pulled on the shirt, his expression back to being closed off.

“Each of us could die at any moment. It's easier to carry on when we keep our distance.”

Porsche's eyes seemed to bore into him but he avoided them, instead focusing on taking on his watch.

“You know, I used to be really envious of other kids at my school...and in my club, hell, even on the street.”

The bodyguard laid down on his back with his hands under his head, as he looked up at the ceiling, not really seeing it.

“Basically, anyone who had at least one living parent had something I would never get to have again.”

Kinn paused, listening to the words. He had not intended to share and certainly not to be sucked into someone else's past, but there was no helping it.

“I would feel like the poorest kid in the world, believing no one could ever understand how miserable I was. They were all so damn lucky, and here I was, struggling with missing my parents, every single day.”

There was a long silence, while Kinn waited for what came next. When no words were spoken, he looked towards Porsche who was observing him calmly.

“So, what changed?”

“Chay once said something which made me realize how spoiled I was acting. Our parents died before he could even remember what they looked like. To him, 'mom' and 'dad' are just people I'm telling him about. I have so much more than that. Yes, I lost them, but I also got to know them.”

“It's not always that simple,” Kinn argued, quietly.

“Probably not. But I have yet to meet anyone I'd rather not know, in case they die and it hurts. If it hurts that much, it must have been something really great, right?”

“...Right.” The admission surprised Kinn more than he expected and he cleared his throat, turning to look at Porsche, still laying on his bed. “Don't you think you've outworn your welcome?”

Porsche chuckled but got up, sauntering around the bed with his hands in his pockets. On his way to the door, he suddenly stopped, tapping his temple.

“That reminds me:” he said, turning towards Kinn and coming closer, “you know how you brought everyone along on yesterday's mission, except for me?”

“What about it?” Kinn asked, squaring his shoulders.

Porsche leaned in, close enough that Kinn could have counted his long eyelashes if he wanted to. Which he didn't! But he could.

“I'm gonna make you eat your heart out for that!” Porsche winked, turned around and walked away, leaving Kinn to figure out whether or not he wanted to acknowledge the tingling flame in his chest or not.

Porsche walked briskly down the hallway with Arm in tow.

“And you're sure this is gonna work?” Arm asked, trying to keep up.

“Trust me, when it comes to Jay, I've learned how to make her talk.”

Porsche turned his head to flash a reassuring grin, though it did not seem to appease his colleague.

“What if it doesn't work?”

He shrugged.

“Then we both die horribly and painfully.” The alarmed look on Arm's face made him burst out laughing. “Relax! How much of a villain do you think she is?”

“The way you describe it, we should be thankful to wake up, every morning.”

An awkward cough escaped Porsche's throat as he remembered saying those exact words in the past.

“Well, I may have exaggerated slightly. She can be a lot, but she won't kill us or anything.”

“Keep in mind, I'm not gonna help you improve if she freaks out on us.”

“I remember the deal,” Porsche scoffed. “Don't worry, I heard Kinn just gave her some major boondoggle, so she'll be plenty distracted.”

He reached her room and knocked on the door. Jay answered within a few seconds looking from Porsche to Arm with visible confusion.

“What brings you guys here?”

Porsche beamed a sweet smile at his sister.

“We heard you were drowning in paperwork, thought we'd offer our assistance.”

She narrowed her eyes at him.

“What are you up to?”

“Come on, Jay. We really just wanna help.” He kept an open expression but she seemed unconvinced and after a few moments, Porsche sighed in defeat. “Alright, so Khun has been begging to use the zipline again, and I was hoping by helping you, we could work out some sort of deal.”

“You mean after you stole it and I had to tear it from his weeping body?”

There was an awkward laugh from Porsche.

“At least, I'm coming straight to you, this time. I deserve credit for that, right?”

She contemplated his argument and though Arm did not find it convincing, it seemed the sister did possess a soft spot for her trouble making brother. She hesitated for another moment, before nodding and letting them both inside. The large table in her room was littered with packets of paper, all covered in text.

“Kinn tasked me with looking over the all the shares bought and sold within the last six months and mark out every time the buyer was a known associate of the other families.”

“That sounds like busywork. Did you piss him off or something?”

“It's actually an important task,” Arm argued. “Whoever does it gets directs insight into the financial details of the clan, so only the most trusted people get assigned to it.”

Porsche whistled.

“You're moving up in the world, huh?” he noted, impressed.

“Not by choice.”

He glanced over the many account statements.

“Did he at least give you a list of names to work from?”

She nodded, though did not seem pleased.

“It's not very comprehensive and there's a lot of missing information, so I've been going mainly from memory. Feel free to use it and handle those two stacks.” She gestured to a pair of piles, before sitting down to continue her work.

Porsche gestured for Arm to join him as they sat down at the opposite end of the table. After a couple of minutes of looking through and marking names, he nudged Arm and nodded towards Jay in a meaningful way. Arm quietly cleared his throat.

“Jay, about the security on your information as a runner?”

“What about it?” she muttered, still keeping her eyes on the paper in front of her.

“When I got the list, there was no one named 'Jay' or 'Blue' among the candidates.” He adjusted his glasses, nervously awaiting another dismissal from the hunched figure.

“You tried to hack the file?”

“I...did,” he admitted, tapping his foot against the leg of his chair.

“Every handler's list is equipped with a security protocol, which first takes the most identifying pieces of information and puts them through a hash,” she explained, still not looking at him. “The hashed info is randomized, de-hashed and then put through an approximator-AI, which spits out a plausible result and that result is printed onto the list.”

The influx of information was surprising enough that it took a moment for Arm to understand it all, while getting over the fact that he was currently conversing with someone who seemed barely aware of his presence.

“So I would never get the same list twice?”

“Due to the randomizer: no.” She flipped the page, still fully absorbed.

“And nothing on the list is true.”

“The biological sex and which area we're working in are accurate. The age is within a three year margin.”

Arm furrowed his brow.

“Why not scramble those as well?”

Jay shrugged, as her marker ran across the paper.

“Mostly for census purposes.”

He took a deep breath, hoping he could sneak the next question past her without raising alarm.

“How would I unravel the security protocol?”

“Impossible.”

The answer was immediate and for a second he stiffened. Porsche nudged him giving him a vague gesture of reassurance and after a moment, he did notice Jay had still not looked in their direction. The response seemed purely instinctual.

“Why is it impossible?”

“The randomized element was not built to be walked back, so unless you restructured the system from the ground up, there's no way to reverse it.”

“Meaning it can't be hacked?”

She shook her head.

“The handler's credentials is used along with a specific function which freezes the entire protocol in order to access the true list for a limited amount of time. If you were to hack it, you would go that route.”

Guilt started gnawing at Arm at the ease with which he could extract information from her.

“Couldn't you get in trouble for telling me?”

“Unlikely. None of the steps are unique to CT, the security lies in their combined usage. Nothing is patented or gives any advantage simply by being known.”

Arm looked to Porsche who seemed utterly disinterested in the conversation, his attention back on the lists.

“Then why didn't you want to talk about it, earlier?”

Jay froze and Arm could see Porsche's face go white next to him. She looked up at them and her eyes narrowed as they landed on her brother.

“You asshole! I told you to stop doing that!”

“Hey, easy now! We still wanna help.”

She sighed, tossing the marker on the table as she leaned back in her chair.

“Whatever, it's done now. What else do you want to know?” She looked at Arm who struggled with comprehending the quick changes in her mood.

“I'm sorry,” he mumbled, trying to shrink against his chair.

“It's fine. None of the information is confidential, I just don't like revealing much about myself, but with how persistent you were, it was only a matter of time before I'd have told you, myself.”

“Does that mean I'm safe?” Porsche asked, hopefully.

“Not a chance.”

“Isn't it a big risk from a bodyguard?” Arm asked, unable to contain his curiosity. “We're often handling sensitive information, and if distracting you means anyone can just ask...”

“I understand your concern but that's not quite how it works.” Jay sighed, fiddling with her ear stud. “Everyone has things they know not to say to anyone and then there's the stuff they're just guarded about revealing.”

“We've never been able to trick her into telling us what we'd be getting for our birthdays,” Porsche confirmed.

“Well, it was really illuminating to put it mildly,” Arm reflected. “I didn't realize Center Tower cared that much about their employees' safety.”

Jay shook her head.

“They don't. Though, it certainly helps them spin that narrative, it's used mostly to avoid poaching from other companies.”

“You have a surprisingly strong grasp on CT's security procedures.”

Jay seemed to mull something over before she answered.

“I should. I helped design them.”

Porsche's legs were pumping and he was pretty sure he had never moved so fast in his life. He jumped the last obstacle, rounded the volleyball net and stopped in front of Arm, who clicked the timer with his usual austere expression.

“.42 seconds below standard.”

“.42? Oh come on! That's nothing.”

Arm let his hand drop as he looked at Porsche over the rim of his glasses.

“Life and death is a game of time. After just one minute without oxygen, your brain cells begin to die.” He tapped Porsche's forehead. “At five minutes, you're on the verge of death.” He began circling Porsche as he continued speaking. “Put another way: a plane normally flies at a speed of 850 kilometers per hour, or 236 meters per second, well below the speed of sound at 343 meters per second.”

He came around Porsche's back, putting an arm to rest on his shoulder.

“An M16 bullet, on the other hand, travels at 840 meters per second. It will hit you before you even hear the shot.”

He went to stand in front of Porsche again, holding up the timer.

“All this to say that even a split second's delay, that 'nothing' as you call it, can be what gets you killed.”

Porsche felt the words settle like a chill in his bones, rapidly cooling the sweat on his skin.

“And that's why time is the most imperative resource to a bodyguard.” Arm tapped him on the chest. “You got a lot more to learn.” He moved to leave but Porsche held him back.

“Wait. Who's the best in each test?”

Arm looked around the gym.

“I'm first in the obstacle course and information-based tests. Pol can outrun anyone on a clear course. Pete dominates in lock picking and freeing himself, but underwater, Ken holds the record.” He counted off on his fingers as he spoke, his eyes looking up as he tried to remember ever discipline. “In hand-to-hand, Pete and Ken often switch between taking the first and second place and Big is particularly skilled at using a gun.”

“What about Chan?”

“He's Chief of Security, so his tests aren't counted among the rest of us. Suffice to say, he's earned his title.”

Porsche nodded, seeing the sense in that.

“And Jay?”

Arm seemed more pensive when her name came up, crossing his arms over his chest.

“She's tricky. Her initial results showed her as a Jack of all trades, master of none type. But seeing her in action, it becomes a little more difficult to say.”

It seemed there wasn't more to say on his sister, so Porsche tentatively turned his attention to the last person he wondered about.

“Where would Kinn rank?”

“Master Kinn excels in hand-to-hand and shooting, which is why Ken and Big are assigned to him, with Pete occasionally helping out.”

“Wouldn't it make more sense to balance him out?”

Arm chuckled.

“In a strictly statistical sense, yes. However, Kinn's style is focused more on his offensive capabilities. The people who help him need to be an aid in that, not a hindrance.”

Porsche thought it over, trying to figure out his own place in these rankings.

“So, if I wanted to go back to being Kinn's bodyguard... I would have to beat Ken, Big and Pete?”

Arm looked at him for a long moment.

“It's not just about results, Porsche.” The warning edge in his voice was enough to make Porsche pay extra attention. “The best results can't make up for a lack of reliability or loyalty. You have to be willing to risk your life to protect the family. Are you willing to do that? For Kinn?”

Chapter 19: A Very Scary Lady

“I changed my mind!” Porsche groaned from the ground. “I'll go back to training with Jay, instead.”

“No backsies,” Jay chuckled from her seat next to the blue mats.

“Don't get distracted,” Chan admonished. “Your test is next week.”

He didn't need the reminder. Every day had been filled to the brim with training to prove himself and he had counted down the days with zeal. Keeping his goal in mind, he got back up and entered a combat stance, giving Chan a nod to begin.

The older man was on him in a split-second, and he only barely evaded the punch towards his midsection, quickly countering with a fist of his own, which was blocked. He noticed Chan's leg at the last moment, and put up his arm in defense, feeling the impact through his entire body. It caused him to stumble and he was put on the defensive for the duration of the round, which soon saw him landing on his back again.

He stayed down, taking the chance to catch his breath. Luckily, Chan did not seem too intent on getting him up, right away.

“I thought these sessions were meant for Jay,” a familiar voice mused.

Porsche turned his head to see Kinn standing at the entrance with his arms crossed. Compared to his own crumpled tracksuit and haggard state, the mafioso looked annoyingly clean and handsome in his black pants and crisp white shirt. Porsche turned his head back, willing the stark contrast away.

“Who am I to stand in the way of young talents, aiming to improve?” Jay countered, swaying from side to side in her seated position.

Kinn scoffed, drawing nearer to the mats.

“The 'talent' in question being this lout?”

“You mean the 'lout' who was the only one to convince Tankhun to leave the estate? Yes, that talent.”

Porsche stared at Jay whose face had stiffened, while her gaze was intently focused on Kinn as if daring him to argue. It seemed even Kinn had a line with her he couldn't just casually cross. To his credit, Kinn handled the retort well, showing no signs of being put in his place, though Porsche thought his posture seemed a little more rigid.

“And how is he doing?” Kinn asked Chan, who had stayed quiet during their exchange.

“He's quick to catch on and eager to learn. His results should improve significantly.”

Porsche rolled up to sit, furrowing his brow. He was improving? The pain in his backside suggested otherwise. But he had no reason to suspect Chan would lie, especially for his benefit.

Kinn nodded, his expression still as enigmatic as ever. Jay often claimed to be able to tell some of his thoughts, but Porsche sure as hell couldn't. When a dark gaze turned towards him, he unconsciously shifted, wondering if Kinn had heard his thoughts.

“Don't you feel Chan is a little above your league?”

Porsche shrugged to cover a sigh of relief, leaning back on his hands.

“Who else am I supposed to spar with? I've beaten the others, several times. Jay and I are too used to each other for me to improve much, so unless you're volunteering...?” He let the question trail off, figuring there was no way the Theerapanyakun heir was going to lower himself to training rookies.

“Alright,” Kinn agreed, to everyone's surprise. “I can spare a few minutes to kick your ass.”

Porsche grinned, feeling pumped as he jumped to his feet.

“If I remember correctly, I managed to throw a few surprises your way, last time.” His eyes veered towards Kinn's neck.

Kinn pursed his lips.

“You try any of those tricks again, I'll make you regret it.”

“Chill. I know better than to injure the guy I work for.”

“That is some god-awful trash talk. Just horrible,” Jay complained, looking from one to the other. “Where's the heat? The withering condemnation for each other's privates? Hell, I'd settle for a 'your mama' joke!”

Chan coughed into his hand, though it seemed a sly attempt at hiding a smile. Porsche mirrored Kinn's frown as they both looked at the other pair.

“It occurs to me this fight doesn't actually need an audience,” Kinn said in a flat voice.

“I was just thinking the same,” Porsche agreed.

Chan took the hint and gestured for Jay to leave with him. She stood with a scoff.

“Fine, but if I come back to see you give each other respectful feedback, there's gonna be hell to pay.”

They left and Porsche looked at Kinn, expectantly.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?”

His words made Kinn grin.

“I'm not scared of you.”

“We should fix that.” He attacked, aiming for Kinn's face. He was evaded as Kinn sidestepped and countered, only for Porsche to correct his course, grabbing Kinn's arm and pulling him close to give him a foot in the stomach.

Kinn staggered backwards and Porsche chased him, trying to hit him with a flying punch, but his target recovered faster than expected, shoving Porsche's arm out of the way and using Porsche's momentum to shove him forward, making him stumble to the ground. However, before he could be pinned, Porsche managed to hook a leg around Kinn's ankle and trip him up, quickly grappling him to the floor.

The fight was far more even this time around and Porsche could feel how much he had improved in a short time, as he matched Kinn's efforts. The sense of being toyed with was still there, but less pronounced. He often caught glimpses of Kinn's face and more than once, the mafioso seemed to be smiling. It was different from the usual smirk of arrogance, more...joyful?

As time went on, and they kept up their sparring, Porsche found that Kinn was not the only one smiling. Their styles seemed to complement each other, as they kept on testing and looking for weaknesses to exploit.

It was different from fighting the other bodyguards. While they tried to get the upper hand, this wasn't about proving who dominated. They were trying to figure each other out. Every movement revealed a tiny piece of the other person, letting them read each other more clearly, understand a little of what lay behind the concentrated faces.

During one clash, Porsche managed to get the upper hand and saw his chance to take Kinn out; slipping below the counter attack, he got up close and could see Kinn's eyes widen.

Time seemed to slow for a split-second, as their gazes collided; a look of confidence crossed Kinn's features and his body seemed about to wind up for some counter-measure but then...he hesitated. Porsche didn't know whether it was intentional or something distracted Kinn, but the next second, he had tackled the mafioso to the ground, quickly pinning him in place.

“Too slow! Now, say you give,” he demanded, grinning down at Kinn, who seemed more than a little perturbed.

“I give.” His voice was flat as he lay completely still.

“Yes!” Porsche threw his fists in the air, then dropped them, looking closer at Kinn. “Gotta admit, that was easier than I expected,” he noted. “You alright?”

Kinn pushed him off and got up, his expression distant. He looked down at his hand, then clenched it into a fist, nodding.

“I'm fine.” He looked at Porsche, his expression unreadable and his voice back to its usual cool detachment. “Guess you should do alright, next week.”

Porsche's puzzlement grew as he watched the other glance around, shifting his weight from one foot to the other for a moment, before leaving, not saying another word.

“What the fuck did you do to him?” Big yelled, barging into Jay's room with Ken in tow.

Ken had tried to dissuade his friend from taking action, but to no avail. Big was fed up with his altered behavior and intent on having it out with the person whom he had (correctly) guessed to be the reason.

“By 'him' I assume you mean the dejected Ken-doll standing next to you?”

Jay's gaze had not left the paper in front of her, even as she spoke, as if their clamoring entrance was nothing more than a minor nuisance, not worthy of her attention. It caused an itch inside Ken, making him want to tear those stupid documents to pieces, just to make a point to her about not ignoring him.

“You did something, didn't you? You threatened him or...something!”

She glanced at Big, the corner of her mouth quirking.

“Why don't you ask him?”

“He won't tell me.”

For the first time, she looked at Ken who was too embarrassed to meet her gaze, instead looking around the room as if visiting for the first time.

“Then why would I?”

His head snapped towards her but she had returned her attention to the stack of papers. Next to him, Big seemed about to explode.

“Fine, don't tell me, just stop whatever the hell you're doing!”

“She's not doing anything,” Ken tried telling him for what felt like the hundredth time. “This is all a misunderstanding.”

“A 'misunderstanding'? You can't even look at her, you avoid her like the plague and you refuse to tell me what happened!”

“And you want him back to trying to sabotage me at every turn?” Jay's voice held a slight note of amusement and Big sputtered.

“I just want him to stop being scared of you!”

“Well, I am a very scary lady.”

Ken gritted his teeth at the mockery, nudging Big.

“Seriously, stop this! I told you to drop it.”

“I'm not leaving without an explanation.”

“That's gonna make my bedtime routine a bit awkward.” Jay turned the page, and continued working.

“Either start talking, or I'm gonna piss all over your papers.”

“Big, that's enough!” Ken shouted, spinning his friend to face him. “She didn't do anything, I did!”

“What?”

He took a deep breath, readying himself to lose what little dignity he had left.

“I stepped over the line. That's why I'm avoiding her, because of my screw-up. I'm ashamed, you idiot!”

Big gaped, dumbfounded. He shook his head, pulling away.

“You can't be serious. You...with her?” He pointed towards Jay, who had finally stopped her task to observe them.

“Big...”

Despite Ken's plea, he backed further away, eventually turning on his heel and stalking out of the room.

“Now, that was just deliciously theatrical.”

He spun on Jay, the feelings of shame and frustration turning into rage, all aimed at her. She seemed to read his anger and smiled deviously. He slammed a hand on the table.

“You think this is some kind of sick joke?” He gestured to the door. “Do you even realize what I've lost?”

He glared but she seemed utterly unmoved by his fury, simply shrugging a shoulder, smile still in place.

Something snapped inside Ken, and in the days to come, he could not explain what came over him. He lunged at her, his mind filled with thoughts of doing damage and nothing else; she somehow managed to evade, despite sitting down, and grabbed his arms, using his momentum to flip him over the table, so he landed on his back on the floor, the wind wheezing out of him on impact.

She calmly stood while he scrambled to his feet, and with all the disdain of royalty, she raised her eyebrows in a silent challenge. The rational part of his brain was screaming to back down and not risk his career on this type of moronic power move, but his wounded pride had taken over and it demanded retribution.

He struck at her but she blocked, throwing a quick jab at his exposed ribs, making him step back, rubbing the spot. He tried again, but was thwarted once more. His humiliation grew with each failure to land a hit and eventually exploded into a blind rage, where he kept lashing out, punching and kicking at her, heedless of the strikes landing on his own body.

If he had managed to keep his cool, he might have remembered Jay was being trained by Chan and had already thoroughly beaten him once. However, his head held nothing but white-hot fury directed at the woman in front of him, whom he blamed for every single setback he had experienced since her arrival at the estate.

Every time he thought he almost had her, she managed to move or twist her body, so the hit caused minimal injury and Ken could feel his anger rising but his energy waning, leaving him defeated and tired.

Eventually, he charged at her with his whole body, the impact toppling them both to the floor where they proceeded to wrestle for control of the other. It didn't take long for Jay to wind up on top with Ken pinned helplessly beneath her, unable to summon the strength needed to throw her off.

“Now, you listen and you listen good, Bitch-Boy,” she said, her voice low yet cutting through the air between them like a razor. “I've put up with your nonsense, because as misguided as your anger is, it's at least amusing to me.”

He could see the anger in her eyes and his feeble struggles subsided under her iron grip.

“But you barge into my room and start a fight with me? You better believe I'm gonna lose patience with your antics.”

“Let me go.”

His voice was ragged and he felt the last of his rage drain away, leaving a hole filled with regret and embarrassment.

“No.”

Something dark was swirling within her eyes and it made him feel unsettled and intrigued at the same time. The mix only added to his shame. He hated her and he hated himself for being so weak against her.

She let a hand travel up his chest and a shiver ran through him. With slow, methodical movements, she started undoing the top button and his breath caught. The first touch of her fingertips against his skin set his blood aflame. She let her nails trail over his collarbone, her eyes languidly following the movement.

Ken leaned his head back, inviting her to caress further and she did, the slightly tickling sensation sending tiny tendrils of electricity through him. At the same time, he remained tense, wishing he hated what she did, that he had the will to ask her to stop.

He saw her face come closer and shut his eyes as the tip of her nose ran in soft trails over his cheek and jaw. He could smell her hair and it made him long for more. Why was he so pathetic? His closed eyes started to burn with unshed tears.

Suddenly, she retreated and the next thing he knew, his hands were free and the weight of her was gone, leaving him cold. He opened his eyes to see her standing above him, her expression tired.

“Get up, Ken.”

He hesitantly got on his feet, cautiously trying to gauge her expression. The small amount of relief he felt was mixed with disappointment and something else, he could not quite name and was not yet willing to examine.

“You should leave.”

The words left him stunned as he searched his mind for a possible reason. He should be happy, throwing some jaded barb at her before stomping out of the room.

“Why?” It was both the first and last thing he wanted her to answer.

“I'm no saint, but even I don't care for sex with a...shall we say 'less-than-enthusiastic' partner.”

“But I'm not-” He stopped himself, knowing he was about to lie. Why did he want her to think he wasn't unwilling?

Jay pinched the bridge of her nose.

“I hadn't expect this to be such a problem. Mostly, I figured you'd be back to your old tricks within a day or two.”

“What do you mean?”

She looked at him, her gaze open.

“I know you don't like me, but is sleeping with me really such a burden on your soul?”

The question left him fumbling for an answer as he opened his mouth; nothing came. There was no way to properly encapsulate what he felt, and faced with the query, he was not even sure he knew exactly what emotions were associated with the memory.

“I think a break from...whatever this is, will do us some good.”

He wanted to protest but no words would enter his mind. Instead, he just stood staring at her. She sighed.

“I need to use the bathroom. When I come out, I'd like you to be gone.”

She turned and left but he was still gazing after her for several seconds, before he managed to shake himself out of the stupor. With uncertain steps, he walked towards the door, when the sight of a familiar name on paper made him pause. He looked down at one of the documents Jay had been working on. A sense of panic entered his chest and he glanced between the paper and the bathroom door, before clenching his jaw, snatching the document and leaving with hurried steps.

Kinn was staring at the same spot on his screen for going on an hour. His mind was still swirling around the sparring match against Porsche, and he was no closer to resolving his thoughts on it.

The win had meant nothing to him, but he had never just handed it over to someone. But in that split-second, he had seen how proud Porsche was of getting past his defenses and he knew how much it would mean to the bodyguard to beat him.

He had expected to feel disgusted with himself for losing on purpose but when it hadn't happened, a deep unease had taken root, instead. He ought to have learned his lesson the first time around. It had to be a fluke; he could not afford any other possibility.

A hand slammed his laptop shut, before dumping a thick manila folder on it. He looked up to see Jay's grim expression staring back.

“How the hell did you let it get to this?”

He gave her a confused look as he picked up the folder. Looking over the contents his brow furrowed and he eventually closed it with a sigh.

“This doesn't tell me anything. Half the people you've marked have been cleared by our intelligence.”

“Then your intelligence is lacking.” Jay opened up the folder, pointing to a name on the first page. “Jamie Corterra is married to the cousin of the Don's favorite niece.”

Kinn nodded.

“Yes, but there's nothing to suggest he's close enough to the Savellis to work with them.”

Jay raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

“The Don is literally the only reason Corterra's business is still going.”

He looked at her, skeptically.

“What do you mean?”

“Corterra owns a small store in the shopping district. He asked for a loan from the bank but was declined. Word got back to the Don, who set up deals with several local contractors. Days later, they were all doing major renovations on Corterra's store, and his business has been booming since.”

He scoffed.

“How would you know all this?”

She rolled her eyes.

“Most of the paperwork, not to mention the bribes, were sent via runners. We're all over this city, so of course we pick things up.”

“But that's just one case.”

She flipped the page, pointing to another name.

“Edward Woodburn, a close cousin of Evelyn Brighton, James Brighton's aunt.”

“Yes, but he cut off contact from the Brightons, decades ago. He's a non-entity.”

Jay shook her head.

“It didn't stay like that. Woodburn and his wife fell on hard times and Evelyn Brighton helped them out. They're still not well-off, though.”

“So?”

“So why would two people in the financial middle buy stocks for the first time ever, and choose the exorbitantly priced shares in your main casino?”

Jay continued to point out people and their connection to the other families as Kinn's expression grew darker and darker. After several minutes, he stopped her, shutting the folder and rubbing his hands over his face.

“This is bad. If even half of those are true, we looking at losing majority.”

“It's more likely that I'm missing some,” she told him, her tone ruthless.

The weight of the words settled like an anvil on his shoulders.

“We're facing a hostile takeover, aren't we?” he asked, though he knew the answer.

“You're facing more than that. This is a conflict that's been coming for a while, now. The Families are moving against you.”

Chapter 20: Like Freaking Magic!

“I was surprised to hear you requested this transfer,” the figure on the balcony noted, not turning around to look at Big, who stood with his head lowered. “I'd thought whomever wanted you would have to pry you from Kinn's side.”

“Things have changed at the main house. I'm sure I won't be missed,” Big explained, trying not to sound too surly.

“So, who's guarding my dear brother, now? Ken?”

He felt a stab at the name but ignored it.

“No, Master Korn has brought in someone from outside.”

“That's...unusual,” Master Kim noted, curiously.

“Yes, sir. We're also confused by the decision. Any new hire usually has to go through a vigorous background check but this time...we just don't know much about them.”

“Them?”

Big nodded, belatedly realizing Master Kim wasn't looking at him.

“Yes, a brother and sister. Both have taken up positions as bodyguards. Their skills are...middling. But Master Korn won't entertain thoughts of firing them.” Big could not quash the note of disappointment in his voice. He quickly continued. “The sister was originally assigned Master Tankhun, but they were recently switched, so now the brother's taking care of him and the she's working with Kinn.”

“How unfortunate,” the figure mused.

“Actually, I find this arrangement better. The less that guy is involved with Master Kinn, the better.”

“I meant unfortunate for you.” Master Kim turned, his movements languid and graceful. “It seems you're fighting a lot of people for even a scrap of Kinn's affection.” His voice infused no emotion into the statement, as he sat down, picking up a guitar.

“I could whip up a heartbreak song for you...” The suggestion fell between them like lead, as the youngest son strummed a few halfhearted chords.

Big didn't answer, knowing Master Kim's mercurial tendencies was part and parcel of working for him.

“If there's nothing more, I'll excuse myself,” he announced, bowing.

“What are their names?”

“Beg your pardon?”

Master Kim glanced up at him with raised eyebrows.

“I thought only your arm was injured. Did your ears get shot, too?”

Big exhaled slowly, trying to quell the itch of irritation.

“The sister is named Jay, the brother is Porsche.”

“Jay... Porsche... I see.” Master Kim turned his attention back to his instrument. “Leave.”

Big nodded and left, eager to escape the intense scrutiny of the youngest member of the Theerapanyakun clan.

Tankhun put his arms in the air before the clattering bricks had stopped falling.

“Yes, I win! Suck it.”

Porsche stared at the mess he had made, wondering what advantage being good at Jenga would grant him as a bodyguard. Khun took his time to gloat, making some awkward dance, while pointing mockingly at both Porsche and Pol

“I gotta take a leak,” he finally declared. “You two continue practicing until you can actually challenge me.” He left and Porsche slumped down on a nearby couch, groaning. Pol smiled as he began picking up the bricks.

“You're really bad at these games.”

“Because it's not worth my time to be good at them. None of this has anything to do with being a bodyguard.” Porsche knew he had done better on the test, considering all the stink eyes he had gotten from some of the other bodyguards, so why was he still stuck playing games with a recluse?

“It's not so bad,” Pol argued, putting down the platter holding the Jenga pieces. “At least we get to take it easy. Not like Pete, who's being worked to the bone. In fact, he and Jay have to go with Kinn to one of his work partners, today.”

Porsche furrowed his brow, surprised at the news.

“Why that?”

“There are rumors one of the casinos is experiencing massive insider trading. If they can't get anything out of the guy, it's gonna be a mess.” A nervous smile spread across Pol's face. “Not sure I want to be around when things go sideways.”

Porsche was about to make a sarcastic comment, then stopped, the wheels in his brain turning as he considered the information. Pol furrowed his brow, seemingly curious as to the intense expression on Porsche's face.

“Did they leave, yet?”

“Either that or they're about to, why?”

Porsche stood, heading for the door.

“I'm going,” he said over his shoulder, ignoring Pol's protests.

He rushed to the elevator, hoping he wasn't too late. The descent was maddeningly slow and he kept pushing the ground floor button, willing the contraption to get its fucking ass in gear.

When it finally hit the landing, he all but burst out of the doors, running to the lobby, where the group was getting ready to get in the car.

“Wait!”

They turned as one to see him approach with very mixed reactions. Ken's eyes seemed to have been in a 'pre-roll' state before he turned, Pete and Kinn seemed utterly confused and Jay looked apprehensive, as if trying to gauge whether he was about to cause trouble again.

“I...” Faced with Kinn's imposing aura, Porsche suddenly felt less secure, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “That is...”

When the mafia heir raised a questioning eyebrow, he clenched a fist, shaking off his unease. “I want to join you.”

Ken's snort earned him a glare from both Porsche and Jay, while Pete looked to Kinn, trying to read his reaction.

“Generally, we don't allow more than three bodyguards on these types of missions,” Kinn said, hesitantly. “The point is to appear casually superior.”

Porsche wanted to snap something about shoving his casual superiority somewhere, but instead he held back. He needed Kinn to agree.

“Please. You know I've been doing better, I'd like you to give me a chance.”

Kinn's eyes suddenly wavered under the direct entreaty but he still did not seem about to give in.

“He can have my spot,” Jay declared, holding one hand up.

“You found the issue, to begin with,” Kinn argued.

“Yeah, but I'm no longer feeling it.”

Pete hid a smile behind his hand, while the other two seemed to struggle to put words on their discontent.

“That's not a valid reason to bail on your duties.” Kinn's voice held an undercurrent of barely restrained anger, not that it had much effect on Jay.

Porsche would have felt sorry for him, if not for the fact that his sister's annoying idiosyncrasy was working in his favor, for one.

“Then what is?”

“You'd have to be sick or something,” Ken scoffed.

“Okay, then that.”

Porsche couldn't control his grin. It was always way funnier to see other people deal with Jay than doing so, himself.

“Really?” Kinn drawled. “Do tell what makes you so sick, you can no longer perform your job.”

Jay locked eyes with him for a long moment, as if trying to test his resolve, then shrugged, putting on a sly smile.

“I just got my period.”

All three of the men around her groaned and made general expressions of disgust or regret, while Jay chuckled to herself.

“Every time. Every. Single. Time. It's like freaking magic.”

“Just...go,” Kinn sighed, holding a hand to his head.

“Yes, sir!”

She walked past Porsche, patting him on the shoulder and he shot her a grateful smile.

“Get in the car,” Kinn ordered, shooting one last displeased look at the woman walking away.

Jay whistled to herself as she walked back to the room, until she spotted Chan standing outside her door. She immediately became wary, ignoring the little thrill shivering down the middle of her chest as she noted the usual triangle of bare skin, exposed by black dress shirt. It did not affect her at all. And she was absolutely not imagining how warm his skin would feel against her fingertips. Definitely, most certainly not.

“Am I to assume you somehow managed to trick your way out of the mission?”

“I suddenly felt under the weather,” she replied with a grin.

“Hmm.”

His eyes pierced through her but she raised her chin, folding her arms over her chest as she waited for him to speak. Eventually, he seemingly decided to stop wasting time.

“Master Korn wants to see you.”

“Of course he does,” she sighed, gesturing for Chan to lead the way.

“He figured you'd let Porsche take your spot.”

“Of course he did.”

“So, I was sent to see you there.”

“Of course, you-”

Chan shot her a glare over his shoulder and she cut herself off, with a small smile as she averted her gaze. They continued in silence, when he spoke again.

“I heard you figured out the issue with our shareholders.”

“I also figured out who's been sneaking into the kitchen to steal snacks.”

“I already know it's Porsche,” Chan told her, unimpressed.

“Show-off,” she muttered under her breath.

“Do runners really know that much about what goes on within the Families?”

She observed his back, but there was no sign of what was going on in his mind. Not that people's backs were usually particularly revealing, but Chan's seemed especially closed off. With a small noise of disappointed contemplation, she proceeded to answer.

“We're forbidden from talking about anything, outside CT, but we're big gossips so the Rookery bar is filled with chatter about the current going ons. The general consensus is if you were to spend an hour there, every day, it would take about a month to know most of the big players' business.”

“I'm surprised they'd let anyone hire you, then. Seems like a security risk.”

“It only works because the Theerapanyakuns are so powerful. If I were ever fired, I'd either have to go back to CT or risk washing up on the shore, with my teeth and hands missing.”

He stopped, turning towards her with a quizzical gaze.

“Yet, you still accepted the job.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

She shrugged, walking past him.

“Obviously, because something was more important than my safety.” When she was a few steps ahead, she turned her head to look at him. “Though, I suppose it's also possible I've gone partially insane. Either way, here I am.”

For a moment he seemed to try and read beyond her words. She made no move to stop him, doubting he would see anything significant. He eventually, started walking again, not saying a word.

Korn was seated in front of a set up chess board, much like usual, his expression distant as they approached the pagoda. A familiar tension settled in Jay's chest; dealing with the head of the family was always a game of trying to glean information from one another and thus far, she had never once won against him.

Chan came to a stop and gestured for her to continue. She went and sat down, though Korn made no move to acknowledge her presence. After a while, she let out an audible sigh.

“While I appreciate your aesthetics as much as the next person, I doubt that was the point in asking to see me.”

“Perhaps the point was to teach you patience?” he suggested, glancing at her with a crooked smile.

“I thought that was Chan's job?”

He laughed, looking at his bodyguard, whose lips had pressed together.

“And how is that going?”

“As you can probably tell, my success has been...limited.”

Korn nodded, seeming to expect that answer. The were a few beats of silence while his smile slowly faded.

“Please, go see to the thing I asked you about.”

There was a tiny moment of hesitation before Chan nodded and left. Korn's attention was now fully focused on Jay.

“Can I persuade you to a game?”

She closed her eyes taking a deep breath, steadying her nerves.

“I suppose it's the fastest way to make you talk about what you called me here for,” she replied, moving a pawn forward.

“I heard you were the reason we learned about our shareholder problem.”

She countered his move, her attention slowly getting sucked into the game.

“I'm surprised you let it reach this point.”

“Our intelligence has been focused elsewhere,” Korn sighed. “It's been years since we had to worry about the other families.”

Even when conversing, Korn's moves were precise and Jay could already see she would struggle to keep up, never mind win against him.

“Didn't you learn your lesson when the Cristatas and Stovskys were wiped out?” She could sense Korn stiffen and glanced up at him, though he quickly recovered, shaking his head slowly.

“We've been fostering better relationships with the others. I had hoped it would be enough.”

“ 'Power in Crescenda is like air. You always need more',” Jay recited. This time, his reaction was notably stronger as his expression twisted in distaste.

“You're the last person I expected to quote Kiet's words so flippantly.”

The strained undertone in his voice made her pause.

“The point still stands. I hated him, but he was not unique in his views. The other families will not stop coming for you.”

They fell into silence as the game went on. While Korn was still beating her, it seemed she had discombobulated him enough to put him off his game and she managed to take a few key pieces he had not intended to lose.

“Will you be there? Will you protect them?”

Jay only barely registered the question as she scanned the board to decide her next move.

“You're asking the obvious. After seeing how Tankhun ended up, there's no way I'd leave them behind again.”

Korn's expression became regretful.

“He hasn't been the same since the funeral. When he wasn't howling at all hours, he would mindlessly destroy his surroundings,” he explained in a quiet voice. “It got to the point where the staff was terrified of going near him.”

Korn looked out at the garden, his eyes gazing into the past.

“He only calmed down after we removed every trace of Zyano from our lives; it finally allowed his mind to forget and find some kind of peace. Much as it broke my heart to do so.”

“I was wondering why all the old staff was gone, but I don't require an explanation,” Jay said, moving another piece. “I knew what leaving meant, especially the way I did it.” She leaned back in her seat, becoming more present. “Besides, Porsche seems to be able to pull Khun out of his shell.”

“So I hear. No doubt a result of your influence.”

Jay snorted.

“I refuse to take that blame.”

Korn chuckled and the atmosphere seemed a little lighter.

The man thudded onto the low couch table, blood from his wounded cheek smearing on the surface.

“I'm sorry, Master Kinn, I needed the money! My youngest is barely more than a toddler. I swear, I never meant for things to get out of hand.”

“You owe our family a massive debt and you've been embezzling from the casino,” Kinn said from his leisurely position. “None of it is egregious enough that I couldn't turn a blind eye to it. However,” he continued, sitting forward, leaning his elbows on the table. “You have also sold information about our businesses to other people and let unapproved buyers get their hands on our shares, putting them ahead of our trusted affiliates.”

Kinn tilted his head to the side as the man averted his eyes, his hands trembling slightly.

“I don't believe you wish our family harm, Mas, but that begs the question: who told you to do that?”

When Mas made no attempt to answer, Kinn looked to Ken.

“Make him talk.”

The man was pulled back onto the ground where Pete and Ken proceeded to beat him up. Porsche watched the scene, trying to hide the nervous frustration building through his body. Every grunt or cry of pain grated against his ears and made his muscles twitch, he clasped his hands behind him to keep himself in check.

Memories flashed through his mind: a knock on the door and rushed instructions to hide. Dark figures smiling cruelly at his parents. The sounds of their pain as they were beaten. The same figures looming above his young body. Jay disappearing through the door with them, coming back with a limp and bleeding from a busted lip. Arthee, with his face bruised and scared.

Every sound from Mas brought a new flash of images forth and a sickening feeling twisted in Porsche's gut as he tried to unfocus his eyes and ignore the noises. It took every ounce of his strength to stay still and do nothing and every second made him more and more wretched.

“Hey, Pete,” Kinn called.

Pete stopped and looked at Kinn. Porsche kept his eyes forward, only noticing Pete turning his head towards himself and gesturing for them to head outside.

“You're regretting coming here?” Pete asked, after they had both had the chance to pull a lungful of smoke.

“I'm wondering how desperate he has to be, to act this stupid,” Porsche mused, flicking the ashes off his cigarette. “Is he gonna be killed?”

“Not likely. Hopefully he'll sleep on it and start talking soon. He can't do that if he's dead. This is just teaching him a lesson.” Pete seemed calmly distant from what had just taken place and that irritated Porsche's nerves even more.

“'Teaching a lesson', huh?” he chuckled, grimly. “My parents went to a loan shark once, when I was little. When they didn't pay on time, the shark would bring his goons by and 'teach us a lesson'.” He looked down at the ground, his voice becoming low. “I spent more time 'learning' from them than from my actual teachers.” With a wry smile, he looked up at the sky. “And here I am, as one of those people.”

Pete stayed quiet, taking in his words. Porsche continued smoking, not looking at him.

“When I was a kid,” Pete finally said, “I loved watching superhero movies with my friends. We would argue over who got to be which hero. I even dreamed of becoming a hero, one day. Then I grew up. And I learned there's no such thing as heroes...or villains. There's just people.”

Porsche mulled over the idea. It did not make him feel better but it did put his feelings into perspective.

His attention was pulled to the front doors, where Kinn and Ken emerged, nothing about their appearance hinting at what had just taken place. It rattled Porsche to see people so nonchalant about leaving someone bent and broken on their own living room floor. But deep inside, he knew this was the world he now lived in and that unsettled him even more.

He turned around, struggling to school his expression before Kinn saw it, when a hoarse voice called out.

“Kinn!” Mas yelled, pointing a gun at the mafioso who had quickly taken up position behind Ken.

Pete and Porsche ran to them, the latter pulling out his gun, while holding up a hand as they got closer.

“Whoa-whoa-whoa!” he said, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. Realizing the obstacle, his gun presented, to that end, he lowered it, stepping closer. “You don't wanna do this.”

Mas seemed to hesitate and Porsche pushed: “Just put the gun down.”

“I-I don't have a choice,” Mas whimpered, his arms shaking. “They made me do it!” He shook the gun at them and Porsche tensed, still trying to stay calm.

“Who made you do it?”

Mas seemed about to answer, then gritted his teeth.

“I can't tell you...I can't,” he sobbed. “I just want to be left in peace.”

“Put the gun down, for starters. We'll talk. If you tell us who's putting you up to this, we won't hurt you.”

Porsche's words seemed to leave him uncertain as he shifted, glancing at Kinn and back at Porsche.

“I promise we won't do anything to you,” Porsche reinforced, feeling he was on the verge of breaking through to the man.

Mas slowly lowered his gun, his stance defeated. Porsche lowered his hand, feeling he had somehow pulled Mas away from the edge, when he latter glanced at Kinn and a glimmer of fear and determination set in. He lifted his gun again, aiming it at Porsche, who suddenly felt something pull him to the side by his vest as he raised his own gun.

The sound of shots rang through the air.

Chapter 21: The Moment Before Lightning Strikes

Kinn could not get Porsche's expression out of his mind. He had tried to pull him out of the bullet's path but had been a split-second too slow and it had nicked the bodyguard's upper arm. Porsche had been quick to return fire, even before Ken and Pete shot, and had done a decent job of hitting the target, even with one hand.

He had asked if Porsche was okay, after Mes had fallen to the ground but in hindsight, it was a foolish question. Being injured and forced to kill someone did not leave anyone okay, least of all Porsche.

“Rough day?” a light voice asked, as Pim's slender hands touched his shoulders starting a slow massage.

“To put it mildly,” Kinn responded, leaning his head back against the headrest.

“Then just relax, and let me take care of you.” With practiced ease, Pim let his hand slide down Kinn's chest, as he lowered his head, pressing supple lips against the skin where Kinn's jaw met his neck. It was one of his favorite moves, yet Kinn felt nothing but discomfort as he tried to distance himself from the eager mouth.

“Please stop,” he muttered.

Pim continued, his efforts even more pronounced than before. Kinn pressed his lips together, pushing a hand against the head of his guest to get it away from him.

“Just...get out.”

For a while, Pim seemed confused by his rejection but eventually left and Kinn could return to the tumultuous thought in his head. That was, until he went to his living room, after getting dressed, to find Pim sitting on his couch, looking comfortable.

“I thought I told you to leave?”

“I don't have a car here, per your orders.”

Kinn cursed inwardly; his guests were always driven home by a bodyguard, usually Porsche as of late. Of course, he wasn't cruel enough to ask an injured man to run his errands, but the inconvenience was irritating, nonetheless.

He was about to call for Ken, when he heard the door slam open. With a quiet prayer that is wasn't who he thought, he turned to find Jay storming in with Ken sharp on her heels. He chased the prayer with a small curse to the gods for ignoring him.

“Are you fucking serious?!”

Kinn glanced at Ken who made a regretful expression.

“Sorry, Master Kinn, she refused to listen to reason.”

“None of you amateurs are in any position to lecture me about reason!” She pointed to each of them, even including Pim, who seemed highly confused at being dragged into a fight of which he understood nothing.

“I take it you've been to see Porsche,” Kinn said, heading for the scotch, highly suspecting he would need the strength of a strong drink sooner rather than later.

“What were you thinking? Not only did you get Porsche shot, you actually thought beating someone half to death would get you anything worthwhile?”

Kinn hissed through his teeth, shooting Jay a warning glare before he turned to Pim.

“Go wait outside, I'll send you someone to drive you home, soon.”

Pim rose from his seat, gracefully making his way out the door. It had barely closed behind him, when Ken spoke up.

“Are you crazy? Don't just run your mouth without thinking who might hear!”

She gave him a condescending stare.

“You really think his little boy-toy hasn't worked out Kinn's part of the mafia, yet?”

“That doesn't exclude you from exercising common sense,” Kinn chided.

She slowly turned her head towards him, and he could almost sense the words before she spoke them.

“I would, but I'm too busy using it for when you guys leave yours behind.”

“And what would you have us do, instead? Sing to him?” Ken sputtered, his face growing red.

“I would have you use your fucking heads,” she snapped back. “Though evidently, that seems like a long shot.”

Kinn took a swig of the drink, before he shot her his most intimidating glare.

“I did what I had to! I can't afford to show any sign of weakness with the other families on the warpath.”

She was unfazed by his authoritative demeanor, blowing out a disrespectful snort at his words.

“Only an idiot thinks violence is the biggest sign of strength.”

“And only a fool thinks everything has a non-violent answer!” Ken countered.

Jay turned on him with a dark expression.

“This is not about the violence, you moron,” she growled through clenched teeth. “It's about the probability of success.” She turned back towards Kinn who tried to steel himself against whatever she might throw at him, next. “The science isn't lying about this.” She was speaking calmly, gesturing for emphasis. “There are better ways at getting the information you want and need.”

“Like what, talking?” Ken scoffed, shaking his head as he shared an incredulous glance with Kinn, who figured there was no way she was that naive.

“Yes.”

They both stared, open-mouthed, at her.

“You can't be serious,” Kinn said.

“You say the right words to the right person, and not only will they tell you what you want to know, they'll want to tell you.” Her confidence in the words made it seem almost plausible but Kinn shook off the effect, intent on remaining in the real world.

“Things are not that simple.”

“Compared to mindlessly beating people within an inch of their lives, there's nothing simple about what I'm suggesting,” Jay told him, folding her arms over her chest. “But when done right, it works and a lot better than what you're currently doing.”

“There's no way you can prove that.” Ken looked at her with a smug smile but she smirked back.

“Oh?” She turned her gaze on Kinn. “You're headed out to interrogate more people tomorrow, right?”

Kinn nodded, not sure he liked the look in her eyes.

“Take me with you. Give me an hour alone with the first person. If I can't get them to talk, you can go ahead and mangle the whole thing.”

“Why are you pushing this so hard?” he wanted to know.

“Because I know you're smarter than this, Kinn!”

He had slowly become accustomed to Jay saying things which left him stunned and scratching his head, but even so, these moments always sent a little shock through him. Jay continued when he made no answer.

“You're richer than 90% of Crescendam and let's not even compare it to the rest of the world. You have connections and power and can make things happen. If you applied even a tenth of that to these situations, not only would you get whatever you wanted almost every time, you'd also buy the loyalty of every person you dealt with.”

She gestured at the large windows, indicating the city as a whole.

“The other families rely on old, outdated techniques and their grip is slipping, why else would they even bother to upset the delicate balance of Crescenda's underground?”

Her words made sense, but that only increased his annoyance.

“You'll bring people to your side, and keep the ones working for you safe.”

Porsche's face flashed into his mind and something shifted inside him at the thought of letting him get hurt again. He met her gaze.

“I'm willing to try.”

“What?” Ken looked at Kinn with shock. “Master Kinn, are you sure that's wise?”

“If her method can help us avoid another situation like the one today, isn't it worth at least making the attempt?” Kinn argued.

Ken seemed to struggle with a response and ended up shooting a sullen glare at Jay, who smirked back, victoriously. Their silent battle was enough to leave Kinn fed up and wishing for nothing more than some peace and quiet.

“Jay, drive Pim home.”

“Sure thing,” she said, making sure to give Ken a shit-eating grin on her way out.

Kinn was unsure what exactly was going on between the two, but he had no intention of getting involved.

“Master Kinn,” Ken began when they heard the door close,” I don't think it's a good idea to give that woman too much leeway.”

“I know.” He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “But we also cannot keep sticking to the same strategy. There's too much at stake and too many enemies on the move.” He made a dismissive gesture towards the remaining bodyguard.

“You're excused for the night.”

Why was seeing your own shoulder such a massive pain? Porsche was twisting his neck this way and that to assess the injury but could only achieve a partial view of the wound. With cotton ball in hand, he tried his best to clean the edges, not even sure he was reaching them at all. When the over-saturated lump of cotton spilled its contents into his wound, he hissed, dropping the ball back into the tray as he stood, hoping to find a mirror.

Kinn walked up with his trademark smirk in place and Porsche's irritation turned to tense self-awareness.

“Hey,” he greeted, trying to sound suave but feeling more awkward than anything. “What brings you here?”

“Do I need a reason to go wherever I want in my own home?”

Porsche exhaled, not sure if he wanted to punch the guy or feel relieved because he was acting the same. Though, technically there was no reason he couldn't just punch him regardless. Well, except for the whole being his employee-bit.

“No offense meant, Master Kinn,” he replied with exaggerated deference. “I was just- you know, being polite.”

Kinn shifted looking at Porsche's arm.

“How's the wound?”

Porsche was about to suggest Kinn be the one to tell him, but changed his mind, trying his best to get a decent look, himself.

“It'll heal,” he finally answered, trying to infuse his voice with confidence. “It's just a scratch,” he added, when Kinn gave him a side-way glance.

Kinn did not seem convinced, looking at the injury again. He gestured to the tray of doused cotton balls.

“Hand me that.”

Porsche looked down, not sure what he meant, when a warm hand landed on his shoulder.

“Sit.”

He did without protest, too confused by the sudden turn of events. Kinn sat against the table, squeezing the excess disinfectant from a cotton ball, before moving it towards the wound.

“Careful!” Porsche flinched slightly as it touched his arm but Kinn just shot him a look, silently demanding his cooperation. He stilled, letting Kinn clean the blood away.

“I heard your test results have improved immensely.”

“Eating your heart out, yet?”

Kinn scoffed.

“What for? You want me to regret not using you more when you were being lazy?”

“Come on, just admit it,” Porsche pestered. “You're a little impressed I got that good, that fast.”

Kinn shook his head but Porsche could see a small smile playing on his lips.

“And give you a big head for finally doing what you're supposed to? Not a chance.”

“Fine, be that way,” Porsche complained, following the movement of Kinn's hand. He was surprisingly gentle and there was nothing to remark on the quality of his work. Porsche mused how that fact would probably have annoyed him any other day, but this evening, it wasn't so bad. It was kind of nice to be taken care of by his boss.

He looked up at Kinn, who was focused on the task. As if feeling the gaze, Kinn lifted his face and their eyes locked.

The moment before lightning strikes. That was the only thing Porsche could think of: when the air became charged and thick with an energy that wasn't visible, yet so undeniably present it took your breath away. Dark, dangerous and daring, the eyes piercing him seemed to draw him in and for a moment he felt the urge to lean forward.

Then Kinn averted his eyes, standing up.

“You'll be fine.” He ran one last look over the wound before turning to leave.

“Wait.”

As he turned back, Porsche hesitated, not sure what to say. He could not even bring himself to meet the curious gaze, considering the weird tension, only moments earlier. Instead, he fidgeted, looking around the room and down at his injury, trying to think of something to talk about.

“About today...” he finally said. “Mes said someone made him do it.” He finally looked at Kinn's face, gauging his expression. “Do you have any guess who it might be?”

It wasn't what he wanted to say but it was still important; the thought had been nagging at Porsche all day, and here he had a chance without anyone else around.

“I already told you,” Kinn replied with a mirthless smile. “Everyone wants me dead.”

The words hit differently the second time around. Suddenly, Porsche was very aware just how badly he messed up his first mission and the idea that he could have caused Kinn's death through sheer carelessness was harder to deal with.

“But...they knew where you'd be and when,” he continued, putting aside the flow of new and uncomfortable emotions for the time being. “Not everyone does.”

“If you're trying to say it must be an insider, you realize who the most obvious suspects would be, right?” Kinn said with a crooked grin, about to point at Porsche.

“I almost got myself killed, today! And yes, Jay is crazy, but if she's gonna off someone, you better believe she'll do it herself.”

Kinn chuckled, though he did not withdraw his assessment, yet he also didn't refute Porsche's claim.

“You really think we'd do that?”

Kinn's expression became somber and he sighed, as if struggling to make a child understand why the sun had to set.

“When you've been through what I have...you learn to suspect everyone. At least, if you want to stay alive.” He gave Porsche a grim look before leaving, the silence deafening in his absence.

“You're doing that wrong.”

Porsche looked up to find Pete observing his clumsy attempt at dressing his wound.

“Feel free to show me how it's done,” he challenged and Pete came around the table, taking the gauze out of his hands. In silence, he watched as Pete expertly wrapped his arm with nimble movements.

“You're pretty good at that,” he noted.

Pete glanced up, his expression serious.

“I've been working here long enough to pick it up.”

Hearing such a sobering thing from Pete of all people made Porsche uneasy.

“So this... It happens often?”

The touch on his arm became hesitant before resuming its task.

“From time to time. Keeping our skills sharp ensures we're less often the ones needing to be patched up.”

The image of Mes' body falling to the ground, all bloody, took over his mind, yet again, and something inside felt like it coiled and twisted whenever he thought of it.

“How do you stand it?” he finally asked, unable to hold back the emotions still circling in a malicious maelstrom deep within his soul. “We killed someone, today. I killed someone. A kid lost his father...because of us.”

Pete's hands fell and for several seconds, he said nothing. Porsche began wondering whether he would pretend not to hear.

“It's easy to say 'blame Mes' or 'blame the people blackmailing Mes', but that's only looking at half the picture.” He lifted his head and their eyes met. “None of it will change the fact that you pulled the trigger or how that felt for you. But I would rather sit here, patching you up, than see your body, all lifeless and full of holes.”

Porsche did not say anything to that and after a few minutes, Pete picked up the gauze again.

“Porsche...” His tone suggested he was about to give another lecture and Porsche braced himself. “As happy as I am that you're alive, it's not the boss's job to save his bodyguard.” The look Pete shot him was loaded and he nodded, not sure what to say against it.

Pete made one last adjustment, tugging on the cloth before he patted Porsche on the shoulder.

“There, all done.”

Porsche looked down at the dressed arm and back up at Pete.

“Thanks, man. And don't worry...I'll get better.”

Pete chuckled, his usual good humor back.

“Hey dude, I already saw your test scores. Ken's pretty pissed he lost to you.”

Porsche couldn't help the smile breaking forth on his face.

“Serves that bastard right.”

“Well, don't go counting your victories just yet. Kinn still hasn't settled on who's going with him to the Grand meet.”

“Grand meet?”

Pete frowned.

“No one filled you in on it? It's the big gathering of all the Families. It's where they bring their heirs and discuss the current rules as well as suggesting new partnerships. It's a whole weekend of alliances and intrigue.”

Porsche chuckled, incredulous at the description.

“Sounds like something straight out of a movie.”

His roommate nodded.

“The whole thing ends with a massive charity auction, to show off their wealth while pretending to care about the poor.”

Porsche recalled hearing about it but not the particulars.

“Wait, do the minor families come too?”

“Yeah, every branch is invited, though only the head families attend the main meeting,” Pete explained, eagerly. “There's a meeting specifically for the minor branches but their power is limited to whatever business is solely theirs and whatever leeway they've been granted by the head families.”

“The whole thing sounds huge,” Porsche mused, rubbing his chin.

“It's the biggest event of the year among the Families. Only the best bodyguards get to go.”

Porsche's eyebrows rose.

“So, with my new scores, I'll be sure to go, right?”

Pete paused, his expression suddenly apprehensive.

“Not exactly. The scores are important but experience and chemistry with your charge are critical.”

Porsche could feel his excitement drop like a dead bird from the sky.

“Kinn will be the one making the final choice?”

Pete nodded.

“Though Kinn won't overlook your efforts. And he's not petty enough to exclude you just because you guys had some beef in the past,” he quickly added when Porsche's expression darkened.

“He doesn't trust me,” Porsche grumbled, becoming even more pessimistic.

“He doesn't trust anyone. But he needs to bring someone. Might as well be you, right?”

“I don't know. I don't think he likes me very much.”

Chapter 22: Bring Your A-Game

“She's been in there a while,” Ken complained from the backseat.

He hated waiting around, doing nothing, especially when that bitch was the reason for it.

“I promised her an hour, so that's what she'll get,” Kinn responded, next to him, reading through some documents.

Pete said nothing from the driver's seat.

“We shouldn't even have said yes to this, it's a stupid idea.”

“'We' didn't say yes to anything, I did, and if it proves successful, it could make things easier moving forward, not to mention safer for my people.”

Kinn had not looked up from the papers he was reading while speaking, which added to Ken's feeling of disassociation from his surroundings. He began fidgeting, looking around for something to distract his mind, until he could no longer take it.

“That's it, I'm going in!”

He opened the door and jumped out, slamming it before he could hear Kinn's reply and be accused of ignoring his orders. He rushed up the driveway, just as the door opened and Jay emerged, ahead of the man they had come to interrogate.

“Is the Ken-Doll defying orders?”

He stopped in his tracks, quickly fixing his clothes and hair, while clearing his throat.

“Maybe Kinn sent me because you were taking too long?”

Jay tilted her head, checking her watch.

“My hour isn't up and Kinn isn't the type to go back on his word.”

“But I'm the type to disobey my boss?”

She shrugged.

“Your words, not mine.”

The man looked from one to the other as they spoke.

“Who is this? Where's Mr. Kinn? My deal is with him, not this guy.”

“Mr. Santana,” Kinn greeted, as he drew near with Pete trailing behind. “Am I to understand you're willing to negotiate with us?”

The man pointed at Kinn.

“With you and only you! Miss Jay assures me, you're willing to protect my parents. If that's true, I will do whatever you want.”

Kinn nodded.

“Then let's proceed, inside.” He glanced around at his people. “Pete, you're with me.”

“Wait, what?”

“Master Kinn...”

Both Jay and Ken stared as he walked inside with Pete and Mr. Santana.

“That little brat,” Jay grumbled, after the door closed.

“Guess you're not as highly valued as you thought,” Ken gloated, forgetting about his own snub.

“And yet, my method actually worked.” Jay turned to walk past him, tapping a fist against his shoulder. “So, that's one-nothing, me.”

“Bite me!” he snapped, turning around to face her back.

“Did you forget how you became my little Bitch-Boy?”

He could feel his face heating up and the embarrassment from that day was almost worse than losing to her now.

“Could you just go ahead and drop dead? I'd really like that.” The heat had gone out of his voice and turned to icy resentment; resentment of everything she was, every flaw of his own that she accentuated whenever she spoke.

“I will, eventually. Just not on your timetable. Or maybe...” She turned towards him and made a show of looking speculative. “I've already died. And you're just talking to a ghost.”

He rolled his eyes, shifting his weight as he searched his head for something else to throw at her.

“This was a fluke! The next one won't be that easy,” he tried arguing.

She raised her eyebrows.

“So? That doesn't mean you'll be successful.”

He wanted to shake her but a tiny voice in the back of his mind was agreeing with her words. He knew, through the haze of anger and shame, that beating people up had limited success, especially if the victim had something to protect.

“There won't always be a peaceful solution.” It was a vague and lame defense but he didn't want to give in. Not to her and not here.

She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly through the nose before answering.

“I don't care about peace, Ken.”

He raised an eyebrow, skeptically. The gravel crunched beneath her shoes as she walked closer, all mischief and mockery gone from her expression.

“I care about protecting my family. I'll do anything to keep them safe. Kill everyone and burn the city to the ground if I have to.”

She came to a stop, barely a step from him.

“This time, the solution was peaceful, but next time it might not be. I guess time will tell.”

“Is that supposed to scare me?”

She ignored the mocking tone as she leaned closer.

“Only if you consider harming my brothers.”

“Are you taking care of laundry, every day?”

“Yeah.”

“And doing your homework?”

“Yes.”

“Did you remember to check the mail?”

“Jay, would you stop? I'm doing all the stuff I usually do, I know how to be on my own!”

Jay sighed.

“Sorry. You're right, I know you're almost grown up.”

“Try completely grown up. I'm 21, not 16, you know?”

“Well, I'm not ready for it! Where's the little guy who used to sleep in my bed when he had a nightmare?”

She could hear Chay groan on the other end and the sound brought a smile to her face.

“Don't bring up shit like that! It was just one time.”

“It was more than once, Chay,” she corrected.

“I'm hanging up now!”

“Wait!” she laughed, able to imagine his frustrated expression as he considered whether or not to stay on the line.

“What?”

“I love you.”

“Love you too,” he mumbled before the call disconnected.

She was still grinning as she put the receiver down.

“Jay,” Chan called walking up to her. “We have a mission, I need you to approve the dress”

He handed her a tablet and she looked to see a long, dark blue, evening gown of chiffon, with lace sleeves and a thigh-high slit.

“Ooh, pretty. Is that for me?” she asked, caressing the picture.

“Who else could it possibly be for? Wait, don't answer that,” he said as she shot his body an evaluating look.

“What's the occasion?”

“One of the people on your list is in charge of a gala at the Crescenda Museum of Art. We're supposed to attend and get our hands on his computer. Arm will hack it remotely and download the information.”

Jay whistled, as a tremor of excitement was slowly building inside her.

“Something like that is gonna have a lot of A-listers, not to mention some attendees from the Families. Couldn't someone recognize you?”

“It's a masquerade party.”

Her eyebrows shot up.

“People still do those? Seems slightly contrived.”

Chan seemed not to mind her jabs, putting one hand in his pocket.

“I'll procure the masks and invitations and with your approval, I'll order the dress to fit your measurements.”

She nodded, handing the tablet back.

“Go ahead, you seem to have good taste...better than mine, anyway,” she told him.

“We will need to blend in. Do you think you can act like a rich heiress?”

She bristled at his skepticism.

“That shouldn't be too hard.”

Chan's scrutinizing gaze met hers.

“So, you're aware of the current social conventions and latest gossip among the rich?”

Her lips tightened into a thin line as she averted her eyes.

“I guess my etiquette could use some brushing up,” she admitted, reluctantly.

“We will suspend the night training to focus on that, then. We can always pick back up, after the mission.” He tapped on the screen as he spoke. Jay followed the movements of his fingers, once again surprised by their nimbleness.

“So, what's our story? Are we a newly arrived power-couple? Old money, sibling-combo coming out of hiding? Am I your secretary or you my bodyguard? What?”

“We'll be playing an engaged couple. I've already set up our background and sent you relevant information to memorize.”

Jay nodded.

“And when does this fancy event take place?”

“Tomorrow evening.”

Her eyes narrowed as she furrowed her brow.

“Kinda short notice, don't you think?”

“Do you have some pressing plans elsewhere?” Chan asked, still tapping on the tablet.

“Fair point. Guess I'm gonna be busy trying to act like a spoiled princess.”

“An heiress.”

“Yeah, like I said.”

Chan closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, before opening them again to look at the tablet.

“I'll also take care of getting a ring.”

“What ring?”

His hand stilled and he looked up to meet her confused stare.

“Your engagement ring,” he said, slowly.

“Oh, right...that...”

His hand, holding the screen, slowly fell to his side, as he cocked his head to the side.

“Should I be concerned about your apparent lack of awareness of this custom?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

“I know about it!” she replied a little too hastily, before adding: “I just never get a ring, myself.”

“Did someone propose to you?”

“Not...exactly.”

His eyes bored into her and she shook her head.

“No, no one ever did.”

“Then why would just get a ring?”

“Yeah,” she mumbled. “Why would I get one?”

Chan was quiet and the tense silence brought her back to the present. She shook off the haze of the past and shifted her attention back to him.

“We're not gonna dance, right?”

“I see no reason to go that far.”

She huffed a laugh in relief, though it came out a little forced. Chan's expression was not amused and he seemed to observe her behavior more closely.

“If you have any issues with this arrangement, I expect you to tell me, right away.”

“Why would I have an issue with it?”

“You seem uncomfortable,” he replied with a shrug, gathering his hands in front.

“I'm not. I'm curious.”

“About?”

She looked him up and down with a crooked smile.

“I wonder how you'll play the doting fiancé. I think it's something to look forward to.”

A noise came from Chan, sounding like a strange mix of exasperation and resignation. Her main motivation had been to change the subject but she could not suppress the small flash of satisfaction she felt, whenever she managed to push his buttons. She ought to be more cautious around the stoic head bodyguard but at the same time, she didn't want to be. And that both frightened and exhilarated her.

“Guess where we are! Come on, guess!” Khun pushed, holding his hand firmly across Porsche's eyes.

They were poking out from the sun roof of the car, while Arm parked.

“I'm gonna go with...” Hesitating dramatically, Porsche tilted his head from side to side, as if considering the question.

“Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock,” Khun counted.

“Hum Bar!”

With a disappointed groan, Khun let his hand fall.

“How'd you know?”

Porsche looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Pete, Arm and Pol had all gotten out, standing around the vehicle, trying not to laugh at their boss' theatrics.

“I brought you here, remember? And maybe I'm wrong, but do you actually know any of the other bars in the city?”

Khun clicked his tongue.

“Well, now the surprise is ruined. Let's just go home!”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Porsche stopped him from diving back into the car, pulling him up again. “We're here anyway, right? Might as well make the best of it.”

Khun pouted but gave Porsche a mollified look.

“I did promise to celebrate your test scores. And I do like this place.”

“Exactly,” Porsche encouraged. “And tonight, I'll show you an even better time!”

Khun was about to respond, when another car drove up next to them.

“Oh, Kinn! What brings you here?” Khun asked as the inhabitants exited the vehicle. “You're not dragging me home, right? I won't go!”

“Relax, I'm not here to drag anyone anywhere. You guys just keep jabbering on about this place, I figure I should give it a try,” Kinn explained, as Tae and Time came to stand behind him.

“Hey Khun, how come I wasn't invited to the celebration?” Tae asked with mock offense.

Time snorted.

“As if you'd ever drink at a place like this. Neither of us would be here, if Kinn hadn't invited us.”

Tae's expression twisted as he pinched his partner, who buckled over, moving away from the vengeful fingers.

“Hey! No fighting at my- I mean, Porsche's party! There's no guest list, everyone's welcome. Just remember this: when you party with Tankhun, I expect you to party through! Okay?” Khun lectured, snapping his fingers on the last part.

“I guess, since we have such fancy guests, tonight,” Porsche mused aloud with a smile. “I should give you a night, you won't ever forget!”

“Damn straight!” Khun agreed, high fiving Porsche.

As they entered the bar, it seemed Khun had enlisted Yok to help him set it up for the celebration. LED glow balls were placed everywhere, effusing their soft light into the room. Massive jars with liquid in various colors lined the bar counter, labeled with weird names: Ferrari, Red-Headed Slut, Stone Cold Stinger, Disco Ball and Chuck Norris.

Porsche grinned as he read them, immediately aware that the lot of them were in for a fun night.

“Porsche, darling!” Yok exclaimed as she spotted him from behind the bar. “You better bring your A-game, my boy, because tonight is gonna be wild!”

He laughed, slamming his hands on the wooden surface.

“Line up the shots, Yok! We're going all the way down the line!”

“Lining up the Ferraris, get ready for take off!” she shouted towards everyone, and the people with Porsche stood along the bar as the first jar was tapped to make a row of dark red shots.

“Tankhun! Start us off,” Porsche yelled at Khun, who took the glass without a second thought and emptied it.

As he slammed the glass back down, he shouted: “Bottoms up, everyone!” as he threw his hands in the air. Arm, Pol and Pete all drank in quick succession and Porsche continued the chain, while Kinn, Tae and Time followed, more hesitantly.

“Next up: let's cool it down with some Stone Cold Stingers!” Yok announced, as she and her bartenders lined up another row of shots.

Time was called on to start the chain and he emptied his glass, giving his head a quick shake afterwards. Tae had no trepidation about following and even Kinn seemed to grow bolder, making the drinking chain flow more smoothly.

“You guys better get used to this, because there will be no other drinks, tonight!” Porsche threatened, laughing.

“Ain't no way we're gonna empty all those jars.” Pol looked with concern at the massive containers.

“Then I better call for back-up!” he shouted and the beaded curtain was pulled apart to reveal Tem and Jom, who whooped as they hopped up on their stools.

“Let's do this!” Jom yelled, gesturing for Yok to catch them up with two shots each.

What followed was a blur of drinking and dancing, with no one caring how they looked or who they danced with. Nothing was off-limits and the lines between friends, employers and employees seemed to blur into nothingness.

Porsche eventually found himself face to face with Kinn, the rhythm controlling their movements as they got closer and closer. Just before their bodies touched, the song ended, but Porsche threw his arms around Kinn with a laugh, riding high on the adrenaline from their dance.

Chapter 23: Not a Prostate Exam!

“Should I be worried that you know my ring size so perfectly?” Jay asked as she observed the sparkling diamond on her finger.

“Our tailor has a good eye for measurements. As you've no doubt realized,” he replied, glancing at her dress.

Jay shifted under his gaze, smiling despite herself as she looked down the length of the blue fabric, hugging her body.

“I take it, you approve?” he asked, as he returned his eyes to the road.

“It's a pretty dress that fits me. So, yes.”

“You're easily contented.”

“I like pretty dresses,” she explained, her smile fading. “I just can't keep them.”

“Why not?”

She leaned back in her seat with a shrug.

“I always destroy them, somehow. Not on purpose, of course, but no matter how careful I try to be, whenever I wear a dress, I end up tearing it, getting it irreversibly dirty or...burning it to ashes.”

Chan turned his head, giving her a curious look.

“That one was just one time,” she said, when she noticed. “I kinda gave up on having nice dresses, it was just easier than constantly paying for a new one.”

“So, I should assume this one won't survive the evening?”

“Probably. I assume the integrity of our clothes won't take precedence over the success of the mission?”

He made a sideways nod in acknowledgment of her point and changed the subject.

“Do you remember the background I provided?”

“My name's Ella Hestasi, I'm recently engaged to you, Leon Leoshi Kukrit,” she began reciting. “My parents own a medium-sized shipping business along the Western Coast, while you're the CEO of a recently established hedge fund management company.”

He nodded along.

“And our relationship?”

“We met at a conference, two years ago. My parents approved, yours did not. You proposed a month ago.”

“Seems like you remember the key points,” Chan noted. “Just keep the specifics vague and leave yourself some way of backing out of any conversation.”

“If that means 'keep the talk to a minimum', then I'm your girl.”

“These events are mainly used to network and we're an unknown entity, so we won't be the center of attention, but we will need to establish a presence.”

He reached into the glove department in front of her and pulled out two masks. The car slowed to a halt outside the museum where valets were waiting to be handed the keys. After donning her mask, Jay went to open the door, when Chan stayed her arm.

“Wait for me to open it,” he muttered before exiting.

She waited as he came around, opened the door and offered his hand. With what she hoped appeared as superior confidence, she took the hand and stepped out, straightening to her full height by his side. A few curious eyes turned in their direction and Jay started fidgeting with her dress, wondering if she had already made some sort of blunder. Maybe she should have gotten out of the car in a different way?

“Take a deep breath.” A warm puff of air tickled her ear as a large hand came to rest around her waist. She did as instructed and slid an arm around him as she beamed her brightest smile at the onlookers.

“Better. Remember, the mission is our priority. Whether or not you do well as a socialite is immaterial.”

The words helped and she could feel her nerves settling...well, somewhat. At least, she managed to make it up the steps to the entrance without falling. Chan presented their invitation and Jay leaned her head against his shoulder, mainly to cover for her attempt at getting a small pebble out of one of her high-heeled, strappy sandals.

She only managed to move it to a less uncomfortable spot by the time the invitation was handed back and the attendant gestured for them to enter.

“Are you alright?” Chan asked as they walked inside.

“I wish murder on whomever decided to fill the courtyard with tiny sharp stones,” she grumbled.

Chan glanced around the room.

“Just find a secluded spot and sort it out. It's not like people will gossip because you want to keep your feet from bleeding.”

“Uh...yeah...I can do that.” Jay's grip on Chan's arm tightened as she looked around for signs to the restroom.

“I'll take you,” Chan sighed. “And I won't go far, until you're back.”

She only then realized her behavior and promptly let go of him, taking a step to the side.

“Don't be absurd. I just need to orientate myself.” She looked around again, more deliberately.

“Second hallway on your right and down at the end,” Chan supplied and she nodded, heading off.

Once she was safely locked in her own booth, she slumped down on the seat, removing her mask and hiding her face in her hands. They had barely arrived and she was already wishing to run away and hide. Or that Porsche were there. She took several deep breaths before seeing to her unwelcome accessory. After twisting and turning the sandal to no avail, she finally undid the straps and the pebble fell down, the second her foot lifted from the sole.

Staring at the small stone, she noticed a red spot on it and looked at the underside of her foot, where a small red dot was blossoming.

“At least it's not the dress,” she groaned quietly, before strapping the sandal back on.

She took her time to wash her hands, enjoying the feel of cold water against her skin. Going back out was about the last thing she wanted, but some things were more important than her momentary discomfort. She told herself this was not an actual social occasion, that she had a job to do, one that no one else in the room knew about, except for Chan.

With another deep breath, she finished up and headed out.

“Ella,” a familiar voice called as soon as she emerged from the hallway.

Chan was leaning against the wall, looking ridiculously handsome, even with a mask on. He gave her a pointed look.

“You seem to have forgotten something.”

She furrowed her brow, checking if her hair was out of order when it dawned on her.

“Oh, shit! My mask!”

With a flurry she turned around and headed back to the bathroom, hoping no one had noticed her reddening face.

“How can you be sure this won't wake him?” Kinn asked as he took careful aim.

He tossed and the peanut sailed through the air, landing just below Jom's open mouth on his chin. Their target made no move, continuing to sleep.

“Eventually,” he added.

“Trust me,” Porsche replied, picking up another peanut, “once he's in a drunk sleep, there are only two ways of waking him up: dropping him in the harbor or calling for another round.” He tossed but also missed, leaning back in his seat with a defeated sigh.

“So, in your spare time, you get your friends drunk enough to pass out and then you play target shooting with their sleeping bodies.” Kinn closed an eye before launching the nut, which unfortunately bounced off Jom's lip and to the floor.

“Oof, so close!” Porsche laughed. “And it's not all I do. I'm a bartender so I bartend,occasionally... At least I used to.”

“Do you miss it?” Kinn looked at Porsche who seemed to consider the question.

“Sometimes. I tried with Khun, but he woke up.” Porsche tossed and missed.

Kinn laughed, only to realize Porsche seemed completely serious about his answer. With narrowed eyes, he took a closer look at the young bodyguard, who had the appearance of being sober, but perhaps looks were deceiving.

“That's not what I meant,” he said, smirking.

“Then what? ...Ohhhhhh, you meant do I miss bartending? Hmm, sometimes? I guess?”

Despite his even response, guilt still twisted in Kinn's gut.

“I bet you never got shot tending bar.”

“Well...no. But I did get punched a few times.” Porsche pointed to the bowl. “Your turn.”

“Why?” Kinn asked as he picked out a projectile, getting ready to toss.

“Some of the women I hooked up with weren't as single as I thought.”

Kinn started at the confession, botching his shot, which flew way over Jom's head.

“Whoa, that one was really off,” Porsche noted, before fishing for another peanut, oblivious to Kinn's reaction.

“I guess...you've hooked up with a lot of women?”

Porsche shrugged as he found a nut.

“I guess so. You know how it is.”

“Do I?”

He nodded as he took aim. The shot hit Jom straight on the tip of the nose.

“Yeah, you're handsome. You must have had your share of girls throwing themselves at you, right?”

“You think I'm handsome?”

“Sure.”

He knew it was just chit-chat, but the words still send a flood of heat through Kinn. He bowed his head to hide a grin as he started rummaging through the bowl. A thought occurred to him as he watched the peanut fly and land on Jom's pants.

“Have you ever been with...someone like me?”

“What, like a mafia-type?”

“No, I mean...a man.”

“Nope.”

Porsche was focused on the game, not paying attention to how Kinn's expression fell a little.

“Would you?”

“Good question,” he answered, picking out his shot and turning towards his sleeping friend. “No man's shown an interest in me. So I can't really say how I'd react,” he added as he fired.

The peanut landed squarely in Jom's mouth and Porsche jumped to his feet with a celebratory shout, his arms shooting in the air. Kinn smiled up at him, his feelings thrown into turmoil at the open end to their conversation.

The song changed in the background, and suddenly Arm jumped up.

“Hey! That's my song!”

With zeal, he tore his hoodie off and started dancing suggestively. Porsche was immediately part of the fray around him and even Jom roused from his slumber, chewing, as if waking up with peanuts in your mouth was an everyday occurrence. Considering his friendship with Porsche, it might have been.

Kinn watched, unable to resist the contagious atmosphere and he soon joined in the crowd gathering around Arm, who was handed a beer, which he proceeded to pour down his body. The spectacle was ridiculous and yet there was something freeing about just letting it reach those absurd heights.

That was, until Arm tried to discard his pants and Porsche had to step in to keep them up, while Pol was laying on the ground being stepped on.

“I believe that's our guy,” Chan whispered as the host of the gala stepped forth to deliver his speech.

“Jack Hallows. Meaning we should get going.” Jay slapped him on the chest with a loud giggle. “Oh, Leon, you're so bad,” she whispered, loud enough for those around to hear.

There were a few curious glances in their direction, but when the man on the balcony began to speak, every eye turned towards him. The evening had mostly consisted of polite, superficial chit-chat, much like Chan had promised, and Jay had slowly gotten settled in her role.

Chan wrapped an arm around her again.

“Let's go.”

Jay followed him through a door, marked 'Personnel Only' and they found themselves in a long empty hallway and his arm fell away, leaving her lamenting its absense, but she pushed the thought aside as they walked on.

“Wait!” Chan halted them both. “Someone's coming.”

He pulled her down one of the side hallways and into a small, cramped room. Jay glanced around to see a large industrial copy and fax machine. Chan's head was pressed against the door, listening. He locked eyes with her as they both strained their ears for any sound on the other side.

After several seconds, he cursed quietly.

“They're coming this way.”

Jay looked at him, then at the machine.

“Come here.” She pulled him with her, behind the copier, guiding him to stand up against the wall. The machine hid everything below Chan's waist and was broad enough that she could partially hide herself, as well. She nodded and dropped to her knees.

“What are you doing?”

“Imitating a situation. Loosen your tie and open your shirt a bit.”

She could spy his displeased expression but before she could address it, there was a loud laugh outside the door.

“Put your hand on my head!” Jay whispered, urgently.

“What?”

“I'm pretending to give you a blowjob, not a prostate exam! You need to look like you're enjoying it. Just do it!”

His palm landed on her hair and she began moving her head back and forth, just as the door opened and voices abruptly stopped talking for a few seconds before there were snickers and words of encouragement loudly whispered. Then the door could be heard closing and Chan's hand disappeared from atop her head.

She jumped to her feet, examining the dress; there was some dirt but it did not seem hopelessly ruined.

“Was that really necessary?” Chan asked, clearly disgruntled behind his mask.

“It was a matter of probability.”

“Explain.”

“Well, people kissing don't really elicit any sort of sympathy and can easily be pulled out of places they're not supposed to be. But a guy getting blown will receive solidarity from his fellow men and is therefore more likely to be left in peace to 'finish' so to speak.”

“And what are you basing that on?”

She rolled her eyes.

“You really want to check my sources, right now? It worked, right? So, let's get this over with!” She opened the door, glancing around before giving the go ahead and they made their way down the hallway, back to the main. From there, it was a relatively straight path to the main office. Chan made quick work of the lock and they sneaked inside. The laptop was easy to find, laying on the desk for anyone to see.

“Open it up and put this in,” Chan instructed, handing her a flash drive. “Once you're in, the program will take care of the rest.” He went to stand by the door, listening for anyone coming as Jay opened up the PC and booted it.

She put the USB into the slot and the password was soon hacked. But that's where their luck ended. The homebrew on the flash drive began giving errors and Jay found herself trying to sort out the problem, rather than watching the files transfer.

“We got trouble,” she announced, as she worked through the usual solutions, with little success.

“How bad?”

“Bad. Arm expected the most common encryption protocols, but this isn't that.”

“Then the mission's a bust. We should get out of here.”

She mentally ran through her options and started clicking away on the keyboard.

“Give me a second,” she mumbled.

“A second to do what?”

“I think I can fix this, I just need a little time,” she explained, her eyes focused solely on the screen in front of her.

“What are you gonna do?”

“The encryption is less common but I know the system used, so I should be able to create a backdoor. However, I won't be able to use Arm's software to do the remote download, so I'll be putting it on the flash drive and sneak it out when we leave.”

“Hurry,” Chan urged. “There's more activity out there. I think the speech might be done.”

“Backdoor created, transferring files, now.”

The seconds ticked by as both their bodies tensed every moment the transfer was not done.

“It's done!” Jay announced as she ripped out the USB stick and closed down the laptop.

“Well, I have bad news. I can hear Hallows' voice headed this way.” Chan told her as she hid the flash drive. “I guess we're out of options.”

She turned around to see him stalking towards her. With rough and urgent movements, he picked her up, sitting her down on the desk, before his lips sought hers in a searing kiss.

Jay's head blanked. A part of her was aware this was a bluff, but instinct took over, and she pulled him closer, eager for more. He was so...warm. Even through the suit, she could feel the heat of his body and it fanned the embers insider her into a blazing inferno, eating away all reason.

She pulled at him, intending to lay down on the desk, when his arm wound around her waist, stopping her. With one swooping motion, he used his other hand to clear the surface, before laying her down, his mouth never leaving hers.

She pulled him with her, deepening the kiss and he allowed it. Emboldened by this, she began pulling at his shirt, eager to touch the skin beneath. His hand traveled up her bare leg, squeezing her thigh, sending floods of liquid heat through her.

The loud clearing of a throat, cut through her haze and she froze, pulling back slightly to turn her head and find the gala host and two members of security staring at them.

“Uh-oh,” she mumbled, only partially acting and only partially referring to their current situation.

Chapter 24: Ella-Fucking-Hestasi

“I'll see to it, you're both banned from all future events at the museum,” Jack Hallow said, seething in his chair.

Chan could see Jay out the corner of his eye, trying hard to look shamed and guilty. His own face was no doubt smeared with her lipstick and their clothes were in a crumpled disarray.

“We're terribly sorry, Mr. Hallows. It was a spur of the moment, it won't ever happen again,” he said, feigning a nervous deference towards the gala host.

Jay nodded along.

“That's not an excuse, Mr. Kukrit. I will not allow such...bestial behavior to taint what should be a beautiful occasion!” Hallows voice rose with every syllable until he was shouting.

“I will of course pay for any damages,” Chan offered, trying to seem eager to avoid expulsion.

“This isn't about money, it's about a lack of basic decorum at an important event! I can't even think of a number big enough to compensate for that! And I have no intention of letting you escape this travesty, unscathed.” He gestured to the two security guards. “We'll have you both searched to ensure you didn't steal anything valuable, and then you will leave the premises, forever.”

“Are you calling us thieves?” Jay asked, her expression incredulous.

“I'm not calling you anything you don't deserve.”

“Then I demand a female guard!”

Jack Hallows' eyes looked her up and down with clear distaste.

“Trust me, my dear, my men would not stoop that low.”

She sputtered.

“What?! Leon, did you hear that?!” She looked from Chan to Hallows, her face becoming redder. “The law demands that I be searched by a female guard!”

“The law also states not to break into people's offices for the sole purpose of fornicating! If you insist on involving law enforcement, I will make sure you suffer the full consequences, Ms. Hestasi!”

“You can't just-”

“Ella, enough!” Chan interrupted, giving her a displeased look.

“But, Leon,” she whined, reassuring Chan she was still only acting.

“We're in the wrong. Let's just accept Mr. Hallows' kindness and be done with it.”

“Kindness? Kindness! This is an outrage!”

Jack Hallows seemed about to reach the end of his patience as he slammed his hands on the table.

“Mr. Kukrit, do control your fiancée or I'll have her arrested!”

Chan quickly went to Jay.

“Stop this, Ella.” He leaned in close enough to whisper. “Will the search be a problem?” before saying more loudly: “or do you wish to ruin us further?”

She shook her head.

“No,” she added with a sullen voice, glaring at Hallows.

Chan nodded, turning towards the host, who seemed fed up with them both.

“Sir, we'll submit to the search, and then leave per your instructions.”

“As if you have a choice. Take them.”

They were split up and Chan was led to a separate room, where the guard proceeded to pat him down. It was fairly thorough and while the thought that Jay might have issues keeping the drive hidden did cross his mind, Chan had been wrong often enough to adopt a wait-and-see approach when it came to her.

When satisfied there were no hidden items on 'Leon', the guard led him back to the small office they had originally been taken to upon discovery. It was only a few minutes before Jay and her escort arrived as well, though she seemed significantly less unbothered than himself.

“Oh, Leon!” she sobbed, throwing herself against his chest. “It was horrible! I'm humiliated.”

“What did you do?” Chan asked the other guard, who was smirking with a disgusting look in his eyes.

“I didn't do anything the little lady didn't ask for.”

Chan's body tensed and he did not need to act out the murderous glare he shot the man as he wrapped his arms around Jay. A sharp sensation dug into him and he looked down to see her nails pressing against his dress shirt, though her face was still buried in his chest.

“Consider this a warning, Mr. Kukrit,” Jack Hallows drawled with a self-satisfied smirk, which soon turned into a frown as he sneered: “And don't let me catch you here, again!”

They were thrown out of the office, without their masks, and forced to make their way back to the main entrance with their faces exposed. People looked at them, curiously, as they walked by but none dared approach them. Jay continued to cling to Chan, sometimes sobbing loudly, drawing even more stares in their direction and Chan made a show of fidgeting under the increased attention, awkwardly patting his 'fiancée' on the back and making soothing noises.

The second the car had left the museum ground, Jay groaned, stretching in her seat.

“Holy fuck, that was a mess!”

“Did they find it?”

“Who do you think you're talking to?” she asked, her voice pitching, dramatically. “I am Ella-fucking-Hestasi!” She laughed, opening the window. “Hold in somewhere with a bathroom, please.”

The complete switch from her usual self to heartbroken socialite was an impressive feat, Chan had to admit to himself, not sure the other men working for him could have made such an absolute transformation.

He did as told and she came back into the car with a small plastic back. Taking his hand, she dumped the flash drive into his palm from the opened bag.

“Thank god, they didn't do a cavity search.”

Chan stared at the little device, his esteem for the woman rising.

“I didn't expect you to be so...dedicated,” he admitted while putting it away. “Speaking of the search...are you alright?”

“Yeah. I mean, I got out of there with the USB drive and no injuries, so...” She shrugged.

“No, I meant-”

“I know what you meant.” All mirth was gone from her tone and her expression darkened. “You don't have to worry. I'll wait until the right time before I take my revenge. It won't tie back to the family.”

Once again, he was reminded of the whole reason he had been paired with her in the first place. He breathed out slowly, as a small smile broke forth on his face.

“This is quite a change from when we first arrived.”

“I was nervous,” she defended. “I've never been good at all that...” She waved her hand in frustration. “...social stuff.”

“You don't seem to struggle at the estate.”

“Because there, I'm Porsche's sister. I know that role, I've been a sister as long as I can remember.”

“And what about being a bodyguard?”

“Same job, less duties,” came the dry answer.

Chan considered for a moment, then pursed his lips.

“And when we're training? Are you my sister, too?”

“Of course not! That part's...different.”

He raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile.

“Different? How so?”

“I know you're just messing with me,” she accused. “I don't know how it's different. It just is.”

There was a finality to the words and Chan decided not to push the subject, instead turning the conversation to something else.

“About what happened before we were caught: if I overstepped or made you feel forced-”

“Why would I feel forced?” she interrupted, looking genuinely confused. “We were supposed to be an engaged couple, it was the most obvious cover.” She turned to look out the window, her voice going lower. “Besides, I pretended to blow you, so a bit of kissing is hardly the end of the world.”

He heard her mumble something more but it was too muddled to make out. He glanced at her but she was resolutely staring out the window, almost to the point of ignoring his presence. After a few minutes, driving in silence, she looked down at her dress and sighed.

“Another one bites the dust.”

“How bad is it?”

She tilted her head, assessing the damage.

“The stains could probably be fixed but the tears...” She shook her head. “No way to make that look good.”

“When did it tear?” Chan asked, believing he had been careful during their pretend-tryst.

“That asshole guard did it. I'm gonna get him good for that one!”

Her expression had become taut as she stared at the tattered fabric.

“Jay,” Chan called, softly.

“Yeah?” She was still not looking at him.

“You did well.”

Her head turned and he could see the surprise on her face.

“Really?”

He nodded, keeping his eyes on the road.

“Where are we going?” Kinn asked as Porsche pulled him by the wrist.

“C'mon! It's great, you'll love it!” Porsche giggled.

There was no longer any doubt about his state of sobriety, the last shreds of which had probably been wiped out, when he went for two of every shot in succession. The rest of their group had been in various states of unconsciousness when Porsche had persuaded Kinn to follow him somewhere.

As they approached a floating dock, Kinn finally regained some sense of caution and stopped, while Porsche continued down the steps. The mafioso looked around, feeling exposed, standing on the pier, in the middle of the night, with a drunk as his only company. Said drunk let himself fall flat on his back with an audible sigh of relief.

“What's gotten into you?” Kinn asked as he descended onto the floating dock, looking down at Porsche, laying spread eagle on the metal surface.

Porsche just chuckled to himself. Kinn looked out at the dark water. The waves sparkled from the lights of the city, as it reflected itself in the Crescent Moon River. Ferries covered in neon light ropes glided lazily across the water, like lanterns, into the night.

Something tucked at Kinn's ankle and he looked down to see Porsche pulling at his pants.

“Hurry up and lie down!” Porsche whined. “It's lonely down here, all alone.”

“It's also dirty,” Kinn noted.

“Ah, pish-posh!” Porsche's arms started wiping across the surface in broad strokes. “There, now I cleaned it. Now, lay down!”

Kinn rolled his eyes but dropped down to sit, immediately feeling the tiny edges of sand digging into his hand. He lifted it, looking in displeasure at the dirty streaks on his skin. Porsche grabbed his wrist, making an exaggerated show out of blowing off the dirt, with no success.

“There, all better!” he laughed.

Kinn was about to retort, but thought better of it.

“Ah, whatever,” he mumbled, finally laying down next to Porsche, no longer caring about the dirt getting on his clothes.

Placing a hand under his head, he stared up at the night sky, breathing deeply. He closed his eyes and surrendered himself to the gentle sway of the platform, the soft caress of the night breeze and the warmth of Porsche's body next to his own.

For several minutes, the gentle splashing of the waves and Porsche's steady breathing was all that filled his mind. A blanket of calm and contentment wrapped itself around him and he could not recall having ever felt so at ease before. The thought brought him back to the present and he sat up. Porsche followed a few seconds later, looking at him, curiously.

“Cent for your thoughts?”

Kinn chuckled.

“Is that all my thoughts are worth?”

“It's all I have on me,” Porsche countered, rummaging through his jeans before holding up a tiny coin. “See?” He held it out but as Kinn reached for it, he pulled it back with a grin. “Uh-uh-uh! You have to tell me your thoughts first.”

Kinn smiled.

“Has anyone ever told you...?”

“Told me what?”

“That when you're drunk, you're just so...”

“So what? Tell me!” Porsche pestered, nudging his head against Kinn's shoulder.

“So asking for a beating,” Kinn finally said, shoving at him, playfully.

Porsche took up the challenge, pulling Kinn down with him and for a few moments they wrestled, before calmly separating and sitting back up. The silence settled between them and Kinn sighed; he was hyper aware of Porsche's presence and the heat it caused but also somehow at ease. The combination made it hard to keep the line between what he should and shouldn't say.

“When were you last this happy?” he finally asked.

Porsche grinned, his eyes half-closed.

“A few seconds ago.” He began laughing and Kinn soon joined in as he realized what Porsche was referring to.

“Alright, fair enough.”

They fell silent again and Porsche stared out across the water.

“Do I need to pay a cent to hear your thoughts, too?” Kinn asked after a few moments.

“I was just...thinking about my parents.”

“Your parents?”

“They passed when I was little. Sometime, before Jay came, I was struggling to keep us afloat.” Porsche's voice was distant, lost in a memory only he could see. “It wasn't like I could go to the bank and get a proper loan so I visited a loan shark, instead.”

Kinn felt his heart drop further with every word from Porsche.

“They came to collect, every freaking month, and the interests kept climbing. It got to the point that every knock on the door made me want to run and hide, terrified it would be them. They would beat me senseless, asking if I was hiding money from them.”

“I guess that explains why you thought you could negotiate with Mes,” Kinn noted, shaking his head, slowly.

“It's just...sad.”

Kinn looked at him as his head hung against his chest.

“What is?”

“In just one day, I became the very kind of person I've always hated.” With effort, he lifted his head, once again looking across the water. “I watched as someone was beaten to a bloody pulp, and then I killed him. And he was someone's father.” Porsche's voice ended on a strangled sound and he cleared his throat. “That kid...they'll just be another victim of the same vicious cycle.”

Kinn chuckled but the sound was dark and grim, falling from his lips like droplets of lead, into the waves below.

“You've been at this job for a few months. And you feel all these things, so strongly,” he said, his voice low but intense. “Now imagine: I've been a part of this world, my whole life. It's twisted into my very person.”

Porsche looked at him, his expression melancholic.

“How can you stand it?”

“What choice do I have? Khun can't handle this life and Kim...he wants a life outside this world.” Kinn looked down. “There's no one else who can do this.”

Porsche didn't say anything, and Kinn was happy to leave the topic behind.

“Thank you.”

Kinn looked up at him in surprise.

“I know you saved my life. When you didn't let the minor family kill me for banging that kid's head open.” He laughed at the memory. “And when you pulled me out of the way when Mes shot me.”

Kinn met his eyes, seeing nothing but open honesty in them.

“Thank you, Kinn,” Porsche repeated.

Kinn smiled, unable to stave off the wave of affection the words brought with them, into his heart. Then he realized Porsche was still looking at him, his eyes barely open. Something warm and tingling shot through Kinn's chest as they locked eyes and for that brief moment, on a floating slab of steel, he felt as if something was there, something important...and precious.

With slow, deliberate movements, he put a hand down against the metal surface and leaned in, the scent of citrus tickling his nose. Porsche remained still as he came ever closer, showing no sign of discomfort or uncertainty.

Kinn had told himself, he would only press his lips against Porsche's, that would be enough, he would be sated. But the moment their lips touched, a streaming torrent of heat burst forth from his chest. He pulled back, ever so slightly, huffing a slow breath as he rubbed his nose against Porsche's before seeking his mouth again.

Porsche's lips were soft and pliant against Kinn's, letting him set the pace; he could feel Porsche respond to his advances, his mouth pressing against Kinn's, setting the latter's heart ablaze.

When Porsche tilted his head to the side, allowing Kinn to deepen the kiss, Kinn had to brace himself as a wave of delighted dizziness set in, making his stomach drop and his heart beat faster.

He wanted to melt into the moment, wishing time would freeze and allow him to have this small piece of heaven all to himself.

Chapter 25: Half-Assed Assumptions

“I'm gonna fucking kill him,” Jay said with a deadpan expression as she stared at the pile of people, passed out drunk on the floor.

“Jay!” Yok came storming from somewhere deeper inside. “Get out! You're banned, remember?”

“You called me here. You said I had to come get everyone, before you turned the hose on them.”

“How did you get banned from a bar?” Ken asked from behind her.

“I can venture a guess.” Chan's voice was dry, yet she could feel the disapproval radiating from him.

“Someone didn't get the memo on not shooting the messenger and I was being chased by thugs,” she explained, her attention focused back on the sleepers. “I thought I'd lost them, by the time I got here, but turned out they followed me and...well...”

“They – and you – tore the place apart!” Yok continued for her, her voice rising. “It took months to get everything back to the way it was!” She turned towards Chan and Ken with a milder look. “You brought two strong men, they can drag these lightweights out. You!” She pointed at Jay, then at the exit. “Wait outside!”

“Master Kinn and Porsche aren't in here,” Chan noted, glancing at the mess of entangled bodies. “You go find them, Ken and I will get these guys out and into the cars.”

Jay scoffed as she spun around.

“This is ridiculous!” she muttered under her breath as she went outside.

Glancing around there was no sign of her brother. She looked towards the harbor, hoping at least one of them had the good sense not to get them both drowned. Or maybe they should...it would make her life a whole lot easier and she could probably convince Chay of the benefits...somehow.

She started in that direction, hoping they would be close. The heels she wore were definitely not meant for walking, at least not far. As she rounded the corner, she spotted two figures coming towards her, though one of them seemed wobbly.

“Hey, Jay!” Porsche greeted with a goofy grin, then he stopped, his expression turning serious. “Hey...Jay, did you hear that? 'Hey Jay', it rhymes!” He started giggling, repeating the words over and over again.

“Hey Porsche,” Jay replied with a sigh, nodding a greeting at Kinn, who seemed decidedly more in control of himself.

“That didn't rhyme,” Porsche whined. “It's not as good.” He looked Jay up and down. “Why are you dressed?”

“Did you really just ask your sister why she's wearing clothes?”

“Not clothes, a dress! She's dressed and she's almost never dressed.” Porsche turned his head towards her. “Right, Sis? Aww, that doesn't rhyme either.”

“What's with that logic?”

“Don't argue with him,” Jay told Kinn. “His philosophical streak will end when the buzz wears off. And I'm wearing a dress,” she said, directing the latter part to her brother, “because I was on the way back from a mission when Yok called. Apparently, you filled her bar to the rafters with passed out drunks and bailed.”

“We didn't bail!” Porsche countered. “We were just at the pier.”

“Doing what?”

“Oh, that's the best part! We-”

Kinn's hand shot out to cover Porsche's mouth. Jay's eyebrows went up as she stared at Kinn.

“I'd prefer to keep that part private,” he explained, struggling to maintain an authoritative air.

“If it revolves around dropping Porsche into the harbor for pissing you off, then as long as you get him out before he drowns, I'll look the other way.”

“Hey!” Porsche protested as he shook Kinn's hand off. “How'd you feel if I conspired against you?”

“You did conspire against me...several times.”

“Well...then you know how much it sucks!” he argued, awkwardly. “And you shouldn't want to expose your beloved brother to that!”

“Don't worry,” Jay said with a saccharine smile. “I would never do that to Chay.”

“I meant me! You love me, too, I know you do!” Porsche staggered over to her and threw his arms around her, so she had to struggle to keep them both from toppling over.

“Porsche, would you stop that!”

“Say it! Say you love me!”

She tried to get free but his grip was surprisingly strong.

“Yes, I love you! Obviously,” she finally said.

Porsche lifted his head, shooting her a wicked grin.

“Do you love Kinn, too?”

She rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I love Kinn, too. Would you get off me, already?”

Porsche stood up, turning to his companion with a triumphant grin. Kinn seemed at a loss how to react to the scene in front of him.

“See? I told you she wouldn't hate you!”

“Kinn already knows I don't hate him. I've told him before. Can we get our asses back to the cars now, please?”

Porsche looked at her with disapproval.

“You must have done it wrong.”

“Asses. Cars. Now.”

Porsche grumbled but got moving and Kinn trailed after, still looking uncertain.

Chan and Ken had managed to drag the other men out of the bar and get them into the three cars by the time the trio returned.

“We'll each drive one car and drop off people where they need to go,” Chan announced, as he closed the door to the car they had arrived in.

“I'm good to drive,” Kinn declared.

“Not a chance.”

“I'm afraid not, Master Kinn.”

“You should reconsider, Master Kinn.”

He stared as Jay, Chan and Ken all rebuffed him at the same time, seemingly surprised at their sudden solidarity. Jay turned to the two other bodyguards.

“I'll take Kinn and Porsche home.”

They nodded and Porsche livened up.

“Perfect! Then I can tell you all about how we-”

“No!” Kinn cut him off, looking distressed. “I want Ken to drive us!”

Chan stared for a moment, then hesitantly nodded.

“Alright, that's not a problem. I will handle Khun and his people. Jay, you can see to it that Porsche's friends and Tae and Time get home.”

“Sure,” Jay answered, observing Kinn in puzzled bewilderment.

The young master avoided her gaze as he took Porsche to his own car.

“Guess that's one point for me,” Ken snickered close to her ear.

She turned her head to stare at him, dumbfounded.

“That's not even the same-...ugh, you know what? Take the point. You obviously need it.”

His face twisted and he glanced at Chan, noting the head bodyguard was busy discussing something with Kinn.

“Guess you're feeling all confident, now you're buddy-buddy with the boss.”

“Buddy-buddy?”

He nodded at her dress.

“Must have been a fun mission.”

She laughed out loud, unable to contain her mirth at his half-assed assumptions.

“You know what's funny about your kind?” she asked.

“'My kind'?”

Jay nodded.

“You know, insecure little weasels with anger issues? Your mind always goes to the same place. You just can't perceive of anyone acting in a way you wouldn't.”

“You didn't answer the question,” Ken growled.

“It was a fun mission. Chan and I did get along. But he didn't rip my dress.” She gestured to the tears. “These are the work of an insecure little weasel, who thought he was being clever.”

Her gaze landed on him, heavily. He lifted his chin in defiance.

“Seems he outsmarted you.”

A dark chuckle rumbled from Jay.

“The game's far from over, honey.”

He opened his mouth for a rebuttal but was called by Chan. He glanced as the latter approached, before turning back towards Jay.

“Neither is ours. And this point is mine!”

“It's four-to-one, Ken-Doll, but do keep that optimism!”

“This is the information on Porsche and Jay, you asked for,” Big said as he handed the envelope to Kim.

Putting the guitar aside, Kim took it and pulled out the contents.

“There's been a string of strange events since they arrived and it seems there's a mole among the staff,” Big explained, as he glanced over the papers. “I assume your theory matches my own?”

Kim nodded.

“It's the obvious place to start.”

“Exactly!” Big agreed, his eagerness immediately grating against Kim's nerves. “And there's something weird going on between Ken and the sister.”

“Your jealousy-drama with your best friend is not my concern,” Kim reminded the bodyguard.

Big stiffened, his expression clouding over.

“I'm not jealous.”

“Your best friend and your crush have both been stolen by the same sibling pair, and you run crying to me. What else would you call that?” Kim asked, looking at him.

“I am not jealous!” he repeated, staring back, defiantly.

Kim blinked slowly, then languidly turned his attention back on the report, saying nothing for a while, as he read.

“What else have you found out?”

“Um...” Big stammered, not expecting the sudden question.

“'Um'?”

He cleared his throat.

“What I meant is: apparently, Porsche spontaneously came along for a visit to Mes.”

When Kim's head lifted and he looked at Big, the bodyguard seemed to feel encouraged.

“Not only did they not get any information, I was told Porsche ended up shooting Mes dead.”

“He killed Mes?”

Big nodded.

“The report says Mes fired first, but I'm not so sure.”

“Very convenient,” Kim muttered to himself.

“I know, right?”

The zeal was back in Big's voice and Kim grit his teeth.

“I'm sure I can find something, if I have enough time! And then we can confront Korn about these two and make him see reason.”

Kim's patience was running out. He looked at Big again, who seemed almost cheery at having an ally.

“Then why are you still here, breathing down my neck?”

Almost with a snap, Big straightened himself before making a stilted bow.

“I'll leave you to it...Master Kim.”

When the door closed behind Big, Kim finally took a closer look at the information. Something abut the setup did not sit right with him. The big sister seemed to have showed up out of nowhere to adopt the boys. Why?

He looked at her picture. The report would have mentioned if she were a distant relative. He put the photograph aside and looked at the older brother, instead: an underground fighter and former Taekwondo champion. That certainly translated to physical prowess but it wasn't enough to make him bodyguard material. From Big's description, this guy, Porsche, was hotheaded and impulsive.

What had Korn been thinking bringing these two into the Theerapanyakun family's ranks? His father was many things but reckless wasn't one of them.

He finally looked at the younger brother and his breath caught for a moment before he huffed a laugh.

Either fate was playing a cruel trick on these siblings or they had no sense of self-preservation, to come at the family from two angles.

Kim rose from his seat on the balcony and went inside the apartment. He approached the far wall, decorated with a large impressionist-styled close-up portrait of himself. He pulled the painting aside to reveal a bulletin board with pictures of the last six generations of Theerapanyakuns on one side, and several pictures and news clippings of high-profile crimes and missing people around Crescenda, on the other. Red threat connected the two sides in a convoluted pattern.

Looking at the pictures in his hand and back on the board, Kim placed the three siblings somewhere in the middle, until he could figure out their motives and loyalties.

Staring at the picture of Porchay, the younger brother, he had an idea where to start his investigation.

A warm presence was intertwined with his body. He loved the feeling, pulling them closer. When they let out a contented sigh, Porsche leaned in, intending to land a soft kiss on their lips. As his nose touched theirs, he was awoken by a loud cry before he was shoved away, falling to the floor with a thump.

“Damnit, Porsche!” Pete shouted from the opposite side of the bed. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Me?” Porsche yelled back. “You're the one that kicked me!”

“Of course I did! You were in my bed! And you were trying to kiss me!” The pitch of Pete's voice rose with every word.

Porsche glanced around to find out he was indeed clinging on to a bed not his own.

“Oh.” An awkward silence fell over them both, as they tried to remember how they ended up in this situation.

Porsche ran a hand through his hair. “What happened last night?” He narrowed his eyes, trying to peer through his foggy memories. “Did we go to the river at some point?”

“Don't ask me,” Pete said, waving a hand, dismissively. “Those herbal liqueurs really messed me up. All I know is I'm in the right bed and you're not.”

“Wait,” Porsche said, as a flash of something, a sensation, came to him. “I think...I think I was making out with someone.”

“Wasn't me. Though you tried your best, seconds ago.”

Porsche tilted his head, trying to cling onto the memory and failing.

“Maybe it was just a dream?”

Pete grinned.

“A dream, eh?” He rose a little, peering down Porsche's body. “Does that mean you're pitching a tent, over there?”

“Hey! Eyes up here,” Porsche told him, pointing to his face.

“Alright, alright. What do you remember? Maybe I can help you narrow down who it was.”

“I don't remember anything. I just know it felt...nice.”

“What felt nice?”

Both of them yelled and turned to see Jay standing in the door, holding a large milkshake in one hand.

“Where did you come from?” Pete asked, pressing a hand to his chest.

“Just for the fun of it, let's say the window.”

Porsche furrowed his brow.

“Did you knock?”

She pursed her lips, thinking for a moment.

“Let's say yes.”

“We have got to start locking the door,” Pete groaned, while Porsche rubbed his hands over his face.

“Wouldn't work, she knows how to hack the card readers.”

“Porsche, that's absurd. Ain't no way I'm gonna go around hacking the card readers,” she said, before sipping from her straw.

Pete shrugged at Porsche, who quickly held up a hand.

“Just...wait for it,” he cautioned.

“I made a master key-card, instead,” Jay added, after drinking.

“And, there it is.”

“Is that even allowed?” Pete asked, furrowing his brow.

“The rules don't explicitly forbid it,” she hedged with a shrug.

“Are we accessories if we don't report this?” He looked to Porsche.

“It's tempting.”

“I did bring a bribe,” Jay announced, holding up a shopping bag, looking like it was about to burst apart.

“What's in the bag?” they both asked.

“My hangover cure.”

Porsche broke into a relieved grin.

“Now, that's more like it!”

Pete continued to look skeptical.

“What's the cure?”

“Greasy food, enough drinks to drown a rhino and my number one migraine cocktail, guaranteed to either kill you or cure you...either way, the pain is gone.”

Pete stared at her for a moment, then gestured at the bag.

“Gimme.”

Kinn stared at the small coin next to his bathroom sink. Porsche had dropped it, probably when they wrestled, and when they decided to go back, Kinn had picked it up and pocketed it. He couldn't even explain why he wanted to keep it so badly.

Maybe he wanted something tangible to remind himself it wasn't a dream.

“I kissed Porsche,” he mumbled to himself.

Even saying it out loud did not make it seem real, but that coin, gleaming at him with a promise of yesterday, confirmed the words he spoke. When he looked at it, he remembered the scent of alcohol and citrus, the sound of waves, gently lapping against the dock, the soft feel of warm lips meeting his own.

He told himself it was a mistake, that he should have controlled himself better. But his heart leapt and danced, whenever the memory flashed before his eyes.

Had Porsche really kissed him back? Could that be true? He let a finger trace over his lips, as he mentally took stock of every second of the feeling, delighting in the tiny shivers of excitement running through him.

Kinn turned around, intent on pulling himself together. He would have to confront Porsche about what happened. Even if... No, he would deal with that possibility when it happened. Until then, this little moment in time, this bliss, it was his own to enjoy.

Chapter 26: Plot Points of Winnie the Pooh

Porsche glanced around the gardens, before pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips. While Jay's hangover cure was damn near miraculous, a smoke right after was still the absolute cherry on top. It least, it would have been if his lighter would cooperate. He shook it a few times and checked the inside canister before trying again.

A lighter was flipped open and lit in front of him and he glanced up to meet the dark gaze of Vegas. For a moment, he glanced between the lighter and the man, before accepting the help and lighting his cigarette.

“Master Vegas,” he greeted, making a small, awkward bow before looking around, not sure what the protocol was for receiving someone from the minor family, when alone.

“Relax,” Vegas said with an easy smile. “I'm just running some errands for Papa, so don't make a big deal out of it.”

“Oh,” Porsche replied, only further discomposed by the friendly demeanor. He shifted his stance, looking for something to say. “About last time...I'm sorry.”

Vegas scoffed, waving a hand, dismissively.

“Come on, I know my brother better than anyone. He really invites people to coldcock him, sometimes.”

“Yeah,” Porsche laughed, then realized who he was with and straightened up. “Sorry...again.”

“This is gonna be a long day if you're going to apologize every time you're being honest.”

Vegas' friendly grin and the teasing glint in is eyes put Porsche less on edge and his posture relaxed a bit. Vegas glanced around the grounds before speaking again.

“You're in charge of Kinn, right? Gotten used to it, yet?”

“Nope, not at all!” Porsche joked, earning a laugh from Vegas. “Honestly, I feel like I'm just pretending, and sooner or later, someone's gonna catch me and throw me out on my ass.”

“Kinn wouldn't keep you around if he didn't think you were doing a good job.”

“Well, that's just the thing,” Porsche said hesitantly, scratching the back of his head. “I'm not actually on Kinn's team, anymore. Now, I'm in charge of Master Tankhun.”

“Tankhun?” Vegas asked, his eyes going wide. “Oh boy, he's, ah...quite something.”

“That's putting it mildly.”

“Believe it or not, I'm impressed you're still here, then. Khun can be quite a handful.”

Porsche laughed.

“You're telling me. I have no idea how Jay did it.”

Vegas expression became curious.

“Jay? Is that your sister?”

Porsche nodded.

“She was assigned to Khun before me. His other bodyguards were all abuzz about how she could handle him. Like she was the Tankhun-whisperer or something.”

Vegas snorted, then lifted an eyebrow at Porsche.

“But you were the one to bring Khun out, weren't you? That's really impressive.”

“I guess,” Porsche said with a shrug. “He still drives me crazy, sometimes. Er-, I mean-” He tried to backpedal but Vegas just chuckled, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I've grown up with this family, Porsche, and even I want to smack them, sometimes.”

Porsche breathed out in relief, returning Vegas' smile with one of his own.

“Maybe you have to be crazy to do well in this place. Maybe that's why Jay's not struggling.”

“I'll remember that assessment.”

“Oh, shit,” Porsche mumbled, tossing his cigarette to the ground and stomping on it, much to Vegas' confusion, before he turned with a smile towards his sister who was walking closer.

“Jay! What brings you here?”

“Kinn wants to see you.”

The abrupt message sent him for a loop, after Vegas' easy banter.

“Huh. Alright, yeah, tell him I'll be right up.”

Jay shook her head.

“No can do. He wants to see you in private, now. So, I'm getting an early break.”

“Why?”

“He wants to discuss the particular plot points of Winnie the Pooh.”

Porsche exchanged a confused glance with Vegas and Jay rolled her eyes, sighing.

“I don't know why, I'm just here to fetch you. Now get your ass in gear.”

“Fine!” Porsche scoffed. “I'm going, I'm going.”

“And next time I catch you with a cigarette,” Jay called after his back, “I'm gonna make you eat it!”

Porsche flipped her off, over his shoulder, but didn't turn back around. When the door closed behind him, Jay turned her attention to the elder son of the minor family.

“Vegas,” she said with a cautious tone.

“Shouldn't that be 'Master Vegas', to you?”

“No.”

He chuckled.

“I see you don't pull any punches. I like that.”

Her eyebrows lifted and her expression seemed mildly amused by his statement.

“I sincerely doubt that.”

Vegas smile faded and he lifted his chin with a challenging look.

“Is this the part where you tell me to stay away from your brother?”

“To what end? It wouldn't stop you and it's not my business to decide whom Porsche pursues or is pursued by.”

“Just your business whether he smokes or not, I see.”

Jay shrugged, not the least bit put off by the accusation.

“Heartbreak won't kill him. Cigarettes might.”

“Such devotion from a sister. And from what I understand, you don't even share a drop of blood.” Vegas cocked his head to the side, his dark eyes boring into hers. “I wonder how those brothers inspired such affection from you.”

She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.

“I think we both know, that sharing blood is no guarantee for devotion or affection, wouldn't you say?”

Vegas froze, his eyes narrowing.

“Who are you?”

“Someone who seems to have hit a sore spot,” she replied, casually. “But I would hate to become someone who keeps you from your work.”

She walked away, fully aware that Vegas' eyes were following her and they were not looking at her kindly.

“You wanted to see me?” Porsche asked as he approached Kinn, who was leaning casually against the balcony pool.

“Did I interrupt your riveting conversation?”

Porsche's brow furrowed, as he tried to follow what Kinn was referring to.

“Do you mean with Master Vegas?” he eventually asked. “He just lent me his lighter.”

“Unless absolutely necessary, don't associate yourself with the minor family,” Kinn warned.

“Why?”

He seemed taken aback by the question and Porsche pressed on.

“Master Vegas was being kind to me, why shouldn't I be kind back?”

Kinn opened his mouth to respond but no words came so Porsche continued.

“You know, everyone keeps talking to me like I was raised in a barn, yet when I show the most basic of manners, you jump down my throat.”

“Well, who told you to be so friendly with them?” Kinn asked, seeming to scramble to get the conversation back under control.

“I'd like to remind you that the last time I stepped out of line with the minor family, I was almost killed, and you hit me and choked me out!”

“I did that to save your life!”

“Exactly!”

Kinn paused in surprise.

“Do you want a repeat of that? Do you want me to mess up and get in trouble so you have to save me again?” Porsche asked.

“I... No, of course not,” Kinn finally acquiesced.

“Good. Are we done here?”

Porsche turned to leave.

“Wait!”

He turned back to find Kinn's eyes flickering, not really meeting his gaze.

“About last night. Are you okay?”

Porsche laughed.

“Are you serious? I do this all the time, it's no big deal.”

“You do that all the time?” Kinn asked, skeptically.

“Yeah! I'm a bartender, it would be embarrassing if I didn't.”

He looked disappointed, somehow. Porsche smirked.

“Let me guess: it was your first time?”

Kinn's head snapped up and he stared at Porsche.

“What?”

“Don't 'what' me, I'm a professional, I can tell.”

Kinn seemed completely disbelieving.

“You're a professional?”

Porsche rolled his eyes.

“Yes, a professional. I mixed drinks for a living, you know. I can tell when someone's never done herbal liqueur shots before.”

Kinn's eyes widened.

“The shots. You're talking about the shots?”

“Obviously! What else would we be talking about?”

His eyes flickered again, piquing Porsche's curiosity.

“I was thinking something that took place...later in the evening,” Kinn slowly explained.

“Ah! Well, I kinda blacked out, so I don't really remember much,” Porsche explained, suddenly feeling very self-conscious about his bragging. “Did I do something to you? What was it?”

Kinn fidgeted, making Porsche nervous.

“Did I crash your car? Or throw you in the river? I swear, whatever it was-”

“I'm sorry, Master Kinn?”

They both turned their heads to find Pol looking distressed.

“Porsche, I need you to come quick. Something's wrong with Master Tankhun!”

Porsche quickly followed Pol to Khun's room, where Arm was busy looking around for the oldest son, who was seemingly nowhere to be found.

“Where the hell did he go?” Pol asked, panicked.

“Let's just look around,” Porsche said, trying to calm him down. “If we don't find him, we might can find a hint to where he went.”

Arm agreed and they started rummaging through the room, for any sign of their boss. It wasn't until Pol accidentally stepped on Khun that the latter popped up from beneath a pile of blanket on the floor, screaming in agony. The three bodyguards quickly went to him, pulling him up on the couch, while apologizing profusely and trying to calm him down.

“My head's in agony!” Khun whined, pressing his palms against his temples. “Who's squeezing it so abominably?” He paused, his eyes widening in horror. “Have I been possessed? Is there some demon ravaging my body?”

“Of course not, Master Khun, calm down,” Arm tried to soothe, but Khun only wailed even higher.

“Oh, I'm gonna die! Those wretched demons want my soul!”

As he continued to howl, Porsche eventually got fed up and clapped a hand over his mouth.

“Master Tankhun, you're having a hangover. There are no ghosts or demons and you'll be fine. Trust me.”

“No! Every time I trust you, I end up doomed!” With effort, Khun sat up, groaning. “Take me to the spa, I need to be pampered.”

“Pol, you get the car, Arm and I will take him down,” Porsche instructed as he tried to grab a hold of Khun.

“What are you talking about?” Khun snapped as he struggled free of Porsche's grasp. “The spa's right beneath the estate!”

Porsche stared.

“There's a spa? Inside the building?” he asked, dumbfounded.

“Yes!” they all replied as they got up.

Porsche had expected the so-called spa to consist of a Jacuzzi and a sauna, maybe a tanning bed or two. Instead, he was introduced to a complete facility with a massage parlor, hot springs, saunas and even a section for beauty treatments.

He stood next to Arm and Pol as they all observed Khun getting massaged into a deep slumber in next to no time.

“I seriously thought someone had been messing with the house plan when I saw 'spa' written on it,” Porsche admitted, still gobsmacked by the extravagance. “Is there anything these people won't burn money on?”

Arm chuckled.

“Trust me, you haven't seen it all.”

Khun snorted and mumbled something in his sleep.

“Thank god, he's finally peaceful,” Pol noted.

“Yeah, that's one man down,” Porsche agreed.

“What do you mean?” Arm looked on in confusion as Porsche walked casually over to the masseuse.

“Excuse me?”

“Yes?” she asked, looking at him.

“Before he came here, Master Tankhun insisted we should be taken care of, as well.”

“Wait!” Arm hissed, pulling at Porsche's shirt, but the latter ignored him.

“Excuse us a moment, miss,” Pol tried to deflect but the masseuse spoke to Porsche.

“If you want a massage, you'll have to wait until I'm done with Master Tankhun. You're free to use the rest of the spa, in the meantime.”

“What the hell was that?” Arm snapped when he returned. “We can't just leave Master Tankhun alone!”

Porsche glanced at their boss, who was still sleeping soundly.

“You hear him snoring, right? He ain't waking up any time soon. So let's enjoy this rare moment of freedom!”

“Can we really do that?” Pol asked, looking to Arm, who seemed hesitant.

“Come on, don't be such a goody-two-shoes, let's just live a little!” Porsche nudged.

“Well,” Arm finally gave in, “I've been wanting to try the hot springs for a while.”

“Oh yeah! Me too!” Pol nodded, eagerly.

Arm winked at Porsche.

“So? You in?”

Porsche was tempted, but at the last moment, he shook his head.

“I can't. I can't get my wound wet,” he sighed.

“What, that little scratch?” Arm asked poking at his arm, only for his hand to be slapped away.

“Don't touch that!” Porsche warned.

“Wait, so I don't get to see your balls?” Pol muttered, causing the other two to look at him, strangely.

“Why do you want to see Porsche's balls?”

“No reason,” Pol quickly answered, looking away.

Porsche was not convinced but shook it off, when Khun suddenly snored, loudly.

“Never mind. Where's the sauna?”

Pol pointed towards the door in the corner.

“Okay, so you go out...then left and then right...or was it right and then left?”

He looked to Arm, who just patted Porsche on the shoulder.

“Ask the staff, they'll tell you.”

Kinn should have been upset to see Porsche lounging about in the sauna, when he was supposed to watch over Khun, but as with everything else regarding the newest bodyguard, lately, he just found himself chuckling at the audacious behavior. He opened the door in time to hear Porsche sigh, contentedly.

“This is heaven.”

“So you decided to die, right after I saved your skin?” Kinn asked, suppressing a smile as Porsche jumped in place.

“Kinn! Oh, um... Khun-, that is, Master Tankhun asked me to check out the sauna. I guess he sent me to the wrong one.” He stood, bowing lightly. “I'll be off.”

“Wait.” Kinn said, enjoying his panic. He nodded to the spot Porsche had vacated. “Sit down.”

Porsche looked at the bench and back to Kinn.

“Are you sure?”

Kinn closed his eyes, taking in the heat.

“I don't mind the company.”

“You're being weird today,” Porsche noted, but Kinn could sense he sat back down.

The sauna fell quiet, as the heat did its job. Kinn could feel the sweat coalescing on his skin and he breathed deeply, taking the hot air into his lungs. Noticing Porsche's uncharacteristic silence, he cracked an eye open.

“If the heat's getting to you, go rest before you pass out.”

Porsche's head spun around, his expression indignant.

“Are you serious? You think a bit of hot air is enough to bring me down? Fuck off!”

“Right,” Kinn chuckled. “I forgot, I'm talking to 'the Phoenix', silly me!”

“It's not just a name, alright?” Porsche leaned forward, exposing the tattoo on his back of an elegant bird, seemingly dancing in the air, its long tail feathers folding upwards towards its body, like hungry flames.

“I suppose its fitting for your nickname.”

“The tattoo actually came first,” Porsche said as he sat back again. “The phoenix is an immortal bird, who burns to death, at the end of one lifespan, only to rise from the ashes anew.”

Kinn stared at the intricate lines for a moment.

“Why this tattoo?”

“My mom drew it. It was her favorite animal. She always told us stories about it.”

Porsche smiled to himself at the memory and Kinn felt a stab of envy as he observed the soft expression.

“Mom also said I had to make sure my brother finished his degree.” Porsche looked up at Kinn. As the latter rose from his seat, he furrowed his brow. “You leaving?”

“No,” was all Kinn replied as he went to the heater, scooping more water onto the stones.

“Wait, don't you think it's hot enough, in here?” Porsche protested, his body tensing up.

“Not even close,” Kinn laughed. “Unless you can't take the heat?” He sat down next to Porsche, whose expression became defiant.

“Of course I can,” he said, putting his elbows on the platform behind. “Never been better!”

His right elbow was pressed against Kinn's arm, outstretched behind him. Kinn's attention became entirely focused on that spot, marveling at how that tiny touch seemed to run hotter than anything else in the room.

“How is your brother?” he asked, finally tearing his eyes away from it.

“He's doing fine, from what I understand.” Porsche answered, taking his arms down. “Jay's checking up on him. I guess he spends most of his time playing video games without us to limit it.”

Kinn tried not to lament the loss of Porsche's touch, or think about how that spot now seemed significantly colder than the rest of his body.

“What about your younger brother?”

The question pulled him back and he looked at Porsche.

“I know you have one,” Porsche explained, misunderstanding his confusion.

Kinn looked ahead, not sure how to feel when talking about it.

“I might as well not have. I don't even remember the last time I saw him.” A sad smile crossed his face as he looked at Porsche again. “I told you before: we don't really have the luxury of getting close.”

Something like sympathy flickered across Porsche's face, putting Kinn on edge.

“Isn't your girlfriend angry at you being here?” he asked, to change the subject.

“What girlfriend? Going solo is ten times better than being tied down.”

Kinn smirked.

“You aren't just saying that because you don't want to introduce them to Jay, are you?”

Porsche cleared his throat, shifting uneasily.

“And what about you?” he asked, instead of answering. “When will you have a girlfriend?”

“Who says I don't?”

“The entire time I've been here, I haven't seen a single girl hanging around. Not counting the one who tried to kill you, obviously.” Porsche shook his head. “I don't get it, you're rich, well-mannered and decent-looking.”

Kinn smiled, trying not to let the compliments get to his head.

“You're just a bit old.”

The smile faded in an instant, but Porsche did not pay attention.

“But I'm sure you could afford botox for that!”

“You really don't know when to shut up, do you!” Kinn snapped.

Porsche seemed taken aback and fell silent. Kinn sighed.

“Putting my 'oldness' aside,” he said, hesitantly, “if you were a girl...” He met Porsche's gaze, his heartbeat speeding up. “Would you like a guy like me?”

The silence stretched between them, after his question. Kinn could see various feelings swirling through Porsche's gaze, though he spoke none of them aloud. Then, they were suddenly gone and his eyes became unfocused.

Kinn stared as Porsche started leaning towards him, wondering for a moment what he was going to do. Then Porsche slumped down as he fell over,his head landing squarely in Kinn's lap.

“Oh, for fuck's sake,” Kinn muttered, readjusting the head, so it was no longer burying into his crotch. “You really are a handful, Porsche.”

Despite his grumbling, a smile soon spread across his features as he looked down at the unconscious face. He allowed himself to stroke Porsche's wet hair for a moment, knowing it could probably never happen while Porsche was awake.

Chapter 27: Measure Your Tallywhackers

“I'd like to ask why I'm the one doing this, instead of his literal family, sitting right there,” Pete asked, pointing to Jay, before returning to wave the smelling salts under Porsche's nose.

“And I'll tell you, Sweet Pete,” Jay said, looking over the many foods on the table instead of at him. “You're his roommate, while I'm just his legal guardian. My job ended, once he turned 18, knew how to wipe himself and understood the functions of a condom. Now, it's all on you, kid.”

Pete rolled his eyes, but continued to waft.

“I hope he comes to, soon,” Pol complained. “I'm starving and it all looks so good!”

“Whoa!” Porsche exclaimed, sitting up straight.

“Ah, look who's rejoined the living,” Arm said with a grin.

Pete tossed the salts and sat down.

“Yeah, our resident tough guy,” he grumbled.

“With the pale lips,” Arm added.

Porsche glanced at Jay, who shrugged, smiling along with the rest of them.

“Where am I?” he asked, confused.

“Disneyland, where else?” Pete announced with a grin.

“Bet you never thought it would look like this,” Arm teased.

“Are you guys done, yet?” Porsche asked, annoyed.

“Relax, we're in the restaurant inside the building,” Pete explained.

“They even dressed you, while you were zonked out.” Arm pointed towards his body and Porsche noticed he was wearing different clothes.

“But not before I got a pic of your drooling, on a sauna bench, and sent it to Chay.”

Porsche glared at Jay, who just smiled sweetly in return.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Next time, don't pass out in a sauna because you're too stubborn to get out,” she replied, turning her attention back to the food.

“That's not what happened!”

She shot him a look.

“Alright, so maybe I got a little competitive,” he admitted, averting his eyes.

“You should eat,” Pete said, interrupting the discussion.

“Uh, yeah,” Porsche agreed, still a little confused. “Where's Kh- er, Master Tankhun?”

Pete pointed to an area behind them.

“He and Master Kinn are in the VIP-section.” He turned back towards the food. “Good thing, too. I wouldn't be able to eat if they were here.”

“Why not?” Jay asked, hoisting some on her plate.

“It would be too awkward,” Arm explained. “These people are above us and pay our salaries.”

“Yup,” Pol added, lifting the lid off the pot in the middle. “Oh, looks like it's finally boiling.”

“Ooh, put these in,” Jay interjected, shoving a good half of her plate into the pot.

“Wait, you're taking up all the room!” Pete protested.

“Mmm, smells great.”

Everyone turned their heads to see Vegas in the doorway of their partition. As one, Pete, Arm and Pol stood, with Porsche hesitantly following suit. It was only after repeated prodding from Pete that Jay rose as well, grumbling the whole time.

Looking at them all in turn, with a smirk, Vegas nodded towards the table.

“Mind if I join you guys?”

The bodyguards exchanged glances.

“Er, Master Kinn is currently in the VIP-section, Master Vegas,” Pete explained.

Vegas glanced behind, then back at Pete.

“Maybe, but I'd rather eat out here.” He placed a hand on Pete's shoulder. “Do you mind?”

“Uh, no, of course not, sir,” the others quickly replied.

Vegas nudge Pete away from his chair before taking it for himself. Pete looked to Jay, who just waved him past to her other side, not giving up her spot.

“Here's a fresh plate,” Arm offered, switching it so Pete could have his food.

They had just begun managing the food again, when another voice sounded.

“I think I'll be joining you, too.”

Once again, everyone stood, with Pete all but dragging Jay to her feet.

“Fucking hell,” she mumbled, shooting a glare at Kinn who had focused his attention on Vegas.

This time, Pol was 'encouraged' to give up his spot, on the opposite side of Porsche, leaving the latter in a sandwich between the second son of the major family and the elder son of the minor family. As Kinn began to make food for himself, Porsche glanced around, uncertainly. Jay could sense her brother's discomfort and when he sent her a pleading stare, she glanced at the two men surrounding him and rolled her eyes.

Porsche scratched the back of his head before making a small gesture, pointing towards himself with a questioning look towards Jay.

Jay tapped her chopsticks into the food on her plate, then gestured to his plate.

He grimaced, poking at his food, then looked from Kinn to Vegas before leaning back in his chair, sighing.

Jay's expression softened and she shot him a comforting smile, before digging in to her own food.

“Are you ready for the big meet?” Vegas asked, and the siblings turned their attention back to the conversation around the table. “Have you readied enough funds for the auction?”

“The auction's just a formality,” Kinn said, nonchalantly. “Papa wants me to attend, but the real business will be at the Grand Circle.”

Vegas smirked.

“I wouldn't know about that. Seen as us lower families aren't allowed to attend.” He cocked his head to the side, observing Kinn closely. “I hear Uncle is going to bring you in, for the first time.”

“Word travels fast, it seems,” Kinn noted, continuing to act unbothered.

“I have time to pick up on things,” Vegas countered. “Seen as I have far less responsibilities, I have more time to pay close attention to what goes on around me.” As if to prove his point, he picked up a piece of meat from the pot. “This one's ready,” he declared before positing it on Porsche's plate.

Porsche tensed up, glancing at Vegas, then at Kinn.

“My bodyguards can feed themselves without assistance,” Kinn said, a slight note of warning in his voice.

“My apologies,” Vegas said, “I'm still not used to how differently you treat your employees.”

Porsche glanced to Jay, who caught the look and put down her chopsticks.

“What else do you do for your employees?”

“Excuse me?” Vegas asked, as he and Kinn turned towards her.

“Well, are your employees only incompetent at feeding themselves or do they lack in other areas as well? Perhaps in going to the bathroom?”

Vegas chuckled, though Jay did not miss the way his body tensed up, while sipping from her drink.

“I can assure you, our people are every bit capable of handling themselves.”

“So you hire competent people,” she said, putting her glass down, “but you treat them like children. Why?”

Porsche's eyes widened and he tried to pull her attention, but she only looked at Vegas.

“I had no idea taking care of my people could offend someone's sensibilities so,” Vegas purred, a polite smile in place. “For your information, I see my people as part of the family, and therefore worthy of the same treatment.”

Jay's eyes looked into the empty air, as she pretended to ponder his reply.

“Does treating your people like family equate to treating them well?”

Kinn cleared his throat, seemingly trying to hide a smile as Vegas grew instantly more tense while Porsche just looked lost and unsure of what to do.

“Believe me,” Vegas said, staring intently at Jay. “I have nothing but the highest respect for your brother and would never treat him poorly. Which reminds me:” He turned towards Porsche, summarily ignoring Jay from then on, “Kinn told me you still struggle with settling in.”

Porsche looked at him in confusion, having just stuffed something in his mouth.

“My personal bodyguard just quit his position,” Vegas continued. “What would you say, if I-”

“No,” Kinn cut him off.

Vegas gave him a questioning stare.

“He's in charge of Tankhun, and my brother is very possessive of his people.”

“Then you talk to him, for me,” Vegas challenged, his gaze locked with Kinn's. “I'm sure he would listen to you, over me.”

“I don't intend on getting involved in someone else's business,” Kinn replied, adding after drinking from his glass: “And I don't like people messing in my business.”

“Is this your way of protecting yourself?” Vegas asked, his smile taking on a menacing air. “Keeping people at arm's length, so you went get hurt again?”

“Are you guys done with your pissing contest, soon?”

They turned to stare at Jay again, who was observing them both with disapproval.

“If you guys wanna measure your tallywhackers against each other, please do it outside, so the rest of us can eat in peace.”

There was a stunned silence, only broken when a metal tray hit Vegas over the back of the head.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Tankhun asked, glaring at Vegas as he jumped to his feet. “Go home!”

For a second it looked like Vegas was going to stand his ground, but eventually, he shoved his way past Khun and out of the restaurant. Tankhun returned his attention to those still around the table.

“How could you let him sit at our table? And in my seat, at that!” He looked around but no one answered. “Oh, forget it! I'm not even hungry anymore.” He spun on his heel and stormed out.

“You guys should go after,” Kinn told the others, who quickly rushed to catch up with their boss, leaving him to stare at the last person, left. “Aren't you going with them?”

“The food is here,” Jay said, digging in again.

For a moment, Kinn said nothing.

“I know you only did it for Porsche but...you shouldn't get involved with this thing with Vegas. It's not your fight.”

“Isn't it?” she asked with raised eyebrows. “Anything that involves my brother is my fight.”

He smiled, something sad hiding behind his eyes.

“He's lucky to have someone who's always there for him.”

“Try telling him that,” she answered, looking at his now empty seat, before turning back to Kinn. “You would think your cousin would have grown out of that dickish phase, by now.”

“He wasn't always like this,” Kinn explained. “None of us were, really. When we were younger, he was a pain, but mostly, he was just desperate to belong.”

“So what happened?”

“His mom died. It was shortly after Khun was kidnapped and there was a whole mess during the rescue operation. We lost people, and Khun needed our full attention.”

Jay could hear the catch in his voice, and she put down her chopsticks, suddenly no longer hungry. Kinn continued.

“He would probably have gotten over his mother's death if there had been someone around to help him through, but everyone was thrown into disarray and he was left to deal with the loss and his baby brother, all on his own.”

“Your family is just a magnet for tragedy, huh?” Jay asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Kinn chuckled but it was still tinged with sadness.

“And yet, we're still here.”

Jay was slammed against the wall, her wrists held together in front of her chest, but she quickly took the opportunity to kick out Chan's leg, causing him to fall to his knee, though he still had a strong hold on her arms. She lifted them and aimed a knee at his face, but he quickly let go of her and dodged, hooking a foot behind her other leg and sending her tumbling with a quick pull. She took the chance to roll away before he could follow and pin her, and she managed to get on her feet and face him before he got too close.

“Much better,” Chan praised, as he looked over her form.

“Then why does it feel like you're kicking my ass more than usual?” she asked, rubbing at her shoulder.

“I have to push you harder, with the Grand Meet coming up,” Chan explained, moving towards the end of the training mats.

“I heard about that. Some big hullabaloo for all the Families, right?” Jay sat down.

Chan nodded as he grabbed two bottles of water, tossing one to her. She caught it and proceeded to drain half its contents in long, greedy gulps.

“That's more or less the gist of it. Only the best bodyguards are asked to come along.” He came to stand in front of her.

“Oh, okay,” Jay said, wiping her mouth. “I guess training is suspended until you come back?”

Chan crossed his arms.

“You're coming, too.”

“Didn't you say 'the best' bodyguards? Last I checked, my rankings are nowhere near the top.”

“You mean the results where you have painstakingly ensured you didn't score above mediocrity?”

“The gentlemanly thing to do would be to pretend you believed the ruse,” she noted with a grumble.

“I'm more concerned with why you insist on hiding your true skill?” Chan asked, his imposing figure looking down at her, sternly.

“Hey, don't knock mediocrity! No one expects great things from the middle of the pack and they won't be disappointed by the occasional slip-up.”

“So, in other words, you're just being lazy.”

She tapped her nose in agreement. Chan shrugged.

“Well, you're charade has failed, so you're going.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes.”

Jay groaned, laying down on her back.

“Do I at least get downtime?”

“You'll be going as part of Korn's team. Since he's left most of his responsibilities to Kinn in the day-to-day work, odds are he'll spend a significant amount of time, resting in his room,” Chan explained, patiently, as he walked around to where her head was.

“What would happen if I broke my leg, before then?”

“The resort is wheelchair accessible.”

“What if I also broke an arm?”

Chan bent over her, his expression serious.

“Jay, if I have to, I'll tie you up and drag you there, myself.”

“Ooh, kinky!”

“We'll see,” he replied, straightening back up.

Jay hesitated, narrowing her eyes at Chan.

“You're not as easily exasperated by my taunts anymore. Am I losing my touch?”

“More like I've become accustomed to dealing with you.”

She cocked her head to the side.

“That somehow takes the magic out of it, quite frankly.”

“And how sad I am to see it go.”

She put a hand under her head.

“Guess I gotta find another way to get under your skin.”

“Why?”

“Good question.”

“Jay,” he pushed, walking back to where her legs were spread out.

She sighed.

“I don't want to be just another subordinate to you. I like how well we work together. I guess you could say I don't want to become boring?”

Chan heaved a groaning exhale, as he sat down in front of her. She sat up, while he placed his arms loosely on his knees.

“You're my subordinate, there's no way around that. But you're not like the other people under my command.”

“Well, duh! Not many of your people run around with my cup-size.” Jay poked at the side of one breast, to underline her point.

“Even putting aside the obvious,” he amended. “I'm not training any of the other bodyguards, privately, and the last time I went on a mission with anyone was well over a decade ago.”

“So, because I was foisted upon you, that makes me special?” Jay chuckled.

“Is that not enough?” Chan asked, raising his eyebrows. “Fact of the matter is, I have done nothing to change this arrangement and I chose to go on a mission with you.”

She considered his words, nodding to herself.

“Besides,” Chan added, “not getting under my skin is hardly a drawback from my standpoint.”

“So you don't mind if I continue pushing your buttons?” she teased.

“I won't go as far as forbidding it. But I'd prefer if you limit it when it comes to other people.”

“I guess I could make you my exclusive victim.”

He rolled his eyes as she laughed, but it seemed mostly good-natured.

“Speaking of other people,” he said after a moment. “What's the deal between you and Ken?”

“We hate each other,” she replied, bluntly.

“I gathered as much, but there seems to be more.”

She scratched her cheek, feeling the pressure from his scrutinizing gaze.

“We slept together, once. He didn't handle it all that well.”

Chan closed his eyes, sighing.

“That explains why he kept staring at you at the bar.”

“Is it against regulations or something?”

He scoffed.

“We require our employees to stay and live on the premises with hundreds of other people. It's just not realistic to forbid internal relationships. That doesn't always make it a good idea, though.”

“Well, he's being a pain in the ass, but other than that he's manageable.”

“Just be cautious. He's young and things like this can cause a big mess.”

“No more teasing the Ken-Doll. Got it.”

He smiled, shaking his head as he got on his feet, reaching a hand out to help her.

“That's a start, I guess.”

She grabbed his forearm and let him pull her up.

“Besides,” he added, in a low voice, “you can do better.”

Chapter 28: Big's a Big, Fat Asshole

The first pull was always the best, Porsche thought, as he let the smoke circulate for a while before exhaling. He had just picked up Kinn's friend, Pim, and finished parking the car.

“Hey!”

He turned his head, ready to drop the cigarette and stomp it out, in case Jay was standing behind him.

“Oh, it's just you,” he said with annoyance as Big drew closer, looking all kinds of bothered.

“Shouldn't you be watching dramas with Master Khun?”

“I was running an errand for Kinn,” Porsche explained.

“For Kinn?”

“Yeah, he asked me to pick someone up, earlier, when we were at the spa.”

Big's eyes narrowed.

“You two were at the spa? Together?”

Porsche could see his internal struggle to stay calm and smirked.

“Yup. Kinn even invited me to the sauna with him.”

Not a complete lie, not the whole truth: it was the sweetest of sweet spots when messing with people. When Big gritted his teeth, Porsche made a show of widening his eyes in mock surprise.

“Wait. Don't tell me you never got an invitation?”

Big's gaze was murderous as he observed Porsche's cocky grin but Porsche continued pushing.

“Don't take it to heart. Next time I'm invited, I'll bring you along.”

Something seem to snap inside Big, and the sound of his teeth grinding could be heard in the quiet night air.

“Well, I guess you're the favorite now.” He lifted a bag he was holding in his hand and shoved it into Porsche's chest.

“So why don't you be a good little pet and bring this to Master Kinn?”

Porsche instinctively grabbed the bag, dumbfounded. Big smirked.

“Don't worry, he's expecting it. If he doesn't answer, it's probably because he's in the shower, so just head in and put it in his room. You think you can handle that, newbie?”

Before Porsche could protest, Big turned on his heel and stormed off. Rolling his eyes, Porsche turned and headed into the estate. Even in the best circumstances, he was never sure what to expect when entering the private quarters of the second son.

Much to his delight, there was no answer when he knocked, and he opened the door to find the apartment empty. He went further in, reaching Kinn's bedroom, and could barely contain a surprised gasp as he saw the richly furnished surroundings.

“Talk about swanky living,” he mumbled, putting the bag on a small table before looking around.

Golden nick-knacks were on display and expensive smelling candles were lit, while the bed had ostentatious and inviting coverings.

“With this much swagger, how has he never pulled in some rich heiress?”

His ass had barely touched the bed, when he could hear the door open. Panicking at the thought of being caught admiring the room, he quickly glanced around for a place to hide, before placing himself behind the pulled double curtain, covering one of the doorways.

He looked through the gap to see Pim coming into the room, wearing a bathrobe. For a second, he wondered what the young man was doing there alone, when Kinn came into view. He was smiling softly, gently pulling Pim to stand in front of him as he sat down on the bed.

There was a weird pull in Porsche's chest as he got the sense this scene was not meant for public viewing.

“It's unlike you to suddenly call me out of the blue,” Pim purred, fiddling with the knot on his robe.

“I've had a lot on my mind, lately,” Kinn admitted, smiling up at him.

“I see. Then allow me to take your mind off it.” With a smooth movement, he let the robe fall away, revealing his petite body, wearing only black underwear. He leaned down over Kinn, only for Kinn to turn his face away at the last moment.

“Still won't let me kiss you?” Pim asked with a small chuckle.

When Kinn made no answer, he relented, and instead started to kiss down the chest, while opening Kinn's belt.

Porsche now knew he was definitely not supposed to see this scene and part of him wondered if his only recourse was to hide and wait for them to finish before sneaking out. At least that was his only recourse until Pim lifted his head.

“How about we enjoy the full view, tonight?” He leaned over and flipped a switch next to the bed and the curtains started pulling apart.

Porsche was trapped, standing fully in the open, trying to look politely disinterested, as if it were perfectly normal for a bodyguard to hide behind a curtain while his boss was getting it on.

Kinn glanced up and jumped as his gaze met Porsche's.

“What the fuck, Porsche?” he yelled, causing Pim to turn his head and look as well.

Being well and truly caught, Porsche could think of nothing better to do but smile awkwardly, as he turned around and tried to exit through the glass doors...which were locked. There was nothing for it. He would have to walk past them and take the long way out of there. Which was bad enough, but when he stepped forward, he bumped the table where the bag he had brought was standing, making it fall to the floor, spilling its contents: lubricant and a box of condoms.

If there were any merciful gods, that would have been the moment they would have struck Porsche dead. Unfortunately, whatever gods existed were the petty, misery-loving kind, and Porsche was forced to scramble to pick the contents up and put them bag inside the bag.

“S-sorry,” he stammered, placing the bag on the bedside table. “I-I just came to give you this- uh, that.” He made a small bow. “Carry on.”

He rushed out of the room, pretty sure his head was about to explode from embarrassment.

“What's wrong, Porsche? Why so shocked?” Big asked as he came outside the room.

He came to a stumbling halt observing the other bodyguard's smug smile.

“Of course I am!” he hissed. “If you knew he had a guest over, you should have said something! I made a fool of myself in there.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “God, I feel so stupid!”

Big stared.

“That's what you're shocked about? Did you even see who he was with?”

Porsche furrowed his brow.

“Yeah, that guy, Pim. Why? Is he someone special?”

“No...?” Big said, drawing the word out.

“Then wha-?” Porsche paused. “Are you serious?” He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You want me to be surprised Kinn is gay.” He put his hands on his side, shaking his head. “Unbelievable. You know, it's bad enough you sent me in there to expose him, but now you want me to act out over something that's no big deal?”

He stomped past Big.

“You're such a jerk.”

“Hey there, little brother,” Jay greeted as she got off the elevator on Kinn's floor.

“Big's a big, fat asshole and I wanna punch his face in!”

She paused, scratching her head.

“You know, most people just answer with 'hi' or something like that, but...sure, I guess that's also a way to go. Far be it from me to stifle your creativity.”

“Whatever, I'm going to bed.”

He stormed by, going into the elevator.

“Okay, yeah, good talk!” she called after him as the doors closed.

She chuckled to herself as she made her way to Kinn's room, stopping when she stumbled upon Big.

“What are you doing here?” he asked with a sneer.

“Kinn wants me to take Pim home,” she explained. “But didn't he just get here?”

Big shrugged and she tilted her head to the side.

“By the way, how'd you piss Porsche off, this time?”

“Guess he was just put off by seeing Kinn's true nature,” he answered innocently.

Jay thought it over for a moment.

“What, does he have like a bunch of human organs in jars, just standing on display?”

“What? No!” Big snapped.

“Hmm... Oh, does he collect creepy dolls, whose eyes follow you as you move about the room?”

Big stared at her.

“What is wrong with you?”

“So none of that?”

“No!”

She made a sound of boredom.

“I'm losing interest in this subject.”

“He caught Kinn with Pim, okay?”

“Oh... Wait, that doesn't make sense,” she argued. “Why would he be pissed about that? With you?”

Big said nothing but she quickly put the pieces together.

“I see. You set him up to see them together. That's kind of a dick move, don't you think?”

“You're calling me a dick?” Big asked, incredulous. “You just talked about Kinn having human organs in jars!”

“Yeah, but in my mind, they were all volunteer donors.”

“Whatever,” he grumbled. “Shouldn't you go wreck life for someone else?”

“Aww, are you still pissed because I fucked Ken?”

“Shut up!”

“Just go talk to him, already. I know you miss each other,” she told him, exasperated with his childishness.

Big glanced at her, then looked away.

“I can't trust him. Who knows what he tells you after you're done defiling each other.”

“Okay, first of all, you only have a problem with our 'defilement' because you don't have someone to defile, yourself, currently, so just go fucking get some, already! And secondly, said defilement happened once and once only, and the conversation afterwards was certainly not centered on some other dude with jealousy issues.”

“I am not fucking jealous!” Big yelled.

Jay groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Yes! Of all that things I said, that was the point to take away. You, my good sir, are an idiot.”

“Why would I listen to anything you have to say?”

“Well, keep it up, Big. It's your work life that's becoming miserable, not mine. But these pranks of yours are just getting lame.”

Big scoffed and turned his head away. Jay considered leaving him like that, but thought better of it and took a deep breath.

“Ken and I hate each other. He's ashamed of having slept with me.”

Big looked at her, but said nothing, so she continued.

“He is so worried about how you see him, he hid it from you, his best friend. It's none of my business if you prefer to be angry and alone just because two consenting adults engaged in a bout of hate-sex, but just in case it hadn't occurred to you: you can be just as angry without being alone.”

She left without saying anything more, hoping she had not just signed up for another prank war with the detestable duo.

Chay heard the notification through the haze of sleep. With great difficulty, he freed himself from the covers...well, he managed to free one arm, but he didn't need more for the time being. He picked up the phone and stared at the screen, trying to make his brain tell him what it said. After several seconds, he blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes before looking again.

When his brain finally kicked into gear, he jumped to get up, struggling frantically to free himself from the dastardly comforter, which had decided to become his greatest antagonist, that very moment. After a couple of minutes of finally beating it into submission, he was able to sit at the edge of his bed, looking at the message.

He struggled to believe this was happening. Was Wik, the Wik, actually writing him on his phone? His personal phone??

His heart started beating faster as he stared at the screen, waiting for an answer. It ticked in, a few minutes later, much to his delight.

He bit his lip, looking at the boldfaced lie he had just sent. It did sound better than admitting he was skipping school to sleep in because he stayed up too late, playing video games.

Chay told himself not to feel disappointed, but it still made his heart sink a little. However, a big star like Wik checking in on him was still a big deal. The guy was probably super busy and yet he was writing Chay, of all people. He eventually decided to reply something simple, yet inviting.

He put the phone aside and hid his face into the pillow, yelling in frustration. Could he have come off any more desperate and pathetic? He had probably scared his idol off for good. What was wrong with him?

He had seen Porsche around women and his brother was always suave and had an easy time striking up a conversation. He knew how to come off cool. And Jay always managed to command respect, even from people who were not keen on her, so how could he be so hopeless?

He could not exactly ask them for help, his celebrity crush was still a secret. He even had a section of his rooms he forbade his siblings from entering, because it was filled with pictures of Wik. They knew he was a fan, but not how far it extended.

He stayed on his stomach with his head buried in the pillow, trying to remember what it was like to have dignity...or confidence... He'd even settle for delusion, at this point, if it would take away this horrifying feeling of wanting to crawl into a hole and hide from the world.

He was pulled out of his funk when the phone pinged with another message. Barely daring to hope, he sat up readying himself, before opening the message.

Chay stared at the photo he had sent. Why the hell had he sent that? What on Earth had possessed him to send a picture for no reason? Why didn't he just send a dick-pic while he was at it?

He took a deep breath, telling himself to calm down. It was not a big deal, people probably sent pictures of themselves to Wik, all the time. In fact, he probably had several chats filled with the faces of other people...body parts, too. Maybe...he'd even sent someone...

Chay shook his head, determined not to follow that train of thought. Not when the person he was thinking of was texting with him.

His phone dinged and he looked down.

Suddenly, Chay was thrilled at being home instead of at school. There was nothing stopping him from obsessing over this text conversation for the entire day.

Chapter 29: Curb Your Enthusiasm

”Everyone knows about that. I thought you did, too,” Pete explained, as they sat on Porsche's bed.

The roommates had been unable to meet up for the past few days, due to their conflicting schedules, but Porsche had finally managed to catch some time with his friend and ask about the situation with Kinn.

”But I didn't! I don't know a damn thing about this place!” Porsche exclaimed, trying to fit this information into what he already knew about Kinn. “I guess that explains why he always had those guys visiting late at night.”

Pete nodded with an apologetic smile. Porsche considered how long he had been blind to the obvious. It was kind of embarrassing to think back on it. The signs were certainly there, he had just been too dense to fit them together.

So, Kinn was gay. And he had several lovers, but didn't kiss them.

Porsche froze.

Kiss.

Something floated at the edge of his thoughts, some memory about kissing. He tried to follow the thread but it slipped away again, so he turned his thoughts back on Kinn, only for the memory to come back in full force.

Kinn's face close to his, looking deep into his eyes. The sound of waves, gently lapping against the floating pier. The feel of something warm and soft against his lips. The urge to yield and let the kiss deepen.

”Holy shit!”

”What, what?” Pete asked, slightly panicked.

Porsche hedged, not sure how much to reveal. It felt too private.

”Do you think people who don't like each other would kiss?” he finally asked, settling on a safer topic.

Pete paused and glanced at him.

”Aww, Porsche,” he said, batting his eyelashes as he leaned in. “Are you saying you'd like to kiss me?”

”Are you saying you'd like me to kick your ass?”

Pete back off but tapped his temple.

”My point is: if you don't like someone, you're probably not going around smooching them.”

”Didn't you guys already do this?”

They both turned to find Jay standing in the doorway to their room...again.

”Did you knock?” Porsche asked, skeptically.

”Sure.”

”Today?” Pete added.

”...yeah.”

”When?” Porsche crossed his arms.

”Sometime before I came in.”

Pete and Porsche glanced at each other, then seemed to let it drop.

”Hey sis, can I ask you something?”

”What?”

”Have you ever kissed someone you didn't like?”

”Of course,” she replied, without a change in expression. “Don't tell me you liked every girl you hooked up with at the bar?”

”I liked...parts of them,” Porsche said, scratching the back of his head.

”I'm sure I can guess which parts,” Jay sighed. “Was that all?”

”Well, what about someone you disliked? Or really hated?”

”Yeah, done that, too.”

”Really?” Porsche stared, his brow furrowed. “Why?”

Jay groaned.

”How about I just skip to what you're really asking, so we can wrap this up: No, I've never kissed someone I wasn't attracted to. Yes, I can be attracted to someone without liking them. No, I'm not gonna tell you who.”

There was absolute silence as they both stared at her.

”Are we done?”

”Yeah,” Porsche said, hesitantly, exchanging a confused glance with Pete, who looked equally lost. “I guess we are.”

”Good, should we get going then?”

Porsche stood.

”Yup, let's.”

”Wait, where are you going? The grand meet starts today!” Pete protested.

”Yeah,” Porsche agreed. “We're taking the sky-zips there.”

Pete looked from brother to sister.

”You're letting him use your equipment?”

Jay grimaced before answering.

”Thanks to a certain someone, there's a good chance Tankhun would sneak in and steal it, if I left it here.” She glared at Porsche, who was not the slightest bit remorseful, considering it gave him a chance to use the gear himself.

”If you want, you can take me inst-” Pete started saying but was cut off by Porsche.

”Everything's already planned out. See ya later!” He turned around and dragged Jay out of the room. “Come on, time to go!”

”Are you okay?” Chan asked as they moved through the hotel.

”I took the sky-zips here. I'm really out of practice, it seems,” Jay explained, rubbing at her hip. “I gotta get back into it, when we come back.”

”As I was saying,” Chan said, returning to the main topic, “today, the main meet runs from twelve to three and again from four to seven. You're on the first shift with Jenkins, I'll take the second with Lee.”

”Twelve to three, got it.”

”Jenkins and Lee have volunteered to take the night shift, today, so we'll be on duty tomorrow night.”

”We have the evening off?” Jay asked to clarify.

”Precisely. There's a martial tournament, tonight. Any bodyguard is eligible to enter.”

”That seems more like Porsche's thing,” she noted.

”It'll be a good experience, regardless of whether you participate or not,” Chan said, looking over the schedule in his hand. ”Tomorrow's meet is split in three and there's a pre-auction afterwards, as well a gala event in the late evening,”

”Ooh, do I get to wear a fancy dress again?” Jay asked, hopeful.

”We're on duty during the event.”

”Aww,” she groaned. “Why did the others have to take that spot?”

”I believe they're interested in the pre-auction.”

”Why? Isn't that just for the rich folk?”

”That's the final auction. The pre-auction has lower priced items, and most of the staff can afford to bid on them.” Chan stopped in front of a long display case, tapping the schedule against the glass. “You can see the things to be auctioned, in here.”

Jay scanned the contents, her eyes immediately drawn to a blue cube in the corner, about 20 by 20 centimeters. Chan noticed her line of sight and glanced at the object.

”So, that thing's back up for grabs.”

”It's been auctioned off, before?”

Chan nodded.

”Numerous times. It used to be in the main auction, but no one's been able to open it, so it's just been decreasing in value as people have sold it off at a loss, every time.”

Jay's eyes never left the cube.

”Why were people so obsessed with it?”

”Because of the family it came from.”

She looked up at him and he gestured for her to follow. They moved further down the hall, until they came to a small alcove, where an ornate and beautiful urn stood in a display case, beneath a gold plaque, reading 'In loving memory of the Cristata Family'. Jay read the words out loud.

”They were wiped out almost twenty years ago,” Chan told her.

”Did you know them?”

He shook his head.

”It was before I was hired. But Master Korn's late wife came from that family: Ana Cristata.”

Jay stared at the urn, noticing the list of names, written in gold across its surface. 'Ana Cristata' was one of the first ones. Conflicting emotions fought for dominance at seeing the name: sorrow, anger, longing, relief. But prominent among them all was the guilt.

”I suppose it's nice they honor them like this.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, causing Chan to look closer at her. She made no acknowledgment of his gaze and he turned back to the urn, heaving a deep breath.

”Don't be fooled. This is just to keep up appearances. Everyone knows the other Families were happy to see them go. But when they were pressed on it, they found a convenient scapegoat, and made this pitiful tribute.”

”Who was the scapegoat?”

”The Stovskys. The seventh and final Family. Don't get it wrong, they were the main instigators of the massacre, but none of the other four came to their victims' aid. By the time the Theerapanyakun clan got word, it was too late.”

”They were all in on it?” Jay asked, her voice cracking.

”We don't know if they all knew it would happen. But once it did, they were in no hurry to stop it.” Chan's voice had gone soft and Jay could feel his eyes on her.

She shook off her reverie and looked back towards the other display case.

”And the cube?”

”The Theerapanyakuns closed off the Cristata main estate, but a few people managed to make off with some valuables before then. They've turned up at these auctions from time to time and are normally sold at exorbitant prices.”

”Except for that one.”

”Whatever secrets it holds, no one's been able to crack it. The Cristatas were known for valuing their security measures,” Chan explained with a shrug.

”Not that it helped them in the end,” Jay said with a sad smile.

”If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: if someone really wants you dead, they'll find a way to make it happen,” Chan told her, his expression earnest. “Even if you manage to stay completely safe, it's usually at the cost of everything that makes life worth living.”

Jay made no reply and after a moment, Chan cleared his throat.

”I should make you aware of the rooming situation.”

”Hmm?”

He moved down the hall and she followed, waiting patiently for him to talk as they got on the elevator and he pressed the 17th floor.

”The hotel is filled, so providing you with a private room isn't possible.”

She looked at him and he looked back, carefully gauging her reaction.

”Am I rooming with you, then?”

He nodded.

”You are. Though I didn't expect you to reach that conclusion on your own.”

”The only other obvious choice would be sticking me with Porsche,” she explained, “but since Kinn's sleeping on another floor, it wouldn't be practical.”

”There's something else to consider: Due to the late change in our reservation, we've only been given a double bed.”

Chan's expression revealed none of his thoughts, though Jay was wondering what was going through his mind. She wanted to know if he was bothered by that or not. After a moment, she gave up trying to glean his feelings.

”It doesn't bother me,” she told him, evenly.

”Are you sure?”

”Considering we usually spend every night fighting, sleeping next to each other isn't that outrageous.” She smiled up at him. “It'll be a nice change of pace.”

“I should have known they would room us together!” Big grumbled as he dropped his bag on one of the twin beds.

“So, you're still pissed at me.” Ken sighed, turning around to unpack his own bag.

“I'm not pissed, I'm...confused.”

“Yeah? Well, imagine how I feel.”

Big paused, then turned towards him.

“Why her?”

“Because I'm an idiot?” Ken suggested, chuckling. “I honestly couldn't tell you. I don't want to feel this way, I don't even want to think about her.”

“But it's over? This whole thing was just a one-time deal?”

Ken nodded.

“I believe it is.”

“You don't sound sure.”

“Because I'm not!” he snapped. “Big, I didn't even want this to happen in the first place, yet here I am, having all these messed up feelings about someone I hate. You think that's easy?”

Big held up his hands in surrender.

“You're right. Let's drop it.”

“Finally.” With a sigh Ken sat down across from him.

“It doesn't matter anyway. With any luck, those two will be kicked out, soon.”

Ken leaned forward, his interest piqued.

“Do you know something?”

“You know how there's been a bunch of weird things happening, since they arrived?” Big asked, continuing when Ken nodded: “We're not the only ones who've noticed. Someone else is picking up the trail and looking into it.”

”Who?”

“Come on, you know I can't tell you that. It's a secret investigation.”

”You don't seriously suspect me, do you?” Ken's expression looked hurt.

“You think I'd tell you this much, if I did? I just don't want people to say I ruined the investigation by blabbing,” Big explained.

“Fine, fine. Keep your secrets. Will you at least give me a hint when you get something on Jay and Porsche?”

“Count on it,” Big said, clapping his hand together with Ken's in a firm shake. “Let's forget about those assholes. We might as well enjoy ourselves while we're here, right?”

“Oh, does this mean you're finally gonna actually get out there?” Ken's raised his eyebrows, expectantly.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Mate, every time we're here, you just mope around because you want Kinn and can't have him. It's a fucking bummer.”

“I'm not that bad!”

Ken gave him a deadpan stare.

“Uh-huh. Look, if it's ever gonna happen, it's not gonna be because you kept yourself celibate, right?”

Big sighed. He was forced to admit to himself Ken had a point, but why was everyone suddenly poking their noses in his sex life? It wasn't like he cared about theirs. Well, not counting the one involving his best friend and one of the most annoying people to ever enter the estate. Which in turn, were the two people telling him to get laid. The realization made him groan.

“I really need a distraction,” he mumbled, more to himself than to Ken, who nodded with enthusiasm.

”The bodyguards' tournament's tonight, Pete and Arm are in charge of Kinn. Let's go kick some ass, drink some beer and get you out of your slump, what d'you say?”

”I guess it beats sitting around doing nothing.”

Ken frowned.

”Please, curb your enthusiasm. Don't want people thinking we're headed to a funeral or something fun like that.”

Chapter 30: The Toasty Warmth of Eternal Damnation

“I feel like I've seen some of these people before,” Porsche mumbled, glancing around at the gathered heads of Family.

“Of course you have,” Pete said. “The Families aren't isolated from the rest of Crescenda. Several of these people live their lives in the public eye.”

The first meet had reached its break, and the bodyguards were buzzing with hushed conversations, while the heads and heirs were eating a provided lunch.

”I'm not really strong on their names, who's the guy who's always talking?” Porsche asked.

”Falko Heißler. Their family prides itself on always remaining neutral. Since they're mainly responsible for weaponry and money laundering, the other Families kindly shut up about it.” Pete nodded to the woman standing next to the man they were discussing. “That's his daughter, Bianca. next in line to lead the family.”

”Wait, when I was studying up on the Theerapanyakuns, it mentioned weapons as part of their dealings?”

Pete shook his head.

”Minor shipments. Which would all be cut off if we ever dared mess with the Heißlers.”

”What about the two women, over there?” Porsche asked, nodding towards the pair in one corner.

”Zhan Ai, head of the Zhan clan and her daughter, Zhan Xia. They have an impressive spy network and deal mainly in politics. They also run Crescenda's pleasure district,” Pete told. “Master Kinn had to negotiate for months, to be allowed to open a casino close to one of their brothels.”

”What about the old dude who kept arguing with Korn and Kinn, earlier?”

”Mr. Dom, head of the Savellis. He trades mainly with drug sale and trafficking. He wants to enter the gambling scene, but the Theerapanyakuns are trying their best to block him.”

”Was that what it was about?”

”The Families usually stay out of each other's business, but a total shut down of negotiations can set a problematic precedence for all of them. Mr. Dom is trying to appeal to their fear of losing this alliance, as part of a chain reaction.”

”Then there's just that smirking cocky asshole left,” Porsche noted.

”James Brighton,” Jay answered, having been close enough to overhear. She glanced at the man in question, who was fully enjoying an argument between Mr. Dom and his bodyguard. “His family is pretty much involved whenever there's an opportunity to degrade the human spirit.”

”What do you mean?”

Pete cleared his throat.

”Officially, they hire out mercenaries and assassins. They also manage trade relations with other nations.” He lowered his voice leaning closer. “But everyone knows they deal in human trafficking and biological and chemical weapons.”

”They have a well-funded pharmacology department,” Jay added. “Which means they often test new drugs on poorer areas, after first running them on their own 'lab rats'.”

Porsche shuddered, hoping he would never need to interact with that particular Family.

”Whenever they create a new drug, they deal with Mr. Dom before anyone else,” Pete expanded. “So, the two Families are close. That's why his threats carry weight.”

Porsche groaned.

“What's with all this politicking? I thought mafia was all about avoiding that shit?”

“You guys should mind what you talk about,” Chan commented, coming closer. “I could read what you said from across the room.”

“You read lips?” Jay asked, casually leaning an arm on his shoulder.

“I can, yes.”

Porsche stared for a moment, before exchanging a confused glance with Pete who seemed equally surprised. Jay remained oblivious to their looks, rubbing her chin with the hand not currently slung casually onto the head of security.

“Hmm... Gotta think if I ever said anything I didn't want you to know, where you could see me.”

“I'd be surprised,” Chan noted, flatly. “You're not known for showing tact.”

“Hey!”

“He's right, you know,” Porsche pointed out.

“I know, but he didn't have to say it out loud.”

“Porsche, I'd like a moment of your time.”

“Uh yeah,” Porsche hedged, looking at Jay, wondering whether he was in trouble.

She shrugged, showing no sign of knowing either. Chan walked away and he was left to trail after. The head of security did not acknowledge him until they were outside the room. Then he pulled out a paper and pen.

“I hear you're interested in entering the tournament?”

“Oh,” Porsche replied, not having expected the topic to come up. “Yes! The one, tonight.”

Chan nodded, quickly writing something.

”Head of security has to sign off on first-timers, so consider this your official permission to fight, tonight.” He handed Porsche the paper, which turned out to be an eligibility form.

“Awesome! ... Is Jay fighting?”

Chan shook his head.

“Even if she were, I wouldn't stick her in the same group as you.”

Porsche heaved a sigh in relief.

“Thank you for this.” He pocketed the form.

Chan nodded and turned to re-enter the room.

“Wait!” Porsche said, making him pause. “I heard you recommended me for this trip?”

”I did.”

“Why?”

“Even though you're not in the top, you're progressing faster and in greater strides than any other bodyguard under my command.”

“So, uh...” Porsche deduced, “this didn't happen because Jay put in a good word for me or something like that? I did it on my own?”

Chan's expression remained impassive but his eyebrows rose a little.

“Do I seem the type to be swayed that easily?”

“Well...no,” Porsche admitted. “But you also don't seem the type to get along with my sister, so...” He held up his hands, palms upwards, suggesting a weighing scale.

Chan crossed his arms, giving Porsche a long look.

“You weren't keen on working for us but you're doing alright for yourself, kid. That's obvious, with or without your sister to vouch for you.”

Something warm tickled in Porsche's chest and a goofy grin spread across his face.

“Thank you...sir!”

“Blue!”

Jay turned her head to find a grinning brunette making her way towards her position at the front desk. The second the other woman came close, she swung her arms around Jay and squeezed.

“Good to see you, Celia,” Jay said, returning the embrace.

“I can't believe we're lucky enough to meet like this!” Celia pulled on her arm, leading to a small lounge set, where they both sat down. “I noticed that handsome guy you arrived with, on the roof. Who is he? Someone I should know?” She wiggled her eyebrows, suggestively.

“That would be my brother. And he's off-limits,” Jay told her, with a stern look.

Celia held up her hands in surrender.

“Alright, alright. I must say, I never took you for the possessive sister-type.”

“I'm not. I just don't want him to have any involvement with Center Tower. If you ever quit, have at it!”

”I'll keep that in mind,” Celia replied with a wink. Then she dug into her bag, pulling out a sealed envelope. “Natalie's missed you like crazy. She wanted me to give you this, you know how she hates computers. If I hadn't met you here, I would have popped by your house, later today.”

Jay accepted the letter, looking at it for a moment.

“That reminds me: I still owe you some money.” She reached into a pocket and pulled out a chip-card. “There should be enough left on this card.”

Celia giggled.

“Oh, you precious thing, you didn't have to worry about that!” She still snatched the card, her eyes glittering as she looked at it, before lifting her eyes to Jay, raising her eyebrows questioningly. Jay nodded and she received a curt nod in return. “Well, I should be on my way, I'm sure you have things to do, as well,” Celia announced standing with a smile. “See you around, darling!”

Jay waited until she was out of sight before leaving as well, making her way to another lounge area, more remote from the front desk. A fireplace was burning, crackling softly in the quiet room. There was no one else and Jay got comfortable in the corner, opening the letter.

On the surface, there was nothing important of note, merely a bunch of sentimental drivel, but Jay had already working out a simple system with Natalie to convey the true message, by taking the first word in the first sentence and the second in the second and so on, throughout the missive.

It's been months since you left. I've done my best not to dwell on your absence, since.

I do the work but my mind often wonders. I saw a kid picking flowers yesterday. Remember back when you and I did that? I gave some to my mother and she loved them. I am now aware that you have other responsibilities and probably always had those. I just hope that there are memories left of our time together. No matter what I do, where I go, Crescenda will always hold a special place in my heart.

Love, always

Natalie

Jay read the letter three times, double checking the message said what she thought, then heaved a sigh in relief. It was one thing less on her mind, two if Celia carried out her task, which she most likely would. She would have to find the right time to let Porsche know the kid would be fine. Natalie was not the kind to do anything by half, the bill for this little favor would be significant, probably including a hefty price tag for some new IDs.

She rose from her seat and tossed the letter into the fireplace, staring as the flames started licking against the white paper, finally grabbing a hold and turning the entire thing to ash.

A bleeding heart is always dying.

She touched her chest trying to remember who had told her those words; had it been her mother? It didn't matter.

Her phone beeped to signify the beginning of the tournament. She turned it off and looked at the fire, noting there was nothing left of the letter she had tossed in.

”He's doing well,” Kinn noted as Porsche defeated his fifth opponent. “Or are the new bodyguards just that bad?”

The question was directed at Arm, who shook his head.

“The data suggests the acceptance criteria are similar to previous years. Even more demanding among some of the Families.”

“Savelli and Brighton?” Kinn asked.

“Yes, sir.”

Porsche went to the benches to rest. The outside stadium was split into several sections, each designated to a specific tournament group; Kinn and his bodyguards were seated closest to and observing the first-timers' group.

The other three groups were numbered, with group 3 being the most advanced. Accidents from past grand meets had led to the forming of the fourth group, with specific rules to prevent newcomers from over- or underestimating themselves.

“If he continues like this, he might end up squaring off against Jay,” Pete said with a notably excited expression.

“That won't be happening,” Arm said, pushing his glasses up his nose. “Jay isn't in the tournament.”

Both Kinn and Pete looked at him in surprise.

”She isn't?” Pete asked, deflating.

Arm shook his head.

“I double-checked the lists, she's in none of the groups.”

”Aw, man,” Pete lamented.

They returned to watching Porsche. He had just started his sixth fight, when Kinn caught sight of Vegas sauntering in and finding a seat.

“The minor family has no bodyguards in this group,” Arm said, having followed Kinn's line of sight.

“He's probably here to watch Porsche,” Kinn mumbled, through clenched teeth. He could feel a familiar itch when his cousin grinned and waved, after catching Porsche's attention. Porsche smiled back, nodding in acknowledgment. Kinn was reluctant to start another tug-of-war, they never seemed to end in his favor, but seeing the obvious difference in how Porsche interacted with Vegas compared to himself was frustrating.

“Hmm,” Arm mused, pulling Kinn's attention. “It seems Brighton's 'Mad Dog' is also advancing.”

”Who?” Pete asked.

”Another newcomer. Though his reputation is already widespread.”

”What's the word?” Kinn wanted to know.

”He's efficient. But extremely ruthless. Even in this tournament, he's skirted the rules, several times.”

”I don't recall seeing someone like that,” Kinn noted, glancing around at the other combatants.

Arm pointed to the other fighting ring in their section.

”He's on the opposite end of the list. Porsche might face up against him in the final.”

The subject of their discussion won the fight and the crowd applauded.

”Next up is the semifinal,” Arm informed their group.

Kinn rose from his seat.

”We should wish him luck.”

“Sir?” Arm asked.

Kinn could feel both their gazes and he looked at them both in turn, raising an eyebrow.

“He represents the major family in the ring. The least we can do is show our support.”

The bodyguards exchanged glances but nodded and followed him down to the floor. Vegas was staring at them from his seat on the opposite side as they made their way to Porsche, who was once again resting. Kinn ignored his cousin and focused his attention solely on his newest bodyguard.

“You've been doing well,” he said, when he was within earshot, causing Porsche to look up. Their eyes only barely met, before the latter looked away, nodding.

“Thanks...Master Kinn.”

Kinn was surprised by the curt response. He looked closer, wondering if he had somehow made another blunder, without knowing. There was a dark flush to the young man's skin, but it was hard to tell whether it was from the physical exertion or something more...personal.

“Damn, dude, you're fucking slaughtering them!” Pete exclaimed, slapping Porsche on the back, before leaning close. “Do you think you can win this?” he asked, quietly.

Porsche's expression became more relaxed as he seemed to contemplate the question.

“I've heard some troubling things about the guy I'll go up against after this, so who knows? It's possible.”

”You have to give me something more concrete,” Pete insisted. “You see, I've become...invested in your victory.”

Porsche stared at him with a furrowed brow.

“How's that my problem? I told you not to!”

“You really should listen to him, Pete,” Jay noted as she came over, “He speaks from experience. Though, it was mainly my money he lost.”

“Thanks for the support, sis.”

”I can't believe you didn't enter,” Pete complained. “You beat several of our strongest people, this should be a cakewalk for you!”

Kinn looked at Pete with scrutiny.

”Did you by any chance bet on Porsche, hoping Jay would let him win in the final?”

Pete did not answer, but suddenly became very interested in looking anywhere else but at his boss.

“To answer your question: I don't do well with tournament fights. Too many rules,” Jay explained.

“You're still pissed you were disqualified from that tournament, seven years ago, aren't you?” Porsche asked.

“Not at all,” she replied, serenely. “On an unrelated note, I hope those judges all burn in hell, for all time.”

“It was an illegal takedown. Yes, it looked impressive, but you can't pull that shit, during a competition.” Porsche looked exasperated, as if this wasn't the first discussion on the subject.

”So, you also crave the toasty warmth of eternal damnation?”

He looked at her.

“I don't know. It kinda depends on whether you're going, too.”

Kinn snorted and the others were in various stages of covering their mirth behind their hands or through exaggerated coughing. Jay's expression remained unchanged for a moment as she stared at Porsche who stared back without remorse. Then she chuckled, shaking her head.

“Smartass. Fine, I guess you win this one.”

“Good. Now go away! You're distracting me.”

Jay rolled her eyes but retreated without protest. Arm and Pete wished him luck before moving back a bit leaving Kinn alone with him.

“How are you really holding up?” Kinn asked.

Once again, Porsche only momentarily looked up at him, before busying himself with the bandages on on his hands.

”I've had worse. This place is really decked out for the big leagues.” He glanced around. “Much better than fighting in an old, empty swimming pool.”

“Are you nervous?”

He shook his head.

“I'm not scared of losing, and with these rules, I'm not likely to get hurt, either.”

“Well, you better win. You're representing our clan.”

That finally pulled his attention towards Kinn, who crossed his arms over his chest and shot him a crooked smile.

”We need to show these people who we are. Not to mention,” he bent down until his lips were only centimeters from Porsche's ear, “Pete's not the only one who's betting on you.”

There was a slight hitch in Porsche's breathing and it was enough to speed up Kinn's heartbeat.

He pulled back, making sure to catch Porsche's gaze and hold it as he straightened up. It was difficult to decipher the feelings within those dark depths but Kinn knew he wanted to try.

Chapter 31: It's The Tweedles

“How's he doing?” Chan asked as Jay returned to sit next to him.

“He's still mouthing off, so not too many hits on the head...yet.” She sat down with a sigh. “Though to be fair, I'm not particularly impressed with his opponents, so far.”

“This league isn't really for you,” Chan agreed. “I would have placed you in group 3.”

“Is that allowed?”

“If I say so.”

She made some contemplative sound, then leaned back in her seat, looking down at the arenas.

“How about a challenge?” Chan asked.

”What kind?”

He gestured around the stadium.

“Take a look around and tell me which people you think you couldn't beat in a fight.”

Jay pursed her lips and took a gander, her gaze stopping here and there to look closer. After a few moments, she pointed.

“Her.”

Chan followed the direction, his expression revealing none of his thoughts.

“Why?”

“She gives off the same vibe as you. I'm fairly sure she would hand my ass to me, then put yet another one of my moves on the ban-list.”

“You're up to ten, so far,” Chan noted, sternly.

”What? Last I counted it was nine!” she protested.

“I'm putting your nails on there. Lately, I've noticed your handiwork on a lot of the other bodyguards. I don't need them to be scarred for life, every time they have routine sparring against you.”

”You're declawing me?” she whined. “That's like taking the stinger off a scorpion! Or remove all a shark's teeth! Or take the venom out of the sna-” She paused, looking down at her hands for a moment. “Okay, maybe you have a point.”

Chan accepted her defeat without another word on the matter and nodded in direction of the woman Jay had originally pointed out.

“She is head of security for the Zhan clan, Levia.”

“You know her?”

“We were in the same squad before becoming bodyguards. She's earned that job and more. Definitely not an amateur. Who else?”

“Him.” Jay pointed again, barely looking in the direction of her finger.

“Reason?”

“You don't get to that age, in this business, unless you know what you're doing.”

“Astute. That's Herr Brahm, head of security for the Heißlers.”

Jay nodded, looking around again.

“What about the beefy guy, in the corner?”

Chan turned his head, spotting the man in question.

“He works for one of the branches off the Brighton family. He's skilled and there are rumors he'll be offered the position as vice-security chief, soon. You could take him on, but it wouldn't be an easy fight.”

“What are you guys doing?” Big asked, moving towards them with Ken following. They were both freshly showered and dressed in casual wear.

“Oh great, it's the Tweedles,” Jay grumbled when they were closer.

“The what?” Ken asked, confused.

“From 'Through the Looking Glass'? Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee?” she clarified. Seeing their blank expressions, she sighed. “Never mind.”

“How did you do?” Chan asked.

“I was out in the third round, Ken made it to round five.”

”Which level?”

”3, of course.”

Chan seemed to mull over their results and stood from his seat, turning towards the pair.

“And if I were to ask whether or not you've been focusing on your rehabilitation like I asked you to, what would the answer be?” he asked Big, who looked down without answering. He turned to Ken. “And last I spoke to you, you were solely focused on winning your underwater-release record back from Porsche. Did you make sure to correct for that, after our talk?”

“Uh-oh, you guys are in twouble!” Jay mocked, when Ken also averted his gaze.

They both shot her a glare and Chan turned to look at her over his shoulder.

“Don't tease those beneath you. It's not a good look.”

While his rebuke was directed at Jay, it was clear his comment made both Big and Ken even more embarrassed.

“So, did miss nickname already get kicked?” Ken looked between them both, clearly hoping the change in topic would take.

“I didn't enter,” she said, turning her attention back on the fights, while Chan sat back down.

“Let me guess, it's 'beneath' you?” Ken jeered.

She was about to retort when a deep voice called out.

”Blue?”

”Oh, balls,” she muttered, as she saw a familiar figure walk over.

”That is you, isn't it? What a small world.”

She looked up at the burly man who had called out to her, remembering him from her past, though her mind drew a blank on the name. He quickly seemed to pick up on her dilemma and laughed.

”Forgot your old colleague, already? It's Gino. We used to work together for the Flames.”

”Right, that was the name,” she said, nodding. “You became a bodyguard?”

He shrugged, folding his arms over his massive chest.

”With this body, it was the obvious choice, wasn't it? How about you? Never took you for the type to go legit.”

“I wouldn't say working for the mafia is 'legit,'” she argued, relaxing a bit.

Talking with Gino was a lot less awkward than she had feared. Then again, if memory served her right, the man had always been the sociable kind. Lucky bastard.

”But I heard you also took up work as a runner for CT?”

”Top runner,” she corrected, “and yes, I was with them until recently.”

”Wait, you said you were both with the Flames?” Big asked, looking from Gino to Jay and back. “You mean that gang in south Crescenda?”

Gino nodded and pulled up a sleeve, exposing a small flame with a spiral core, tattooed on his lower arm in faded red and orange.

“That doesn't look quite right,” Ken noted, skeptically.

“Even gang tattoos get updated every now and then, you know,” Jay countered with Gino's eager nodding to back her up.

”How about it Blue? Yours was a bit different.”

Jay looked at his expectant expression then shrugged and pulled down on her shirt, to reveal the tattoo on the back of her shoulder in blue.

Big and Ken both stared at the mark, while Chan glanced, before seemingly noticing something else. Feeling the burning gaze, Jay put her shirt back in place, realizing not every mark on her was innocuous.

”You always said blue burns hotter than red,” Gino chuckled. “But then, you left for the Black-Jacks, all of a sudden.”

”They paid better,” she explained, unapologetic.

He laughed.

”Ah, yes, you were all about the money, even as a kid. What were you when you joined up? 17?”

”Sixteen.”

”Well, it was nice to see a face from the past, so take care, alright?”

”You too, Gino.”

He patted her on the head in passing and she watched him walk away, feeling relief at the seamless ending, yet there was also a sense of wistfulness. Despite her reluctance to delve into the past, it was hard not to miss someone like Gino once he was gone..

”It looks like the final fight's about to start,” Chan mentioned. If he were curious about the recent exchange he did not show it, much to Jay's relief.

Porsche was holding up well against Brighton's Mad Dog, Chan noted to himself. If he kept it up, he was likely to take the title. Compared to his fight on the night he met Master Kinn, he was leaps and bound ahead of himself; his control had improved and he was much more focused.

It was hard not to compare the siblings, seen as Chan was personally in charge of training one and a general instructor to the other. He could see how they affected each other, how much Porsche had adapted from Jay, but it was obvious he was more confident in some of his moves than his sister. The exchange had not been one-sided.

Jay's eyes were glued to the arena, her body twitching, swaying as if she was trying to influence Porsche's movements. Ken and Big were talking among themselves, wholly uninterested in the results of the fight. Chan took the chance to place a hand on Jay's shoulder.

“He's doing well.”

She exhaled and he could feel her muscles relax. He squeezed, lightly, before moving his hand away, turning his attention back.

Porsche had landed several hits and his opponent was becoming frustrated and clumsy, lashing out with erratic movements, breaking his own flow. Porsche was constantly dancing around the guy, evading and jabbing in several fluid motions.

Mad Dog fell to one knee, panting heavily. Even from behind, Chan could sense the smirk on Porsche's face, as he loomed over his opponent. The crowd was all but sure of his victory, their roar growing throughout the section, however, Chan was less certain. The Brightons' head of security was standing behind Mad Dog, looking smug and the fighter himself carried a strange tension in his body, like an animal looking like it's cowering, when in reality, it's coiled to strike.

“No,” Jay breathed next to him. She was out of her seat and gone in a moment, just as Chan stood.

Time seemed to slow as Porsche aimed his final punch at the opponent's slumped head, just for the Mad Dog to lift his face and grab Porsche's arm, pulling him down as he rose, slamming his head into Porsche's jaw.

Porsche's head snapped backwards but rather than fall, he was pulled towards his opponent, again, to have a knee slammed into his face. This time he was allowed to stagger back, only for the opponent's foot to follow and kick him in the chin, sending him flying.

Even from a distance, blood could be seen splattering on the arena floor. Porsche landed, but did not move. Chan was rushing towards them, but he could see the other fighter wind up for something. His eyes widened as he realized the massive man was going to perform an elbow drop on Porsche's head!

Kinn's voice could be heard, mixing with Pete and Arm's. Chan was not sure whether he was yelling too. If that mad dog killed Porsche, he would personally put him down!

The man was now in the air, dropping towards the unconscious Porsche and everything seemed to freeze for a split second.

Then he was on the ground, in the opposite end from his target, struggling against something. In a matter of seconds, there was blood and cries of anguish.

Chan slowed his pace, as he got closer, knowing full well what the Mad Dog from Brighton was fighting and understood just how hard it was to get a grip on her, never mind defeat her, when she was in this state.

Kinn and Pete were already tending to Porsche, while Arm was on the phone, no doubt with the medical services.

“How's he doing?” Chan asked, as he reached the arena.

“He'll live. Just got knocked down,” Pete answered, checking his head. “There aren't any real injuries, though who knows what would have happened if Jay hadn't...” He glanced at Kinn, whose face was dark, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Kinn stood, turning towards Brighton's head of security with a murderous look, when Chan stepped close.

“Take Porsche to get medical attention, Master Kinn. I'll handle this.” His voice was low but urgent.

“I can't just let him get away with almost killing my bodyguard,” Kinn argued through clenched teeth.

“This isn't a request. Take care of Porsche, I'll see to the rest.”

Kinn hesitated but backed down, glancing towards Jay, still beating Porsche's opponent with almost feral brutality.

“Don't punish her, Chan... Not for this,” he said before helping Pete to take Porsche out of the stadium.

Chan turned back, seeing Brighton's head of security, Landon, walk towards the two people fighting with fury in his eyes. Chan stepped in before he could reach them, tapping Jay on the shoulder.

”Jay!” He made sure to raise his voice enough to break through her current rage.

She paused, looking at him with wild eyes.

“Stand down.”

It was a tense moment. Though there was anger in her gaze there was also fear and it ran deep; he kept their eyes locked, refusing to let her break away. She stood and stepped away from her opponent, before moving to stand next to Chan, much to his relief.

“What's the meaning of this, Chan?” Landon roared as he came into the arena. He glanced at his man on the floor, before glaring daggers at Jay. “That fucking bitch is a menace and needs to be kept on a leash!”

“The same could be said for your guy,” Chan countered, keeping his cool.

Landon ordered some of his men to take the fighter away before he looked Jay up and down.

“So, I assume this is that new pet of yours, everyone's been talking about. I'd have expected something more impressive, or at the very least, more alluring.”

If Jay felt anything about Landon's mockery, she hid it well. Chan sensed no change from her, noticed no tension or quiet glaring.

”We hire people based on more than looks,” Chan noted.

”Yet utterly lacking in self-control and discipline.”

“Considering your man almost killed one of my people, I'd be careful with slinging those accusations around.”

”Your man survived, didn't he?” Landon pointed out with a careless gesture. “None of his injuries were severe and no lethal moves were actually carried out. No rules have been broken.” He turned his gaze on Jay again. “That is, until this little cunt forgot her place.”

“Your man was clearly aiming to do considerable damage.”

Landon laughed.

“Oh, so the Theerapanyakuns have a mind-reader, now? There's no way of knowing whether or not that attack would have struck somewhere fatal and from that distance you couldn't have been sure what he intended.”

A staff member came into the arena, his expression annoyed.

“That's enough. This event is meant to be safe for first-timers, which is why we follow the spirit of the rules, rather than the letter. Brighton's Jaz has been disqualified for excessive brutality.”

Landon sputtered in protest, but the man turned to Chan and Jay.

”Similarly, help, even to avoid death, is not in the spirit of a fair victory. Porsche is also disqualified. The results of this match are hereby invalidated.”

“And what of her punishment?” Landon asked, jabbing a finger at Jay. “She injured one of our people, I demand some form of consequence.” His glacial eyes turned to Chan. “Or has she fucked her way out of accountability?”

Chan tried to keep his cool, but anger writhed inside him at the accusation. He could not give Landon the satisfaction of getting under his skin. Once again, he was surprised at Jay's composure. Her entire demeanor had been impassive, bordering on unresponsive, through the exchange.

“If you want to complain about another bodyguard's conduct during a match, you'll need to make it a separate matter,” the staff member explained. “Though keep in mind, our people have been watching every fight and other people may similarly lodge complaints against your participants.”

Landon did not seem the least bit deterred by the threat, instead glowering at Jay with an arrogant smirk.

“Scheme all you like. Turning tricks for the Theerapanyakuns won't save you, here.” With that, he left and Chan took the chance to get Jay out of there.

“You can go see to your brother. I have some things to take care of,” he told her, once they were outside the stadium.

“Is he okay?” The tremor in her voice was the first sign of emotion he had gotten from her, since she had stopped beating on Jaz.

“He got knocked out, but there were no serious injuries.” Chan saw her heave a sigh in relief.

He gave her directions to the medical room but before she could run off, he stopped her.

“Are you bothered by what Landon said of you?”

“I don't care,” she said, her attention focused away from Chan and the stadium, towards the main building. “I've had worse.” Her tone was flat, without inflection. As if she was running on autopilot.

Chan hated the idea that she was used to such disgusting accusations and people like Landon.

”Jay...”

”Can I go?” She finally looked at him, but her eyes were vacant.

”Yes,” Chan answered, not sure what else to say.

Chapter 32: How I Die

Porsche opened his eyes, staring up at a white ceiling. He tried to remember where he was but his thoughts were hazy. A familiar face popped into view.

“Porsche? You awake?” Pete asked with noticeable concern.

Porsche blinked a few times, then nodded. His head immediately began pounding, making him wince, which in turned increased the painful throbbing further. He sat up, slowly, though it did not help matters.

”Ugh, what the fuck happened?”

”You were knocked out in the final,” someone else replied.

He turned his head to see Kinn, sitting by his bedside with an evaluating look on his face. ”How do you feel?” The question sounded uncharacteristically soft, coming from the prince of a mafia family.

”Like someone dropped a boulder on my head,” Porsche stated, touching his forehead, only to hiss in pain. Seemed he had a busted eyebrow.

”They almost did,” Pete quipped, his expression filled with relief.

”What?”

”The guy you were fighting, the one called Mad Dog?” Kinn explained, his arms resting on the bed, next to Porsche. “He knocked you out and was winding up for another attack. It could have killed you.”

”Nah,” Porsche chuckled. “Jay always said I was incredibly thick-skulled. If years of her knocking me about and nagging me didn't break through, that guy didn't stand a chance.”

”Speaking of Jay,” Pete interjected, “she's the reason you're not currently in a coma. Talk about ruthless.”

The sound of a door being forcefully opened echoed throughout the room, followed by quick footsteps.

“Porsche?”

”Speak of the devil,” Porsche muttered, before raising his voice. “Over here, sis!”

The curtains were almost ripped from the bars as she rushed to his bed.

“Oh, thank god, you're awake!” she breathed, ignoring everyone else to look closer at his face. “Are you okay? How's your head?” She kept fussing over him, until he slapped her hands away.

“Would you stop this? I'm fine, I just have a headache. I'll be back on my feet in no time.”

”Are you sure? I was so scared! I didn't know if I could reach you in time!” Her voice cracked and Porsche noticed her eyes glistening.

“Are you crying?”

All three of the men stared at her, but she scoffed.

“Of course I am!” she snapped. “I almost watched you die! Don't you ever do something like that to me, again!”

”I didn't exactly plan this,” Porsche argued, feeling slightly panicked when seeing the tears roll down Jay's cheeks. “I would have been more careful if I knew he was gonna pull a fast one on me.”

”You better be. You just about gave me a heart attack.”

Porsche rolled his eyes, grimacing as it set off another wave of pain in his brain, making him irritable.

“Enough with the smothering! I'm an adult, I can decide for myself how I die... Wait, that's not what I meant.”

He clenched his jaw, to brace for another lecture, only to flinch when pain shot through his entire skull. What the hell did that mountain of a man do to him?

“Jay, could you and Pete go get an ice pack and some pain relievers?” Kinn asked, his voice more pleading than usual. “I think the best for him, might be some peace and quiet.”

Jay stiffened, looking from Porsche to Kinn and back, before she sighed and nodded, gesturing for Pete to follow. When the door closed behind them, Porsche exhaled and slowly laid back down.

“Thank you. My head was about to explode.”

“At least she cares,” Kinn said, his voice still gentle. “I've never had someone tear an enemy of mine to pieces, like that. Though if she hadn't, I would have shot him dead, myself.”

The statement came so naturally, but Porsche could hear the steel edge behind the words. He looked at Kinn, who met his gaze without a shred of pretense or hesitation.

“I think...I get now, why people are so loyal towards you,” Porsche mumbled, breaking eye contact.

“Oh? Do tell.”

The smirk on Kinn's face was not as annoying as it used to be. Maybe brain damage made things less irritating? Or maybe it was his voice. Since waking up, Kinn had kept his tone and volume at a level where it did not set off the pain in Porsche's head. Instead, the sound wrapped itself around him in a gentle, soothing manner.

“You care about your people,” he explained. “So, they naturally come to care about you, as well.”

“Do you care? About me?”

Porsche took a moment to consider the question. He knew Kinn harbored some level of attraction for him, or he would not have kissed him. But did it go further than that? And what of himself? He finally met Kinn's expectant gaze.

“I don't want you to die. And I obviously care about impressing you.”

“I'll take it,” Kinn chuckled, then his expression became serious. “I'm attending the gala event, tomorrow evening.”

Porsche nodded. He remembered there was something like that going on.

“I'd like you to come with.”

“I think I'm already assigned to you, for that shift,” Porsche said, slightly confused.

“Not as a bodyguard, as my...companion.”

”Why?” Porsche asked, suddenly wary. He had accepted that there was more between them than a mere employer-employee relationship, but he was still unsure what it meant for himself.

Kinn suddenly seemed unsure of himself, not answering right away. Porsche felt a slight thrill of satisfaction of knowing he had put the mafia prince, of all people, on edge. And just by pushing back a bit.

“After you were caught spying on Pim and me-”

“I wasn't spying!” Porsche protested, then groaned as his own voice set off the pain again.

“Relax,” Kinn said, putting a calming hand on Porsche's arm, as he smiled. “I was just messing with you.”

Porsche glared at him but made no move to remove his hand. Kinn cleared his throat.

“I overheard your talk with Big. To be honest, it was nice to have someone not judge me, just because I didn't live up to their image of me.”

Porsche opened his mouth, then paused. He had no clue what life was like for an heir to a mafia family, but he could imagine it was a lot of pressure. He was about to nod but remembered what that currently resulted in.

“I'll go with you. Could be fun.”

Kinn smiled and something within Porsche loosened at the sight. Maybe, if nothing else, being Kinn's friend wouldn't be so bad. Actually, it might be kind of nice.

“Just don't get drunk off your ass again,” Kinn warned.

Porsche sputtered in protest, and immediately regretted it when his head began pounding furiously. Kinn's soft laughter flowed through the air and seemed to soothe the pain, making him relax a bit.

“Levia,” Chan greeted as he sat down next to her at the bar.

She smirked at him. The room for the after party was lively, but there was still relatively quiet where they sat.

“Saw your new protege in action. I can see why you like her.”

“She's not my protege,” Chan explained, waving the bartender down. “I was ordered to train her, that's all.”

“The two aren't mutually exclusive, you know,” Levia pointed out, sipping from her straw.

”Why did you call me here?”

She produced a large, brown envelope and handed it to him.

”Brahm wanted me to give you this.”

”Why didn't he give it to me, himself?”

”I'm guessing he wanted me to know the contents,” she answered with a shrug.

”Which you obviously read.”

”Obviously.”

Chan looked at the envelope in his hand, feeling it was too light to hold anything major about the woman under his supervision. His drink was placed in front of him and he took a swig, still hesitant to read the report.

“Levia, does that woman look familiar to you, at all?” he asked, not looking in her direction.

“Hmm,” she considered. “Well, not really, but the whole ordeal was a long time ago.”

Chan's head snapped to her.

”What ordeal?”

She looked back in surprise.

”What do you mean, 'what ordeal'? You were there.” As she saw Chan's blank expression she tilted her head to the side. “Wasn't that why you asked Brahm to look into her, in the first place?”

Chan shook his head slowly, and she sighed.

”Just read the report, already. Then you'll see.”

He opened and took out the papers, reading the sparse writing.

”By the way, Brahm was super pissed when he handed it to me. Apparently, the only way to get even this much was to hit the streets, himself, and ask around.”

Chan froze as he read a familiar name on the last page. He looked up at Levia who nodded.

“I see you get it, now. I was surprised, too.”

”It doesn't say what position she held,” he noted as he looked back at the report.

“Did you not just hear me explain to you, why that is? Besides, it's not like it's hard to figure out, you just have to take a look at her body.”

“We don't have that kind of relationship,” Chan said, shaking his head.

”Well, then tell her to strip. She seems to follow orders well enough.”

”Barely,” Chan grumbled. “Today was a rare exception. She usually cops an attitude.”

Levia barked out a laugh.

”Oh, I like her, she's perfect!”

”Perfect for what?”

She smiled at him, a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Come on, Chan. We both know you have a huge stick up your ass about rules. Having someone around who makes you want to take it out, even if it's to hit them over the head with it, is a good thing, believe it or not.”

”You're not making any sense,” Chan said, turning his attention to his drink.

“Is that so? Then you wouldn't mind if I try and poach her, would you?”

He shrugged.

”Go ahead. But she won't go, as long as her brother's with the Theerapanyakuns.”

”Then I'll just take him, too.”

”As if the Zhans would ever let you.”

She chuckled.

”I can be very persuasive. But I'll leave it be...for now. I'm excited to see what's gonna happen with her around.”

”You mean what's gonna happen to me or to you, if you ever get her?”

Levia shrugged, sipping her drink, instead of answering.

”Well, that was a huge waste of time,” Big sighed as he closed the room door, behind him.

”No luck?” Ken asked, rummaging through his bag.

”It wasn't that,” Big explained. “But every time I started talking to someone, it just didn't feel right. I didn't feel like I could...trust them. Not enough to make a move.”

He looked at Ken, noting his unchanged appearance.

”I take it things went no better for you?”

”I wasn't aiming for anything, anyway,” Ken answered with more heat than expected.

Big narrowed his eyes at him but Ken turned around, furiously looking through his things. He eventually pulled out a phone charger and plugged it in, connecting his phone, all with rough movements and silent anger. Big went to sit on his own bed, heaving a sigh.

”It seems it's a lost cause,” he muttered, trying to put the focus back on himself. “Some stranger just isn't gonna cut it.”

Ken's expression softened and he seemed to mull over Big's problem for a while.

“Then maybe you should find someone who's not a stranger?”

Big chuckled.

“Like who? The people I know here can be counted on two hands. Kinn's out, I won't even entertain the idea of Porsche and Pete and Arm aren't exactly my biggest fans. Chan's my direct boss, I'm not really comfortable crossing that line.”

“That still leave Jenkins and Lee.”

Big shook his head.

”I've spoken about twenty words to them, combined. There's just not enough of a relationship. You'd have a better chance than those two.”

”Okay. Then what about me?”

”What?” Big asked, not sure he understood correctly.

”You want someone you know, who you feel you can trust, right? Ain't I the perfect candidate, then?”

”You're not serious,” he protested. “You're my best friend! My only friend, actually.”

”Exactly,” Ken argued, nodding his head. “That's also why I know this doesn't mean anything! You get it out of your system and we go back to how things were.”

”We can't just go back to normal, it doesn't work like that!”

”Why not? That's what happened with me and Jay. We still hate each other's guts, despite sleeping together.”

”That's different!”

”Why?”

Big could not explain why, he just knew it wasn't the same. He stared at Ken, wondering how their conversation had reached this point. It was bad enough that his friend seemed to have no reservations about this. It was even worse that the idea did not sound completely outrageous to Big.

”I... I gotta get of here,” he finally said, almost fleeing out of the room.

He first went to the stadium, taking advantage of the empty showers, hoping to scold the conversation from his mind, before heading back to the party, intent on finding someone to hook up with. It didn't take long for him to strike up a conversation with a decent-looking bodyguard from a side-branch of the Heißler family. They went to a quiet corner, and Big quickly took the lead in kissing the man, only to find himself disappointed as the touch left him feeling emptier than before.

After another few minutes, he finally gave up, much to the annoyance of the other guy, who left in a huff. Big decided on downing another couple of drinks before he made his way back to the room, his mind still swirling around Ken's suggestion.

He had been losing his mind over being so in love with someone who would never love him back. Working in such close proximity to Kinn was maddening, yet the closest to happiness he would ever be. Would it really be so wrong to just satisfy himself, once?

When he entered their room, Ken seemed to wake up, sitting up in his bed.

”Big?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. “You okay?”

As his sleep-drunken gaze met Big's the latter made up his mind.

”Yeah, I am.”

He closed the distance between them and bent down, grabbing Ken's head and pressing their lips together in a desperate kiss.

Chapter 33: Pampered, Precious Princess

Ken's lips were soft and yielding against Big's as the latter pressed, more fervently. The heat rushing through him was the exact opposite from the guy he had kissed before and it was all the encouragement he needed, to deepen the kiss.

His tongue graced Ken's lips, which willingly parted to let him explore further.

Part of him wondered whether Ken felt the same heat, but he pushed the question aside, losing himself in the sensation of the touch of his best friend's lips. Their tongues intertwined and he let out a soft sigh as rivulets of pleasure trickled through his body, making him eager for more.

When Ken let out a small moan, a rush of desire overtook Big and he shoved them both onto the bed, digging his hands into Ken's hair as he pulled him closer, eager to devour those pleasurable sounds.

Hands tugged at his jacket and he helped discard it, never breaking the kiss. The longer it went on, the more he wanted, an insatiable hunger having been lit within him.

He felt Ken pull up his t-shirt, and he broke away to take it off, quickly doing the same to Ken's. They scrambled onto the bed but Ken turned the situation, so he was seated on top of Big, looking down at his exposed upper body. Big looked back, appreciating the lean muscles of the heated body looming above him.

Ken's dark eyes were filled with lust making Big still his body, eager to experience what he would do next.

Ken ran his hands over Big's skin. The awareness of being touched so intimately by someone he knew drowned out ever other thought in Big's mind...it was like experiencing the impossible.

Calloused fingertips graced a nipple and Big's breath caught. It was such a small, yet noticeable sound and Ken smirked as he touched the place again, more firmly. Big felt it through his core, a slight tremor running through as Ken's fingers began pulling and teasing at the hardened tip.

Big fought to control his breathing, but then Ken pinched and he groaned, his body twitching and pain and pleasure mixed, heightening his senses. He wanted more, he needed more. He needed Ken.

Ken leaned down, planting kisses along Big's jawline. Then a warm and wet sensation ran along the column of his throat and he let out a surprised gasp, which turned into a moan, when teeth scraped over the skin, before sinking into the soft flesh. The feeling as Ken began sucking on his neck was enough to burn through Big's mind, erasing all other thoughts but one: More!

He wrapped his arms around the warm body, pressing it closer to his own, whimpering in pleasure as Ken bit harder, the pain turning into thrills, which ran through out his body, setting his senses on fire.

Ken began kissing down his collarbone and chest, until he reached the nipples, his tongue flicking one of them, while his fingers began pulling at the other.

Big's mind went into overdrive as the sensation overwhelmed his rationality, leaving nothing but pleasure. He grabbed onto the bed-sheet, moaning as Ken's teasing kept pulling his sanity apart.

That was when something graced him, lower than he expected. The light touch made him shudder and he clenched his teeth against this new wave of want. Something tugged at his belt and he was about to go mad from the slow progress, groaning through clenched teeth.

Ken chuckled as his moved downward, his voice low and wicked, sending a shiver up Big's spine, as he realized where Ken was going.

”What are you-?”

”Shut up. You already agreed to this, didn't you?”

Big nodded, though it didn't sound like Ken cared much. Big's pants were pulled off, as were his shorts, and he knew his erection was fully visibly, even in the dim light of their hotel room.

Wet, warm and utterly overpowering, Ken's mouth enveloped Big, sliding down his length in one long, almost languidly torturous movement.

”Oh fuck, Ken!” Big gasped, as his best friend's tongue played over his shaft, lazily swirling around the head before once again taking the whole thing in.

For several minutes, Ken continued playing with Big's cock, his pace starting out slow and deliberate, making every stroke and lick agonizingly drawn-out. Then he would switch the tempo, without warning, taking the whole dick into his mouth and sliding his head up and down, while his tongue continuously played and teased. The switches left Big panting and writhing.

”Please, Ken,” he begged, not even sure what he wanted him to do.

But it seemed Ken knew. As he was sucking, one hand sought out Big's balls and began massaging them. It was all Big could do not to lift his hips and shove himself deeper inside Ken's warm mouth.

Heat began to pool in the pit of Big's stomach, fanning flames of pleasure through him, with every stroke from Ken's mouth on his dick. The very fact that Ken was the one doing this to him, gorging himself on Big's hardened cock was enough to shove the latter ever closer to the edge.

Ken kept going, unashamedly licking and sucking, throwing Big's thoughts into complete disarray. His tongue was always there, caressing, his lips kissing and wrapping themselves around the length, his mouth so warm and eager.

His hands were continuously fondling and squeezing at his testicles, the combination making Big almost dizzy.

”Ken, you're gonna make me come,” he warned with a whimper.

Ken opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Big's, while still having Big's cock in his mouth. Without breaking eye contact, he continued moving his head up and down, his mouth seeming even hotter as he did so.

Big could not look away, his thoughts growing hazy as he stared at Ken, sucking and licking his dick, bringing him closer and closer to the precipice. Suddenly, the image of Ken's face covered in his cum came to mind and it became his undoing.

He grabbed onto Ken's head, shoving himself deeper inside his mouth in rapid thrusts, until the orgasm washed over him and he cried out in ecstasy. He could feel himself emptying into Ken's mouth and it made him tremble in a gentle aftershock.

”I-...I'm sorry,” he panted, when the ability to speak returned.

Ken rose, wiping his lower lip without a word. The sight was somehow highly erotic to Big, who shuddered as one last wave of pleasure rushed through him, leaving him truly spent.. Then Ken bent down, catching his lips in a soft kiss, perfectly sealing the act between them.

She was in the middle of the best part, when Chan returned to the room. Giving him a casual nod of recognition, she returned to the book, her eyes greedily eating every last word on the page as the scene became steamier.

”How's Porsche doing?”

”Good enough to chase me out of the room,” she grumbled. “Spoiled little bastard.”

”Jay, I need you to do something.”

She looked up, noting the somber expression on his face and put the book aside.

”What do you need?”

”Stand.”

She did so.

”Turn around and take off your shirt.”

She was slightly surprised but did as told, removing her t-shirt while her back was turned and tossing it on the chair, she had been sitting in. Since it was her night wear, she wasn't wearing a bra, but it didn't really matter much, she figured, since Chan always looked at her the same way, no matter what she wore. The seconds ticked by in silence, as she waited for him to do or say something to explain this situation. A warm, calloused fingertip touched her right shoulder.

”The Flames,” Chan said in a low voice, before moving his finger along her skin, stopping at another spot. “The Hawks.” He continued on to the next tattoos, one after one. “Black Jacks, Searers, Hell Seekers, 13s, and...” He turned her around with the barest touch, his fingers coming to a stop, hovering above her chest, where a red, capitalized 'C' was branded onto her skin, right below the suprasternal notch.

”Crimson.”

She swallowed, blinking slowly before forcing a smile.

”I'm impressed. Not many people still remember these guys,” she said, tapping her index finger against the mark.

”I was helping, when the Zhan clan decided to shut them down.”

”Ah,” Jay said, folding her arms over her chest. “That would make you familiar with this little...shall we say blemish?”

”Why were you working for them?”

She looked away, her lips twisting into a pensive pout.

”They paid the most for the least amount of work.” She loosened her arms and leaned back against the desk. “Raising two kids requires a steady income, and considering my qualifications, or rather lack thereof, the jobs I could take were limited. Both in scope and income-potential. Running with the gangs helped, but in the long run, it wasn't secure enough.”

”But why them?”

She stared ahead, her gaze growing distant as the memories began playing through her mind, along with the panic and apprehension she had felt back then.

”There was a rent-hike and I became desperate. And they knew exactly how and where to advertise.” She looked back at Chan, scratching at the brand, absentmindedly. “They weren't exactly up front about the initiation process or the extent they allowed their clients to take out their fantasies.”

”The scars on your back...” Chan guessed.

”Not all of them. Mostly, it was bruises and swellings, the rare burn, here and there.” She shrugged as if to shake off the past. “It wasn't all bad. They paid all the medical fees and the salary was well worth a little pain. I even managed to save up a bit, while working for them.”

Something seemed to hit her and she folded her arms again as she gave Chan a cross look.

”Actually, I have a bone to pick with you.”

His eyebrows shot up.

”Yeah, you guys came and shut the entire operation down, right?”

He nodded, not following the new direction of their conversation.

”Couldn't you have waited just one goddamn day? It was payday, I was going to pick up my money!”

”I didn't realize shutting down human traffickers was such an inconvenience to your life,” he noted.

She picked up her t-shirt and pulled it on.

”No one likes working an entire month and have nothing to show for it,” she countered, though she kept her tone light. “All my savings went to rent that night and it still wasn't enough.” She looked away, rubbing the back of her neck. “I guess certain skill sets never go out of style in a pinch, though.”

She could feel his gaze but in that moment, she wasn't strong enough to meet it. Instead, she chuckled to herself, trying to lighten the mood.

”Relax, I'm not really angry about it. You're right, those scumbags needed to be dealt with. And it all turned out fine, in the end.”

He did not reply and after a minute she finally dared look at him, but as usual, she could read very little in his expression. He seemed deep in thought when he finally spoke again.

”How old were you when you started taking care of them?”

”Around sixteen, I think? I might have been fifteen.”

His eyes snapped to hers and for a moment it felt like she was naked, his dark gaze looking through her.

”Jay, what are you atoning for? Why do you go so far?”

She froze, feeling the question like a heavy blow against her chest. Then she exhaled, the corners of her mouth quirking upwards, despite the cheerless mood.

”You're so annoyingly perceptive, sometimes.” She swallowed the lump in her throat and breathed deeply. “It's not something I can talk about. At least, not yet.”

Chan nodded, showing no sign of disappointment, much to her relief.

”Is that why Landon's words didn't bother you? You think you deserve it?”

She pursed her lips, her eyes looking around as if searching for the answer.

”Who knows? On one hand, what can words do to me that I haven't done to myself? On the other, I'm not really bothered by false accusations...or true ones for that matter.”

”Which accusations are true?”

”The whole pet thing, of course.”

He seemed about to make a dry comment but she held up a hand, stopping him.

”Whether or not you agree, fact is, I have a rich benefactor who provides a roof over my head, who sees that I get proper medical care, and carefully regulates my diet. I even have an obedience trainer to make sure I play nice with the others,” she pointed out, gesturing to Chan. “My life means nothing compared to my owners' and I'm expected to follow commands.” She grinned. “The only thing missing is more cuddles. You know, scratches behind the ear and belly-rubs. Though that might be an HR issue.”

”Do you agree, I should keep you on a leash as well?”

She looked at him and noticed something expectant in his gaze. It made her chuckle.

”You're doing that on purpose,” she said. “You don't need to cheer me up.”

”That's not an answer,” he pushed.

Jay rolled her eyes, still smiling, and decided to play along.

”It would need have a matching collar.”

”Stands to reason.”

She shifted closer to him.

”And the collar should be diamond-studded.”

He raised an eyebrow.

”Someone has expensive tastes.”

”Of course. I'm one pampered, precious princess, after all.” She turned towards him with a smirk. “And it should be soft. I don't want it leaving marks all around my neck.”

His eyes lowered to her throat, the tiny movement making her breath catch.

”And if I were to give you such a collar,” he said in a low voice, “would you wear it?”

There was something in that question. A dark edge that cut through her and made her tremble, though not in an unpleasant way.

”You shouldn't get my hopes up like that.”

His hand came up and she remained still, as his fingers began caressing the side of her throat. His touch was so warm and soft, she leaned her head to the side, closing her eyes.

”Is that a yes?” he asked, his voice rumbling, almost like a deep purr.

She nodded, sighing as his fingers trailed down to her shoulders and up again.

”I would.”

His fingers ran the length of her neck, gracing her jawline in long smooth strokes. It was hard to keep her wits about her under his touch. It was harder to want to.

”Why?” he asked, the low tenor of his voice pleasantly caressing her ears.

”Because it came from you.”

She could sense he came closer, the heat and scent of his body washing over her. It made her breath shudder but she kept her eyes closed, still lost to the soft touches of his hand on her throat.

”And the leash? You trust me enough to put that on you?”

The question whispered through her mind like a dark promise, setting her skin on fire and she had to struggle to form a response.

”You already did,” she mumbled, unsure if she was making any sense.

”What does that mean?”

When she didn't answer, the fingers stopped and she furrowed her brow in frustration.

”Jay,” he urged and she exhaled in a soft hum.

”If you hadn't told me to stop, I would have killed him,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wouldn't have stepped down for anyone else.” She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I'm pretty sure that means I trust you.”

A soft smile spread across his face and for a moment, she was certain her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

”Does that mean I can finally keep you in check?” he asked, tugging a strand of hair behind her ear.

She laughed.

”Within reason, Chan. I'm not completely domesticated, just yet.”

She began to pull back but his hand snaked around her neck, keeping her in place. She looked at him curiously as he leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear.

”You never will be.”

The words dripped onto her heart like warm honey, covering it in sweet, gentle heat.

”We both know, you're not precious, nor pampered, nor a princess. None of those words could ever do justice to the woman in front of me.”

”That's cheating,” she muttered under her breath.

The deep chuckle rumbling through him suddenly made her a lot more forgiving.

”I'm sure you'll find some way of getting back at me,”

Chapter 34: Could You Please Come Out of the Closet?

”Wake up.”

Something shoved at him, but Big turned around, trying to ignore it.

”Dude! Come on, wake up already!”

He was shaken harder, until he opened one tired eye, looking up at Ken who was standing above him with a toothbrush in his mouth.

”Finally! Come on, our shift's about to start.”

Seeing him brought back memories of the night before and Big jerked up, suddenly feeling wide awake.

Ken, having achieved his goal, went back to the bathroom leaving Big to juggle the storm of emotions brought on by his remembrance.

Had he really kissed Ken? And Ken had... No, it was a dream. But then he recalled the feeling of Ken's tongue and hot mouth on his dick. The sensation of getting sucked off was too fresh in his memory, too real. Just remembering had a visible effect on him and he had to struggle to turn his mind elsewhere.

”You're still in bed?!” Ken stared as he emerged from the bathroom, closing the watch on his wrist. “We have like twenty minutes to get breakfast and go to Kinn's room, would you get the damn lead out?”

”Ken, about yesterday?”

”Yeah?”

”What we did...”

”What of it?”

Big sighed.

”Did that really happen?”

”What? Me blowing you? Yeah.”

Big stared, though Ken seemed completely unperturbed

”And you're okay with it?”

”Wouldn't have done it otherwise,” he muttered, checking his phone.

Big stood and rushed over, grabbing onto his shoulders.

”So we're doing this? We were being...intimate, and now we go back to normal?”

Ken wrenched free of his grip.

”Don't go getting all clingy,” he snapped, then ran a hand through his hair. ” And I don't know if I agree with 'we', you seem a little out of it.” He shot Big a sideways glance.

”I'm sorry,” Big hurriedly said. “I guess I'm just...I didn't expect this, is all.”

Ken's expression softened and he averted his eyes, while awkwardly patting Big on the shoulder.

”I didn't exactly plan for it, either. I'll tell Kinn you'll be there a little later, so take your time. Make sure you get something to eat,” he mumbled.

Something about his avoidance made Big eager to pursue the topic. As Ken pulled back his arm, Big grabbed onto it.

”Thank you,” he said, “for being cool with all this.”

Ken cleared his throat, his eyes still flickering to and from Big, but he didn't free himself, yet.

”Yeah well, just don't get used to it. I wouldn't really be back to normal if I was being cool all the time.” He gave a short, self-conscious laugh.

Scratching the back of his head, he looked incredibly vulnerable; enough that Big only had a split-second to think, before pulling him close and embracing him. Ken froze for a moment, then shoved him away.

”Stop being weird! I don't need your pity.” He spun around and stormed out of the room.

Big stared after him. He could not quite explain it, but something about Ken's reaction made him smile. The change from the night before left him curious and more than a little intrigued.

”I hate wearing these things,” Porsche grumbled.

”Yes, you've mentioned,” Kinn replied, adjusting Porsche's tie. “Several times.”

”I mean, come on, a bow tie? That's like the least sexy neck wear. I'd look better in a choker with a massive lock on it.”

”Your suggestion has been duly noted. Maybe I'll incorporate it in your dress code, in the future.” Kinn shot him a warning look to make it clear he was not entirely joking.

”Eh, maybe this thing isn't so bad,” Porsche quickly backpedaled.

”What a shame. There, now you at least look presentable.”

Porsche looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror. He did not feel presentable, he felt like a little boy in his first, over-sized suit. Not that there was a problem with the cut or sizing. In fact, it fit his measurements a little too perfectly, making him wonder if it was prepared for him ahead of time.

”So, what is this whole shindig about?” he asked to distract himself from his discomfort.

”It's a soft launch. Many of the secondary families use this opportunity to advertise products they're about to introduce to the general public. It's a good way to create trade agreements, both internally, but also among other families.”

”What, so we get to try a bunch of cool gadgets? You should have led with that!” Porsche said, suddenly feeling much better about the evening's prospects.

Kinn folded his arms over his chest.

”It's mostly food products and drinks. There is a section for electronic prototypes, but they're selective about who gets any hands on experience.” He lifted one shoulder in a small shrug. “I don't think you'll make the cut, unfortunately.”

It did put a damper on Porsche's mood, but he quickly shook it off.

”But I don't have to pay for the food, right?”

Kinn chuckled.

”Of course not.”

”And no dancing, right?”

At that, Kinn pursed his lips, not answering right away.

Porsche fidgeted.

”Please, tell me there's no dancing?”

”While I'm tempted to see how you' flail about, I think it's best if we refrain. There are enough eyes on the Theerapanyakuns as is.”

Porsche heaved a sigh in relief.

”Shall we?” Kinn asked, gesturing for the door.

Several people were filing through the hallways, heading in the same direction: the banquet hall. Entering there was like entering a movie set. Women in long elegant dresses and men in tuxedos littered the spacious floor, talking among themselves in small groups. Champagne was generously distributed and nearly everyone carried a flute as they chatted, laughed and toasted.

”Stay close,” Kinn warned, as Porsche looked around the room.

They had entered at the top of a double staircase; as they descended onto the central floor, Porsche spotted a long table, pressed up against the staircase wall, covered in exotic snacks and a tall drink canister on each side with dispensers at the bottom. People were going to and from the table, tasting the many bite-sized treats and sparkling drinks.

Kinn quickly filled two glasses from one of the canisters on the table and held one out to Porsche who gave him a skeptical look.

”Are you trying to keep me from drinking the champagne because of what happened last time?”

Kinn chuckled.

”It's not the only reason, though could you blame me if it were?”

Porsche made some grumbling response but accepted the drink. He sipped it and was surprised when a gentle burn followed the refreshing flavor.

”How do you like it?” Kinn asked with a grin.

”It's good,” Porsche admitted. “I thought you didn't want me to drink any alcohol?”

”I told you not to get drunk, I didn't say you couldn't drink at all.”

Porsche opened his mouth, then closed it when he realized Kinn was right.

”So what is this?” he asked instead.

”A new cider. The Pilzer family are putting it on the market in the new year. They're a branch off the Heißlers.” Kinn looked around, then gestured for Porsche to follow him to where a middle-aged woman was standing with a drink, observing her surroundings.

Porsche was immediately on edge. There was something about her stance that warned him against taking her lightly. Kinn seemed completely at ease, however.

”Porsche, this is Levia, head of security for the Zhan clan. Levia, this is one of our newest bodyguards, Porsche.”

Porsche relaxed a bit, wondering if fighting so many skilled people, the day before, had made him hyper aware of those who could pose a challenge. The woman, Levia, seemed politely interested in him upon introduction.

”Ah, it's you. I remember your performance, yesterday. It was quite impressive.” She smiled, the gesture softening her elegant features.

”Thank you,” Porsche said, awkwardly. He didn't understand the point of introducing the two of them, shooting a questioning look at Kinn. The latter seemed to pick up on his confusion.

”Levia used to work with Chan before he came to our family,” Kinn elaborated.

Suddenly, Porsche's interest was piqued.

”Really? What kind of work did you do?”

”We were in the same black ops squad. He was our commander, I was his second.”

”That sounds so cool!” Porsche gushed, having forgotten all his awkwardness. “Was he just as strict, back then?”

”Actually, I'd say he's become gentler, since,” she mused with a smirk. “Though, I don't recommend pointing that out to him.” She shot him a conspiratorial wink and he chuckled.

”If he kicks me out, can I come work for the Zhans?” he asked, mostly as a joke.

”I'm afraid you wouldn't really fit in with our staff.”

”I can adapt to any situation!” he protested.

”While I'm sure that's true, this isn't a situation requiring adaptation,” she maintained.

”The Zhans are a matriarchal clan,” Kinn explained. “And what's more, they don't allow men within the main family.”

Porsche looked to Kinn and back to Levia, who nodded with a sympathetic smile.

”Why not?” he asked.

”It has to do with our past,” she told him. “The Zhans used to have a male leader, Ai's husband and Xia's father, Zhan Wei. However, he refused to recognize Xia as his heir, despite being his only child.” Levia's expression became clouded as she continued. “He was going to marry her off to one of his nephews, and have him become the next leader. The nephew in question had a reputation for being cruel and abusive.”

”Couldn't he just have more children?” Porsche was not ignorant of the stigma surrounding female heirs, but marrying one's kid to their cousin still seemed like an odd choice.

”Zhan Ai couldn't get pregnant again and whenever Zhan Wei brought in another woman, she soon disappeared or wound up dead,” Kinn interjected.

”After his declaration to marry Xia off, the women of the clan mobilized under Ai,” Levia continued. “They drugged and slaughtered all the men in the main family and took over leadership.”

”That's...brutal,” Porsche noted.

”It was their best chance of forcing a change,” Levia explained with a shrug. “Since then, all men are moved to the minor clans and only women stay with the main family.”

The story left an impression on Porsche; he realized the Theerapanyakuns' relationships was relatively good, compared to others in the Families. They went on to chat about more mundane topics, before Levia excused herself. Kinn was called to another group to socialize, leaving Porsche to stand in a corner, people-watching.

”You seem to have been abandoned.”

Porsche turned towards the familiar voice, grinning as he saw Vegas approach.

”Are you here to keep me company?” he asked, feeling hopeful.

”That depends,” Vegas hedged, glancing around. “Is your sister gonna give me the death-glare if I do?”

”She's working, tonight. I'm here with Kinn,” Porsche told him.

”With Kinn?” Vegas said with surprise. “But you're not dressed in your uniform?” He looked Porsche up and down, his gaze holding more than simple puzzlement.

”I'm just escorting him, today.”

”What, as a date?”

”Hmm, I would say more as a friend.” Porsche sipped his drink. “Did you come with someone?”

Vegas shook his head, a sad smile gracing his pale lips.

”People don't really flock to associate with the children of a minor family. And we're known to be peculiar, even among other minor families.”

”How so?”

Vegas meet his eyes, his smile becoming warmer.

”We don't believe in separating ourselves from our staff, and most of the other families have very strict boundaries about that sort of...fraternization.”

”That's ridiculous,” Porsche said, feeling frustrated on behalf of Vegas.

”What's ridiculous?” Kinn asked, having come back without Porsche noticing.

”Hello Kinn,” Vegas greeted, his smile becoming strained and his eyes narrowing. “We were just discussing how different families treat their staff.”

Kinn's expression became tense and he seemed about to make a sarcastic comment, when Vegas spoke again.

”My father wants me to discuss business with the Savellis, so I better get started. I'll talk to you later, Porsche. Kinn.” He nodded to each of them before walking off.

”I wish you'd be more guarded around my uncle and his sons,” Kinn told Porsche, that irritating note of disapproval back in his voice.

”'His sons'? You mean your cousins, right? Is it a given that I have to hold the same prejudices as you?”

”I'm asking you to remember who you work for. Vegas doesn't pay you, we do.”

”We were just talking! Besides, you're the one who left me alone, after asking me to come as your companion. If I knew I was gonna just stand around gawking, I would have said no.”

Kinn seemed about to snap something back but then reined himself in, before sighing.

”Alright, you have a point. I still have something to discuss, but we can both leave, afterwards.”

”And what am I supposed to do, in the meantime?” Porsche asked, sullenly.

Kinn looked around, then grabbed a crystal bowl from a nearby table.

”Here, it's a new brand of candy. Eat up while you wait.”

Porsche glared at him, but took the bowl, popping one of the pieces in his mouth. They were minty, with a hard shell. He grumbled about not being a child as he walked to stand at the top of the stairs, still holding the bowl.

He observed how the hotel staff kept filling up the plates or pulled off the top of one of the canisters to fill in more cider. He placed his bowl on the balustrade, trying to guess how many minutes had already passed. The canister right below him was being filled for the second time. Either the drink was immensely popular or he had been waiting for a good while.

With a yawn, he began turning, only for his elbow to knock the bowl off the balustrade. Porsche moved quickly, managing to catch it before it fell into the cider. The waiter was bending over to pick up the lid, and didn't see as several pieces of the candy fell into the drink.

He pulled up the bowl, wondering how badly the taste would be altered, until he could the bubbles foaming to the surface. He gulped and looked around.

Luckily, Kinn was standing close to the stairs, with an older man, talking merrily. Porsche rushed over to him, smiling apologetically at the man while pulling his boss away.

”We have to leave. Now!” he urged, when they were outside of earshot.

”What? Why?”

”Just come!” he said, pulling Kinn with him as he left out a side door, leading them down an empty corridor.

”What the hell?!” a voice yelled from the banquet hall.

”What's going on?”

”Why is it doing that?”

The cries of the other guests made Kinn stop and wrench his arm free, before returning to the door. Porsche rushed after him, but could not stop him from opening it in time to see a frothing pillar of cider shooting upward from the refreshment table. As the drink began raining all over the banquet hall, Kinn closed the door and spun towards Porsche.

”What the fuck did you do?!” he hissed.

”Well, if you had just followed like I said, you wouldn't need to ask that question, now would you? Come on!” Porsche grabbed his wrist and pulled him along, trying to figure out what the quickest way back to their rooms would be.

Voices suddenly sounded from behind them, and before he could think it through, he opened the closest door and shoved them both inside, before closing it.

”Why are we hiding?” Kinn asked, angrily. “This is the surest way of looking guilty!”

”Uh...I guess I panicked,” Porsche answered, sheepishly.

Kinn groaned. Porsche could see him run his hands through his hair, despite the minuscule amount of light.

”How do you always manage to make a hash of things?”

”Hey, this was your fault!” he argued back. “I wanted to leave, long ago, but you just shoved candy at me and traipsed off!”

”Yes, clearly I'm to blame for believing you to be a capable adult, whom I could leave unsupervised for an hour or two.”

Porsche wanted to strangle him.

”Would you can the fucking god-complex for a moment? I made a mistake, okay? There, I said it. Happy?”

”I'd be happy if you could go on one mission and not create a huge mess.” Kinn's voice suddenly sounded frustrated and tired. “I keep taking a chance on you, and your behavior keeps making it clear I shouldn't.”

It hurt. Porsche was actually surprised at just how deep those words cut. Somehow, he felt like who he was as a person was being rejected.

”I guess it's a good thing Khun still wants me around, then,” he said, quietly.

”What?” Kinn's tone made it clear he wasn't asking because he didn't hear.

”You think I enjoy galas?” Porsche chuckled, but there was no mirth in his voice. “Get real, this sort of event is such a drag.”

”Then why did you agree to come?”

”Good question. I guess, since you asked me to, I figured you could be civilized towards me for an evening. I should have known that was expecting too much from you.”

He felt Kinn's hands grab onto his jacked and pulling him close.

”You better watch your mouth. There's only so much I'm willing to tolerate from a mere bodyguard.”

He could feel Kinn's breath against his lips and there was a glint from his eyes, shining in the dim light. The fact he could get under Kinn's skin like this filled Porsche with a sense of satisfaction. At least, he wasn't just being dragged along, this time.

”Are you really telling me to watch my mouth?” he growled, feeling fed up. Why did everything have to happen according to Kinn's will?

”What's that-”

The door opened, interrupting Kinn, and an older woman stared as she caught sight of the two of them. Kinn quickly let go and put some distance between them. The woman's expression changed to one of exasperation.

”Could you please come out of the closet? I need the wash cart.” She pointed between them, and only now did Porsche realize they had hidden themselves with the cleaning supplies.

They both awkwardly stepped out and the woman pulled out the wash cart before glancing at the two of them.

”If you guys see some coward, with extra minty breath, hiding somewhere, tell them to come clean up their own mess.” With that she shuffled off, towards the banquet hall.

As her back turned, Porsche breathed into his hand, trying to check his breath.

”Would you stop that?” Kinn snapped, nudging at him, before gesturing for them to leave. “What a fucking night.”

”Well,” Porsche said, putting his hands behind his head. “At least, I didn't get drunk.”

Chapter 35: Saving Puppies and Kittens

”You saw the urn?” Korn asked, moving his knight.

”I did.” Jay countered his move. “Ana didn't die in the massacre, though?”

”I felt she would have preferred to rest with her family.”

”She did love them dearly.”

She felt Korn's eyes on her.

”She cared about you as well.”

”I'm too old for fairy tales, Korn,” she argued, thinking about her next move. “Besides, it's not what you invited me for.”

”Then what did I invite you for?” He observed her closely. She made her move and he snatched her piece, making her run a hand through her hair in frustration.

”Definitely not for my chess skills. You're not the type to enjoy an easy win.”

”That's when you're distracted. When you're concentrated, it's something else, entirely,” Korn noted. “It does make me wonder.”

”I should have figured word would get back to you about my...peculiarity.” She made her next move, before leaning back with a sigh.

”You never showed such a tendency before,” Korn noted, his eyes focused on Jay, rather than the board.

”It won't affect my work,” she said, simply.

”I have no concerns about that.”

”It won't affect the clan, either.”

”I'm merely curious to what brought it about?” His eyes held hers until she yielded, her shoulders slumping.

”I don't know,” she admitted. “Near as I can tell, it's just a mental overflow.”

”Overflow?”

”It takes a lot of mental energy to constantly watch what you say and how. Sooner or later, something has to give. In my case, it means the things which aren't necessary to keep secret might slip out when I'm too distracted. Even if I don't want them to.”

Korn interlocked his fingers, placing his hands under his chin with a pensive expression.

”The mind is a fascinating tool. You never know what it might do when pushed to its limits.” His voice had a curious cunning note to it. Jay had never been a fan of it, but as long as he wasn't testing his fascination on those she cared about, she kept it to herself.

They continued to play in silence, until he brought up another topic.

”You and Chan are becoming close.”

”Tends to happen when you spend every day together,” she replied, evenly.

Korn moved and sat back, rubbing a finger over his chin.

”Neither of you need my permission to do what you want, so consider this my unofficial opinion.”

Jay nodded. Readying herself to be told to back off. Not that she was going to, but Korn didn't need to know that.

”Chan has always been single-minded in his dedication. If I ever lost him, I doubt I could find someone half as skilled with one tenth of his loyalty. That's why I believe you may be good for him.”

She had not expected that.

”How do you mean?”

”Chan would lay down his life for anyone in this family. That's to be expected of a bodyguard. But therein lies the problem; I would like him to have a stronger grasp on life.”

Jay looked at Korn. Whether it was as an asset or a person, it was clear Chan was important to the head of the family. It made sense to want him to fight to stay alive, rather than laying down his life, too easily.

”You think I could be a reason for Chan to be more cautious about his own safety.”

”I have no intention of interfering one way or the other,” Korn clarified. “I just want you to know that I'm not against the two of you forming a relationship.”

She was about to speak, when something caught the corner of her eye from the balcony. Before she could think it through, she had thrown herself at Korn, toppling them both over as the sounds of a gun shot and glass breaking filled the room.

Jay jumped to her feet, rushing for the balcony railing.

”Jenkins! Assassin!” she yelled over her shoulder, before pulling out her grappling hook and clicking it onto the railing as she threw herself over it.

The attacker was climbing to the ground with nimble and practiced movements. In order to keep up, Jay had to let herself drop, only using her hand on the line to slow her fall. She cursed herself for not wearing gloves as the friction burned her palm.

They landed at the same time and Jay quickly detached the cable before rushing for her opponent, who was running away from the building, towards a forested area. Jay could tell they would soon outrun her, and pulled out a small knife; before she lost too much ground, she stopped, took aim, and sent the blade flying. She was on the move again, before it had hit the mark, but hit it, it did.

The assassin tumbled to the ground as the knife struck them at the back of the knee. They pulled it out, but Jay was already on them, struggling to pin them down.

The knife glinted in the light from the hotel building, just in time for her to deflect it, though it was an awkward move, ending with the blade slicing across her palm. She flinched and hissed at the pain but managed to wrestle the weapon away from her enemy. With a flick of the wrist, she flipped the knife before pressing against the assailant's throat.

”Don't move.”

”Fuck you, you-” The voice from the person under her was decidedly masculine.

”Don't!”

But it was too late. The assassin had thrown his head back, looking like he were about to spit in her face; the movement forced his throat against the edge of the knife, which dug deep.

Jay looked as shock and terror filled his face and blood started pouring from the wound. She sighed and stood, as her opponent began gurgling and clawing at his throat.

”Well, that was fucking stupid,” she noted, looking down at the frightened human with disappointment. “It shouldn't take much longer, so take some comfort in that, at least.” She looked at the blood on her hands and tried her best to wipe it off, wincing as the fabric of her clothes rubbed against the cut on her palm and the burn on her other hand.

The loud breathing began to ebb and soon after, it was gone. Jay took her place against a tree, examining her injuries while she waited. Soon, Chan's voice carried through the night.

”Over here!” Jay called back.

He came running with Lee, only stopping when he spotted the dead assassin.

”What happened?”

”Idiot got his own throat slit.” She gave a quick rundown of the fight, while Chan began looking over the corpse.

”I had hoped to take him alive.” he noted.

”You and me both.”

He stood and came closer, his gaze quickly drawn to her hands, which were hanging by her side.

”You're bleeding.”

”Turns out I brought hands to a knife fight,” she chuckled. “Not as effective as I'd hoped.”

Chan called for Lee.

”Take Jay to the treatment room. I'll handle the body.”

”Yes, sir!”

Lee gestured for her to follow and she did without protest, eager to get herself treated and into bed.

”The cut's shallow enough, it won't need stitches,” Lee commented as he pressed the dressing pad onto Jay's palm.

She hissed through her teeth. Lee shot her an apologetic glance but kept the pressure as he wrapped a bandage around, securing it. The final result was thin enough that she still had basic use of her hand.

”Doesn't look too bad,” Porsche noted from his seat, next to her.

”That was the easy one. This one's a different story.” Lee took Jay's other hand, careful not to touch the angry, swollen and jagged line which cut across it. The simple act of cooling and cleaning it had been unpleasant enough, even to look at. “It will need to be treated and dressed every morning and evening.”

Porsche quickly noticed the problem with those instructions.

”She only have two hands, you know,” he mentioned.

Lee looked to her other hand and nodded his head, seeing the predicament.

”You're sharing a room with Chan, right? I'll tell him to keep it in mind and help you.”

”You're sharing a room with Chan?” Porsche asked, surprised that the news actually seemed shocking to him.

”Yes.”

”Separate beds?”

She looked at him, her brow furrowed.

”Why does that matter?”

”I just figured it was company policy or something?”

”Well, to answer: no, we only have one bed.”

”I thought they'd discourage that kind of...closeness.” Considering Kinn's recent behavior, he already had a kind of answer to that, he realized.

”Sweetie, we're all adults. I think it's safe to say that if we choose not to, we won't be having sex, just because we share a bed,” Jay argued. “And if we really want to, sleeping in separate beds won't stop us.”

Lee finished taking care of her hand and rose from his seat.

”I'll get you some NSAIDs, so you can sleep and hopefully they'll be enough to avoid an infection,” he announced, before leaving the room.

”Are you sure you're okay?” Porsche asked, when he was certain they were alone.

”Depends on your definition of it. My hands definitely aren't.”

”I'm serious.”

Jay smiled, the kind of smile she always wore when she was touched by something he or Chay did or said. Even to this day, he loved that smile. It made him feel warm inside.

”I'm fine, Porsche. I've had worse.”

”That...doesn't make me feel better.”

”How was the event?”

”Don't change the subject,” Porsche protested, suddenly looking away before she could catch the guilt in his eyes.

Jay leaned forward, looking at him, intently.

”Did you do something?”

He shook his head, still not meeting her gaze.

”Porsche-”

”I heard you killed the guy.”

He was scrambling, but any topic beat talking about how he'd caused a wet and sticky explosion at a super important business gala.

”More like he killed himself, through sheer stupidity.”

”But...doesn't it bother you? You took someone's life, and now they're just gone.”

Now, that they were talking about it, he could not help but remember when he killed Mas. He started wringing his hands, trying to push the image from his mind.

”It's not the first time,” she admitted.

”It's not?” Porsche asked, staring in disbelief.

”You must have known,” she pointed out. “I ran with gangs, we weren't saving puppies and kittens, you know.”

”I guess I just never thought that much about it.” He looked down at his hands. “Did it bother you then?”

”The first time I killed someone, I threw up and almost fainted.” She chuckled. “I had jelly legs the rest of the night. After that, it got easier; my thinking became that every person I kill can't kill me or those I care about.”

”I guess that's one way to look at it.”

”It was a necessity,” she sighed. “One I hoped neither of you would have to adopt.”

Lee came back, handing a bottle of pills to Jay, who glanced at the label.

”Ooh, you got me the good stuff!” she said with a grin.

”Considering what you managed to pull off, tonight, I think we can spare it in the budget.”

As the two of them continued talking, Porsche took his chance to leave, partially worried Jay would eventually ask about the gala again. He quietly closed the door behind him and heaved a deep breath, feeling relieved after seeing her okay.

”How's she doing?”

His head snapped up to find Kinn leaning against the opposite wall, with his arms folded across his chest. He was the picture of cool indifference, but even at a distance, Porsche could sense the nervous energy flowing out of him, like a black undercurrent.

”She's fine. Probably thrilled at having no work for the next couple of days,” Porsche explained.

”Sounds about right,” Kinn chuckled, his stance relaxing slightly.

”Are you here to check on her? You can head on in, if you want?” Porsche asked, pointing to the door behind him.

Kinn shook his head.

”I'm here for you. Follow me.”

Porsche did as told and Kinn led him to his own room. Once they were inside, Kinn turned towards him.

”Take your shirt off.”

Porsche stiffened.

”Um...no?”

Kinn stepped closer, his gaze intensifying. The dark emotions swirling within those depth put Porsche's nerves on edge.

”Either you take it off or I do.”

Porsche locked eyes with him, considering whether or not he was bluffing. The memory of Kinn's lips against his own made him wary. With a sigh, he began unbuttoning. When he was done removing the garment, leaving him in an undershirt and pants, Kinn reached out, grabbing his arm with surprising gentleness. The dark eyes of the mafia prince scrutinized the upper arm, where a pink scar glowed against Porsche's tan skin.

”It seems to be healing well.” Kinn dropped the arm and turned his sharp eyes on Porsche's face, next. “The bruising from the tournament is mostly faded, as well. That's good.”

He pulled back and Porsche waited to be dismissed. When Kinn said nothing, Porsche's eyes flickered towards the door and he began fidgeting.

”Was there something else?”

”I just got off the phone with Khun.”

”What does that crazy bastard want now?” Porsche groaned.

”He's giving you back to me.”

Porsche stared, unsure he had heard it right. Kinn seemed to be gauging his reaction.

”What? Why?”

”He wasn't exactly in a good mood after he caught you at the spa, with Vegas,” Kinn explained with a shrug, “and now he's ranting about you stealing some sort of toy of his. Any idea what that's about?”

Porsche began shaking his head, then it dawned on him.

”Oh, he must be talking about the zipline equipment. Since I came here with Jay, there's no extra gear for Khun to use.”

Kinn rolled his eyes with an exasperated expression.

”Figures. Not that it makes a difference, while we're here. I need you to come as my bodyguard at the auction, tomorrow.”

”I thought Big and Ken were assigned, tomorrow night?”

”Papa wants double detail at every event, because of the assassination attempt.”

Porsche scratched the back of his head, nodding.

”Alright, yeah, sure.”

Kinn nodded and began lifting a hand but Porsche spoke again before he could be dismissed.

”I wanna know something, though.” He crossed his arms over his chest, smirking as Kinn's hand froze, mid-air. “If Khun hadn't made the decision, would you have asked for me back?”

”Why do you ask?” Kinn wanted to know, a slight undertone of frustration in his voice.

”Hmm, call it professional curiosity,” he replied with a shrug.

For a moment, Kinn seemed to consider his answer. Then he leaned in, his expression stern.

”I don't know what you think your position is in this family, but in my eyes, my people are all the same.”

Porsche grit his teeth, tempted to ask if Kinn kissed all his people on the pier, but fought down the urge, instead giving his boss a curt nod. Kinn proceeded to dismiss him and he stormed out, almost slamming the door behind him. This back and forth and play on emotions was pissing him off.

Chapter 36: Nakefy Me!

Why did the stupid Theerapanyakun clan insist on stupid button down shirts? Jay grumbled to herself as she tried to get the top button undone without aggravating her hand injuries, but every attempt left her hissing and winching in pain.

”Jay?”

She turned around to see Chan close the room door behind him. With a sigh, she gave up on her struggle.

”Did you figure anything out from the body?”

He shook his head, looking exhausted.

”The hotel security is helping but there's not much to go on.”

”I really wish he hadn't been such a moron,” Jay growled.

”He's not the only one who acted stupid tonight,” said Chan, his eyes darkening as they fell on her.

”What now?”

”You ran off, without thinking. What if there had been more people? What if someone was waiting for him on the ground? Or among the trees?”

”But there wasn't,” she argued, though not very convincingly. “And we needed to catch the guy, right?”

”Not at the cost of one of our own!” Chan snapped. “Have you already forgotten your own advice?”

”What advice?”

”You told Porsche to keep himself safe, yet here you are acting even more reckless.”

”I should have figured that one would come back to bite me,” she groaned.

”Jay, you could have gotten killed.” Chan's voice softened. “How would Porsche handle that? Or your youngest brother?”

”Jeez, laying the guilt on a little thick, don't you think?” she mumbled, but his words had struck deep. “I'm sorry. You're right, I should have thought it through. I'll be more careful, next time.”

Chan sighed.

”I hope you will.” He hesitated for a moment, then gestured to her hands. “How are your injuries?”

”Undressing myself is a bit of a pipe dream, right now,” she answered, holding up her bandaged appendages. “They're a pain in more ways than one.”

”Lee told me. You could have come to me.”

She grimaced.

”Running through the hotel, just to tell you to undress me, so I can run right back without clothes on... I don't know, that sort of thing is generally frowned upon.”

”Fair point,” he acknowledged with a small smile. “But I'm here now. You can just ask me for help.”

Jay grinned and stepped close to him.

”Alright then. Chan, please expose my naked body!”

”Jay,” he groaned.

”Okay, okay. Hmm... Nakefy me!”

Chan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

”Oh, I know! Dispose of my clothing, so I may present my most glorious birthday suit to the world!”

He ran a hand over his face.

”I'm a patient man, but even I have my limits, you know.”

”If you didn't get all your anger out, earlier, I may as well rile you up, now,” she argued with a shrug. “Get it out of your system.”

He reached out and grabbed onto her shirt, tugging her closer.

”Did I say I was angry?” he asked her, his voice lowering. His eyes caught hers and she could sense the hunger in them. A warm hand cupped her cheek and she leaning into the touch.

”I could have lost you, today.” The words rumbled through the air between them. “It scared me. I've never been so happy to find one of my people alive.”

His hand slid beneath her chin, tilting her head upwards. She watched him intently, as he leaned towards her, her lids fluttering closed as his lips found hers.

Heat burst through her chest, spreading a pleasant tickle throughout her body. His lips burned hot against her own and she could feel herself melt against their touch.

His hand moved behind her head, the other arm snaking around her waist and he pulled her close, pressing her body against his own as their kiss grew firmer.

She moved to put her arms around his neck, when he grabbed her wrist, breaking off the kiss.

”Considering your injuries, you should keep from touching,” he whispered, his nose rubbing gently against hers.

”That's...a lot to ask,” she said, between short pants, her head swimming as she stared at his mouth.

He smirked, moving his head next to hers until his lips almost touched her ear.

”Either you behave, or I tie you up.”

She gasped and shuddered as a delicious shiver ran through her at his words.

”Threatening me with a good time? You don't actually expect me to obey when you do that, do you?” she countered, nearly breathless.

He said nothing, his smirk turning devious as he sought her mouth again. As his lips began to move against hers, she felt his fingers tug at her shirt, nimbly popping one button after another, down the length, while he fed her long drugging kisses, sending shivers all the way to her toes.

Every time his fingers graced her body, through the shirt, she felt a slight jolt through her chest. His tongue touched her lips and she parted them, without pause, eager for more of him.

When the shirt fell open, he gently slid it off her shoulders, while their kiss deepened, his tongue finding hers and caressing it, making her sigh in pleasure.

His warm hand slid around to her back, running up the length, leaving a trail of fire on her skin. His fingers reached the clasp on her bra, and in a heartbeat is had been undone. He pulled back from her and she whimpered in frustration, wanting him closer, but his fingers quickly distracted her, as they hooked the bra-strap and pulled it off her shoulder.

She let it slide down her arms and fall to the floor, leaving her upper body naked to his dark gaze. His eyes seemed to heat her body as the roamed over her curves with obvious desire.

”Put your wrists together,” he ordered, his voice barely audible, yet so clear to Jay's eager ears.

It didn't even occur to her to disobey. Her mind was so singularly focused on him, on his every movement, that the very idea of delaying seemed not only impossible but downright torturous.

He held up the shirt he had taken off her body and stepped close, using it to tie her hands. The end result was firm without being tight and no part of her skin was being pinched or scraped.

”Good girl.” The words shot through her, speeding up her heartbeat. He grabbed her chin and angled her head to once again catch her lips, nibbling at them, before diving in, plundering her mouth and stealing her breath away.

He maneuvered them both to the bed, before breaking the kiss and pushing her down. She let herself fall, putting her tied wrists above her head, to give him a full view of her.

He stayed standing, his form looming over her, dark and thrilling, while his eyes seemed to sear across her skin, making the heat rise inside her. Without saying anything, he began removing her pants and she let him, eager to bare herself to him. Within seconds she was completely naked, splayed out for his eyes to devour.

”Beautiful,” he praised, the word pushing straight to her core, fueling the fire his touch had kindled in her body.

She smiled up at him, wishing he would do more than look. As if reading her thoughts, he began removing his jacket; his every move was methodical and calm, making her itch for his touch as the seconds ticked by.

Eventually, the jacket was carefully draped over a chair and he lay down, next to her, propping his head up on one hand as the other began lazily caressing her stomach. Every trail of his fingertips sent tiny shivers across her skin and he seemed content to watch her reactions to his touch.

”I finally get to touch you like this. I've been waiting for it,” he admitted, his hands traveling up between her breasts, his touch still tender and light.

”Since when?” Jay asked, closing her eyes as she lost herself to the sensation.

”Since our kiss at the museum. Back then I wished we hadn't been interrupted.”

His fingertips began traversing one breast, their feathery touches circling the tumid nipple. She gasped, her mind falling to pieces too quickly to form a response, but as she opened her eyes to look at him, he didn't seem to expect one, his attention focused on teasing her straining teat.

Her breaths grew shallow as he continued avoiding the center where she most wanted him to touch, and she began to squirm.

”Lie still,” Chan commanded.

She stilled her body, letting out a frustrated sigh. He smirked, evidently reveling in her struggle. He leaned down, planting a kiss on her temple, before kissing his way down to her ear.

”That's my girl,” he said before grabbing her earlobe between his teeth, biting gently.

She moaned softly as his mouth tugged and laved the spot. Without warning, his fingers grabbed onto her nipple, squeezing, while he bit down hard on her earlobe, turning her moan into a strangled groan as pain and pleasure burst through her, mixing into a sweet symphony.

Her pussy was slick with arousal as he planted kisses along her jawline. His hand came up and turned her head so he could kiss her lips, drawing another dreamy sigh from her as he started tenderly, gradually increasing the intensity and depth of every kiss. His fingers trailed down the column of her neck, over her collarbones, this time seeking the other teat and once again teasing around it as he continued sipping at her lips and tongue.

Sweet, gentle heat gathered inside her as the kiss progressed, dripping through her, to her lower lips which became ever wetter with every caress from the man, next to her. When he finally touched her aching tip, the heat became a torrent of pleasure and she once again could not keep back her voice, letting out a loud groan which was quickly swallowed up by him, his fervor being stoked by every noise she made.

For several minutes, he continued to tease, caress and kiss her, the threads of pleasure winding through her twisting and knotting up, bringing her closer to the edge at an agonizingly slow build.

When his hands began drifting towards her lower body, she felt like she was going crazy and began squirming again.

”Are you impatient Jay?” he asked, his voice low. A small tremble ran through her. How could a voice be so pleasing to the ear? It was like a dark and wicked caress on her soul and made her breathing hitch.

”Answer me.”

”Yes,” she choked out.

There was no way for her to resist when everything he did felt so amazing, but she also couldn't imagine wanting to do so. He rewarded her honesty by touching her lower lips, slick with her juices.

”So wet,” he mumbled against her ear, rubbing his nose against her temple. “And all for me.”

”Just for you,” she confirmed, closing her eyes as he explored the folds of her sex.

It was a struggle to stay still as he once again avoided the part where she most desperately wanted his touch. She had been teased before, but never had anyone maneuvered her this expertly and it filled her with a yearning for more. She was trapped in his hold and loving every second of it. She craved his commands, his touch, his praise, his pleasure, all of it, for herself.

Then he touched the center of her pleasure and all thoughts faded into pure, blinding nothingness. She gasped aloud and his mouth came crashing against her own. She trembled at the overwhelming sensations pouring through her as she returned the kiss, hungrily devouring his mouth as he continued caressing her clit in long, soft strokes.

Her mind was becoming feral with need and she could think of nothing else but more. Her shudders became stronger as he continued kissing and stroking her, every move building higher and higher, until the orgasm washed over her and she cried out his name, letting the climax filled her and flow through her.

Before it had completely faded, she felt his fingers at her entrance, caressing the edges with firm, yet gentle touches. Her breathing became rapid again.

”Chan,” she panted, dizzy with pleasure and confusion.

”You didn't think I'd let you come, only once, did you?” he asked, his tone devious as one finger entered her making her moan.

He seemed to know exactly where to touch and a second finger soon entered as well, both rubbing at a spot which seemed to pull at threads throughout her body, sending her already heightened senses into overdrive. She slung her tied hands over his head, pulling him close as she hungrily took his mouth, biting at his lips and exploring with her tongue, eager to be ever closer to this amazing man, driving her to insanity.

”Ah! Fuck!” she cried out as his fingers twisted and prodded inside her.

Chan took the chance as she broke away to plant his lips on her neck, kissing and biting the skin before laving it with his tongue. Jay clung to him as every part of her body seemed to experience some sort of pleasure; the air on her swollen lips, the bed sheet against her skin, the heat of Chan's body against her arm, his lips on her neck, his arm along the length of her body, his fingers inside her, it was all building, ever higher.

”You gonna make me come, Chan,” she whimpered, before groaning and closing her eyes as his fingers moved faster. A hand pushed under her head, grabbing her hair.

”Look at me!”

Her eyes snapped open and she stared into his dark depths.

”I want to see your expression as you come apart in my hands. I want you to see only me.”

His face was flushed, his breathing shallow. She realized he was aroused, seeing the effect he had on her, on her body, and that thought shoved her forward, hurdling towards the edge. She was balancing on the precipice, staring at him with want and longing, knowing he was about to destroy the last of her mind.

”Jay,” he muttered, “come for me.”

It became her undoing and she cried out, loudly, as another orgasm tore through her, even stronger, her body feeling like it was about to melt as pleasure waves crashed into every single corner of her being.

Her body twitched and shuddered and she could feel herself pulse and squeeze around his fingers, still inside her. Her mind was in tatters and she was gasping for breath, unable to form coherent sentences, or words...or thoughts. Chan held her close his heat washing through her, chasing the pleasure and filling her with bliss.

In the days to come, Jay could not recall how she had pulled herself together to get cleaned up and ready for bed. All she knew was when she was laying next to Chan, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly before telling her: “Goodnight, Jay.”

”Goodnight, Chan,” she mumbled, feeling another soft kiss pressed against her forehead before she drifted off, into a deep sleep.

Kim looked at his phone screen, pleased that Chay was finally writing him, first.

Kim was skeptical. Was it really possible to be that clueless about your own brother and sister working for the mafia?

He stared at messages, at once pleased with his progress and apprehensive about how easy it seemed. Did this guy really not have any defenses towards strangers?

Based on what Kim knew from the report, it seemed the kid was being honest in his answers. However, answers over text never revealed as much as in person.

It was another discrepancy and Kim was becoming frustrated at the limitations of technology. He would have to dig deeper into this.

He chuckled at the little smiley face, before putting his phone away. For a while he just sat, thinking about the information he had gotten and how it fit into the bigger picture. No matter how he looked at it, his father's behavior towards the new bodyguards had been unusual and talking to Chay raised more questions than answers. There was a connection he could not quite make out and it was turning into an itch he desperately wanted to scratch.

An idea struck him, and he put a hand to his chin as he explored it further: what if Jay had been sent by Korn to Chay and his brother? If that were the case then why? What had been her purpose and why them?

The possibilities swirled through his mind for hours after that, but one thing was clear: he had to pursue this possibility.

Chapter 37: Internal Bling

Warm fingers trailed up and down her arm and she lazily turned into the embrace, sighing with content. The hand moved to her cheek, gently putting a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Jay opened her eyes to see the dark gaze of Chan looking back at her with tender affection. She smiled.

”Not the worst way of waking up in the morning,” she noted.

”Agreed.”

She yawned and cuddled closer, leaning her head against his chest as she snaked an arm around his body. His hand ran down the length of her back, until it reached a spot on her lower back to the left of her spine. He pulled up her t-shirt to touch the skin directly.

”This scar,” he said, his fingertip trailing the mark. “It's from a bullet.”

”It sure is.”

”But I saw no scaring in front.”

She knew what he was hinting at.

”That would be because it never left my body.”

Chan fell quiet but Jay made no move to pick up the thread. While she had made her peace with the internal bling, it was still associated with unpleasant memories.

”Was it gang-related?”

”Nah, I had it before then.”

His body tensed.

”You joined the gangs at 16, right?”

”Yup.”

His hand cupped her face and he made her meet his eyes. Something like concern and sadness swirled within them, causing a stab of guilt in her chest. She forced a smile.

”It doesn't bother me, Chan,” she told him, caressing his cheek. “I've been through some scrapes in my life, but I'm fine.”

”Will you ever tell me what happened?”

”It's the kind of secret which will come out, sooner or later,” she sighed. “Once it does, you won't have a choice but to know.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded before kissing her softly. She melted against his lips, pulling him closer. Their kiss deepened and she let out a small moan, her head spinning at having his heat wrapped around her body. She was out of breath when they finally parted. He smiled down at her and she grinned back up at him.

”So, what's the plan, from here?” she asked when her breathing had become steady. “Do we continue this or do we go back to normal?”

He lifted himself up on one elbow, leaning his head on his hand. His expression was serious but still filled with affection.

”You know my duty takes priority. I can't promise I'll be the kind of partner you want.”

”Considering I want you, that would be truly tragic,” she quipped and he chuckled, before leaning down and pressing his lips against her temple.

”If you can be satisfied with never getting all of me, I'll gladly give you whatever's left.” His lips tickled her ear.

She scoffed, though she was still grinning.

”You already know I have my own responsibilities. In fact, you've been in charge of one of said responsibilities for a while now, and you're still in my bed.”

”I think the responsibility in question would be quite surprised to find me here,” Chan noted.

”Don't care.” She squeezed against him, burrowing her face against his chest. ”I'm not about to let go of you.”

He grinned, combing his fingers through her hair.

”I guess that makes me a lucky man.” His grin turned into a crooked smirk. “But don't expect me to go easy on you, just because of this.”

Jay groaned, rolling her eyes.

”Really? I can't even fuck my way to a lighter training? What's the point of even having my honey pot, if it can't get me out of stuff?”

”I'll be happy to show you the point of it, if you need a demonstration,” he told her, the dark promise in his words sending a thrill through her.

”Threatening me with a good time, again? You really never learn, do you?”

He chuckled before catching her mouth in another searing kiss, scattering her thoughts, until they faded into white, hot pleasure. He pulled back, rubbing his nose against hers, his warm breath fanning across her lips and cheeks.

”You'll have to wait until later. For now, I have to get to work.”

”Fine, but could you at least help me with my hands, first?”

She held them up and he carefully took one into his own hand, and placed a feathery kiss against her palm.

”As if I would ever say no.”

”There's been no new intel on the assassin,” Chan reported. “But Master Korn maintains that you keep a double security detail, tonight. Furthermore...”

Kinn was only half listening, his mind still occupied with the evening before. He knew he had upset Porsche and that nagged at him more than he liked. Did Porsche expect him to play favorites? To tell him he was special? He had a duty to everyone who worked for him, not just the one guy who looked slightly good...even in a mermaid costume. He smiled at the memory.

”Master Kinn?”

He looked at Chan, quickly schooling his expression.

”I'm sorry, I missed the last part, could you say it again?”

”Arm has been instructed to look through the security tapes and we've received an offer from the Brightons to trace the attacker.” Chan repeated with a sigh. “Master Korn wants you to make the decision.”

Kinn's daydream came to a screeching halt at the mention of the Brightons. If they were offering to help, it was never a good sign.

”Accept the offer,” Kinn declared.

”Are you sure?”

”I want to see what kind of 'results' they come up with,” he explained.

Chan nodded.

”I'll pass on the message.”

The head of security turned to leave the room.

”Hey Chan?”

”Yes?”

”What do you think of Porsche?”

Chan turned back, his expression unreadable.

”Why do you ask?”

Kinn shrugged.

”I'm curious. He's been with us for a while. You recommended he come on this mission. I wanna know your thoughts.”

He didn't think Chan bought his reasoning. Hell, it was not a very convincing argument to himself. But the bodyguard seemed to give it some serious consideration, at least.

”He does better than I initially expected,” he eventually answered. “His background is different from the others, yet he's holding up well. The occasional mess he creates is something I believe will peter out on its own, as he becomes used to the work.”

”And as a person?” Kinn regretted it, the instant the words were out of his mouth. Chan's expression revealed nothing but there was something which tensed in his stance and Kinn struggled not to let on that he knew he had messed up.

”Would my opinion on his personality truly carry any weight with you?”

Kinn stiffened. While he valued Chan's input, it had never affected any decision regarding his personal life. After observing his conflicted expression for a while, Chan sighed.

”Allow me to make an observation, instead: Porsche has integrity, he wouldn't sell out someone he cares about. That doesn't mean he can't hurt them. But he wouldn't hurt them the same way as someone else might have done.”

Kinn absorbed the words, trying to fit them into his own considerations.

”Thank you, Chan,” he said, signaling the end of their conversation. Chan bowed and left the room.

Kinn leaned back in his chair, looking out the window as he tried to figure himself out. Well, not so much himself as a certain rookie bodyguard who had the nerve to bewilder him at every turn.

Every incident involving Porsche was stuck in his mind, like pictures, carefully hung on the wall. They were each memorable enough that he could not recall ever feeling that way with someone else. Did people often get into trouble the way Porsche did? Or was he a special case?

And why did Kinn never run out of chances to give him? That part disturbed him more than the rest. Originally, Porsche's lack of professionalism had been the bane of Kinn's existence, but he had kept him around, per his father's orders. But that wasn't the only reason...not anymore, at least.

He remembered when Porsche had sneaked into his bed to hide from Jay, and chuckled to himself, only to abruptly stop. The realization that hit him was enough to leave his mind blank for several seconds as the truth seemed to settle within his soul.

The reason he continued to give Porsche another chance was because he didn't mind when things got screwed up. Everything which had happened had been a pain, but looking back, it had also been fun.

He allowed Porsche to drag him along in his shenanigans because despite how much trouble they ended up facing, he had never once regretted it.

Kinn had come to terms with being attracted to Porsche, the man was sexy as all hell, but this was something else. He wasn't quite sure what but it didn't feel bad, no it was more familiar; like something he had forgotten existed.

”What are you doing here?” Big asked, shooting an annoyed look at Jay.

”Chan asked for a list of the pre-auction items and the bids,” she explained, looking over the wad of papers in her hand.

The bandages spoke to the chaos from the night before and she was trying to clench her hands as little as possible to hold the papers steady.