Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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The grand opening party for Pakin's new race track was perhaps not as densely packed with people as a legitimate racing event, which would typically be jammed with sports fans who adored speed. But while the quantity of guests was lesser, the quality was… on an entirely different level.
The honored guests attending this event all possessed "something" that surpassed ordinary people.
"You have succeeded in doing what you said you would."
"I must thank you for your assistance in this matter."
"Heh heh, I did not do anything at all. We simply share a mutual liking for cars."
Pakin was standing before a wealthy young man, endowed with prestige, power, and money… the third prince of a certain country located in the Middle East. He was a friend from his studies abroad who shared the same passion for speed. Perhaps Pakin's own enthusiasm was even lesser. Who could compete with someone who had enough money to build roads in the middle of the desert for testing the new car models he acquired? Therefore, this was one of the first companions Pakin thought of when he decided to build an offshore race track.
He was an indispensable sponsor, who had graciously and secretly traveled here today.
"I hope Your Highness finds it enjoyable."
"I hope so as well. Do not disappoint me." The host laughed, making eye contact with the person who was prepared to pay an enormous sum if this event proved satisfactory.
For the people attending this event, money was not the ultimate goal. Everyone was ready to pay if they could be thoroughly entertained. And it was not only this Arab prince; there were many others prepared to place massive bets, which would represent the profit from his years of investment and effort.
The thoughts of the man who excused himself from one guest to welcome another, all amidst the most extravagantly arranged party.
Large screens around the venue displayed the betting amounts for each round, with numbers shifting constantly. It was not only the attending guests who had the right to play this game; this event broadcast a live feed to vetted members worldwide. Therefore, money was circulating continuously.
Furthermore, there were large screens broadcasting every angle of the race track, along with aerial footage from helicopters that had been stationed on standby beforehand.
Pakin had invested heavily in this event, and he did not want anything to obstruct him!
Not even the venomous fox his Phô had invited to this event.
"Hello, Khun Nop." The man facing Pakin was an adversary he did not get along with.
Nop… a man in his early forties, dressed in an elegant suit from head to toe, owned a face full of malicious intent. His hawk-like eyes fixed on the man over a decade his junior, who was extending a hand in greeting. The moment their two hands joined, the atmosphere in the room seemed to grow heavy enough for anyone to feel it.
Of course, these two men did not get along.
"You have organized the event well, Khun Pakin."
"If it were not good, it would not be my work." The reason probably stemmed from Pakin's own confidence. He might view the man before him as an adversary, but not as an equal competitor.
To him, he was just a dog that bites from behind, just a territorial dog that could only bark but never actually compete in anything. Whether it was auctions or any other matter where he tried to snatch benefits, he was no match for him, and he went around picking fights everywhere. And with subordinates like that…
The master is a certain way, the subordinates are even worse.
"You always remain so confident in yourself."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Actually, I have been looking for an opportunity to talk with you. I heard my subordinate caused you some trouble, is that right? I have already reprimanded my subordinate. I hope you will not take offense."
It was more like he had instigated it.
Pakin smiled nastily and retorted.
"No need to apologize to me. I see it as just a dog barking. It does not sting, it does not itch, it does not cause me any damage."
Thud
The island owner looked at the listener's hand, which was clenched tightly into a fist, before relaxing. His sharp eyes gleamed, filled with displeasure. He knew he probably wanted to pull a gun and shoot him, but he also knew that before he could do that, he would probably have him buried in a corner of the island first. Then, the visitor to his enemy's territory laughed as if he found it amusing.
He was not laughing; he was angrier.
Since Pakin was telling him… "You only have the wit to do this much."
Of course, he did not intend to retract his words. Looking at the person suppressing his anger, he thought of the scum that had been messing with him and that-brat.
If he got the chance, he would probably have to get rid of him, keep him out of sight.
Pakin reminded himself. If he was concerned about Graph's safety, it seemed that after returning to Bangkok this time, he would have to eliminate potential future troubles.
"Is that so? If you have no problem, then that is good."
"Indeed. So if Khun Nop has nothing else, I must excuse myself. There are still many guests I need to greet."
Guests more important than you.
The young man gave another smile before breaking away with the smile of a winner, heading straight for distinguished guests that that Nop guy did not even have the means to meet face-to-face… their levels were different.
This action made the party attendee gnash his teeth, suppressing his anger, as he walked back to his room in a state of extreme fury.
Bang!!!
"You arrogant brat!!! If you did not have your Phô's power covering for you, there is no way you could lift your head to speak to me like this!" The moment the door closed, Nop roared loudly. His eyes shone with intense rage, causing all his subordinates to avert their gazes, afraid of becoming collateral damage. This was in contrast to another person who stepped out from the bedroom.
"Sir."
"It is because of you, Ai'Gun, that he has the nerve to look down on me like this!!!" The master yelled at his close subordinate who had gone to pick a fight with that brat, but it ended with him having to clean up the mess. Meanwhile, Gun met his gaze fearlessly, waiting until his master's temper cooled a little before reporting.
"I have a way to deal with him, Sir."
"Deal with him? You say that every time. And have you ever succeeded? You cannot even make that damned smirking brat stop smiling!!!"
"I have his romantic partner in the palm of my hand, Sir."
Thud
"What do you mean…" Nop turned to look at his subordinate's face with suspicion. This made the man with snake-like eyes gesture towards the bedroom he had stepped out of, prompting the room's owner to step inside to look.
"Who is this brat?"
The form of a young man lying still on the bed, with a young doctor standing not far away, made Nop ask in a strong voice. He swiftly turned his gaze back to his close subordinate, who was reporting with a superior smile.
"This is the one, Sir, who is that Pakin's youth."
"This brat here? Are you causing more trouble for me?" The master was about to pull out his gun and aim at his subordinate's head to vent his anger, if not for Gun continuing.
"This youth is the one who made him negotiate last time. I had people follow this youth. He lives in Pakin's house. He is important enough that Phanupong himself takes him along everywhere. And our people report that this youth sleeps in the same room as Pakin." Even though the island owner was cautious about security, he could not screen every worker who came onto the island. Gun's people had been mixed in from the very beginning.
"It is our good fortune that he was sick, so the doctor gave him a sleeping pill." And one of them was the doctor stationed on this island, the one who had prescribed medicine for Graph. But that was not ordinary fever medicine; it was a sleeping pill that guaranteed the young man would not wake up until morning.
"How did you get him here?" Hearing this, the master calmed down a bit.
"There were only two people guarding him. They were probably careless, thinking everyone was at the event. Plus, no one knew he was brought up to the island. I handled his people and brought him here as you see."
"And what do you plan to do?"
The listener smiled viciously immediately and reported the entire plan to his employer.
The plan made the angry man begin to smile gradually, because it seemed this plan would cause that arrogant, capable brat to collapse completely, to the point he would never again be able to lift his head and stretch his neck in the same circles.
This venture was worth the risk.
The sun had set below the horizon. Only the brightly lit lights all over the island remained for the racers about to take to the track and challenge speed. This event was not only attended by underground racers known within the underworld circuit; it also included professional racers hoping for prize money.
Everything was still under control. Every camera cast light onto the race cars positioned at the starting point, and everyone was focusing their attention there. However, not everyone was interested in the race. One of them was a young model who was bored to the extreme.
What to do? Win came here to keep Graph company. But upon learning the youth was too sick to attend the event, he had no reason to be interested.
His slender figure knew he was the center of attention. With looks and a face that, even though he was male, he had long known held charm for the same sex. Therefore, it was not strange that many pairs of eyes were fixed on him. But the one who was most displeased was probably… his Phîi's adversary.
He hated his Phîi, but he desired him.
"Hmph." Win laughed inwardly, still hiding quietly in a corner, and thought about slipping away from the event. If it were not for the older man, whom Pakin had thoroughly trounced, stepping towards him with an improved mood, as if he had a pleasant matter to replace the irritation received from the island owner.
"Hello. It has been a long time."
"Hello." Even though the family on his uncle's side had overwhelming power, Phawit's family on his Phô's side was not involved in illegal business. Therefore, Win was not foolish enough to make an enemy. The young model merely offered a faint smile, accepting the glass the other party offered him, but he had no intention of taking a sip.
He was not that stupid.
"When did you return to Thailand?"
"A while ago. But I do not go out much."
"No wonder. I meet your Phô often. I heard you do not like events like this." Nop said with a smile, sweeping his gaze over the slender, beautiful form. Even though it was a male, its allure was many times greater than a woman's. The listener accepted the words, wearing a mask and returning a smile.
"Yes, I do not really like them. I am only here because of my Phîi." Win emphasized his relationship with Pakin, causing the other to laugh.
"But you must be quite bored. Your Phîi will likely be busy for a long time."
"Not really. I was just thinking of going to keep my junior company." The young model returned the glass to a waiter. He knew that right now everyone was focusing their attention on the opening of the race, so it was unlikely anyone would help him escape from this man. Therefore, he thought it was time he should find an excuse to go see the sick youth.
"Is that so? He seems to be an important junior."
Thud
Something told Win this was abnormal. But because he wanted to get out of here, the young model said with a smile.
"Yes, an important junior. Therefore, I must excuse myself."
"I hope we meet again next time." Win felt relieved that he was letting him walk away, even though deep down he felt an indescribable worry.
His tone when he mentioned Graph… sounded like he knew him.
No, he was needlessly worrying.
Win whispered to himself, even as his steps quickened, wanting to hurry to find the stubborn, clingy youth rather than bury himself in this crazy event he had no interest in whatsoever. However, the moment he reached the door…
"Where are you going, Khun Win?"
"To find Graph." Panchai stepped in to block his way just in time, while glancing towards the direction his employer had come from.
Of course, Pakin's close aide did not trust that sly fox and was displeased with the gaze that followed his young master's back.
"Then I will escort you."
"Do you have free time?"
"I have a little bit of time." The large, tall figure said in a deep voice, ignoring the demeanor that did not want to be near him. His sharp eyes shone with seriousness, indicating he would walk him to the door of the room. This made Phawit feel helpless. Being stubborn would not yield benefits; it was better to walk quickly and reach his destination.
Even if being near this man brought back painful memories.
The young man thought this as he walked towards the corridor connecting to the upstairs rooms, not noticing that it seemed unusually quiet. This was in contrast to the man following him, who frowned intently and moved his hand to his waist where a gun was concealed.
"Khun Win, walk behind me." The abnormality made Panchai step in front, using his arm to protect the other person, who frowned sharply.
"What do you mean?"
"It is too quiet."
"What do you mean? Wait, what about Graph!" Win's eyes widened as he exclaimed immediately, because he knew that in this residential area, only the sick youth, submerged in a pile of fever, remained alone. His sharp eyes swept around, finding that there was no one standing guard as stated, until his heart was beating with fear, compounded by concern for the other youth.
"Walk faster!" The model nearly snapped, while pushing the back of the man who was still wary. Panchai said in a strong voice.
"Do not stray from me."
"Fine, I know! Hurry up!!!" Win wanted to dash out, but he was inevitably grabbed. Both hands pushed the broad back to move forward, until the person being pushed also quickened his pace, drawing his gun and preparing it.
Until the two of them reached Pakin's room.
"Khun Win, wait here."
"I know! Hurry up, Chai! Check to make sure Graph is in there!" The speaker tried to keep his voice firm, but in truth, he was so worried about the other youth he was almost crying. The listener quickly nodded, pushed the door open, and then slipped inside. Win himself did not know what was happening; he just swept his gaze around anxiously, pulling out his mobile phone ready to contact his elder relative.
"Khun Win, you can come in now!"
Slam
Win did not hesitate at all to push the door open with all his might, rushing towards the voice of the person calling out. The moment he stepped into the bedroom…
"No way!" The two workers lying face down on the carpet made his heart drop to his ankles. Just a swift glance at the bed revealed only emptiness.
"Did you check the bathroom?!"
"Yes. Khun Graph is not here." Panchai said in a strong voice, while grabbing the radio communicator to contact his employer.
"Khun Pakin."
[Where are you, Ai'Chai…]
"Urgent matter, Khun Pakin. Khun Graph has disappeared."
[Say that again! Where are you right now!!!]
The other end of the line fell silent for a moment as if the radio signal was lost. But when the deep voice returned, it was filled with extreme anger, as if destructive energy was transmitted through the signal wave, indicating the other side had understood.
"I am in your room."
[I am coming right now!!!]
The radio emitted a loud static noise, causing Panchai to turn to look at the other person, whose face was pale as a ghost.
"Khun Pakin will be here soon."
"I know! But what I want to know is where Graph went! Damn it!!!" Win was a person who could control his anger well, but not this time. He snapped at the other's face, so anxious he was almost going crazy, because no matter how he looked at it, it was impossible that the youth had gone out for a walk on the beach at this time.
The anger made the listener only able to say…
"Calm down. Khun Graph must be safe."
Even though these words could comfort the model, they did not seem likely to reduce the anger of the person who was running over.
Pakin had not thought he would leave such an important event behind and run with all his might, until large sweat beads dripped around his face. But he did not feel hot at all. On the contrary, the young man felt a chill down his entire spine. His close aide's words still echoed in his head.
That youth had disappeared.
Soon, he arrived at the room where his close aide was standing by to receive orders, and his Nong, who was pressing his hands to his head in extreme stress. His sharp eyes swept over the scene of the incident, and without needing anyone to report more, he knew this was not a joke.
Right, no matter how mischievous that stubborn youth was, he did not have the ability to knock out two large men like this.
"Order people to search the entire island. Whoever took him could not have gotten far." The young man turned to order his close aide in a strong voice, and Chai immediately rushed out.
However, these calm words made his relative turn to look at him with a furious expression.
"Is this the first thing you say when you find out Graph is missing?! Are you not worried about him?!"
His Phîi was too calm, so calm he seemed like a person without a heart, like a ruthless person who felt nothing that the youth had disappeared from sight. Pakin did not retaliate, ignoring his Nong's nearly hysterical demeanor.
"Answer me! Are you not angry at all that some damned-animal took him away!!!" Right now, it was like their roles were reversed. The person who was usually cool in every situation was furiously yelling at his Phîi, while the person usually as hot as fire stood still, letting his Nong shout in his face. And yes, Pakin's expression still had not changed color one bit.
But who would know better than himself?
Externally, he was calm, but internally he was as hot as the fires of hell, burning the flesh in his chest until it was almost reduced to ashes. He felt only a fear he had never experienced before, spreading like a malignant cancer gnawing at his internal organs and beginning to spread externally. But he suppressed everything beneath his calm expression.
Right now, he had to be the coldest, keep his mind the most peaceful, and his brain had to be ready for use. If he got angry to the point of losing his sanity, the one in danger would be Graph.
That youth… I should not have let him sleep in the room alone!
The young man was blaming himself for the first time. If he had taken him out with him, this probably would not have happened. But now was not the time for that. He had to figure out who did this and what would happen to him.
"Ai'Nop!!!" Pakin knew immediately who was behind it, until he grabbed the radio to contact the person controlling the pier.
"Do not let anyone leave the island until I give the order."
[A speedboat just left the island a moment ago, Sir. Should we send a boat to intercept it?]
"You damned-animal!!!"
The young man swore loudly before transmitting the message.
"Send a boat out to chase it and bring it back! Whoever succeeds, I have a reward for them!"
After that, Pakin radioed for his stationed helicopters—one for the live broadcast, another for emergencies. And this was the most urgent emergency. But before the young man could abandon everything here to go search for the sick youth, another person who had just learned of the matter was stepping in.
"Do you need help?"
Snap
"Phô."
His Phô was standing with a stern expression in the doorframe. This made the son, who had once declared that even if he died, he would never bow his head and beg anyone for anything, fall silent for a moment, and then…
Pakin bowed his body completely. It was one of the few times he reverted to being the eldest son, not the supremely capable young man trying to compete with his progenitor.
"Please help me." Pakin asked.
"Even though the request is not smooth on the ears, seeing that you are willing to ask… fine, I will help you. You stay here. This event cannot do without you. As for the helicopter chase, I will go myself." Phanupong said in a strong voice. Then the old man, who should move slowly, turned and stepped out swiftly, also ordering the people following him with a speed as if his brain was working constantly, leaving Pakin to take a deep, long breath.
Bloody fucking hell!
Right now, he wanted to leave everything here and go himself. But his responsibility weighed heavily on him. He knew this event was the result of years of his dedication, and he did not want to see it ruined by his own hand.
However, between the event being ruined and losing that other youth… just thinking about it made his heart almost stop beating.
Making me this anxious… when you come back, I will punish you so you learn your lesson!
[Static, static. Khun Pakin, we have released the cars now, Sir.]
"Handle it. I am busy with another matter."
Pakin no longer cared that this was the opening event. He told the control room in a strong voice and was almost about to cut the line, if not for the other side reporting further.
[There is a problem, Sir. A moment ago, there was a report that race car number three was found unconscious near the beach, Sir.]
"I am going!" No matter how small the clue, Pakin immediately rushed out of the room, running straight to the control room where dozens of subordinates were working. He rushed straight to the monitor screen displaying the feed from race car number three, which was speeding along the road but not keeping up with the other cars. It was running last, as if deliberately attracting attention.
"Get me the image from the passenger compartment."
Whoosh
The image on the screen was just black, making Pakin almost roar loudly.
"Connect the radio to the racer!"
[Static… static… static…]
"The radio system has a problem, Sir."
"Damn it!!!" Pakin almost threw the wireless headset to the ground. His eyes fixed only on the four-door race car, whose engine had been upgraded to have performance not different from luxury cars costing tens of millions. But because the sky was completely dark, he could not see inside the passenger compartment, even though his heart was having a strange premonition.
What if he is in that car?
The thought made its owner almost dash to get in a car and press the accelerator to follow. But at that very moment…
The phone in his pants pocket rang loudly, forcing him to quickly grab it. The number displayed was none other than… the one he had given to the sick youth before leaving.
"Graph! Where are you!!?"
[Hello, Khun Pakin.]
The young man shouted out loudly, hoping to hear the hoarse, faint voice of the sick person who had sneaked out to play, but instead it was the deep voice of a person using a voice changer, making the voice so low it was hard to tell who it was.
"Who are you!!?"
[I have something I want to show you.]
Instead of answering the question, the voice said something else. And immediately…
"The image is up, Khun Pakin…"
"Graph!!!"
The image from inside the passenger compartment of race car number three appeared on the screen. However, the camera was not positioned in front of the driver to check his condition during the race; it was positioned directly to the side of the driver. The person sleeping there with his neck bent limply was… Krittitee.
The young man who made Win cry out in shock, while the person holding the phone line… was even more startled.
The moment he saw the image of the young man sleeping unaware, Pakin's heart seemed to drop and disappear into the darkness of the sea.
"Graph." And he could only utter the name.
[Are you ready to negotiate now?]
Pakin could only clench his fist tightly, inhaling to compose himself. Because from now on, Graph's life depended on his decisions!!!
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