Chapter 2: The seed of doubt
Vegas POV
When I entered the room, the lights were off. Pete was sleeping soundly and silently. In a few hours the sun would rise. I stayed at the club late, trying to suppress my frustration. I took a shower. When I got back, I put on my pajamas. I lay down next to Pete. I wanted to hug him like I do every night. But something stopped me. I rested my right arm over my forehead, looking at the ceiling. My mind was still full of turbulent thoughts.
Pete left without even talking to me. Macau scolded me for dancing with Yim. I confess I did it on purpose. I got angry. Pete had been gone for some time to talk to the babysitter, and he hadn't come back. Yim's comments got me thinking. Does not Pete mind leaving me alone? Does he not feel jealous? They say my jealousy is almost unbearable, but not showing any jealousy at all is also irritating. Pete used to be jealous of Yim when I held him captive. To the point of Pete hurting himself and leaving. I wanted to prove that Pete is as crazy about me as I am about him. But he just left me alone, and rushed back home to take care of Venice.
I woke up at lunchtime with a hangover. Pete was in the kitchen eating his southern food with the babysitter. They were laughing. Venice was eating his baby food, offered alternately by Pete and the nanny. That scene irritated me deeply. Actually, it made my heart ache a little. Or maybe too much.
"Good afternoon, Khun Vegas" The nanny stood up bowing to me. I said nothing.
"Why are you eating in the kitchen?" I asked Pete in a normal tone.
"Well, I didn't know what time you would wake up. We're giving Venice his lunch. Jenny loves spicy food as much as I do, so I decided to share some of this with her. Good to have someone that appreciates southern food besides me!" Pete gave a large smile. I was holding my growing anger.
"I see."
"I will ask the housekeeper to prepare something for you to eat. Macau left early with his friends. Aren't you going to the office this Sunday?" At no point Pete showed any emotion or discomfort about yesterday. But I'm so pissed with him and that girl that I can't show him any tender emotion right now.
"No, I'm going to work from here later.
"Ok. We are taking Venice to Dr. Top for more tests"
"On Sunday?"
"Dr. Top is as workaholic as you are"
"I'm going with you"
"Why?" Pete seemed surprised.
"Can't I? He is our baby, after all".
"Sure."
...
"We are going to do some additional tests on his blood. As soon as we have the results, I'll call you. Medications are effective in controlling seizures. Don't worry, Pete. We will find the cause and treat it accordingly."
"Thank you Doctor Top".
"I told you. You worry to much.
"Somebody has to."
"Venice is your whole world, and no one else".
Pete moves away from me. He takes Venice from the nanny's lap.
"This baby is so cute! Beautiful like his mother and smiley like his father! What a beautiful family!"
WHAT? Are you kidding me? This baby is cute like me! I! Damn nurse! Venice is my clone! I'm the father! I'm the husband! Pete is mine! I was furious. My phone was ringing. I answered the phone and turned my back to them. I was holding back my urge to strangle that nurse... Pete... and the damn nanny.
...
"You don't even denied..." I said in a low voice, keeping my eyes on the road.
"..."
Pete not even had the courage to argue with me. My phone was vibrating. Some messages from Yim. I was not in the mood to text to anyone.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to the mansion"
"Are you going out today?
"No. I told you. I'm going to work from there today. Why do you have to go to the main family mansion?"
"It was already agreed with Khun Noo. He wants to see Venice. Khun saw Venice having a seizure last time and was worried.
Once again, the others have your attention, Pete. Not me.
"Okay"
"I'll try to rush things there, I promise."
Pete POV
I can't sleep at all. Vegas arrived home at almost dawn. He didn't look for any skinship nor hug me like he does every night. He just took a shower and turned to sleep. I felt very hurt to see him dancing with another man. It hurts deeper because Yim was his ex-lover. He should have known it would hurt me a lot.
I consider myself a very chill and confident person. But sometimes I still find myself questioning why Vegas likes me. Does he really think I'm "enough" for him? I've tried so hard to get Vegas bored with me before when I was in captivity, and now that I'm with him willingly... is Vegas getting bored with me?
By the time we got together again, I have never doubted Vegas feelings for me, or my feelings for him...but now...maybe I'm just too sensitive...maybe I'm just feeling his absence since Vegas is overworking every day, along Porsche, because of the second family business. I myself overwork to the point of exaustion. I try helping them and taking of care of Venice. By the end of the day we are too exausted to even talk. Wich is quite surprising, considering how high sex driven Vegas is. Or was? Is Vegas losing his interest in me? Are we slowly getting apart from each other? Ugh...My head aches.
Adding to that, my poor baby got sick and the new nanny is helping me a lot. Jenny is a former pediatric nurse. It was a blessing to meet her. Vegas hardly accepted to hire Jenny. According to his criteria, Jenny is not ugly nor old enough to live with us. Jenny is a pretty nice young lady actually, which I know really pisses off my jealous husband. Vegas can be sure my feelings for him will never change. Even if... his eventually ends.
The next morning, he acted as if nothing had happened. I decided not to listen to my jealousy and my hurt feelings. I tried my best not to argue with him about last night. I just wish we were okay again. Jenny advised me to act as if nothing was bothering me. She's a great friend to me now and she's rooting for Vegas and me as a couple.
Vegas was cold, though. No... worse... he was indifferent. Not a kiss, not a hug, not a pat on the head. I was surprised when he offered to take Venice to see Dr. Top. I know deep down he cares about Venice. Even when he pretends not to and says some nasty things. Does he not understand that I love Venice as I love him? Venice is like Vegas in almost everything. I hope it's not the psychotic part of Vegas. I've been working hard to avoid this. When I take care of Venice I feel like going back in time to protect Vegas with all my love. It sounds crazy, but it's true.
At the hospital, some nurses thought that Jenny and I were Venice's parents. I thought Vegas would be furious. But he was talking to someone on the phone. I don't think he cares anymore.
But after a while I had to make it clear to all the nurses who were praising Venice: "...my baby is as beautiful as my husband there". They nodded in agreement.
...
Vegas was taking us to the main family mansion. He was silent the entire ride. Jenny was playing with Venice in the backseat. Near the mansion's gate, Vegas said something, but I didn't pay attention. I was looking at a name on his phone screen. He didn't touch the phone. He pretended not to see that Yim was texting him. I could only read "Hi, Phi!". So annoying. Why are they talking to each other so much lately?
Jenny got out of the car holding Venice in her arms. Arm and Pol offered to help her. It is evident that the two of them have a crush on her. Poor girl. Now I understand why they both insisted that I come to the mansion with Venice.
Khun Noo frowned at Vegas. Vegas didn't even bother to pay attention. He remained inside the car. He was looking at the messages on his phone instead.
"See you later"
"OK." That's all he replied, not even looking at me.
...
"Pete, I won't get tired of repeating that to you. Leave Vegas bastard and come back to me! Look at you! You look terrible!"
"Khun Noo..."
"What did he do to you? Tell me? I have him kidnapped and beaten to death. Nobody will ever know."
I usually don't open up my feelings. But I was feeling so suffocated by my fears that I decided to open up to Khun Noo.
I told Khun Noo about the conversations I overheard from Vegas friends. About Yim's questions. But I didn't talk about Vegas dancing sensually with that boy. That would irritate Khun Noo too much. Maybe Khun Noon would have Vegas kidnapped and killed indeed.
"I told you Vegas had sex with everyone. He is sick. And his friends are disgusting idiots. You should value yourself more, Pete! You are a nice, smart and handsome guy. And the only one crazy enough to be with Vegas. Even more after all he's done to you. And people say I'm crazy? I'll think of something to help you. But if it doesn't work, you have to promise me one thing.
"What, Khun Noo?"
"Come back to me and leave my disgusting cousin"
....
I was happy with Khun Noo's support. He's crazy, but not that crazy. Perhaps he is the most clever of all in this family. And most of all, he really cares about me.
I went looking for Porsche to say hi.
Kinn and Porsche greeted me, but they were visibly worried. They were discussing some important deal.
"I'm sorry to interrupt"
"Stay, Pete. Maybe you can help us think of a solution. It is also in the interest of the second family, as the client is from the second family. It's a very important client" Kinn motioned for me to approach.
"Vegas just called. He talked to the client and there will be no business if Gu Wei doesn't evaluate the weaponry." Kim warned everyone. "He sent those documents too."
"Damn it. I can't believe we spent almost 6 months to make this deal possible and now we won't close because your weapons consultant decides to fight with his jealous boyfriend, Kinn".
"Angel has trapped Gu Wei on their private island and he is not going to release Wei anytime soon." Kim explained to everyone.
"Why don't you send a team to rescue him and solve the problem, Kinn?"
"It's not that simple, Porsche. Angel is more than Gu Wei's boyfriend. He is his main bodyguard. The most skilled we've ever known." The client doesn't know Gu Wei personally, but all the big families know about Tiānshǐ, though.
"Tiānshǐ? What's so important about this guy?
"It's Angel in Chinese. He is a former professional assassin. Maybe the best in the country" Arm said.
"Pretentious. Is he that good?"
"The best one, Porsche" I amended. "Agile, precise and extremely cold." He is a highly skilled professional assassin. Angel stopped serving the top families to protect Gu Wei. "Arm and I followed Gu Wei and Angel for quite some time to attest to their loyalty to the main family. Gu Wei is well known for being an expert in weapons and extremely impartial. That's why customers trust his judgment when dealing weapons with the Theerapanyakul family. And not only that. No one dares to threaten Gu Wei knowing that Tianshi will be there to protect him".
Porsche took the documents Vegas sent Kim. "Wow! Is that Angel? I mean... this guy kills people like he kills flies? With that baby face? dressed like that? leather pants... Is this a crop top? He looks much more like a k-pop idol than a highly skilled assassin.
"Angelic face! Got it? Gorgeous, right? But don't fool yourself. He is that good. In everything" Kim sighs.
"Let my brother hear you talk about this guy in that malicious way, Kim. Bastard. And you, Kinn, have you fallen for the Angel of Death?"
"Unrequited love! A case of failure from Kinn's list. I don't know about Vegas, thongh..." kim teased me.
"Funny...this guy is no stranger to me..." Porsche was turning over the photo thoughtfully.
"Hmn...it's possible. Angel used to go to a lot of clubs. You may have known him when you were a bartender. Angel was a show apart in any nightclub" said Arm recalling the time we followed him to every night out with Gu Wei.
"Do you know Angel? Have you ever had a drink with him? Did you dance with him? Or is it..."
"Don't overthink, Kinn! Of course not! Such a cute guy like this? I would remember..." This Gu Wei is also very handsome. Is every top mafia person beautiful?
"Peeete...Khun Noo's voice reverberated through the room. There you are! How dare you leave me alone at the end of the series. Pol doesn't pay attention to anything...but the nanny. What are you guys looking at?" Khun Noo snatched Angel's photo from Porsche's hands. "Hmn...hmn... hey Pete, I already know the solution to your problems right here!"
"What do you mean, Khun Noo?" I asked him confused
"Update the haircut..." Khun Noo ruffled my hair. "...a little eye makeup... and show some skin too" Khun Noo lifted my shirt, showing my waist, which made me pull it down, embarrassed. "Here you go...you're going to look just like him, aren't you? I bet your worthless husband will die of jealousy" Khun Noo concluded feeling proud of himself. "It may be that he'll keep you enchained again inside your room, though" He said thoughtfully.
I knew that angelic face reminded me of someone! It's you, Pete! Tankhun, you are a crazy genius!"
"WHAT?" Porsche...Khun Noo, you guys are out of your minds!
"..." Everyone looked at me thoughtfully.
"This might work"
Khun Kinn?! Even you?
....
"No"
Vegas was emphatic. He is in the second family's mansion on video conference with the main family.
"But Vegas, listen to me. It's just this once. We'll all be around. It's the only way." Porsche tried to reason with Vegas.
"Arm speaks chinese and is as expert in weapons as Gu Wei. But everyone knows that where Gu Wei goes, Tianshi will be too. We can't send Arm without sending Angel. And no one knows Angel's habits better than Pete." Kinn adds.
"Angel and Pete even look alike. Maybe you will enjoy it too. Kim teases Vegas."
"You worked so hard for this deal. Are you going to lose everything?" Porsche still insisted.
"Kinn, if it were Porsche, would you agree?"
"..."
"That's what I thought." (Vegas said in English)
"What? Does he just shut the connection down? Son of a..." Porsche sighed
"We can't send Arm without Pete. It would be too risky". Kinn pointed.
"I said Vegas wouldn't agree, Porsche. Too bad, it would be interesting to see Pete transformed into an angel...hahaha"
Kim was right. Vegas would never agree. He is too protective. And to be honest, this possibility also seemed absurd to me. How am I going to turn into that beautiful guy? No way. Why do you guys think I look like him? Are you all that desperate?
While Kinn and Porsche's plans didn't work out, one thing made me happy. Vegas lost a few million trades...for me. I felt a smile forming on my face as I looked at Vegas' beautiful face on the other side of the screen, even though he never once looked back at me...
...
"It's really nice to see Khun Pete with a lighter face"
Jenny read me very well. I felt willing to put my doubts and insecurities aside, go back home, and lock Vegas in our bedroom until we get back together like we used to. I'd rather be happy than be right. I was resolute.
Vegas sent Nop to pick us up. If I know Vegas well, he must be locked in his office trying to solve the problem with the first and second family weaponry trade. These businesses bringing families together were more and more frequent, thanks to Kinn and Porsche, without the conflicts that existed back in the days of Khun Korn and Khun Kan. Vegas actively participated in all negotiations. I would like to help him solve this somehow.
"Is there a problem, Nop?" I asked realizing that Nop was weird.
"We have arrived".
"Where is Vegas"?
"In the first floor meeting room"
"Ok. Jenny, take Venice to the bedroom and put him to sleep, please."
I decided to go upstairs to shower before heading down to see Vegas. I wanted to get the sweat off my body and be fresh to get him out of that room.
Maybe Khun Noo has a point. I don't need to go to the extreme of wearing a crop top, but dressing up a little more wouldn't hurt.
Stepping out of the shower, I chose a white shirt with a front cleavage that Vegas had given me as a gift, warning that I could only wear it for him. I was looking at myself in the mirror. I really looked good in that shirt.
The steam from the shower turned my cheeks pink, giving me an angelic look. Yes, I can look good if I take care of myself more. Even from this angle I look a little like Angel. I was happy. I suddenly noticed something shining on the bed. It caught my eye.
I looked closely, reaching with my fingertips to the chain that glowed brightly under Vegas's pillow. I immediately noticed that the bed was badly made. It wasn't like that when we left. Vegas couldn't stand a sloppy bed. I firmly held the object in the palm of my hand. So hard that it hurt. When I opened my hand, my eyes were fixed on those initials.
With feelings I couldn't make out bubbling up inside me, I left the room abruptly, hurrying downstairs.
"Pete, dinner is ready..."
I left Nop talking to himself, heading to the meeting room.
"Pete!...wait!" Nop tried to stop me, but it was too late. I opened the door violently.
I didn't look at Vegas sitting on the couch. I went straight to the guy sitting next to him.
"Phi Pete, glad to see you!"
I did not answer.
"Pete, did you happen to even consider..." Vegas rehearsed some lecture on the subject of Angel, but I heard nothing. Only one thought filled my mind. My senses.
I took Yim by the arm, squeezing hard. I pulled the sleeve up to reveal his right wrist. Anything. I did the same with the left. Just a thin mark of where the bracelet was.
"Pete...what's going on?" Vegas was startled.
"Phi Pete...?"
I kept a grim face
"I think you missed something, Nong Yim."
I opened his hand and placed the white gold bracelet.
"Ah...Phi...where did you find it? I've been looking everywhere...thank you so much...I was distressed"
"Be more careful where you leave your things."
I turned to Vegas, who was looking at me thoughtfully.
"As for the matter of this afternoon. The decision is already made." I said firmly.
"Of course, it makes no sense..."
"Excuse me" I didn't let Vegas finish it. I turned my back on them.
"Where are you going? Pete?"
"Pack my suitcase"
"What do you mean? What suitcase? For what?" Vegas asked me surprised
"To go back to the main family house."
...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Alana_Avatar
Alana_Avatar Hello guys!
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