Chapter 22: The Quiet Descent

Hong

Hong woke up slowly, the morning light filtering through the curtains in a soft, golden haze.

His body felt warm and satisfied, a pleasant ache still lingering in his muscles from the night before.

He stretched a little under the sheets, smiling to himself as the memories flooded back in— Nut's strong hands on him, holding him down, the way he had buried himself in him, the whispered filth and promises in the dark.

Afterwards, the fevered haze cleared. Then things became quiet again, save for their soft breathing and the city moving outside. Nut had gotten up at some point, and cleaned him gently with a warm cloth, each stroke soft, tender and reverent.

Then they got up and ordered food, eating it in bed, and chatting like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Now, Nut was lying beside him, still sleeping peacefully, lashes fluttering, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

Hong turned onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow, just watching, taking in all of his attractive features.

Nut was so beautiful, he thought pathetically.

So beautiful it almost hurt to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, lashes casting soft shadows against his cheeks, lips slightly parted.

Hong's heart swelled with complete admiration and devotion.

This man was his now.

After all the distrust, the waiting, the uncertainty, Nut finally belonged to him.

And he belonged to Nut.

It felt like a dream he never wanted to wake from.

Hong's eyes drifted lower, tracing the intricate tattoos that painted Nut's skin. The eagle wings spread from his shoulders down to his arm, the feathers so detailed they looked like they could shift, flutter and carry him into the sky.

The ink disappeared under the white sheets, teasing Hong's curiosity.

He smiled softly, reaching out to trace one feather with a fingertip, just barely ghosting the skin there, careful not to wake Nut up yet.

But then as Hong glanced further down, he noticed the obvious tent around Nut's groin area.

He was hard, in his sleep.

That was normal.

Nut was just flesh and blood after all.

But something about seeing him so helpless to his biology sent a spread of heat pooling in Hong's belly.

Unable to resist, Hong leaned in and pressed a soft, but lingering to Nut's neck, then along the column of his throat. He nuzzled in deep, inhaling the faint scent of sweat, sin and something uniquely Nut.

Then he moved to his shoulder, nipping lightly at the skin there, feeling the muscle twitch under his lips. Nut shifted at touch, but his breathing still stayed slow and deep, still held down by sleep.

Hong kept going lower, and lower, heart quickening with anticipation and need.

When he reached the sheets, he tugged them down gently, revealing Nut's cock, already hard and flushed red.

And that fucking piercing. The silver hoop glinted at the red tip, catching the sunlight faintly.

Hong's mouth watered instantly.

Gods, that would be the end of him.

He lowered himself between Nut's legs beneath the sheets, propped up by his arm, settling comfortably on his stomach.

Then, he wrapped a hand around the base and licked a slow strip on the ring, running his tongue around the cool metal, shifting it back and forth. The taste of Nut's desire still lingered there, and Hong closed his mouth full around, pulling slightly with his tongue, trying to catch more of that essense.

Nut stirred from the pull, a low sound escaping him as he slowly came awake from the intense sensation.

Hong's tongue then moved to Nut's swollen head, licking it in slow swirling circles, lapping up a pearl of pre-cum that had gathered. Then he took the head fully into his mouth and sucked, closing his lips around the sensitive flesh with a wet dragging sound.

His eyes finally fluttered open, mind a blur of sleep and the blinding pleasure coming from below him. Instinctively, he lifted the sheet with one hand, blinking down at the sight.

The mist in his eyes soon cleared and Hong's silver hair came into focus, bobbing up and down as he worked his mouth arouhd Nut's length, taking more of him into his warm, wet mouth.

The tip slowly nudged against the back of his throat, and Hong didn't pull back. He hummed around it, gurgling, eyes watering slightly but full of determination, and lust...

And love.

"Fuck..." Nut breathed, breath stuttering, his voice rough with sleep and arousal. "Good morning."

Hong looked up, his mouth still full of Nut, and he mumbled a "Good morning" around his cock, the vibrations pulling an impulsive jerk from Nut's hips.

Nut let out a surprised laugh at his reaction, a sound that quickly dissolved into a broken moan. "Oh fuck— baby. Hmmm, that feels so good.." He reached down and threaded his fingers through Hong's silver hair, not pushing, just holding gently.

Hong's head kept bobbing up and down, swallowing him while, sending rippling sensations down Nut's spine.

Nut could only watch, panting, guiding him with words as his cock disappeared into Hong's mouth. "Yeah... mhmm... take it slow, babe. Yeah, just like that— suck on the head. Play with the piercing, it drives me crazy."

Hong obeyed, swirling his tongue around the ring again, tugging it lightly with his lips.

Nut's moans grew louder, filling the quiet room. His thighs tensed on either side of Hong.

"You're so beautiful like this, Hong." Nut continued, his voice husky. "Waking up with your pretty lips wrapped around me... I could do this forever."

Hong's heart fluttered. He pulled away, stroking the hot length while a string of cum still attached his lip to Nut's cock. "You love me? You love it when I suck your cock first thing in the morning?"

"Yes... get down there." Nut forced his head down, voice gravel.

Hong swallowed him whole again, closing his lips and throat tight.

Nut cursed, hips twitching as sharp sparks of pleasure flashed behind his eyes.

Hong bobbed his head faster, hollowing his cheeks, one hand stroking the base where his mouth couldn't reach.

"That's it... fuck, Hong... your throat is so tight. Relax for me, Hong. Let me feel you swallow around it."

Hong obeyed like it was reflex. He pushed deeper and eased his muscles around him, letting Nut's length settle there.

Nut's cursed, breathing becoming ragged. "Does it taste good, baby?" He moaned. "Want me to cum in your mouth?"

Hong nodded eagerly, mumbling another affirmative sound that made Nut's thigh shake.

Hong's own hard cock throbbed between his legs, aching, begging to be touched.

But he focused entirely on Nut. He only wanted to make him feel good, show his complete devotion for him.

He took him deeper, gagging a little but pushing through, hot tears pricking his eyes from the effort.

Wet and obscene sounds— slurping, moaning, choking, cursing filled the room and that only seemed to turn them on the more.

"You're doing so good, baby." Nut praised, his hand tightening in Hong's hair. "Suck like that... good boy. Keep going... keep going... I'm so close already."

Hong dove deeper, sucking harder, shiny eyes locked on Nut falling apart above him, one hand fondling Nut's balls gently.

Nut's hips started to move, muscles drawing tight, impulsive, shallow thrusts matching Hong's rhythm. "I'm coming— Hong— fuck!" He moaned, eyes snapping shut tight.

Hong hummed eagerly in response, eyes locked on Nut's face, waiting for him to break. He wanted every drop, wanted to memorize every broken reaction.

Nut's body tensed, back arching off the bed as he spilled into Hong's mouth with a loud, broken moan, whole body bucking and writhing. Wave after wave of pleasure hit him, his cock pulsing warm and fast against Hong's tongue.

Hong swallowed every drop, relishing the warmth sliding down his throat and settling in his stomach, feeling Nut's hot cock slowly soften in his mouth.

He pulled back with a loud wet sound, and holding Nut's now flaccid penis up, he started to lick, starting with Nut's shaft, then sliding upwards around the sensitive head and piercing.

He flicked the hoop with his tongue, sucking softly and lapping around the slit at the tip even as Nut started to squirm.

"Hong— fuck— too much— Hong!" Nut gasped, overstimulated but too weak to pull away. His legs trembled, and his fingers gripped Hong's hair tight.

The pain made only Hong harder.

He kept sucking and playing with the piercing for a few seconds more, loving the way Nut whimpered and broke above him, caught somewhere between pleasure and something too-much.

"Hong— stop— FUCK!!" Nut said with a sharp tone that wasn't intentional.

Hong's submissive instincts gave in then. He sat up and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, smiling mischievously.

Then he crawled up Nut's body and kissed him deeply, sharing the traces of him left on his tongue.

Nut kissed back, weak and sated at first, then a little more eagerly, his arms coming to wrap around Hong's waist and pull him close.

Their tongues met, slow and passionate— loving even now, the filth and intensity from before fading into something sweeter.

Hong broke away just enough to smile. "Good morning... mine." He said softly, murmuring against Nut's lips.

Nut laughed breathlessly, blood still thrumming warm from the after-shock. "Good morning, angel. Sleep good?" His voice was groggy, still deep with sleep.

Hong nestled against him, cheek on Nut's cheek, craving contact and closeness. "Hmmm... Best sleep of my life. I feel happy, Nut... I feel safe with you." He confessed, meaning every word. Then lower, much fragile. "I wish I could stay here, like this. With you, forever."

Nut stared at him with shiny eyes, heart melting at Hong's vulnerable sincerity.

Unable to find words to match Hong's, Nut just kissed him again, hoping he could pass the message just as profoundly.

And from the way Hong kissed him back, he might have.

They kissed for long, more passionately, naked bodies pressed together. Hong clung to Nut tightly, one arm around his neck, the other tangling in his hair, legs weaving against Nut's. Almost like he wanted to melt into him, become one person, and never get separated again.

Every kiss made his heart ache with emotion, with gratitude, with love, and a fierce protectiveness that surprised him with its intensity.

Somehow, Nut had become his safe place, his everything.

Nut felt it too.

He ran his hands down Hong's back, soothing and possessive. "I need you closer..." He murmured against Hong's lips, voice hoarse but desperate, breath brushing hot against Hong's skin.

In one smooth motion, he flipped them over, hovering above Hong now.

Hong's legs parted instinctively, welcoming him.

Nut reached down, fingers brushing against Hong's entrance. He pressed two inside, the digits slipping in without restraints, pulling a soft sigh from Hong's lips. "You're still soft from last night..." Nut said, voice full of wonder and lust. "So ready for me."

Hong swallowed and grinded against his fingers, craving deeper connection.

Nut didn't stretch him for long, didn't need to. He grabbed his already hardened cock, gave it a few teasing stroke, lining it up against Hong's entrance. Then he pushed in slowly, the slide much easier this time, Hong's body opening up like it was made for him. Inch by thick inch, metal and skin pressing against smooth walls, they soon joined completely.

Hong moaned loudly, back arching, hands flying up to grip Nut's shoulders.

"Nut... oh god..." Hong gasped, mouth open wide. The fullness, the warmth, the connection— it was almost too much. It felt so perfect, so right, it overwhelmed him in the best way possible.

Their bodies were locked together, hearts beating in perfect sync.

Nut buried deep, not moving, not yet. He just savored the heat and tightness wrapped around him, pulsing inside Hong like a second heartbeat.

He kissed Hong's forehead, his eyes, his nose, his cheeks, his lips. "Tell me what you need, baby."

"Move... please." Hong's eyes were glassy with pleasure and emotion.

And so Nut did, slow at first, but then slowly picking up pace.

Liquid heat rushed through Hong, spreading across his whole body like wildfire. He could die here like this. But then the heaven would be over too fast.

He never imagined sex could be like this— this passionate. This... this consuming.

But still he needed something— something vulnerable, something more intimate than the connection they were already sharing. "Say it again." Hong whispered, forehead pressed against Nut's staring deep into his eyes as Nut's cock kept plunging in and out of him.

Nut looked down at him, brows furrowing, gaze lust laden but confused. "Say what?" He asked with ragged breaths.

"Tell me— mhmm! Tell me you love me."

Nut's heart clenched. He pushed deeper, hips snapping in faster. "I love you, Hong. I love you so much."

Hong moaned, fingers burying into Nut's ass, digging tiny crescent shapes into his skin. "Again... please."

Nut buried his head into his neck, fisting the sheets tight, planting Hong deeper into the mattress. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room. The bed creaked loudly beneath them.

"I love you.." Nut said, voice heavy but full of feeling. "I love you my silver-haired angel."

The new nickname nearly sent Hong spiraling. His moans grew louder, mixing with the sound of their bodies still aggressively meeting. "I love you too, Nut. I love you more." He managed, clinging desperately, trying to hold on against Nut's vicious thrusts.

Nut slammed in deeper, angling the ring to hit that perfect spot inside Hong's body.

Hong's body trembled, pleasure building with every deep push. Tears of overwhelming emotion slipped from the corners of his eyes.

This wasn't just sex— it was love made real, bodies and souls intertwined. He felt cherished, wanted, and finally, finally complete.

The morning passed quick, the high from their passionate love making coming and going, the air going from hot to cold, their bodies with it.

Hong and Nut stayed tangled in each other's arms for a long while after, Hong resting his head on Nut's chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat, imagining it was a sound only made for him.

Nut's fingers traced lazy patterns along Hong's bare back, occasionally dipping lower to squeeze his ass possessively. Every touch said what words couldn't fully capture.

You are mine. I am yours.

"I don't want to move..." Hong murmured, nuzzling closer. His voice was soft, almost sleepy again. "Can we just stay like this forever?"

Nut chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. He then kissed the top of Hong's silver hair, breathing in his clean scent. "We should... but we have work waiting" He murmured.

Hong grumbled in annoyance, pulling a chuckle from him.

"Ok. Okay I guess a few more minutes won't hurt." He tightened his arms around Hong, pulling him even closer until there was no space left between them.

The world outside the room seemed far away and the cases, the dangers, he guessed all of it could wait a little longer.

Eventually, Nut reached for his phone on the nightstand and ordered breakfast. He chose some simple things they both liked— rice with chicken, fresh fruit, coffee— with lots of milk and sugar for Hong, black for himself.

While they waited, they talked quietly about big nothings and little everythings— how Nut's tattoos itched sometimes when he sweated, how Hong's hair not only needed coloring but scissoring too— Nut was fiercely against both, and silly little stories that made them laugh.

When the food arrived, Hong retrieved it, wearing Nut's t-shirt, looking impossible sexy in the way that made it hard to focus on anything— including the food.

So Hong had to feed him, piece after careful piece, which delighted him even more than he imagined it would.

Hong stole kisses between each bites, drank bitter coffee from Nut's mouth and claimed it was much better than his sugar-filled one. Nut wiped a bit of sauce from Hong's lip with his thumb and sucked it clean, eyes darkening with renewed heat.

Somehow they ended kissing again— the world outside their loved up bubble practically non-existent.

After eating, they showered together. The bathroom filled with steam as hot water cascaded over their naked bodies.

Nut washed Hong's hair first, massaging his scalp with gentle fingers while Hong moaned in pleasure. Then Hong returned the favor, soaping up Nut's broad chest, tracing every line of the eagle wings tattoo with slippery hands.

Their touches lingered, turning tender and loving rather than heated and hungry.

Nut soon pressed Hong against the tiled wall and kissed him deeply under the spray, hands roaming but not demanding more. It was intimacy in its purest form— learning each other, caring for each other, and strengthening the bond that had been growing for months on end.

Afterwards, they dressed casually, Hong putting on Nut's clothes and complaining that he was a few sizes smaller. Nut could only laugh and pull him into big hug, muttering sweet words about how "They fit better that way."

They both left the apartment after that, driving to the station, smiling the whole way there. The car ride was full of comfortable silence and occasional hand-holding. Nut's thumb rubbed soothing circles on the back of Hong's hand, possessive and claiming.

But as soon as they stepped into the bustling police station, things shifted.

Heads turned and whispers rippled through the open office space. Colleagues who had seen them arrive together stared a little too long now.

The air felt tighter, thicker, charged with curiosity and judgment.

Hong moved warily, staying close to Nut's side. But before they could even reach their desks, Chief Sapang's voice rang from his doorway. "NUT!!! My office. NOW!!!"

Nut looked at Hong, brow furrowing.

Then his jaw tightened. Hong clung to him, unsure and protective.

But Nut gave him a quick, reassuring nod. "I'll be right back." He told Hong and walked away, shutting the chief's door behind him with a soft click.

Hong tried to stay calm, lingering nearby, pretending to check on some papers on a nearby desk while straining to hear.

The conversation inside quickly grew heated, voices rising— Nut's deep and defensive, the Chief's sharp and authoritative.

Hong made out words like "protocol" "evidence" and "unacceptable". His stomach started to tighten with worry.

He glanced around and caught Lego watching him from across the room, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

Hong's brows furrowed.

Lego was beginning to tick off too many of his alarm signs.

He was up to something, Hong was sure.

The moment Hong decided he would find out, the door suddenly flew open. Nut stormed out, face flushed red with anger, fists clenched at his sides.

Chief Sapang followed right behind, his expression stern and final. "Effective immediately... Nut is on a temporary suspension." The Chief announced, shooting a nasty look at the already retreating Nut.

The office went dead quiet.

The Chief turned to Hong. "Pitchetpong!!! Lego will be working with you on the Peemsan case until further notice. Understood."

Hong frowned. "Yes, Sir." He answered anyways.

"Back to work." The chief ordered and returned to his office, door slamming shut.

The room then erupted into low murmurs.

Hong stood frozen for a second, confused. He looked at Lego, who gave a small shrug as if to say Not my doing.

Their eyes met for a long moment— Hong's searching for any sign of deceit, Lego's meeting his' head on.

But Hong still didn't trust it.

Not one bit.

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the squad room, pushing through the door of the station.

He roamed around for long minutes, until he eventually found Nut behind the building, leaning his forehead against the rough concrete wall. His shoulders were tense, his breathing heavy like he was trying to contain a storm inside but he was breaking.

The sight crushed something in Hong's chest.

He approached quietly and wrapped his arms around Nut from behind, pressing his cheek to his broad back. "Baby... I'm sorry..." He murmured, voice thick with apology. He squeezed his waist tighter, pouring all his love and support into the hug. "This isn't fair."

Nut stayed rigid for a few moment, before he relaxed, slowly easing into Hong's embrace. The anger that had been radiating off him melted away, replaced by Hong's warmth. He let out a long, relieving breath and placed one hand on Hong's on his stomach. "It's okay..." He muttered, though his voice still carried traces of frustration. "You being here helps."

They stood like that for a long moment, the distant sounds station and the city nearby fading into the background.

Hong could feel Nut's heartbeat slowing, syncing with his own. It was a small comfort to his worry.

After a while, Nut turned around and Hong loosened his hold just enough. They then faced each other, Hong's hands tightening back on Nut's waist. "What happened in there? Tell me everything."

Nut ran a tired hand through his hair, eyes dark with irritation. He leaned back against the wall, pulling Hong closer so their bodies stayed pressed together. "Earlier... when I first got assigned here, I broke into the home of a gang member. It was risky, but I thought it was necessary. Someone dug up CCTV footage of it and sent it in anonymously, like a threat."

Hong blinked, confusion crossing his face. "Wasn't that months ago? Why bring it up all of a sudden?"

"I would like to know too." Nut said, gritting his teeth. "Someone obviously doesn't want me on this case."

Hong's brow furrowed deeper. "Who sent it? Did the Chief say?"

Nut shook his head. "He doesn't know... or won't say. But it's obvious. This isn't random. This Peemsan case— you need to be careful, Hong. Keep your eyes open. Everything— Luke's case, the leads we've been chasing all this while— it might all be connected to the Citadel somehow."

Hong knew it wasn't.

Luke got his drug from the Yakuza. If someone had wanted him dead, it was most certainly them. Now that William had cast them out of Bangkok, they were probably just cleaning up loose ends.

Luke either know too much or was simply just a risk being a person of interest in Chokun's overdose.

Still, but he didn't argue.

He kept everything he knew inside and faked concern and loyalty. "I don't want to do this without you..." He said, voice cracking slightly, his fingers gripping Nut's shirt. "And I don't trust Lego. Not like I trust you. We're supposed to be partners. How am I supposed to focus when you're not there?" He hoped his little act strengthened Nut's faith in him.

It worked.

Nut cupped his face fiercely with both hands, thumbs brushing gently over his cheeks. His gaze softened, full of love and encouragement. "You have to, baby... I know you can do this. You're smart, efficient, and you care more than anyone else. Keep working to find the truth. For those kids and for us. I'll still be here, i'll just be working behind the scenes now. You won't be alone."

Hong stared at him for a long moment, memorizing every detail of Nut's face— his strong jaw, his small, intense eyes.

Love, pure and unfiltered swelled inside him, deep and aching. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Okay..." He murmured. "I'll try. For you."

Nut smiled then, showing teeth.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to Hong, kissing him softly, pouring love and reassurance into it. Their lips moved together slowly, a tender promise in the middle of chaos.

When they pulled apart, Nut rested his forehead against Hong's. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry this happened..." Hong whispered, voice full of regret. "You didn't deserve that. You deserve better."

"It's okay..." Nut replied, kissing him once more, quick and comforting. "Really. I knew the risks... and I still took it."

"How long?" Hong inquired.

"A month without pay."

Hong sighed, but tried to stay positive. "A whole month without you by my side, how am I gonna survive?" He sulked, clinging tighter.

Nut laughed, cheeks wide and full of adoration. "You still get to see me off work."

"Not enough. I want you with me all the time." He clung harder.

Nut's smile softened. "I want that too." He confessed.

It was quiet, just soft breaths and heartbeats.

Then: "What are you going to do in the meantime?" Hong asked.

Nut shrugged slightly. "Just... lay low, I guess. Rest up. Maybe fix some things around my apartment."

Hong knew that was a lie.

Nut wasn't the type to just lay low. He would probably keep investigating the Citadel quietly on his own while counting on Hong to finish Luke's case. That reality settled in his chest like stone.

But he laughed softly anyways, the sound light despite everything, and nodded. "Okay..."

Nut grinned and pulled him into another deeper hug. His strong arms wrapped around Hong completely, one hand coming to cradle the back of his head.

They held each other for a long time, like the world might try to pull them apart.

Hong breathed in Nut's scent, trying to memorize it for the days ahead. But even in the warmth of Nut's embrace, his mind was still at unease.

He had too many questions.

Who sent that footage? Could he really handle the case alone? What was Lego up to?

And the most important of all, would Nut stay safe while he was suspended?

The hug lasted a long time, neither of them wanting to let go first. The sun climbed higher and higher, casting long shadows on the ground behind the station.

For now, this moment was theirs— quiet support, shared love, and the resolve to face whatever came next head strong.

But somehow, Hong couldn't shake the feeling that this suspension was only the beginning of something even more dangerous.

~~~

William

The thick reinforced steel of the black Humvee glided to a stop in front of William's elegant townhouse.

The large gray two-story building was seated on one of Bangkok's most exclusive neighborhoods, standing tall and imposing, its clean lines and tall windows reflecting the soft moonlight.

William had chosen to come here for a reason.

The privacy of his home had been disclosed and the manor had too much history. They both held dark memories that might have been triggering for someone in Est's fragile state.

So he picked this— new and unfamiliar, hoping it would be much healing than overwhelming.

Est had come awake sometime during the hour long drive. But he didn't move an inch— not when the vehicle pulled to a halt, not even when the driver opened the backdoor.

He sat motionless, covered in dried up blood, staring at nothing in particular.

William's chest tightened watching him, feelings of guilt and protection mingling. Without a word, he got out of the car, moved to the other side and unbuckled Est's seatbelt, lifting him gently into his arms, like he was something precious and breakable.

Est clung to him, body heavy but warm against his chest as William carried him into the mansion. He ignored greetings from guards and climbed the stairs, the maids following behind, alert and always at their service.

He'd ensured everything was prepared to give Est a comfortable stay here— time for him to rest and heal properly.

He entered the prepared guest room where a steaming bath waited in the adjoining bathroom, fragrant with calming herbs.

The maids flocked to William's side, waiting.

William's arms ached slightly from the carry, but he didn't mind. He looked down at Est's blood-streaked face, and said, voice low and careful. "You should clean up."

Est was quiet for a long moment, staring at nothing in the distance. Then he asked softly, voice barely above a whisper. "Whose room is this?"

"Yours..." William replied gently. "For as long as you need it."

Est remained quiet again, eyes still distant.

When William tried to lower him onto the edge of the bed so he could undress and bathe, Est surprised him completely.

He clung tighter, arms locking tight around William's neck, knee pointlessly pressing against Willam's chest as though it could keep him hooked there. His fingers dug into the back fabric of William's shirt, and his face pressed deep into his shoulder.

He looked like a stubborn cat about to be dropped in cold water, refusing to be put down.

William looked down at him long, frozen, very baffled. "Est..." He said softly after a moment. "...you need to clean up. Aou is waiting to treat your wounds. Let me put you down."

But Est only tightened his grip, silent and unmoving.

There was something desperate in the way he held on, as if letting go would make the world crash down around him.

William's heart twisted with a confusing mix of worry, protectiveness, and something warmer and profound that tugged on his heartstrings despite himself.

It would have almost been funny to the outside eyes watching them— adorable even. This grown man clinging onto his lover so fiercely like this.

But the blood stains on his clothes and the fresh wound on his head stole whatever humor there might have been.

All the maids couid see was a frightened soul clinging to safety, trying not to break.

"Alright..." William murmured after a long moment. "Okay. We'll go somewhere else."

With a long sigh, he carried Est to another room, thinking Est might find it to his taste better.

But the younger man still refused to come down from his grasp. It confused him at first, almost frustrated him since Est wasn't using his words... or anything more than his unbudging cling to communicate he did not want to be dropped.

William somehow guessed what Est might have need. Though he wasn't 100% sure, he decided to put it to the test.

He took Est to his own bedroom.

Only when he stepped into the master suite with its wide space, dark wooden furniture, heavy curtains... and the seven intricate, decorative vases arranged on multiple tables and shelves— did Est finally loosen his hold around his neck.

He slid down to his bare feet on the polished wooden floor. Est then moved around slowly in the room, taking in every corner until he came before a large marble vase. His fingers slowly brushed over it, tracing its smooth curves.

"Yes.... This is much like yours." He said quietly.

William blinked hard. He didn't know whether to laugh or scold or stand there looking like an idiot.

The words was so unexpected, so oddly intimate, that it left him completely speechless for a moment.

Est seemed to know his tastes too now. Actually, he seemed to understand him in ways very few did.

And for some reason, in his moment of vulnerability, Est wanted to be in his bedroom, close to him.

William felt a strange pull in his chest."Are you okay?" He asked, stepping closer, voice careful. "About Rui... and what happened."

"....."

No answer.

Est kept staring at the vase like it held something deep and meaningful.

"I know what it's like to kill a man for the first time...." William continued. " I know you must be afraid. That fear, the demons that follow you afterwards, you don't have to hide them, Est.... Not with me."

It was still quiet.

Est didn't answer. Instead, he did something that made William's breath catch in his throat.

He began slipping off his clothes, slowly, without shame. He first shrugged out of his jacket first, letting it fall to the floor with a soft thud. William thought it might end there...

But it didn't.

Next came the blood-soaked shirt still thickly clinging to Est's skin. Est pulled it over his head, revealing his lean, toned frame. His broad swimmer's shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist, smooth, blemish free skin marred by streaks and smears of red. The lines of blood ran down his back, his waist and then into his trousers.

William's eyes followed every path, involuntarily.

Est's hands moved to his waistband next. The zipper dragged loud in the quiet room and he pushed them down along with his underwear in one long, smooth motion, stepping out of the pile of fabric.

And then he stood there, gloriously naked.

William could not look away, bewitched by the sight before him.

Est's body was... a work of art.

Though William had seen him like this before, the effect now was much stronger than it was back then.

Back then, Est had just been a body, another temporary means to an end.

But now... this Est was different.

He was still fragile, but much realer, and he felt like something William wasn't sure he was deserving of touching.

Still, William's mind began to stray, despite his best efforts not to. His gaze traced the elegant, lean curve of Est's spine down to the firm swell of his ass.

He imagined his hands there, gripping tight, leaving bruises in the shape of his fingers on that flawless skin. He pictured Est bent over, marked by him, panting and moaning his name.

Heat began to stir low in his belly. His eyes lingered on the long legs, those powerful thighs, picturing how they would feel pressed against his shoulders or wrapped around his waist.

Est turned around slowly, giving William a full view.

That was what snapped William back to reality. Est was gloriously naked yes, long and lean torso hardened by his broad chest, flushed nipples and firm cut abs. Soft curls of hair trailed from his pelvis down to his manhood— it's length and size enough to make William's moutt go dry.

But William couldn't absolutely admire Est's naked form. Not now, not when he had large red bruises beginning to purple, standing out on his side, his front, and along his left arm.

Hot, hot fury surged within William, enough to make his jaw tight and his eyes blaze. His earlier lust faded into protective rage.

This wouldn't end with Rui's death.

Every hand that had been responsible for Est's pain would to pay in blood.

William would make sure of it..

Est stood there openly for a long moment, allowing William's eyes drink him in, almost as if offering himself to William.

Then he turned and walked away into the adjoining bathroom. The shower started moments later, the spray hitting against the tile walls.

William stood rooted to the spot for several heartbeats, breathing unevenly.

The pull soon returned, even much stronger than before.

He wanted to walk to that door, wanted to push it open quietly and watch through the steam as the blood washed off Est's body— red streaks fading under the clear water, running down his chest, his stomach, his legs. He wanted to see Est's hands moving over his own skin, cleaning every inch of blood and filth off himself just so he could ruin him himself.

The thought made his head swim. His feet started moving of its own accord, towards the bathroom door. Right there, his hand lifted, hovering above the handle, fingers trembling slightly with restraint.

The water sounded so inviting.

Est was behind the door, naked and vulnerable, and something deep inside William just wanted to get close to him and claim him.

But then he paused... and pulled away.

He took a slow, deep breath, forcing the desire down.

This wasn't the time.

William wasn't sure it ever would be.

Right now, Est was going through... too much. He had just been through hell and what he needed now was care, not William's uncontrolled hunger.

With a long, last glance at the closed door, William turned and left the bedroom entirely, shutting the door softly behind him.

Outside, he leaned against the wall in the hallway, and shut his eyes, taking deep steadying breaths, trying to regain some semblance of control.

He mostly failed. Because inside, his mind still raced with images of Est, naked, cleaner, waiting for him to put his own marks on him.

He thought about way Est had clung to him earlier. The way he undressed in front of him, slow and inviting.

Something had been simmering between them for a long time now.

But the truth of it was their lives were too complicated. Them together would only breed disaster and lead to nothing but chaos.

William ran a hand over his face, exhaling deeply.

He would give Est what he truly needed now. Patience, healing, safety. And lots of much-needed space.

And that would be all.

William would give him all of that, even if it meant fighting every instinct that screamed to lay claim on Est and in turn, lay waste to both of them.

~~~

Est

The steam from the shower still lingered in the air when Est stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped low around his hips.

A maid was in the room now. She was stood near an armchair, patiently waiting with a smile. There was also a neat stack of clothes on the bed.

She bowed her head slightly. "Khun Est, Khun William has asked me to help you dress and take you downstairs. Aou is waiting to check your wounds, and dinner is ready."

Est stared at her for a moment, before walking towards the bed. "It's okay. I'm fine. It's just a small bruise and I'm not hungry. You can leave."

The maid hesitated, fingers twisting together. "But Khun William said—"

"Tell Khun William I'm tired..." Est cut in, voice calm but sharp all the same. "If you want to help me, please bring me a laptop instead."

She blinked, clearly confused by the request. But she nodded after a moment and left the room quietly.

Est stared at the door for a moment, before staring at the neatly folded stack of clothes. He ignored them and then walked barefoot into the adjoining walk-in closet.

Inside, the lights automatically flicked on to reveal a closet twice the size of the room. Rows and rows of perfectly tailored suits, crisply ironed shirts, his signature loose expensive trousers hung on wardrobes, and polished shoes and branded converses lined the massive shelves.

Everything inside screamed of wealth and luxury.

Est stepped forward with an awed breath and ran his fingers along the fabrics, feeling for texture and just feeding his curiosity.

The space was gravely absent of color— just black, whites, browns and grey. A few blues was scattered, but the hue was the darkest shade he'd seen.

He never knew William took his wardrobe this... religiously.

Est made a mental note to get him a pink Tee or something alive.

He stopped when he found an extra-large button-up chiffon shirt in a soft off white colour.

It seemed like a very William shirt in Est's eyes. The type that outlined his tattoes without revealing too much.

Est lifted it off the hanger and pressed it to his nose, inhaling deeply. The fabric smelled clean, freshly laundered, but underneath lingered William's cologne— dark, woody, with a hint of ice.

It sent a quiet thrill through him.

Est slipped it on, the material a little textured but not harsh against his bare skin. It fell loose against his body and he kept most of the top buttons open, revealing the smooth planes of his chest and his upper abs.

The hem barely covered his thigh.

Though he was tempted, he decided to forgo wearing William's underwear. Instead, he reached and grabbed a silk tie from one of the many drawers, and carried it in its rolled up form back to the bedroom.

Plopping onto the king-size bed, he hid the tie under the pillow before dropping onto his back and staring up at the ceiling... waiting.

A knock came minutes later.

Est then got up and went to unlock the door, springing it wide open.

William was stood there, with Aou just behind him. They both took a look at him.

William's eyes widened slightly at first, then flashed with anger at the sight of Est wearing his sheer, revealing shirt, nipples faintly visible through the thin fabric, long legs exposed.

Aou let out a low whistle, lip twitching in amusement.

William cursed under his breath and stepped inside quickly, slamming the door behind them.

"What the fuck are you wearing?" He asked, voice cold with suppressed fury.

"It's comfy." Est shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's revealing..." William corrected, tone curt. "Aou is here to check on you. Put on some proper clothes."

"I don't need a doctor. I'm fine." Est said.

"Not with that ugly bruise on your head and the marks on your side..." William said coldly. "You're not fine. Put some clothes on. Now!" He ordered.

Est tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "And... what will you give me... if I obey you?" He said flirtatiously, gaze drifting down deliberately to William's crotch.

William's eyes flickered with surprise at first, then hardened with warning. "Est... I swear to God..."

Est's eyes gleamed with innocence... but hidden beneath was a challenge. "What?" He asked, daring.

"If you don't put those clothes on now, I'll tie you down and force them on you."

Est laughed softly, the sound low and provocative. "That sounds like a good time to me."

William's jaw ticked. But he controlled himself. Rubbing his face wearily, William walked forward and grabbed the trousers from the bed.

He held it out. "Put them on."

"No." Playful, sassy.

In one swift motion, William shoved Est onto the mattress with a strong palm to his chest, pinning him there. Est twisted playfully, giggling, lifting one long leg to push William away.

William caught it with surprising swiftness, and roughly dragged his with effortless strength, the shirt riding up to his rib, ass coming to press against William's hip.

William ignored Est's naked body on him and hauled Est's leg up, planting the length against his own chest, leaving them outstretched.

Est's breathing grew heavier, chest rising and falling visibly beneath the open shirt. His pupils dilated and his lips parted to breathe from the raw dominance in William's movements.

The air in the room grew thick, raw with sexual tension.

William tried to ignore the things Est's reaction was doing to his body.

He almost failed. Almost.

With a visible amount of restraint, he picked up the sweats again, and forced them down from Est's feet to his thigh, hands a little sweaty but steady. He did the same with the other feet, Est now bending to his will without struggle.

Once both legs were covered, he folded Est in half with one strong hand, ass lifting off the bed. Then he pulled the fabric the rest of the way down over his hips.

Their eyes locked during this act and William noticed he was hard now, anger and lust burning in his eyes. Est's pupils were blown wide, dark with want, silently begging for William to take a step further.

The look last for a long, charged moment. The air tightened with raw yearning.

Eventually William blinked, breaking the spell. He freed Est's legs and pulled away, breathing sharply. Then he got off the bed, righted his hardened length in his underwear and then opened the door for Aou.

Est slowly sat up, drawing his shirt down to cover his own arousal.

"That was fast..." Aou commented sarcastically as he entered, setting his bag down. "Almost like I've got all day."

William sighed heavily, face palming again.

Aou worked efficiently.

He cleaned the wound just above Est's hairline and applied a bandage to his temple. Then he asked. "Are you hurt anywhere else?"

"No..." Est said, eager to end this meeting.

"Don't lie to him." William said, voice low and authoritative.

Est stared straight at William.

William dared him to disobey, eyes as sharp as a knife.

Est gave in willingly. "I was in an accident."

"And?" William asked, eyes narrowing.

"The man— Rui— he... beat me with his cane."

William's jaw clenched so hard, it almost cracked. Possessive anger flared in him, almost unsteadying him. The thought of anyone laying hands on Est made his blood boil in ways that was life-threatening.

Fuck!!! He wouldn't stop until everyone was dead.

Aou nodded slowly. "It's good you spoke up. If left untreated, some of these could leave permanent scarring."

Est quipped. "Well... we wouldn't want that now, would we?" He said, gaze still locked on William. "Thank God you're here to save me."

William's jaw tightened further.

Aou chuckled and shook his head. "Take your shirt off so I can examine you properly."

Est sat forward and unbuttoned the chiffon shirt slowly, pushing it down his torso, to show Aou the blooming bruises.

Aou pressed gently around his side. "Do you feel any pain?"

"Yes. But not unbearable." Est answered honestly.

Aou continued his examination.

"How frequently do you come here?" Est asked after a pause, voice light and curious.

"Whenever William needs me..." Aou replied, hands and eyes still observing. "His pockets run deep."

Est's eyes flicked to William again. "Hmmm... so you must be the one who takes care of his subs when he beats them..."

You could almost hear a pin drop with how quiet it became. But Est, hell bent on being a nuisance, kept going.

"Tell me Khun Aou, how extreme do the beatings get? How long do the bruises last? Has anyone ever needed a wheel chair before?"

Aou paused, eyes wide looking up at Est, clearly caught off guard by his questions.

William only pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, exhausted.

"Well no, I do not offer treatments to William's submissives...." Aou said after a moment, with a creeping entertained smile. "But I will let you know, if I did, you wouldn't hear it from me. Doctor-patient confidentiality." He added with a wink.

Est giggled.

William sighed deeper.

Aou finished his check up and then stood, turning to William. "I don't think he's badly injured, but you should bring him to the clinic for a full check. I'll prescribe pain meds for tonight."

With an amused, knowing glance between the two men, Aou took his leave.

William looked at Est with an annoyed expression.

Est only leaned back on the bed, giving him a sultry, challenging look that made William's pulse spike.

"I'll send food up. Eat it and take your meds..." William said after a moment. Then: "I'll also get you a new laptop by tomorrow, but if you need one urgently, you can borrow one of mine's tonight." He turned to leave the room.

"Where are you going?" Est asked, momentarily halting him.

"I have work." William said and left without another word.

Est dropped on his back, staring at the ceiling, tracing invisible lines onto them. He reached under the pillow, pulled out the silk tie, and brought it to his nose, inhaling William's scent.

Somehow, it calmed him— his feelings, his lust.

Est then stared at his fingernails, the blood in them. Rui's blood.

It had dried beneath them during the hours since he murdered him, brown and flaking like rust.

He knew should wash it off. Any sane person would. But as he lay there, staring blankly at it, his thoughts kept drifting to William.

How it was always William?

It was almost funny thinking about it.

He had spent months avoiding him, pretending his feelings for William were nonexistent— just noise his damaged mind kept forcihg on him, too broken to tell the difference between love and disaster.

Because wanting William had only ever brought ruin into his life.

He'd only just now come to accept his feelings, to embrace the way his chest tightened whenever William was in the room, the way his voice dropped low and dangerous.

And still, Rui had taken him and attempted to use him as a pawn for his senseless act of retribution.

'Your William.'

That was what Rui had called him.

Not 'your kidnapper.' Not even 'your friend.'

Your William.

As if the man belonged to him already. As if everyone in the world could see it except Est himself.

A bitter laugh escaped him, so hard, he covered his eyes, body shaking with the irony while exhaustion settled deep into his bones.

He had nearly died tonight for a man he hadn't even touched yet. Well, not exactly. Not really. He had nearly bled out for feelings he had spent months swallowing whole, telling himself it was too dangerous.

What a waste, Est thought with disappointment.

He decided then if he was going to keep being hunted for something he wasn't guilty of, then he was done being innocent.

Maybe it was exhaustion.

Maybe he was tired of wallowing in self pity.

Maybe he was just tired of starving. Because God... he was starving.

Not just of sex. Though that too.

The ache sat beneath his skin constantly now, sharpened every time he remembered how William took him that night and healed something the morning after. How it seemed like William was the only one whose looks could make his pulse race or whose simple presence could shake him with the kind of energy that made his legs turn to putty.

But it was more than that.

He still wanted warmth. But he also wanted teeth. Hands gripping his waist hard enough to leave bruises. Holding him down while he begged to be ruined over and over.

William couid give him that.

He wanted William to fuck him while looking at him like he would kill for him.

He already had. He probably would again.

And Est had killed for William too tonight.

That realization should have horrified him, but it didn't.

Instead, he only settled deeper into the mattress, still stared at the ceiling, pulse still uneven.

Fine.

Fine.

If he was going to be hunted either ways, everyday for the rest of his life, then he might as well take something for himself.

He was tired of acting untouched. Tired of pretending he did not crave William with every ugly, selfish part of himself. Tired of almost dying for something he never even got to have.

At least this way, if they came after him again, there would finally be a reason.

The thought should have felt reckless.

Instead, it felt freeing.

Est closed his eyes and imagined William's hands around his throat— both hurting, and holding— and for the first time in days, he smiled.

William could play hard to get all he wanted.

But Est was determined now. To make 'your William' actually his.

When the laptop arrived, he opened it and started writing Phuwin's next arc for his book.

Twelve thousand words poured out of him in that single night.

It was the most graphic, detailed smut he had ever written. Every thrust, every moan, every filthy command was described in raw, vivid detail.

By the end, Est was painfully turned on, breathing shallow, cock throbbing and hole tightening around nothing.

He quickly saved the document and then emailed it to Daou. Then he checked the time and saw it was just past five.

William hadn't returned.

That did not upset Est. If anything, it pleased him.

Because it showed he had effect. William running away only proved he wanted him.

Est could wait. He would wait.

He closed the laptop, curled up under the sheets and then went to sleep.

The next morning, Est showered and got dressed in one of William's signature loose shirts and a pair of trousers. The waist was a few sizes bigger than his, so he cinched it tight with a belt he retrieved from William's array.

Then he went downstairs.

There he met a new guard named Earth. He was waiting along with a maid.

"Breakfast is served, Khun Est..." The maid— Pahn— said subserviently.

"I'm to make sure you eat, Khun Est." Earth said, stepping forward. "Then I'll take you to the clinic after wards."

"Where's William?" Est asked, taking a look around.

"He's not in the house. He had important business to attend to."

Est smiled sweetly. "Then I'm not hungry. Take me to the clinic." He said, moving towards the door.

Neither moved of them made to move.

Est turned to look back at them.

Earth pleaded, sweat breaking on his forehead. "Please, Khun Est, you didn't eat last night. Please eat something, or Khun William will get angry."

Est's smile widened. "That's exactly what I want." He said softly, then turned and walked out of the house.

Earth sighed deeply and followed.

At Aou's clinic, Est did a full X-ray which confirmed he had no broken bones. Aou told him not to exert himself and gave him ointment for the bruises.

Est had no intentions of listening.

He wanted William soon, even if it was just once. He had to get him out of his system for now. Their future together he would figure out later.

He would have him, by all and any means possible.

Back at the house, Pahn informed him the new laptop had arrived and lunch was served.

"Where's William?" Est asked again.

"In a meeting in the conference room."

Est brightened. "Take me there."

Pahn hesitated at first, but then she nodded and led him to the conference room.

Est approached the guards at the door with a confident stride. "Open it." He ordered.

The men looked at each other with a bewildered expression. "Khun Est— Khun William is in a very important meeting right now..."

Est cocked a brow. "Are you going to do what I asked?"

Both their face paled with fright.

"Khun Est but he's— but uhm— we"

"The guest are very dangerous — we have to uhm— Khun William might not—"

They stumbled over excuses.

Est kept waiting... patiently, gaze moving between them.

Finally, with an exhausted sigh, they stepped aside and opened the door.

The room was filled with about eight well-dressed men, clad in expensive suits and gold jewelry in the way that was both tacky and prestigious. Cigar smoke trailed softly, perfuming the air.

William had been standing at the head of the long table in just a black tank top and loose linen trousers, eyes scanning a document with quiet intensity as he spoke.

He paused mid-sentence when the door pushed open.

Every head turned to stare at the man who would dare interrupt such a crucial moment.

Est stepped in and stopped at the end of the long table, staring at William.

William palmed his face. It seemed to have become a regular habit for him these days. "Who let him in?" He asked with an exasperated tone.

The guards froze, hiding by the doorframe.

"Are you avoiding me?" Est accused.

William moved. "Excuse me." He said to his associates as he marched over to where Est stood, scooped him up and threw him over his shoulder in one smooth motion, then carried him out of the room amidst stunned silence.

Est didn't struggle, he remained motionless, letting Will carry him like a sack of potatoes.

Back in his bedroom, William threw Est onto the bed and then went into the adjoining closet.

Est waited, breathing hard, eyes glassy and turned on.

William returned with a pair of metal handcuffs. He grabbed Est's wrist, locked it, and then secured him to a bar fashioned into the headboard.

"Behave..." William ordered, glossing over him for a long time.

Est only watched him, breaths still unsteady as William then took his leave.

Then it was quiet, only the sound of his heart pacing and his lust growing uncontrollable by the second.

Hours later, William returned to the room with a tray in hand.

Est was still there, sitting exactly where William had left him.

The submission in his posture, the whole act pleased William. But he didn't show it.

He knew he was supposed to be annoyed.

He set the tray down, then reached for the key in his pocket to uncuff him.

"Leave it..." Est cut, voice low but steady. "I can eat with one hand."

William looked down at him. Then he shook his head and tossed the key onto the bed.

"Eat then." He said after a moment.

Est looked down at the food on the tray.

It was chicken and rice— bland, flavorless looking.

Just like that first time.

Est felt a spark of anger. "Are you fucking with me?"

"It's your punishment." William explained, voice cold. "You really seem to enjoy provoking me."

Est sat back with a challenge. "Feed me, or I'm not eating."

William glared. But he gave in.

He sat down, picked up the spoon, and fed him, big bite after big bite.

Est ate slowly, seductively, eyes never leaving William's face, lips closing around the spoon with deliberate care.

William's throat went dry, hunger burning in his gaze.

"Are you okay?" William asked eventually, voice quiet. "Do you want to talk? About what happened? About him?"

"I shouldn't talk while eating."

"Est."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"You should. Talk to me. That's an order."

Est's jaw tightened. He looked away stubbornly.

But as always, he gave in first. "Killing Rui..." He started, voice small, distant. "I didn't really feel much of anything. It was just like instinct. I had to survive so I didn't hesitate."

William swallowed down anger.

Est paused for a moment, then stared at William. "But after he stopped moving... I started... feeling again."

William knew that feeling. That sickening moment of clarity where you know your life was going to change permanently. "What did you feel?" He asked, voice empathetic.

Est's throat worked, but then paused in thought. "Like... I wanted to fuck someone."

What?

That was... unexpected. He expected fear, shame, guilt. Not... that.

William could only blankly stared at him, not reacting to his words, even when his mind was befuddled.

Est saw his blank expression and guessed nothing about that was surprising with his behavior since yesterday.

After a pause, Est asked, mildly curious. "So... how did you find me so fast?"

"The first time I took you... I put a nanotracker in you." William said it flatly, like it was just another everyday occurrence.

Est stared him long and hard, expression neutral. He didn't scream or shout and it surprised him how much the idea turned him on rather than offend him.

Instead, he looked William dead in the eyes and said, voice low but serious. "Fuck me."

William finally blinked, startled and unnerved. "What?"

"Fuck. Me." Est repeated, much firmer this time.

"......" It was still quiet for a long time.

Then William answered with a cold "No."

Est huffed a breath. "Why are you reacting like that? It's not like we haven't fucked before."

"No." William repeated coldly, tone final.

Est cocked a brow. Then he scoffed. "So you can put a tracker in me without my consent but you won't put your dick in me when I ask?"

William stared at him for a long, hard moment. Then, even more final than the last. "No."

Est breathed out in irritation. "Okay... Then you better send me away." Est warned. "Or I'll make your life fucking hell."

William didn't respond.

He simply dropped the spoon, stood up and left.

And that had been it for the day.

No talks, no visits, nothing else.

Est slumped back on the bed, swallowing the urge to scream.

~~~

William.

William didn't take the threat seriously at first.

He thought, what could Est really do?

He quickly learned the hard way.

Est had gone mad.

After the rejection, Est became insufferable. He constantly pulled at William's restraints, testing every one of his limits.

He refused to eat, he only wore William's oversized shirts that barely covered his ass, walking without shame around the house, his long legs on full display. He spent all his time writing on the laptop, never getting any sleep.

One night, William woke up with the intent to go to check on him. But he found Est standing there instead, in the darkness, silently watching him sleep.

After William kicked him out, he started locking the bedroom door.

But Est somehow found the keys and did it again until William had to change the locks.

One afternoon, William entered the guest room that had become his and found stacks of printed pages spread around.

It was an explicit story of William fucking Est in graphic, relentless detail. Every position, every degrading and pleasurable act Est craved, was written out raw in ink.

Reading it left William angry, frustrated, and painfully hard. He had to step into the bathroom and go take a long shower to calm himself.

By the fifth day, Est had dark bags under his eyes. William tried to force him to rest.

But Est ignored him completely.

And that was the worst part. The silence.

In all the chaos, Est hadn't spoken a single word to him. Talking to him was like talking to a wall that never answered back.

It nearly drove him mad, how much he craved communication from Est.

But nearly wasn't enough to stir his resolve. He wouldn't give Est what he wanted. He couldn't.

So William simply let him be.

It was better for them both that way.

When William held another important meeting, he gave strict orders not to let Est in, or near that wing of the house.

Est responded by blasting loud punk rock music through the house, disturbing everyone's peace.

Though the meeting room was soundproof, when William stepped out, the blasting music hit him like a slap to the face.

His associates stared, bewildered, wondering if there was a wild child running around unguarded here.

Embarrassed, William apologized and went to turn it off himself.

Est didn't protest, instead he just left and returned to his room.

William didn't see him again that day.

By the end of the first week, William walked into his office and found Est perched on his table, calmly reading confidential files he had no right to touch.

That was when William's temper finally snapped.

He moved to the table, roughly yanked the documents from his hand, and asked, voice deadly cold. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Est?!!! You're really tiptoeing on my last nerve"

Est met his furious gaze head on, not even flinching. "Why are you keeping me here?"He demanded. "I'm not sick."

"You can go..." William said, voice hard with anger. He pushed away from Est and looked away. "Get out."

Est smirked then, a mischievous glint forming in his eyes. "Great!!! I'll fucking leave."

"Goodbye." William said coldly.

"Nice knowing you. And since you don't want to fuck me, just know i'll be bouncing on Tui's dick tonight." He said the words like a threat.

THAT FUCKING—

William turned around sharply and got in Est's face again, voice dangerously low. "I'll fucking kill him."

Est rolled his eyes and pushed away from him. "Then I'll fuck someone else."

William blocked his path. "I'll kill them too."

He wasn't bluffing.

He meant it.

He knew how he sounded right now. It was stupid, wanting to keep Est away from himself.... And still wanting to have him all to himself.

It was irrational.

It made zero sense.

But Est was just so beautiful and bold, and so stupidly brave, he knew how to flick his buttons on and off like a switch, William couldn't help but work on pure rage and instinct.

Est laughed, and stared long and deep at him, eyes shining with triumph. "I'll just find keep finding more."

"Then I'll fucking kill them all."

"You can't kill all the men on earth. Even you're not that powerful." Est countered.

"Watch me." Cold and motivated.

Est eyes sparkled with glee. "Why don't you just kill me?" He asked. "Would be much easier that way."

There was a long electric pause. This felt... familiar, like they'd said this before. Same words, different scenarios.

But this time, their dynamic had switched. Est seemed to have all the power now.

And William, Est had William curled around his finger, free to bend to his Will.

"I'll just kill myself first." William said finally, voice much softer now, exhausted, a confession. Est broke out into a full beaming smile. "Then I'll be free to fuck as many people as I want."

William only stared for a long moment, gaze soft but intense, as though he was having an inner battle... and losing.

Est stood still, breathing paused, waiting for William to make his move.

When nothing happened, Est let out a disappointed sigh. He started to leave, brushing past Will again.

At that moment, William's hand shot out and grabbed his arm, pulling him back. In the next second, he cupped Est's neck hard and crashed his mouth against Est's, lips colliding in a deep, hungry, fierce kiss.

Est's breathing caught for a flicker of a moment with surprise, but then he was moving his mouth against Will's, sliding with ease in a passionate dance that seemed like instinct to them both.

The kiss made Will's heart pound, his stomach tighten and his mind snap. It was full of all the pent-up frustration and desire he had been holding back.

He bit down on Est's bottom lip, hard, sending flesh tearing and tasting copper on his tongue.

Est pulled back with a pleasant shiver, pupils blown wide, breaths coming fast and undone.

That was when William completely lost it.

He flipped Est over on the table and slammed him down roughly.

__________________________________

Call me William the way i be edging yall🤭🤭 see you guys next week.