23

Sky carefully adjusts the earpiece on Nani, giving his boyfriend one last look to make sure everything is perfect.

Nani looks stunning in his favorite crimson suit, the fabric hugging his lean frame in a way that's both elegant and dangerously alluring.

A long black coat drapes over his shoulders, adding a touch of commanding power. His hair is styled flawlessly, thanks to Dunk's skilled hands.

"You're all set," Sky says, slipping on his own earpiece. Dressed in all black, his eyes stay fixed on Nani with a mix of pride and worry.

"Remember what I told you. Seduce him, lead him to the room we've prepared, and make sure the camera hidden in your outfit records the entire auction process," Sky reminds him.

Nani gives a firm nod, his expression sharp with focus.

"I've got this," he says, voice calm but brimming with quiet resolve.

He straightens his coat, takes one last deep breath, and meets Sky's gaze with determination.

"Must you do this?" Sky asks, his voice thick with concern.

Nani hums, avoiding his gaze. He knows if he looks into those eyes, he might falter.

"I chose this. So don't question me," he replies, firm and final.

Sky exhales a tense breath, then nods in surrender. He leans in and kisses Nani softly on the lips.

His hand comes up to cup the side of Nani's face. "Be careful. He's dangerous, and you're walking straight into his territory."

Nani offers a faint but reassuring smile. "I know. But I'm not the same person I was when I escaped him. And this time, I'm not alone."

Sky kisses his forehead gently. "Kay and I will be listening the whole time. The second something feels wrong, you pull out. Understood?"

"Understood," Nani says, stepping back. He adjusts his posture, slipping into the cold confidence of the role he's about to play.

With one final glance, he exits the black van and walks into the lavish, dimly lit lounge.

The auction hasn't started yet, but the air is already electric.

Men in sharp suits fill the space, eyes sharp and greedy, whispering backroom deals over glasses of champagne.

The atmosphere is thick with tension, dominance, and veiled threats.

And Nani walks straight into it like he owns the room.

And then, there he is.

Fai stands near the stage, surrounded by his usual guards, radiating confidence and control.

But the moment his eyes meet Nani's, his smile curls into something predatory and smug.

"Well, well," Fai drawls, taking a slow step forward. "I thought I was hallucinating when I saw your name on the guest list."

Nani tilts his head, playing coy. "You always said I was unforgettable."

Their gazes lock, and the dangerous game begins.

From the other end, Sky adjusts his earpiece, heart pounding. He hears every word, every breath and he's not about to let anything happen to the man he loves.

Fai steps closer, his eyes trailing over Nani's frame like he's inspecting a prized possession. "Still know how to dress to kill," he murmurs, voice smooth like venom.

"But I wonder..." Fai raises a brow, feigning curiosity. "What brings you back after you punched me in the face the last time we met?"

Nani ignores the question, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter with casual ease.

"I gave up on the bodyguard," he says, tone sharp with mock disgust. "Useless, in the end."

Fai smirks, clearly entertained.

But before he can respond, Nani speaks again, this time more calmer.

"So," he says, swirling the champagne in his glass, watching the bubbles rise, "is the offer still on the table?"

"What offer?" Fai plays dumb, though the glint in his eyes says he knows exactly what Nani means.

"Return to the Chakrit Gang," Nani replies smoothly. "And I'll bring with me the gold that should've been yours."

Fai lets out a low, eerie laugh that echoes through the lavish room. Nani doesn't flinch.

"There's something strange about you tonight," Fai mutters, narrowing his eyes.

Nani lets out a soft, dry chuckle. "Maybe. Or maybe I just remembered where I belong."

He takes another sip, then locks eyes with Fai.

"I made the offer once," he says quietly, bitterness threading his voice. "I thought you still loved me, the way I used to love you."

Inside, the words twist his stomach. But the role must be played. And if it means bringing this monster down, Nani will keep acting right up until the final curtain falls.

Fai's smirk falters just for a moment but Nani catches it.

Fai leans forward slightly, resting one arm on the table between them, his eyes glinting with curiousity.

"You always were good at playing games," he says slowly, his voice laced with amusement and suspicion. "But this feels like more than a game."

Nani tilts his head again, lips curving into a slow, controlled smile. "Then maybe you shouldn't underestimate me."

Fai chuckles, softer now. "Careful, Nani. I don't like being played."

"Neither do I," Nani shoots back.

He leans in, lowering his voice into a whisper just loud enough for the hidden mic on his lapel to catch.

"That's why I'm giving you one last chance. Let's stop pretending. You can expand your business, and I'll please you just like last time or probably better."

Inside the surveillance van, Sky clenches his jaw as he watches the live feed.

"He's doing great," Joong says quietly behind him, arms crossed, eyes glued to the screen.

Sky doesn't reply, eyes fixed on Nani's every move.Confident. Cold. But he knows the truth, underneath that calm exterior, his lover is walking on a knife's edge.

"Just a little longer, Nani," Sky murmurs. "Get him to that room."

Back at the party, Fai leans back in his seat, amused. "You're bold. I always liked that about you."

He raises his glass. "To reunions, then."

Nani mirrors him, lifting his own. "To unfinished business."

Their glasses clink, and a soft ding echoes through the earpieces of the team.

Moments later, the auction begins. Fai gestures for Nani to sit beside him.

Nani accepts with a calm smile, positioning himself so the hidden camera can capture everything.

Inside the van, Kay fine-tunes the feed on the monitor, adjusting the focus.

"This is more than enough," Sunny says from behind him, eyes fixed on the screen. "Once the other gangs see how filthy Chakrit's business is, they'll turn against him."

Dunk stands nearby, visibly tense. "Are you sure this isn't too dangerous for Nani?" he asks, his voice tight.

Joong, seated beside him, reaches over and gently pulls him close. "Don't worry," he says firmly. "We've planned every step. And Nani has Sky watching over him."

Dunk nods, still worried.

"Fucking knew it," Kay mutters suddenly.

Everyone's attention snaps to the screen.

The feed shows two young men inside cages. Naked, chained by the neck, wrists, and ankles.

"He's still doing this?" Joong growls, fists tightening.

"This is how he makes money," Sunny mutters bitterly. "The VIPs go wild for this twisted auction."

Tension thickens inside the van.

When the auction finally ends, Fai steps away from the crowd, heading to the private lounge to meet the highest bidders.

Nani's voice crackles through the earpiece. Rough, but clear. "Did you guys get the footage?"

"We got it," Sky replies immediately, his voice low and steady. "You did great. I'm proud of you."

Back inside the hall, Nani keeps his composure, even as nausea coils in his stomach.

He leans against the armrest, sips his champagne, and keeps a polite smile fixed in place.

Fai returns, smug as ever.

"Impressive, isn't it?" he says, swirling his drink. "The world screams morality, but behind closed doors, they pay fortunes."

Nani forces a chuckle. "You've mastered supply and demand."

As Fai talks, Nani subtly brushes a finger across his earpiece, enough to make a small signal noise.

Inside the van, Sky straightens, catching the cue. "He's about to make the move."

"Stay sharp," Joong orders, voice tight.

Back at the venue, Fai leans in, his breath hot against Nani's ear. "Come upstairs with me. I want to show you something in private."

Nani smirks lightly. "Only if it's worth my time."

"Oh, it will be," Fai promises.

The two rise and leave the hall. Hidden cameras planted earlier by Sky catch every angle of their movements.

Then, at a sharp turn in the corridor, chaos happens.

Fai slams Nani against the wall. His face appears close in the lens, sinister and snarling.

Everyone in the van freezes.

Without a second thought, Sky bolts out the door.

"Say goodbye to Nani forever," Fai sneers before smashing the camera and destroying the earpiece.

"Shit—Nani!" Sky yells, running full speed toward the venue. He scans the hallway. Nothing.

"Outside! Sky, they're leaving!" a Ghost Gang henchman shouts into the comms.

Sky sprints for the exit. "Follow that vehicle!"

Kay and Joong rush behind him.

A black SUV screeches to a stop, Tew behind the wheel. They jump in.

"Drive!" Sky barks.

Tew slams the gas pedal, tires screeching as they chase the vehicle speeding off with Nani inside.

"He's fucking sick," Joong snaps, voice tight with rage.

Tew weaves through traffic, keeping the car in sight. The tires scream around a sharp turn.

"Don't lose them!" Sky growls.

"I got this," Tew mutters, jaw clenched.

Then, crash.

A deafening metallic screech echoes. The target SUV flips violently through the air, landing upside down in the middle of the road.

Sky's heart drops. "No—NO!"

He throws the door open and runs, lungs burning.

A sharp crack rings out. Gunfire.

One of the Ghost Gang snipers signals. Job complete. Then disappears into the shadows.

"Nani!" Sky shouts, racing toward the wreckage.

The SUV is mangled. Blood smears the cracked windows.

Inside, Fai's lifeless body slumps forward. Bullet wounds to the head. It's over for him.

But Sky's eyes aren't on Fai. They lock on a flash of crimson.

Nani's suit, soaked in blood.

"Nani!" Sky screams, pounding on the door, trying to rip it open with bare hands.

Joong, Kay, and Tew arrive, immediately jumping in to help. Together, they pry at the metal. It groans and creaks.

Finally, with one final wrench, the door gives way.

Sky dives inside, glass cutting his palms, and reaches for Nani's limp form.

Blood pools beneath him, soaking the once-elegant crimson fabric.

"Nani, hey! Stay with me," Sky begs, voice breaking.

Nani groans. Faint, but alive.

"He's breathing!" Sky shouts, cradling him as Kay and Joong clear a path.

Tew's already screaming into his phone for emergency helps. First pulls up in the second SUV.

"Straight to the hospital!" Sky orders as they slide into the back seat, Nani in his arms.

First hits the gas hard.

In the other SUV, Joong, Kay, and Tew follow closely.

Nani stirs weakly, lips barely moving. "Sky?"

"I'm here," Sky whispers, brushing blood-matted hair from his forehead. "You're gonna be okay."

"I-I tried to stall him but he knew," Nani coughs, blood trailing down his chin.

"Don't talk," Sky pleads. "Save your strength."

But Nani keeps going, stubborn to the end. "I turned the wheel. That's why we crashed. I didn't want him to take me far from you."

Tears streak down Sky's cheeks. "Don't leave me. We promised, we promised we'd be strong together."

Nani's hand trembles as it reaches for him, clutching Sky's shirt.

"We will be stronger now. No more nightmares," he whispers then his eyes slip closed.

"Stay awake, Nani! Damn it, STAY AWAKE!" Sky yells, holding him tighter.

First steps harder on the accelerator. Sirens wail in the distance as the hospital finally comes into view.

Sky's hands are soaked in blood, trembling, as he presses his forehead to Nani's and whispers, "Please hold on. Don't leave me. Not now."