Rattapak, the famous model, watched Teeradon eat in silence—head down, focused entirely on his food as if he hadn't eaten in days. Earlier that evening, Teeradon had called him, claiming loneliness, wanting company for dinner, needing a friend. Yet now, face to face, Rattapak felt more like an audience watching a hungry man devour his meal rather than the companion Teeradon had supposedly craved.
"Is it good?" Rattapak asked softly.
"Mm." Teeradon nodded without looking up, continuing to eat.
"Poor thing, working so hard you don't even have time to eat properly." The model's voice carried practiced sympathy.
"My back's killing me too. Really bad." Teeradon grimaced.
"Must be from sitting at your desk all day." Rattapak's expression matched his concerned tone. "Why push yourself so hard? You're already rich enough to buy anything you want. Hell, you could probably buy Mega Track Records—didn't I hear they're looking for new investors?"
"I'm saving up for land. Looking at some property around Ayutthaya." Teeradon's eyes suddenly sparked with an idea.
Spent hundreds of thousands on that motorcycle just to chase after Wittawin like some lovesick fool. Now he'll drop a couple million on farmland in Ayutthaya, mark up the price, and sell it to Wittawin at a profit...
No, wait—sell it cheap to my little brother, let Wittawin suffer from the missed opportunity. Tin's wife is looking for land outside the city for a warehouse anyway...
"With all that money lying around, I don't see why you need to work yourself into a pretzel." Rattapak laughed lightly. "It's just a few million for some land. Speaking of your back—want me to massage it? I'm pretty good with my hands."
"How about we take turns?" Teeradon's smile turned mischievous. "Massage first, then... other things."
"God, I never know what's going to come out of your mouth." Rattapak feigned embarrassment.
"Don't be shy."
"After the massage and... whatever else, let's go out tonight." The young model's invitation wasn't casual—he knew tonight was the final night of the Asian Pacific Film Festival, and The Dazzle would be packed with entertainment industry VIPs. He was growing tired of modeling and saw this as his chance to network, especially if he could get access to Teeradon's super VIP floor.
"I'm exhausted tonight. How about we just stay in, fool around by the pool at my place? We can go out another time." Teeradon raised an eyebrow, sending a flirtatious smile toward the handsome model.
"You only see me as a way to get off." Rattapak's pout seemed genuine.
If he's being honest as a man, then yes—but what choice does he have? He needs release, especially since splitting with Wittawin. He wants someone, and this guy has a similar build and face, the same short buzz cut. When he pins him down and climbs on top, he can pretend he's riding that red-lipped monkey of a motorcycle...
"Fine. If all you want from me is massage and sex, I'll give you both. I love you too much to pull away now, Khun Teeradon. Whatever you need, I'll—"
"Don't talk like that." Teeradon's voice turned honey-sweet. "I don't just think about those things, you know. This afternoon I was hunched over my desk for hours, starving, could barely drag myself out of the office. And you know what? Your face just popped into my head."
"My naked picture, probably. Or—"
"In swim trunks, actually. I keep that issue of Illustrated Chaps where you modeled swimwear at my office. When I'm bored, I flip through it. Almost took care of business right there in the office more times than I can count." Teeradon smiled down at his food, then glanced up to catch the model's matching grin.
"I hope you mean that."
"Of course I do. I'd love to save those pictures on my computer so I could look at them whenever I want. I just can't figure out how to get photos from a magazine into the computer." Teeradon's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Unless..."
"Absolutely not. That would be hideous." The young man rolled his eyes at whatever ridiculous idea was forming.
"What's hideous? I haven't even said anything yet." Teeradon pretended confusion.
"I can tell from your expression. Don't even think about keeping those."
"Well then, tonight I'll look my fill with my own eyes. I'll explore every square inch with my hands and mouth. Don't you dare try to stop me."
"When have I ever stopped you? I go along with all your weird games without complaining. But you—you're the one who's always telling me no." Rattapak pursed his lips and looked away.
"Aw, don't sulk. If you're really upset, I'll make it up to you tonight without holding back." Teeradon chuckled softly before turning to signal the waiter for drink refills.
If only Wittawin would give in like this guy does—let himself be flipped around however he wants, do whatever he's told without resistance...
Tell him to straddle the motorcycle and lean down against the gas tank, and he'd actually do it...
God, when will this fantasy become reality? He's going insane. Wittawin, always Wittawin—why does he torment his mind like this? He's getting tired of needing substitutes...
***
Teeradon was surprised to find The Dazzle more crowded on Sunday night than it had been the previous evening, despite Saturday being both the weekend and the festival's final night. Tonight, entertainment industry figures from across Asia continued to pack the club. Niwat reported that several high-level foreign VIP guests had been so impressed they'd extended their Bangkok stay by one night just to experience his club again.
Niwat and Chollatee, Teeradon's key assistants, handled guest relations and maintained order. He rarely revealed himself except to people he already knew well.
The previous night, Teeradon had been exhausted and wanted rest. After his "pre-bedtime workout" with Rattapak, he'd slept like the dead. So tonight he was making it up to the young model by bringing him to the club and introducing him to a film director before slipping away to his usual spot in the control room. There, he witnessed something that disturbed him greatly.
Over a dozen computer monitors displayed feeds from nearly a hundred cameras capturing every angle of the club. The final screen made Teeradon freeze the image and stare with a hardened expression for a long time.
Shouldn't have given Pamorn a VIP membership—Wittawin's friend, or boyfriend, who knows. They're practically glued together, even closer than when he came here with Baramee. So intimate it goes way beyond friendship. No wonder they're business partners...
So what's the deal between Baramee and Pom? Which one does Wittawin have something with? Or maybe... both of them...
Look at that quiet, reserved characteristics. You are quite a smooth player, aren't you, pretty boy...
***