you're the little thing, my saving grace

Chapter 4

Pete wakes up today with the night light on. He does not remember how he passed out after a hard day's work, but he knows for sure that he did not cover himself with a blanket the day before.

Now he lies hidden in it, as in a cocoon. Opening it quickly, Pete breathes heavily several times.

So weird... it's never happened before.

During his five years working for the head of the mafia, Pete got used to many terrible things. What disgusted him at the very beginning is now often perceived indifferently. In any case, it looks that way from the outside. No one knows what is going on in Pete's soul at such moments.

After a serious injury, Nop is undergoing rehabilitation, and Pete has been appointed acting head of security. It is believed that if a bodyguard has managed to stay alive in such a business for five years, he is not hopeless.

After a while, Pete gets out of bed. He sits for a short time, stretching his tired feet on the cool floor, and then finally rises. It's time to get to work.

The usual morning routine. Pete announces their plans for the day to the bodyguards, when suddenly Khun Kan appears in the common room. He is accompanied by a woman, Noon. In all the time Pete had worked at the mansion, it was the first time his boss had brought a woman here. Of course, he is not so naive as not to understand that Kan had affairs outside the mansion, but this — Pete has learned Nop's advice well — does not concern him.

"Take a couple of people and go to the airport. Flight from the USA. Vegas is returning from the language camp. Meet him."

Pete opens his mouth and stares at the owner. Kan purses his lips:

"Is there something you don't understand about my order?"

"Got it, Khun Kan," Pete looks down guiltily.

Kan chuckles and, taking Noon's hand, leaves the common room.

So, it's already today… Pete is a little worried, but decides that he needs to pull himself together and just keep doing his job.

°•~•°

The plane lands with a delay. Pete and his men are waiting patiently. After all, it's part of their job today. Finally, the lounge begins to fill with a stream of arriving passengers.

Of course, Pete assumes that the appearance of a fifteen-year-old Vegas is different from a ten-year-old, but out of habit he looks for short hairstyle on his head sticking out in all directions and a naive childish smile in the crowd.

In vain.

Slightly wavy shoulder-length dark hair, tucked behind an ear on the left, from which a white pod is visible. A thoughtful, serious look. Clear lines of high cheekbones with a delicate adolescent blush. A backpack is slung over his right shoulder.

The left hand holds the handle of a large suitcase. Pete knows that they will pick up some of the luggage later. When the teenager — in a T-shirt, a light shirt over it and loose jeans - stops right in front of him, being now only slightly shorter than Pete, the latter greets him with restraint and politeness:

"Welcome back, Khun Vegas."

Vegas raises his eyebrows in amazement, and then laughs loudly and slaps Pete on the shoulder: