The Dying of the Light

Chapter Fifteen

Three weeks later...

"This is unacceptable!"

"He clearly doesn't know what he's doing?"

"The stock prices have plunged! The company will go under if we don't do something NOW!"

The stockholders were screaming bloody murder. Kongpob, Mongkut and Tanawat sat stoically, along with the rest of his management team listening to the rantings.

After a few more minutes, Kongpob stood and raised his arms to quiet everyone.

"Gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? Please everyone, quiet."

One stockholder stood and raised his fist at Kongpob. "What do you plan on doing about this mess, Mr. Suthiluck? This would never have happened when your father was running things. You need to be replaced!"

Kongpob sighed and began to speak.

"Gentlemen, I realize things are bleak right now, but rest assured things will get better. We just need you to be patient and allow my team and I to do our jobs."

Kongpob's father stood began to speak. "I have complete faith in my son's ability."

"Of course, you do. He's YOUR son, Kerkkrai. We wouldn't expect you to do anything else." Channarong chimed in.

Kerkkrai ignored Channarong and continued addressing the stockholders. "As the largest stockholder, I have more to lose than anyone else, so if I am supporting my son, shouldn't the rest of you?"

There was grumbling amongst the stockholders, but they eventually quieted down.

"Thank you everyone. Just have patience. I assure you my son and his team will turn this around and we will once again be leading the industry."

Channarong rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "that brat will be gone soon enough and I'll take his place.  Bastard."

"You aren't planning to make me a liar, are you Kong?" Kerkkrai sat next to his son and folded his hands.

Kong smiled and looked at his father. "No sir. We must keep this up to make Channarong desperate. We're watching him and waiting for his backers to get anxious. They've been pressuring him, and he will make a reckless move. Once he does, we'll be there to catch him and throw his ass in jail for the rest of his miserable life."

"Son, you're playing a dangerous game. I'm worried about you. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Dad, he's left me no choice. The man tried to have me killed...TWICE! If we don't do this, then I may not make it. Now that I have someone to live for, I can't let that happen."

"Speaking of that certain someone...when am I going to meet this person? Your mother and I are thrilled that you've found someone to settle down with. She must be amazing."

"HE is."

"He, huh? Well, your mother will be disappointed that she won't get any grandchildren, but you know we have no problem with whoever you choose, Kong."

"Who says you won't get any grandchildren? Ever heard of surrogacy and adoption? Either way, they will be a little heir coming your way." Kongpob chuckled and hugged his father.

"Well, that's something for your mother to hang her hat on, isn't it?" Kerkkrai hugged his son back and left him to be alone in his office.

Kongpob could barely contain his excitement while driving to Arthit's place. His thoughts drifted to the love of his life. His beautiful brown eyes, his flawless white skin, his supple pink lips. His reverie was interrupted by the loud honking of the cars behind him. He had missed the red light turning green. He waved his hand outside the window in apology to his fellow drivers. Laughing to himself, he continued down the busy street.

Arthit was holding his head in his hands while sitting on the edge of his bed. His wardrobe was open and there where clothes strewn about the floor, the wardrobe half empty. He rubbed his hands through his hair frustrated. Looking at the clock on the nightstand, he panicked seeing that Kong would be arriving any minute.

"Shit! He'll be here any minute. I don't have anything to wear. Dammit!" He jumped up from the bed and chose a pair of black pants, a pink shirt and matching V-neck sweater. He finished off the outfit with a pair of black loafers. He styled his hair and rushed to the living room to wait for his Kong. He smirked thinking of Kong as his Kong. They had not yet become official, but it was all but an inevitability at this point. He had confessed to Kong some weeks back and Kong had returned his sentiment. "Doesn't that make us official? I think so." His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

He opened the door and his breath hitched; his heart stopped. There stood Kongpob with a bouquet of beautiful red roses and a small gift.

"Kong," Arthit whispered and held his hand over his heart, willing it to beat again.

"Arthit," Kong breathed his name as he walked into Arthit's condo. "You look amazing. How did I get so lucky? I must have saved a lot of people in my past life to have you in my life. I don't deserve..."

Arthit stopped his words when he softly placed his lips on Kongpob's lips.

"Thank you Kongpob. These flowers are lovely." From his ears down to his neck was as red as a tomato. Kongpob chuckled and brought Arthit into an embrace.

"You're welcome." He released the man and handed him the gift. "This is for you. Please open it."

Arthit took the box and sat down on the couch in the living room. He unwrapped the box and slowly opened it. His eyes widened as he saw a silver charm bracelet. The words "My Lifeline" were inscribed on the outside. On the inside, the words "From YOUR Kong" were engraved. Tears brimmed in Arthit's eyes and he lited his eyes to Kongpob's.

"This is...is..." Arthit couldn't finish his sentence. Kongpob kneeled in front of him and took the bracelet from the box to place it on Arthit's wrist.

"You were my lifeline when I needed one and I will always love you for it. You saved me Arthit and I would be honored if you would be my boyfriend. I want you next to me. Loving me. Being with me...only me."

The tears Arthit had been holding back finally fell from his eyes. He gently nodded his head and placed a soft kiss on Kongpob's lips. Both men stood and embraced each other.

"Now, I would like to take my boyfriend out for a wonderful date."

"Yes, that sounds great."