Beauty from Ashes

A Race Against Time

Kongpob lazily awakened in his own bed after God knows how many hours. After discussing his plan with Nam Soon well into the early hours of the morning, he didn't even remember falling asleep after he collapsed on his bed still wearing his clothes. He stretched his tired limbs and grabbed his phone, which had been turned off ever since he left the States. It broke his heart to leave Arthit without saying goodbye in person, but he would've never let him leave if he tried. Kongpob had to put a stop to all of this and he believed the only way to do that was to face Steve. Nam Soon had tried, without success, to convince him not to do this but he acquiesced to Kong's request in the end.

Nam Soon figured if he couldn't stop him then he would at least work with him to keep him safe. Kongpob stared at his phone, took a deep breath and turned it on. As the screen came to life he was met with notification after notification. There were 112 missed calls from Arthit, and his voicemail was filled with messages ranging from concerned, to panicked to angry. He knew Arthit would be angry and follow him back to Thailand, but he also knew it would take him at least 15 hours to reach him. Looking at the time on his phone he saw that had only six more hours to complete his plan. Groaning he went about his morning routine, sending Nam Soon a text before getting into the shower.

"Oh my God! That was amazing." Apinya kissed her lover and fell off to the side. She was still riding the high of her orgasm her skin glistening with sweat. "Where do you get your energy?"

Nam Soon chuckled and placed a kiss on Apinya's lips while pulling her into his embrace. "You're not so bad yourself." He rubbed circles on her bare back placing kisses on top of her head. The scent of lavender and vanilla was intoxicating to his senses. He smiled to himself listening to her even breathing letting him know she had drifted off into a peaceful slumber. His thoughts drifted to Kongpob as he worried about his friend. Nam Soon still couldn't believe he allowed Kong to talk him into helping him track down that psychopath and try to reason with him.

His plan was deadly at best and foolish at a minimum. There was no way it would succeed, but Nam Soon had put some fail safes in place to keep Kongpob alive. He prayed he wouldn't have to use them, but with Steve you never knew. With that thought he hugged Apinya tighter and allowed sleep to take him away.

Mike landed on the floor holding his face where his father had slapped him with all his might. Tears were streaming from his eyes as he was engulfed with shame.

"Do you realize what you've done? The shame you have brought upon this family. How do you even have the face to show yourself in this home? We are barely hanging on by a thread and now your mother and I must spend the money we have left on your legal defense? You stole from the company to cover your gambling debts! What the hell is wrong with you? I did NOT raise my son to be a thief and a degenerate.

Mark's father grabbed a stack of newspapers, each of which had the story about the embezzlement as the lead story on the front page.

"Look at these headlines! Our family is being dragged through the mud and it's all your damned fault. What is wrong with you? Get out of this house and never come back!"

Mark tried to speak but he couldn't find his voice. All he could do is kneel before his father with his hands together as if in prayer.

"Father. Please forgive me. I cannot stop myself. I don't want to gamble, but it takes hold of me and I can't stop. Forgive me. Don't abandon me. I will be better. I will restore your trust in me. I will do anything, but please...please don't leave me. I love you father."