The Irresistible Vortex

Chapter 14

Date: 27/8/2020

AN: A longish chapter today, but it's more descriptive. There is hardly any dialogue here. I hope you don't get bored.

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Kongpob entered the galleria with Wad and Arjun. Although Wad didn't really understand Art, he needed to be wherever his CEO went. The stern looking friend couldn't take any chances with his friend's security. Em was supposed to accompany Kongpob as well but had landed a date that he was really looking forward to. Arjun had offered to join them, saying that he enjoy the new experience. As soon as the trio entered, all heads turned their way. The galleria was already filled with an impressive number of patrons, classily dressed and several sipping on free wine. But still, Kongpob and his entourage stood out.

The curator hurried forward to greet the businessman. He took the young man's hand in a shake, "Khun Suthiluck, I'm so glad you could take the time to come."

Kongpob smiled, "My pleasure Khun Chong. I am always looking to collect works and I believe in supporting budding artists."

The short man grinned, "I promise you will definitely love the works. I have personally picked these three artists. I will show you around, Mr. Suthiluck."

"Oh..no need Khun Chong. We will manage. You must have your hands full with the arrangements and other guests to greet. We will definitely manage." Chong looked unsure. He gestured for a waiter, who promptly appeared with a tray of different wines and bubblies. Chong offered the drinks to the trio, who each took one glass, bowing in thanks.

"If you are sure, Khun, you don't want me to sho.."

Kongpob nodded, "I am sure.."

The curator nodded and moved away, leaving the businessman and his friends on their own. Kongpob moved further in, past the front space and a few meters in they saw walls covered with huge paintings. The trio were gazing at the one of the first pieces that had Kogpob interested when two young men approached them.

"Hello Khun Suthiluck. I'm sure you don't remember me.." The tall, fair man said smiling.

"I remember you.." Kongpob said, his teeth gritting furiously, his eyes stony as he instantly recognized the man who had been clingy and dancing with his Sunshine at the club. Wad discreetly touched his friends elbow so as to calm him down. It worked as Kongpob looked at his security chief and nodded slightly. When he turned back to the man, his face was once again masked to give a neutral vibe.

The man nodded, "I am Prem and this is my friend Tutah." The stodgy man, wearing a dark blue suit, standing beside Prem gave a short nod to the businessman.

He came forward and took Kongpob's hand in a flourish as he said in his signature high-pitched voice, "You see? You are now dating one of our dearest friends. And all four of us are rather protective of that angel. Hence, we thought it would be only natural that we get to know each other."

Prem grinned and nodded. "We have to make sure we can trust you with our precious Arthit, after all."

Wad was getting rather angry himself at the attitude of these two men. The nerve of them! There were so many things suspicious about this Arthit and what? Hs friends were pointing at Kongpob? How dare they? The security chief pulled Kongpob behind him and got into the face of the fair-skinned man.

"Are you serious? Mr. Suthiluck has been open about everything, where as there is nothing straight forward about your friend. It should be us threatening you."

Prem's face had now contorted into that of a furious one and it was Tutah who dispersed the tension. He pulled Prem away and laughed, "Nong, you are taking everything too seriously! Hahaah! We just meant that, well..since N'Kongpob and Ai'Arthit are onto something now that we too should get acquainted."