Chapter Twenty-Seven: Confidence Is Key
Liam's Pov
A surprise shriek escaped my lips and I was now groaning in pain as I rolled onto my back.
Why was I in pain?
Well, because someone had stepped on me, thus waking me up from my sleep.
And that someone just so happened to be Porsche, who had jumped out of the bed and his feet made contact with my back before he ran into the bathroom.
"Well, at least I don't need to go to the spa anymore for that massage" I muttered.
Believe it or not but I was actually planning on going to the spa in order to take care of my back problem.
But, thanks to Porsche, I won't need to anymore.
I slowly sat up from the ground and stretched my arms and let out a small yawn.
Sleeping on the ground isn't that bad, but I wouldn't recommend it.
At least I had my blanket with me so that way I wasn't cold during the night.
I sighed and removed the blanket from my body and stood up from the ground. I rubbed my eyes and made my way into the bathroom.
Once I was inside I saw Porsche standing in front of the mirror, his fists clenched as they were resting on top of the counter.
He was staring at himself in the mirror, his teeth were gritted and tears were welling up in his eyes.
I frowned at his expression before my eyes widened in realization.
The drug wore off during the middle of the night, meaning he recovered and was now back to his old self.
However, that also meant he remember the events that took place last night.
And no doubt he is filled with tons of emotions right now, no doubt he's overwhelmed by the entire thing.
I'm honestly not sure if I should approach him, given the state he's in.
I swallowed slightly and hesitantly walked further into the bathroom, taking hesitant steps towards my brother.
"Porsche" I softly called out to him.
Startled, he spun around but he calmed down when he saw that it was me.
"Liam?" he softly asked, squinting his eyes slightly.
I nodded and continued walking, stopping so that I was standing a few feet in front of him.
"Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling?" I softly asked.
Porsche didn't say anything. He just stared at me with an unreadable expression on his face.
Then he, surprisingly, threw himself at me and wrapped his arms around me tightly while burying his head into my shoulder.
I was shocked by his action but didn't hesitate to hug him back just as tightly.
His shoulders shook and he started sniffling, his arms tightened around me and he tried to hide himself in my embrace.
He was crying. My brother was crying.
He was emotional because of everything that happened last night.
He was overwhelmed and I can't blame him.
After all, anyone in his position would've reacted the same way he did.
Especially when he could've been taken advantage of.
Not just by Vegas, but by Kinn too.
I'm just thankful that I was able to change the outcome so he didn't have to endure that pain.
"Please tell me nothing happened. Please, please tell me nobody touched me or anything like that" he was begging.
He was begging me to tell him that everything was alright.
He was begging to everything good and holy that he wasn't touched inappropriately.
He was begging that he was unharmed. Untouched.
"Hia, hia, you need to calm down" I softly told him.
We pulled away from the hug so I could cup the sides of his face with my hands and gently caress them.
"Nothing happened last night, hia. I saved you from those bastards that kidnapped you and the bastard that tried to do something to you. I promise that nothing happened, your nong got there in time" I explained.
And thank god I did.
I could never forgive myself for getting there late. I could never forgive myself for failing to protect my brother.
Porsche sucked in a huge breath of relief and slowly calmed down, his shoulders slumping slightly.
His arms tightened around me and he buried his head more into my shoulder.
"Thank you for saving me, Liam" it was muffled, but I could still understand what he was saying.
"No need to thank me, hia. I'm just doing what any brother would've done" I softly said.
He let out a hum and his arms around me loosened a bit.
I sighed and pulled him back, bringing my hands up in order to cup the sides of his face.
"Go take a shower and then change back into the suit you wore last night, we have to head back soon" I told him.
Porsche frowned but sighed and nodded either way.
I smiled softly and gently ruffled his hair before turning around and walking away and out of the bathroom.
I closed the door behind me and let out a sigh, rubbing my forehead.
Honestly, I might need a drink or two myself just because of today.
Sighing, once again, I walked further into the room to clean up what I needed to clean up before we had to leave.
There's more that I need to deal with.
Back At The Compound
Porsche had a hard time changing back into the suit he wore last night but he didn't really have much of a choice.
Especially when I didn't bring any spare clothes for him.
I really should've packed a bag or something.
But, that just would've made Kinn and the others suspicious and that's the last thing I want.
Especially when they're already suspicious because of last night.
When he was done changing and I made sure we didn't leave anything behind before we left the hotel room and went outside.
The driver was already waiting for us in front of the building and we immediately got into the car.
Porsche was still shaken up and refused to be near anyone that wasn't me. Which is why I stood by his side the entire time.
I had my arm around his shoulder and let him lean into my side and rest his head on my shoulder, doing his best to calm himself down.
Neither of us said anything the entire ride to the compound.
It was fine, honestly.
We enjoyed the comfortable silence and I was just happy to hold my brother and just be there for him.
My breath hitched when the car pulled up to the compound and parked at the front.
I nodded at the driver and opened the door and got out. Porsche followed after me.
I tensed up when I saw Kinn, Chan and the others that were present last night waiting for us at the entrance.
Their expressions remained neutral and I honestly couldn't tell if that was a bad or good thing.
They walked over to us, Kinn being in the lead, obviously, but that alone caused Porsche to tense up.
On instinct, I wrapped my arms around Porsche's shoulders and pulled him closer to my side.
Kinn noticed, so did everyone else, and immediately stopped so now he was standing just a few feet in front of us.
He simply pressed his lips together before his eyes landed on Porsche's.
"How are you feeling?" Kinn asked.
"Fine" was my brother's immediately reply.
Kinn nodded before turning his attention over to me.
"I trust you took care of him well" Kinn said.
"Of course I did" I replied, trying my best not to glare at him.
He must've sensed my mood and simply nodded his head before Chan took over.
"You two get changed into your uniform. After that, come to the bosses office. He wishes to speak to you two" Chan said.
Porsche tensed while my expression remained neutral as I nodded my head.
I nodded at the others before guiding Porsche inside so we could head to our respective rooms and get changed.
I swear to god I could feel Kinn's eyes on us and I did my best to ignore it.
It certainly didn't help that I now felt everyone else's eyes on us as we were walking.
A Few Minutes Later
After getting changed I met up with Porsche, who tried to keep a strong face and body language.
But, it didn't really help that he had stuck to my side the entire time and kept glancing every now and then.
I swear he's alert for everything even after we returned.
But, then again, it's normal and understanding.
After all, I was the same after what happened to me that night...
I quickly shook my head, not wanting memories of that night to resurface, as Porsche and I continued walking.
We reached Korn's office and I saw many guards stationed outside, standing straight while keeping stern expressions on all their faces.
Their eyes met ours and I honestly couldn't tell if they were angry or not.
Especially when they were mainly staring at me with different types of emotions that I couldn't tell what was what.
I glared at them and watched in satisfaction as fear washed through nearly all their eyes.
I rolled my eyes as Porsche and I continued walking towards the door that led to Korn's office.
Two guards, that were standing at both sides of the door, nodded at us and opened the door for us.
Porsche and I simply nodded at them before heading inside.
The doors closed and we walked further into the office.
I got a good look at everyone that was inside the office. So far, it was only the ones present yesterday.
Oh, and Chan too.
Should've expected that since he's the main boss of all the bodyguards and Korn's bodyguard too. At least I believe.
I have to be honest I forgot what Chan's role is in the show. Don't judge me.
Porsche and I stood together while the others were off standing at the other side of the room.
Korn was sitting on his office chair. Kinn stood at his right side while Chan stood at his left.
"Ah, Porsche, Liam. Good to see you both here" Korn spoke.
"Good morning, Mr. Korn" I nodded.
"Yeah, good morning" Porsche nodded.
Korn leaned back against his chair, his eyes never leaving ours.
"I was informed about what happened last night. I want to know if you're alright, both of you" Korn said.
"I'm not the one you should be asking that, especially when I wasn't the one that was drugged" I smiled sarcastically at him.
Porsche shot me a look at that before sighing and turning back to Korn.
"I'm doing better, thanks to Liam of course. But, thank you for asking" he politely said.
It was amusing to see the reactions of Big and Ken when they saw Porsche being polite.
I forgot that they're used to him being stubborn and uptight, not polite and nice.
But, then again, after what happened yesterday I guess it makes sense his sudden behavior change.
"That's good" Korn hummed.
He let out a sigh as he clasped his hands together and set them on top of the desk.
"Porsche. I hope you understand that getting drunk on the job is unacceptable. We have a strict rule that all bodyguards must be focused. And I thought that after last time you would've known better" Korn stated.
Porsche flinched at the reminder of that night while I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
Does nobody in this family understand the difference between water and an alcoholic beverage?
"I understand and I know that I should've been more responsible, but Mr. Korn-" he started but was cut off.
"No excuses" Korn sternly said.
Porsche gritted his teeth and looked down at the ground.
I turned towards Korn and took a few steps forward, gaining everyone's attention as they turned towards me.
"With all due respect, Mr. Korn. My brother isn't the one to blame for any of this" I told him.
"Yes it is. If he hadn't been drinking on the job he wouldn't have gotten drugged in the first place" Kinn sternly said, glaring at Porsche.
My eyes widened at that and I turned over to my brother, who had picked his head up when Kinn spoke.
Porsche looked hurt at that and bit his lip, looking anywhere but Kinn.
"The only reason my brother even drank that water was because you let him. You even gave him a nod, indicating that it was alright for him to drink!" I sneered.
This caused everyone to look over at Kinn with wide eyes.
Even Korn looked at his heir with wide eyes, not expecting that.
"How did you know that?" Kinn asked, his own eyes wide in surprise.
"I have eyes, Mr. Kinn. I'm not blind" I smiled sarcastically at him.
Kinn glared at me for that and tried to say something, but stopped when his father raised his hand.
Kinn simply nodded and looked down at his shoes, not bothering to argue anymore.
Of course. After all, he'd never start anything with his father.
"Are you blaming my son for your brother's carelessness?" Korn asked, turning his attention back over to me.
"You're mistaken, Mr. Korn. I'm not blaming him, I never said those words. I'm simply stating what happened that night, given that you weren't there" I sternly said.
I'm not just going to sit back and let Korn nor Kinn try and put the blame on Porsche.
Porsche is the victim in this since he was the one that was drugged. He was the one that was kidnapped. And he was the one that could've been taken advantage of if I hadn't found him on time.
"I might not have been there, but I do know that you aimed a gun at my son and threatened him. Isn't that correct?" Korn asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
My eyes widened at that and I tensed up ever so slightly.
Porsche's head snapped in my direction and his eyes were wide in surprise and confusion.
Oh, yeah, I forgot I didn't tell him about that part...
"The only reason I did that was because Mr. Kinn was being difficult. I told him multiple times that I would be the one to take care of my brother but he insisted I hand him over to him so he could take care of him. He wouldn't let it go and tried taking my brother from me and I had to take drastic measures" I explained.
"By aiming a gun at him?" this time it was Chan that asked.
My eyes snapped in his direction and I raised an eyebrow at him.
"He's still alive, is he not? He's standing in this very room, breathing. I never pulled the trigger and last time I checked, there's a difference between aiming a gun at someone and pulling the trigger" I explained.
Last I checked, threatening someone doesn't mean you're automatically going to kill them.
For some people, they would do the opposite and kill without hesitation.
But, I would never do that. Let alone to Kinn of all people.
So I don't know why Korn is being a bitch when his son, his heir, is alive and breathing.
He better be glad I didn't pull the trigger because, trust me, if Kinn tried taking Porsche away from me in his drugged state I would've killed him without any hesitation.
Chan gritted his teeth and simply kept his mouth shut. I internally smirked at that, glad to know he understands.
A throat being cleared was what brought my attention back over to Kinn.
"While I understand your concern for your brother, I also want you to understand that aiming a gun at my son wasn't rational. It was disrespectful and irresponsible too, especially when you could've gained the attention of everyone else at the auction" Korn explained.
"I doubt they would've cared about what we were doing. They were too busy trying to collect whatever stupid diamonds they won" I rolled my eyes.
Pravat snorted at that and Pete hit his arm, sending him a warning glare.
I spared him a glance, smiling slightly at his reaction, before turning back over to Korn.
"I know that you were simply looking out for Porsche like any brother would've done. I understand and respect that" Korn nodded.
He removed his hands from his desk and placed them down on his lap.
"However, you have to understand that we do things differently around here. In this life, we don't play around. It's all about war and winning it in order to gain power. That applies not only to us, but to everyone, especially the bodyguards. Porsche being careless and getting drugged is one thing, but you aiming a gun at my son and threatening him is another" Korn explained.
Would anyone be mad at me for taking my gun out so I can kill him? He's getting on my nerves.
Oh who am I kidding, I'm pretty sure you all want Korn dead just as much as I do.
But, I have to remember that killing him won't solve anything.
And, given the circumstances, I need him alive if I want my plan to go well.
"Now, while I can move past what you did, I can't move past what Porsche did. Meaning that I have no choice but to punish him" Korn said.
Porsche tensed at that while I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists at my sides.
There's no way in hell I'm going to allow this old man to punish my brother for something that wasn't his fault.
I'm not going to let Korn force Kinn to come up with Porsche's punishment because I already know he's gonna have Ken and Big carry out the punishment.
Out of all the scenes from this episode, that's the one I desperately want to change.
I opened my mouth to protest, to defend my brother once more, when Korn raised his hand.
"I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from, right?" he asked, his tone changing from serious to kind.
This man...I swear to god...
I felt my body shaking slightly and I felt my nails digging into my palms.
Come on, Liam. Come on...
I've gotta calm down before I do something I'll regret. I need to calm down otherwise I might end up spilling a few things.
Just like when Kinn arrived at Hum's bar for the first time, I've gotta play my cards right.
So, when I managed to calm down, my eyes met Korn's once more.
"I understand" I slowly nodded.
I wanted to wipe the satisfied smile that appeared on the old mans face.
"Good" Korn nodded.
"We quit" I blurted out.
I said the first thing that came out and I don't regret it.
Especially when everyone, especially Porsche, was staring at me with wide eyes and jaws dropped.
It's just like I said, I have to play my cards right. This is the best way to go.
"What?" Korn gasped, his smile fading away withing seconds..
"We quit" I, again, told him.
I took off the pin that was attached to the jacket of the uniform and set it down on top of his desk.
I turned to my brother and took off his pin, catching him off guard, before setting it down.
"We're done here" I said.
Korn opened his mouth to say something but I turned away from him and grabbed Porsche by the arm.
"Come on, we're getting our things and leaving. We'll head over to Chay's school and pick him up and fill him in on everything on the way home" I told him.
"Liam, what..." Porsche trailed off.
"We're going home, Porsche. That's final" I sternly said.
I shook my head at him and began dragging him with me towards the door.
"Wait!" now that was Kinn, not his deadbeat father.
I stopped and Porsche did too. We turned to look at him and I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Are you seriously just going to leave like that?" he asked.
You would think he was speaking to both of us, but his eyes were mainly locked on Porsche's.
I love that although they didn't do anything last night, thank god for that, he's still aware of his feelings for him even if he's still trying to deny them.
"We're leaving because you people can't seem to understand that what happened last night wasn't my brothers fault" I glared at him.
"Liam, you have to understand that Porsche was careless-" Chan started but I cut him off.
"That's bullshit. My brother was far from careless. He was actually alert and taking the job seriously" I gritted my teeth.
Chan opened his mouth to say something when Big stepped in.
"He wouldn't have gotten drugged if he hadn't been drinking on the job" Big told me.
He glared over at my brother, annoyance and frustration shown in his eyes.
Porsche rolled his eyes and resisted the urge to go over and slap him.
I scoffed at that and rolled my eyes.
"He wasn't drinking beer, tequila, bourbon, or any kind of alcoholic beverage for that matter. He drank water, fucking water, and as far as I'm concerned drinking water isn't against bodyguard policy. Especially when it's a regular fucking drink that I'm sure any other bodyguard would've drank if they were in his position" I argued.
Pete, Pravat and Arm glanced at each other when that was said before looking away.
Ken quietly cleared his throat and simply looked away.
Big frowned but kept his mouth shut after that, taking a few steps back so that he was back standing near Ken.
I huffed and turned around, making eye contact with Korn once more.
"Now, listen Mr. Korn, if you don't want us to quit I suggest you take back everything you said. We both know who's wrong and who's right. As far as I'm concerned, the ones that deserve any type of apology are Porsche and I. Mainly Porsche" I explained.
"Liam..." Korn trailed off.
I let go of my brothers arm and walked over to the desk.
When I was near the desk, I leaned forward while placing my palms on the top surface of it.
"Either you take back your words and let Porsche off the hook, or we'll gladly leave and never come back. It's your call" I finished.
And trust me when I say that he still needs us to stick around.
After all, the chess master needs his 'pawns' and if they were to leave his entire plans go downhill.
I've got no interest in being his pawn. But, I do have an interest shattering everything of his that he has planned.
Korn pressed his lips together tightly. I swear I saw some anger and frustration wash through his eyes, but that went away within a blink of an eye.
I raised an eyebrow at him and simply waited for his response.
Finally, he let out a defeated sigh as he leaned back into his chair.
"Alright. Porsche is off the hook. Just this once" Korn told me.
Gasps erupted in the room from almost everyone, including Porsche.
I simply smirked and leaned back, taking my hands away from the desk as I grabbed mine and Porsche's pins.
"Good to know you realize your wrong while I was right" I hummed.
Korn nodded and while everyone was oblivious, even Kinn and Chan, I wasn't because I could tell he was downright furious he lost against me.
He really should know that he's not the only one in control of the chessboard.
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Hey guys! I hope you liked today's chapter.
Especially with more of Liam being a confident badass and changing everything for the better.
Anyways, there's something I wanted to ask you guys.
Do you think that I should switch things up even more so that instead of Kinn and Porsche getting kidnapped and lost in the woods, it's Liam and Tankhun?
I'm pretty sure you guys are dying for more interactions between the future couple and, honestly, so am I.
So, do you want the roles to be reversed so that Liam and Tankhun get kidnapped?
Oh, but don't worry, Kinn and Porsche will still happen.
If you guys say yes to the roles being reversed then that means Kinn and Porsche are going to be helping the others in order to find their respective brothers. Meaning, they're going to be working together.
And while working together, they're gonna realize their feelings for each other but still have some complications.
Just let me know what you think.
I hope I'll catch you all in the next chapter because...
Nampheung is finally getting rescued!
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