Chapter 28: The rise of fear

"The fear of losing someone can make us stronger, more resilient and more appreciative of life."

The next couple of days went by in a rosy blur. For Phayu, the moments he spent with Rain were very precious because in this lifetime, he had not expected to find some one like him. Rain was everything he needed in a partner. Smart, wise, cheeky, witty, a bundle of warmth, who lit up the cold places inside him and made him feel complete. To top it all, he was a little bundle of energy in bed too. Phayu couldn't believe that the boy he had thought fragile and naïve could be a tiger in bed. After their first night together, Rain had taken it upon himself to be the fastest learner possible, and as Phayu lay wrecked under his ministrations, he took everything he had thought about Rain being innocent back.

For Rain, Phayu was a dream come true. Inspite of a fiery and cold exterior that he put to the world as Venice Theerpanayakul, Phayu was at his sweetest wherever Rain was concerned. He constantly indulged him, hugged him, and even kissed him, even if they were out in public, much to Rain's chagrin initially. But it soon became something he loved. After having seen beautiful examples in his fathers, and his uncles, plus seeing how 'hands-on' the Theerpanayakul men were with their partners, Phayu's blatant public display of affection quickly became a normal routine. This was his man, arrogant, yet filled with love, cold, yet filled with warmth, aloof, yet filled with a child-like need for being clingy. And only for him! And was Rain complaining? Absolutely not! And to top it all, he could not have learnt about his firsts from a better teacher.

Fortunately for both of them, both sides of the family were completely indulgent of them. For Tharn and Type, seeing their son this happy, was the icing on the cake. They knew that Rain had always dreamed of someone special and had always wanted someone who would love him and care for him, treat him like an adult, yet baby him. Tharn had recollected a long ago memory when he remembered telling Type that Rain could only be happy with someone who was older than him. Someone of an equal age would not be able to handle their son, who had always been more mature for his age. And Phayu was the perfect foil to their son. He spoilt Rain even more than they had, putting up with each of his shenanigans with equanimity, and never being condescending when Rain was trying to explain something, which was something Rain hated.

For Vegas and Pete, Rain was their miracle. As a child, they had kept Phayu away from them, fearing for his life, knowing that it was the hardest thing they had done. But they knew they had all but lost their son, when six years ago, an empty shell with the face of the boy they loved so much appeared before them. They had almost given up hope, but Rain had appeared. He had poured himself into this relationship and calmed the storm raging inside Phayu. For them, he was their biggest blessing after their son, and they knew that, he would be taken care at all costs. He was their sunshine, and they would be his protectors. And this was true for every member of the Theerpanayakul family. Especially for Pai, who had seen his brother bowed down with burdens that were not even his. His love for Phayu and Rain was a living, breathing feeling inside him. And this palpable love and affection was what endeared him more and more to Sky.

On the morning of the 3rd, Phayu woke up early and went to shower. When he came out, Rain was waiting in front of the bathroom. "Why did you wake up so early baby?" Phayu asked. "I am coming with you Phi," he said. "Rain, don't love. It's not a good idea. Amy's family will be there, and I don't want them to target you or say anything to you," he said, looking pained. "Phi, I am not dumb. I would love to be by your side every living moment, but even I know it would be in very poor taste if you turn up with a boyfriend at your ex's memorial. But I know that you go to the cliff alone. There I want to come with you, please? Na na na?" And however strong he was, Phayu was completely destroyed when Rain turned on his cute voice and puppy dog eyes. "Okay, get ready fast," he said, unable to refuse his baby.

When they both stepped into the lobby, they saw that Pai and Sky, along with Rain and Sky's friends, all dressed in black, stood there. "What are you guys doing?" Phayu asked. "Going to the cliffs with you Phi," Yihwa said, smiling adorably. Phayu looked at them, then at Rain. "You are never going to be alone Phi," he said, stroking his hands down Phayu's arm. In fact, P'Pai will be coming with you to the memorial and P'Amy's house as well," Rain said sweetly, but Phayu didn't miss the underlying thread of steel in his tone. He looked at Pai, and realised his brother was thinking the same thing. Even their Pas' had the exact same tone when they made a statement that did not allow for any argument. He closed his eyes in defeat. "Okay, let's go," he said.

Four cars waited outside, and their main bodyguards stood in front of each, with another. "What are you guys doing? Two bodyguards per car? Are we in trouble?" Phayu asked. "Orders from Khun Rain khap," Arm said, as he opened the door of the first car. "Just do what Rain says Phayu, please," Pai said in a whisper from behind him. Phayu looked at Rain, who tugged his arm, and pulled him towards the open door. Meanwhile the others also got into the cars behind theirs. "What is happening Rain? Is everything okay?" Phayu asked, as the car started moving. "Phi, I had asked you once, if you trusted me, right?" Phayu nodded. "Do you? Do you trust me?" he asked. Phayu nodded again. "Then just please don't ask any questions na? Let's get done with this day," Rain said. Phayu nodded once more, knowing that when it came to Rain, there was nothing he would not agree to.

They had made one stop on the way, where Phayu and the others bought lilies, and Phayu also bought 2 small bouquets, one for Amy's memorial site, and one for her home. Soon they were making their way towards the cliffs. Rain didn't let go of Phayu's hand, till they reached the point where Rain had met him first. They all stood with their head bowed. This time, Rain knew Phayu was content. That dark morbid aura that had surrounded him had been replaced by genuine peace. Rain was satisfied to no end. He feared for Phayu's life, and he had shared his concerns with his friends and family long before this trip. When Phayu had gone away to make some important work calls, he had shared his feelings with the Theerpanayakul family and their main bodyguards as well.

At first, they had been alarmed, but Rain's plan calmed them down. He had also requested them not to say anything to Phayu, till they were all sure of what was going to happen. They agreed to everything that Rain had said, and Arm and Pol had gotten around to checking all possible security loopholes. They had updated everyone on the information. And what shocking information it had been! Rain was now even more determined to protect Phayu. Which is why, they were all going to the cliffs, but Pai, along with Arm and Krist, another very highly trusted bodyguard, would accompany Phayu till he returned home. When it came to the safety of their children, none of the adults were willing to compromise.

Resort at Chiang Mai, the moment where the kids made their way to the cliffs –

"You look tense Type. Is everything okay?" Porche asked, as everyone, except Thankhun, sat around the garden for breakfast. "Yes and no Porche," he replied. "I don't know how to explain this. But there is this sense of foreboding inside me," he added. "Jing! He hasn't been sleeping well either. We both haven't. After all, this concerns our son," Tharn said. "I understand where you are coming from, but forewarned is forearmed. With whatever Rain told us, we will ensure that we don't take any chances," Vegas said. "Rain is the most important to us, so we will ensure his safety more than anything else," Kinn said.

"You don't understand Vegas. Rain was kidnapped as a child. We almost lost him. It was a nightmare of the biggest proportions. I still don't know how he found his way back home. He had nightmares for months. Finally, we took him to a therapist in my hospital. It took nearly 2 years for us to get our son back. I can't imagine him facing any more trauma," Type said. "I understand your misgivings, and I would hate for anything to happen to Rain. I know exactly how you feel, because even we have gone through the same when Phayu and Pai were kidnapped. Porche and I were driven out of our minds. We blamed Khun Kinn and Vegas incessantly, telling them that their profession had put our children in jeopardy. Only difference probably was, Phayu and Pai were well trained enough to get out of such situations, so that's exactly what they did, and we got them back, safe and sound," Pete said, putting his arms around Type as he spoke.

"Type, don't forget, you are not alone. Never. From the time Rain walked into Phayu's life, Rain became ours as well. We will not let anyone harm a hair on his head. And this is not an empty promise. We will protect him with our lives, if that's what it takes!" Kinn vowed, and Vegas nodded emphatically.

The cliffs at Chiang Mai –

The whole group dropped their flowers into the abyss, and stepped back. "Oh thank God!" Yihwa breathed. "What happened Nong Yihwa?" Pai asked. She shook her head. "She is scared of heights," Rain said, pulling her close to him. She snuggled right in, and then suddenly stepped back. "What happened Yihwa?" Rain asked, surprised at her. She usually never moved away from him. "P'Phayu is here," she whispered. Phayu looked at her and smiled. "Yihwa, I am not going to be jealous of Rain's friends. I know what you all mean to him, and what he means to you. In fact, it would be very nice if you could consider Pai and me your friends as well. All of you actually," he said, looking at Rain and Sky's friends. They all nodded. The whole group made their way down to the waiting cars.

"We will take your leave Phi," Rain said, hugging Phayu and kissing him on the cheek. "Keep him in your sights at all time P'Pai," he whispered into Pai's ears, as he hugged him too. Pai nodded, letting Rain know without words that he understood. Phayu and Pai sat in the first car and left. "Now what Rain?" Sig asked. "Now we wait for an update from P'Pai," he said, his eyes still fixed on the car in which P'Phayu and P'Pai had left. "Rain?" Nut called him. "Hmm?" Rain replied. "Let's go puen. Standing here will only increase anxiety," he said. "Rain, you worrying about P'Phayu is not going to change anything. We will take things as they come. C'mon, let's go," Por tugged his hand. Rain nodded, and they all left for the resort.

As soon as they entered, they saw the elders having their breakfast. They waiied and sat down. "Did Phayu go?" Pete asked. "Yes Pa Pete. And P'Pai went with him," Rain replied. "Don't worry Rain. Pai, Arm and Krist will not let anything happen to him, and we have activated the tracker on both his and Pai's necklaces," Vegas patted Rain on the back. Rain nodded and smiled, but his heart was not at ease. The fear of losing P'Phayu paralysed him, but he had to believe that his love would be the shield that would keep P'Phayu from all harm and danger.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top