Chapter 2

In his first week of employment, Hae-seong learns several things about Aegis. First is that the man works like a machine. He arrives at work at 7 a.m. every morning without fail, and leaves at 5 p.m. on the dot. He's unfailingly charming, persuasive, and so unrealistically perfect that Hae-seong wonders if he's even human. He never says the wrong thing or makes a bad decision, and quite frustratingly, he hasn't witnessed any sort of foul play on Aegis's part.

However, that seems to be about to change as he and his employer enter the bright, bustling casino, Black Jack. It's been the target of several investigations over the years, but each time the establishment (and its owner) have come clean- that alone gives Hae-seong hope that he'll find something substantial.

"Are you much of a gambler, Hae-seong?" The man walking beside him suddenly asks, lifting a hand in greeting to one of the patrons as he makes his way through. The question catches him off guard, though it doesn't show on his face.

It seems that Aegis always likes to act friendly and familiar with his employees, calling them by name when he can. It slightly unnerves him, in all honesty.

"I've never tried, sir." He replies honestly. It seems stupid, in his opinion, and he's seen plenty of people waste away in front of slot machines and roulette tables, wasting away their life's savings in hopes of making big money some day.

"Hm, I thought so. You don't seem to be the type." He wants to ask what exactly that means, but decides to keep his mouth shut.

Eventually they make their way to a poker table where a group of men of varying ages are seated, deep in the middle of a game, however all of them abandon their chips and cards as Aegis approaches, broad, fake smiles growing on their faces.

"Aegis, it's good to see you." One of them greets and several others echo.

"'Evening, gentleman. I hope everything's going well." Their enthusiastic replies eventually end with eager invitations for Aegis to join them. The man puts up token resistance before finally taking a seat around the table as chips are swept away and cards shuffled. There were now six people seated around the table, with Hae-seong standing behind his employer.

Honestly, he hates casinos. They're seedy establishments at best, and hubs for misery and corruption at worst. Unfortunately, wherever Aegis goes, Hae-seong must follow.

Another unexpected questions draws him out of his thoughts.

"Hae-seong, why don't you take a seat and join us? That will make seven."

"...I don't think it would be-"

"Sit down, boy." One of the older men snaps impatiently, gesturing with his hands for him to take a seat.

"..." Against his better judgement, Hae-seong takes a seat, accepting the small stack of cards into his hands. He knows how to play, thankfully, but he's not very good.

"Don't worry, I'll cover your losses." Aegis says with his signature smile, patting Hae-seong on the shoulder.

His assurance does little to comfort him, and instead makes him resent his smug smile even more.

*

Aegis's new bodyguard is an interesting character. His background check didn't show anything of great importance, nor did he betray much during the interview. But, in the week after he first employed him he revealed himself to be… a bit strange.

His eyes tend to linger a little too long, and he seemed oh so tense even when there was no reason to be so. Aegis wonders if he was afraid of him, and the thought is both gratifying and amusing.

But now watching him struggle to play poker, he thought he was a bit pitiful. He was terrible, but still he played with great earnesty. However, at this rate he'd end up losing Aegis thousands of dollars.

'Oh well. At least he's cute.'

That's right, eye candy if nothing else. If he turns out to be useless as a bodyguard as well, perhaps Aegis can try and coax him into his bed.

Finally he sets his hand down, ending the game and Hae-seong's suffering. His acquaintances all leap to flatter him on his skills, and his bodyguard looks all to grateful to abandon his cards and chips. Getting up, he bids his companions a good night.

The club is like a dizzying wonderland of sin and desire; a beautiful hellhole, and if there were any place that represented Aegis best, it would be here.

Making his way to a private sitting area, he gestures for his slightly confused bodyguard to take a seat beside him while a server pours them drinks.

"It's been a long day. Have a drink; my treat." He insists. The Korean man looks hesitant, half glaring at the glass of whiskey.

"I don't think I should, sir. I'm still on the job and I can't-"

"Here's a tip, Hae-seong. When your boss tells you to drink, you drink." His smile is keener than the edge of a knife as he watches the man hesitantly pick up the glass and take a sip. Aegis's smile is no less keen, but his gleaming eyes seem to brighten.

"Good boy."

*

Aegis had planned to get Hae-seong to relax, loosen up a bit and hopefully spill a few secrets. He wanted to know what was going on inside that head, but unfortunately his plan was foiled by his bodyguard's exceptionally low alcohol tolerance.

A few sips in and the man's ears turned red, and upon finishing the glass, he promptly slumped down in an incomprehensible mess.

Aegis was, for once in a very long time, speechless. He chuckled in disbelief as he looked down at the bodyguard who'd decided to take a nap on the couch. He'd been around many drunks before, but he'd never seen anyone fall asleep this quickly.

"What to do…" He said with a sigh. His unfortunate bodyguard should know better than to be so defenseless in front of a man like Aegis.

*

When Hae-seong woke up the next morning, his head was pounding, and he was in a very soft, luxurious bed that was definitely not his own. Groaning, he turned away from the light that was shining onto his face until a low voice made his eyes fly open.

"Good morning." Looking over, he was mortified to see none other than his employer, Aegis White, sitting up on the bed beside him. His very shirtless employer (and come to think of it, he wasn't wearing any pants either).

Hae-seong can only cover his face with his hand in pure mortification. From what he could remember, he'd gotten drunk, and somehow ended here in the bed of the very man he was supposed to be investigating.

And they were both in nothing but boxers, how lovely.

"Are you alright? I hope last night wasn't too much for you."

Hae-seong can just HEAR the smirk on his face.

*

Aegis wouldn't say he was a petty man, but he certainly could do petty things. Since Hae-seong was audacious enough to pass out on him (ignoring the fact that he'd essentially forced him to drink) he could suffer a little misunderstanding in the morning.

As he helped the drunk male take off his shirt and pants, he admired the strong, toned body hidden under all those clothes. Now he only felt even more bitter about only being able to look and not touch.

But when in the morning he saw Hae-seong's surprised, embarrassed face… now that was priceless.