hostage || jaeyong

twenty three

"You are too young to be all grumpy like this," he spoke.

"Well, I got a rep to hold," Taeyong explained right away. "If I walk around, smiling like a princess, what do you think would happen? I tell you what. Where I come from, you could get punched in the face and lose some teeth for something stupid like this."

"That is true," Jaehyun admitted. "But when you are with me, you are allowed to smile."

"I'm allowed?" Taeyong snorted. "Like I'm your pet dog or something?"

"Interesting. You seem to have an obsession for canines. Could it be that you are really bent on the idea to be taken from behind?"

Taeyong blushed and bit his bottom lip hard.

"Could we not get all lovey-dovey like this with Minhyuk watching?" Taeyong turned his head and tried to pry himself free from the man's tight hold.

"He is not watching. He is an outstanding employee."

Jaehyun straightened up his tie with a cocksure gesture.

It was fascinating to see how the man could quickly slip into his social mask, as the occasion demanded.

Taeyong was not surprised to feel the car stopping to a halt.

▪︎

Taeyong felt a bit awkward at first being shown around by Jaehyun, and introduced to the team present at the construction site.

These guys were not old farts coming from money, like the ones at the party.

These were people who lived in poor neighborhoods, like his, and they were watching him with a mix of distrust and envy, probably wondering how a nobody like him had ended up in the good graces of such a prominent businessman.

"Are you interested in putting in some elbow grease? Or would you rather come with me to the foreman's office and look over some blueprints?" Jaehyun asked him.

Taeyong looked at the men who were starting to work, now that the pleasantries with the man with the money were finished.

"I think I'm all up for some demolition work," he said with determination.

"Good," Jaehyun patted his shoulder. "I guess you will find in the crew's quarters a change of clothes and some overalls. Unless, of course, you do not mind getting your designer jeans all dusty."

"Gods forbid I do that," Taeyong said with a smirk and headed over to the barracks without a single look behind.

▪︎

Jaehyun was more than pleased with the way things were going.

The people were enthusiastic enough about being given well-paid jobs, despite the initial lack of trust in the new management.

After all, they were all strangers to this place, he included.

"Did you say something about bringing a new kid over, to show him the blueprints, Mr. Jung?" the foreman asked.

"Yes. But I let him also get a feel of the hard work around here, on his first day. One thing I have to ask. No favors. I am the one to introduce him to this project, but it is to evaluate his possibilities, not to indulge him in believing he is better than others. So, please, be honest when giving me the report. If demolition tasks are everything he is good at, I am perfectly satisfied."

The foreman seemed to hesitate for a second.

"Has he any former education?" The older man eventually asked.

"No. But I believe in his potential, in its native form. You will help me decide whether my hunch was right or not. Do not expect him to be already taught. I have faith in you."

"Certainly, Mr. Jung," the foreman replied and proceeded to roll up the plans spread on the table. "Can I offer you a cup of coffee?"

"I would love a cup of coffee," Jaehyun said politely and followed the man to the cafeteria.

Sitting by the window, he brought the Styrofoam cup to his lips and watched outside.

Taeyong was apparently having the time of his life. And, of course, it was a pleasure to watch him moving about, choosing his tools and working together with the others.

When Taeyong suddenly stopped and took off the regular white tee, Jaehyun smiled.

Nobody was allowed even to suspect he had had that gorgeous young man under him just earlier.

He understood where Taeyong was coming from.  The boy was part of a rough world, and Jaehyun knew everything about rough. Not because he belonged there, but because he had never steered clear of that part of the world around him.

Some used to say that he had the manners of a diplomat and the mindset of a kingpin.

Of course, those were people who knew him well and were aware of the somewhat underhanded tactics he often used to get the upper hand in the business he ran.

But he had always had the best intentions at heart, or at least, he hoped that was the truth.

He was the link between two worlds, and he was known to make the best of any hand he was dealt. And, of course, cheat and bribe when the situation required.

Everything worked well at the moment.

Plus, he had everything he wanted and needed to entertain himself right under his roof, he thought, as his eyes traveled to the young man swinging a sledgehammer and hitting a wall with all his might, making his audience hoot in surprise and appreciation.

Taeyong was going to have a fun time by himself, and he had other business to attend.

If the boy had offered more than a little play in the sheets, he could have skipped the entire day to enjoy his new lover. But, seeing that Taeyong was still reluctant, there was nothing wrong with using the time efficiently.

He let the foreman know that Minhyuk was going to take Taeyong back to the house at the end of the day.

"If you don't mind me asking, Mr. Jung, where did you find the boy?" the foreman asked. "He seems to be getting along with the team just great," the man added.

"I know what you mean," Jaehyun smiled. "He is the younger brother of one of my associates, and the deal is to get his family more involved with the project," he answered the question promptly.

"Well, it looks like he's doing a pretty well job right now," the foreman nodded. "After the lunch break, I'll show him the blueprints, too."

"Do that, please," Jaehyun said, and after shaking the man's hand, he headed over to the car.