#problematiqce

The email didn’t look real at all.Jax had stared at it for a full ten minutes, until his laptop went dark. He had to move the cursor to bring it back to life. He sighed rereading the subject line like it might rearrange itself into something more believable: “Private Arrangement Inquiry – Discretion Required.” He almost deleted it. Almost. But his bank account sat at $14.62, his rent was two weeks late, and his summer job had fallen through. Which really meant he hated it and stopped showing up. So instead of hitting trash, he clicked. Now he was standing in the lobby of a building that didn’t even feel real.

Everything about it screamed money. The floors polished and marble that reflected light like glass. Quiet elevators that slid open without a sound, a receptionist who looked completely indifferent. Jax felt like he didn’t belong in any of it, which he didn’t. “Name?” the receptionist asked without looking up. “Jax,” he said, then stuttered. “Jax Tanner. I have an appointment with uh…” He swallowed. “Mr. Jiho.” Her eyes flicked up then, eyes sharp. She completely lifted her head then and tilted toward the hall t her right. “Second set of elevators. Thirty-second floor. Private office. You’ll be expected.” Jax bit the inside of his cheek to not fidget while he waited for the elevator, but his hands still curled and uncurled at his sides. This was completely insane. He was walking into the office of a multi-million dollar CEO because of an ad that had basically said: Pretend to be mine for the summer. I’ll take care of you. No details. No company name. Just a number and a signature.

College hadn't been the worst experience of Riley's life, not by a long shot; compared to growing up bouncing between orphanages and group homes, abusive house-fathers and foster parents who changed their minds when he got to be 'too much', college was actually a breeze. He got into a fraternity his first year, thanks to the baseball scholarship. He made friends easily, found a social circle where he could relax and actually start to feel comfortable just being himself. Date, when he found time between studying and practice, though in that he developed an early reputation as a bit exhausting to deal with. After all, he was a young Alpha in his prime, with virility to spare… not just anybody could handle him, though guys and girls alike took a 'swing' with the up-and-coming pitcher.

Star caught his eye their sophomore year; they had a psychology class together, and found common ground when sharing details about their pasts. At first it was just friendship, it was nice to hang out with a kindred spirit, but as one thing led to another, the relationship turned casually physical. Star was an omega, and a confidently self-assured one; Riley could satisfy instincts most other guys couldn't. They were careful, of course, but it wasn't uncommon for one to stay over at the other's overnight.

Graduation had come, and they'd sort of drifted their own separate ways; Star had postgrad work, while Riley got scouted for a local minor-league team, and it seemed they just wouldn't have time for each other anymore. But after meeting back up about a year after graduation, they realized the attraction was more than physical, more than pheremonal. Riley liked having Star around, who challenged him and pushed him to succeed. Their relationship picked right back up where they left off, meeting up for date nights that led to nights together at Riley's little apartment or Star's place. Then, Riley's team had had a winning streak, culminating in going straight to the Triple-A Championship, and he'd invited Star to tag along to watch the game and hang out in Las Vegas a little before they had to head home.

Riley hadn't expected their team to win, but he'd thrown the best game of his life -- a shutout, fifteen to nothing. He was riding high, the MVP, and he couldn't put that aside just because they had a nine-hour bus ride back home. He'd managed six and a half… and then he couldn't stand it anymore. Sitting in the back bench seat, his arm wrapped around Star's shoulders with a blanket around their bodies, he'd tipped his head to bring his lips close to his lover's ear.

why are we doing this? because we were ordered to. But why don't we just run? You know why. Its stupid. We could out run anything they send after us- Enough, Youngmin. Focus. I see movement. The silent chatter stopped when Kwangmin spots their target leaving the flower shop, both twins still as they tracked his movements. Neither of them understood the why of the mission, but they didn't 'need' the information.. os why would they be given it? The men who had made them the way they were weren't exactly int he business of answering to anyone but themselves.

But they'd been letting the twins out more... their perfect little killing machines. Right now their orders were watch, though... watch for what? To see if the male had other contacts? Neither twin was sure, but they reported the mans coming and goings and each customer that entered. It was annoying and Youngmin was starting to get antsy. Can I just kill him and get it over with? Not yet. Patience. I've been patient. I'm sick of being patient. Soon. You know they don't send us unless someone dies. Hmph.

@problematiqce