Chapter 2: Chrysanthemum tea

    Earlier that evening

    "Uncle Thongdee is so hot, Mom."

    "Ploen, control yourself. Honestly, you."

    The mother and daughter whispered to each other as they watched the large man walk shirtless past the kitchen door while they were drying dishes. To be honest, Thongdee was not young, but he was not old either. He could be a brother, an uncle, or a cousin to many, but he was often called uncle because of his old-fashioned, out-of-date personality.

    "Is it hot, Thongdee? Where's your shirt?"

    The middle-aged housekeeper asked. Thongdee’s sharp face turned towards her with an awkward smile.

    "I was helping to take down a wall, and, uh, my shirt got torn, P’Joom."

    "Oh dear, bring it to me, and I'll sew it for you. I'm in room 401, the usual."

    "Mom! You just scolded me."

    The daughter protested at her mother, who was blatantly flirting with the cowboy.

    "It's okay. That shirt... I probably won't wear it again."

    His brown eyes looked somber. By now, that beloved shirt was probably thrown away by Mr. Thee or burned beyond recognition. It was the first shirt he bought when he did not have much money. He had saved up to buy it from the market for 399 baht.

    "Are you joining us for dinner at the dormitory tonight? The workers are planning a Moo Kra Ta to celebrate Grandpa Heng's birthday."

    The dormitory was the workers' quarters at the Khunlakorn mansion, a four-story building with over 20 rooms, each with its own bathroom. The kitchen and common areas were well-organized, and the workers did not have to pay for rent, water, or electricity. The benefits of working here were excellent, but the forty-year-old cowboy did not live with the other workers.

    "I'll drop by, P’Joom. Thank you."

    Thongdee replied as he mounted his old bicycle, pedaling along the narrow road beside the large building. It took him nearly ten minutes to reach the small wooden cabin where he had lived alone for over 20 years.

    In the cabin, there was not much furniture, but it was tidy and well-organized. Upon entering was the kitchen area, with a small wooden table for two to eat at. To the left, there was a gas stove, shelves for dishes, and an old refrigerator that had been in use for a long time. On the right was the living area, equipped with a transistor radio for listening to country music to ease loneliness. There was no TV. The bed was behind a partition, covered with a mosquito net. At the foot of the bed was a fan to help cool off. The bathroom was outside the cabin, with a squat toilet and a dragon jar for collecting water from the tap for bathing. But if he had time, Thongdee preferred to bathe in the stream.

    Others might find it unbearable to live here, but this was Thongdee's happy home. He could listen to the gentle flow of the stream before sleeping and wake up to the damp scent of the forest, accompanied by the sounds of birds and crows. If he needed anything, he could always ask for help at the workers' quarters. However, sometimes living alone made him feel lonely.

    Thongdee opened a drawer and took out a T-shirt to wear. When he saw the cowboy hat on the headboard, he picked it up, hugged it, and inhaled the faint scent that lingered, reminiscing about the person who used to sit on the other side of the bedroom. Then he placed the hat back where it belonged.

    In the evening, the cowboy came out to tend to the animal pens that spanned over 20 acres. The animals on the farm had no specific duties other than living freely. If they were horses, sometimes the owner would take them for a ride across the meadows. As for the cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, and other farm animals, they were kept just for show. There were ponds and mud pits for them to roll around in, and grass and hay for them to eat to their heart's content all day. Because the farm was far from the workers' quarters, Thongdee had been doing this job for a long time. This was why he had the privilege of living alone in the cabin.

    "Uncle Thong, I've put the hay in and cleaned the troughs."

    Sin, an eighteen-year-old young man, shouted. He was the son of the cook, having graduated from high school but not wanting to go to college yet. His mother brought him to Thanrada to ask for work here. Sin's main duty was to prune the branches in the garden, but sometimes he volunteered to help Thongdee with the animals in the pens. The young man was skinny but strong, hardworking, and resilient. Thongdee liked Sin very much and often taught him how to care for the farm animals.

    "Okay, you can go rest now. There's a party tonight, isn't there?"

    "Yes, Uncle, you should come too."

    "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there."

    "See you at seven, Uncle."

    Sin finished speaking and immediately mounted his new motorcycle, riding off. The dark-skinned man shook his head; in less than a year, the young man had already switched vehicles three or four times. Just yesterday, he was complaining about not having enough money. Thongdee then continued to check on the various animals, big and small.

    "How’re you doing, Mali?"

    "Moo..."

    The brown cow mooed as a large hand stroked her side. Her name was Mali, a young female cow who had just matured. She had naturally mated for the first time five months ago and was now pregnant.

    "Take care of your sister, okay?"

    Thongdee told the young cows sharing the pen with Mali before herding three buffaloes that were wallowing in the mud into their sleeping barn. He then cleaned the floor with water, tidied up a bit, and returned to his cabin to shower, dress, and prepare a money envelope for Grandpa Heng's birthday party, the long-standing driver here.

    The sound of traditional folk music blared throughout the dormitory. Over a dozen male and female workers sang and danced, setting up tables and preparing the Moo Kra Ta in the courtyard below with great enthusiasm. Meanwhile, in the central kitchen, two housemaids were up to something secretive in front of the pantry.

    "Tonight's the night. I'm going to snag P’Thong."

    The thirty-year-old cook declared, holding a bag of pink powder. Her friend standing beside her did not try to stop her.

    “Quick, Pu, before Joom swoops in. I heard she plans to invite P’Thong to her room tonight.”

    “You're kidding. P’Thong has never gone to anyone's room.”

    “But as far as I know, he talks to Joom quite often.”

    “She just broke up with her fourth husband, her daughter is grown, and she's nearing fifty. Is she really thinking about finding another husband?”

    The cook holding the packet of powder spoke, feeling frustrated. She was only thirty, no longer a teenager, but still in her prime, and she would not let an older rival easily snatch away a man.

    Especially Thongdee.

    The bachelor most of the maids had their eyes on. He was a big man, muscular, with a scar on his cheek that added to his rugged charm. He was a private person but kind to those around him. Plus, there were spicy rumors about Thongdee and the Madam from over a decade ago, which only added to the cowboy's hidden allure.

    “Well, she has to try. I heard Joom has gotten herself into debt again. If she could get P’Thong as a husband, she'd be set.”

    Thongdee was like gold... gold wrapped in rags. Even though he lived in an old hut and dressed shabbily, everyone knew he had a substantial amount of savings in the bank. This was due to his hard work, frugality, and the fact that he rarely went out to spend money. Plus, he sent money to a company savings plan every month. The moment he retired or resigned, he could transform from a cowboy into a wealthy man.

    "But Pu, where did you get this stuff? What if he eats it and dies? I’m not sharing the blame with you."

    "It's herbal medicine. P’Jo used to take it."

    "P’Jo? Your ex who cheated on you with a café girl."

    "Yeah, him! When he was with me, he couldn't get it up. He had to take this stuff every time. But when he met that young girl at the larb restaurant, grrr."

    The young housekeeper spoke bitterly.

    "I rummaged through the room and found one packet left. It won't kill him, but it'll make him real eager. He'll be up all night."

    She said, feeling a rush of heat through her body. It had been weeks since she last had any action, so naturally, she was excited.

    "Are you done chopping the vegetables yet? They're about to start grilling the pork."

    An elderly housekeeper popped into the central kitchen. The two young women jumped and quickly replied, "Yes, almost done."

    "Bring extra glasses too. Thong and Sin are here."

    The old woman gave her final instructions and walked out. The young cook hurriedly grabbed the glasses and began her plan immediately.

    "P’Thong, I've brought you some sweet chrysanthemum tea."

    The young cowboy sat down as the widow handed him a frosty beer glass. Of course, the chrysanthemum tea was just a joke.

    "Thanks, P’Joom, but I have to wake up early tomorrow to change the horseshoes. I'd better stick to regular soda."

    "Say the word, and here you go, P’Thong. Pu made grape soda for you."

    The cook conveniently sat next to the cowboy, leaving the widow who brought the beer to lose a point.

    "Thank you, Nong Pu."

    Thongdee took the glass and drank without suspicion, just as Grandpa Heng, already drunk before the cake was cut, wandered over to join the Moo Kra Ta party.

    "What are those people up to?"

    Theerapat observed the group celebrating through the large window, his thick eyebrows furrowing slightly. The workers' quarters were far enough from the mansion that noise was not an issue, but his mood was easily disrupted by anything that clashed with his emotions. Thus, he went down to the luxurious wine cellar, picked the bottle he liked best, and sat drinking at the marble counter in the kitchen, with only one light on to create a gloomy atmosphere.

    "Mr. Thee, I'm really sorry."

    And then, the image of the cowboy kneeling, hurriedly wiping his garment, flashed unbidden into his mind.

    What kind of person was as big as a bear, with rough skin, grey hair, and an ugly face? Old, with crow's feet, and a scar to top it off. Yet those sad eyes, like a lost puppy, and that pink chest and nipples...

    Theerapat shook his head, no longer pouring wine into a glass but drinking straight from the bottle.

    "Hmph! Who would want someone like that? Stupid as hell."

    "What are you doing sitting here in the dark?"

    Theerapat jumped as the petite woman turned on more lights, prompting him to quickly compose his expression.

    "Just sipping wine, P’Tan."

    Theerapat replied to Tanatcha, or Tan, his middle sister. She raised an eyebrow and went to the fridge to grab a cold water.

    "Why didn't you visit Dad this morning?"

    "I did."

    "Poking your head in for a second doesn't count as visiting."

    "Sitting in there won't make him any better."

    "You could at least pretend, Thee."

    "I'll try."

    Theerapat replied dismissively.

    "And who did you bring home today? My sister-in-law?"

    "Not at all," he answered. "Just a fling. She probably won't be coming back."

    His sister sighed softly but said nothing more. She grabbed two bottles of juice from the fridge and left the kitchen, leaving her brother alone once again.

    Theerapat felt even more frustrated. He could drive into town to hang out, but he did not have a single friend here. Plus, he was too lazy to get dressed. In the end, he decided to sit and sketch by the pavilion next to the lotus pond, enjoying the gentle breeze while sipping wine as if it were mineral water.

    He was not sure when he got drunk.

    Or when he lost his senses...

    Back to Grandpa Heng's birthday party.

    Thongdee had been eating and drinking for a while when he was asked to fetch more ice. The cowboy did not mind, thinking he would help out a bit more before excusing himself to leave. Little did he know it was a plan by the young cook to corner him.

    "P’Thong, the ice bucket is in the storage room."

    He walked into the kitchen, and before he could look around, he saw the cook waving him over.

    "Thanks."

    The cowboy replied, still puzzled about how the younger woman knew he was coming for the ice bucket. But being someone who did not overthink things, he followed her easily.

    Bang.

    The storage room door closed and locked. The cowboy turned to the young woman, confused, but she walked straight up to him and pressed her body against his strong frame.

    "P’Thong."

    "Uh, what are you doing?"

    The forty-year-old man was taken aback. As he tried to step back, he bumped into a shelf. The pungent scent of perfume wafted from the voluptuous figure of the young cook, who wrapped her arms around his strong neck and nestled her face against his broad chest, which measured 50 inches.

    "No one will bother us. I've got someone watching the door."

    At this point, the herbal medicine was likely taking effect. The young woman tried to make her move, but Thongdee pushed her away.

    "Don't do this. I don't like it."

    "Oh, come on, P’Thong. Don't play hard to get. I know you're in the mood."

    She spoke confidently, but her smile faded when she saw his stern eyes.

    Maybe the medicine was too old... she thought.

    "I'll just assume you're drunk."

    With that, Thongdee grabbed the ice bucket and walked out of the storage room, then excused himself from the party immediately. The forty-year-old cowboy pedaled his trusty bicycle down the path, but for some reason, he felt an unusual heat in his lower body.

    "Ugh."

    His body pressed against the leather saddle, creating a sensation that was intensely sensitive. Thongdee stopped pedaling and stood still, puzzled by what was happening. Then he noticed a light coming from the pavilion near the lotus pond, along with the silhouette of someone lying there. The cowboy walked over to take a look.

    "Mr. Thee."

    The young master lay slumped on the cushion, his neck bent at an awkward angle, looking quite concerning. Thongdee hurried over to support him, but Theerapat suddenly grabbed onto his firm chest, burying his face in the warm crevice.

    Sniff...

    "Cheap market perfume. If you want to catch me, invest a little."

    Of course, the perfume was not Thongdee's, and he had no intention of doing anything shameful with Theerapat, but he could not manage a full sentence of refusal.

    "Mr. Thee, mmm, I…I'm not trying to catch—ah."

    That was because of the invasive touch and the fiery sensation was coursing through his body.

    "They really are big."

    Theerapat crudely toyed with Thongdee's sensitive nipple, squeezing and twisting it like a plaything.

    "The nipples are hard against my hand too."

    "Mr. Thee, p…please don't."

    It was as if Thongdee's muscular build was made of cotton; he could not resist the smaller person at all.

    "Playing hard to get won't work. Take off your shirt quickly. I want to suck on them."

    Theerapat pressed down, rubbing his stomach against the cowboy's thighs. Thongdee bit his lip, trying not to spread his legs, but his boss's powerful hands managed to pry them apart.

    "Mmm!"

    Theerapat yanked Thongdee's shirt up, kneading his ample chest with fervor, leaving handprints scattered all over. Thongdee twisted in agony, releasing soft moans from his dark lips.

    "Ugh!"

    When Theerapat’s soft tongue flicked over the swollen red nub, Thongdee jerked in shock, his thick hips bucking up on instinct. The younger man easily slid in behind the older cowboy, pressing their bodies together.

    “Mr. Thee. h...huff.”

    Theerapat sucked and nipped at the hardened nipple like a kitten desperate for milk, his pale hands kneading and squeezing without pause. Thongdee tangled his fingers in the younger man’s hair, holding on tight, unable to decide whether to push him away or pull him even closer.

    The hunger in him made Thongdee’s vision blur, his mind unable to process anything, not even to form words. Theerapat finally let his hot lips trail away from the swollen peak, nuzzling his sharp jawline down to the tanned neck, inhaling the scent of sweat-soaked skin deep into his lungs, brows drawing together in pleasure.

    Thongdee’s scent was not sweet like the women Theerapat had been with before, but the more he breathed it in, the more it stoked his arousal. It awakened the beast lurking in the young man’s heart, urging it to the surface.

    “Mr. Thee...”

    Thongdee called his boss’s name, voice trembling, as his pants were yanked off. Then he was flipped onto his stomach, his round ass arching up, pressing perfectly against the hard bulge in the younger man’s pants.

    The forty-year-old man bit his lip, fully aware that Theerapat was drunk and out of control, yet unable to resist the surging desire. His brown eyes glistened with unshed tears as the young master pulled out his firm length, teasing the tip against Thongdee's entrance. Feeling the heat and immense size of the man above him sent shivers down Thongdee's spine, the entrance tingling all the way to his inner nerves.

    "Ahh... so tight all over. You're a real cow, aren't you?"

    "Ooh... mmm, Mr. Thee, you're so hot."

    His strong hips moved naturally, grinding against him.

    "Hah, swaying your hips at my dick like that, and you pretended you've never done this before."

    Theerapat flashed a wicked grin, biting down on the taut shoulder hard enough to leave a mark.

    "Ah!"

    Thongdee's eyes, once reflecting his shyness, now half-closed as if lost in a sea of lust, allowing the younger man to caress him.

    Smack!

    Theerapat slapped his buttocks hard, leaving a red mark, indulging in a sadistic pleasure. He tried to maneuver his hips to find the right entrance to paradise, but no matter how he tried, he could not find it. When he reached down to guide himself, his hand was caught.

    "Why?"

    "..."

    "Do you want me to play with the back door?"

    The cowboy, now on all fours, froze, his face flushed with heat spreading throughout his body. His tight entrance clenched rhythmically, shamelessly answering Theerapat's question... and the answer was undoubtedly yes.

    "You naughty b*tch."

    Theerapat whispered into the other's ear, then spat into his own hand with a raw, primal gesture.

    "Get ready to spread those legs."