“Wow. Um. Okay.”
It took several seconds for the stunned look to drop from Ji-Su’s face. When it did, he brightened and turned back to the store clerk.
“Then I absolutely want the in-desk computer. And let’s upgrade to an automatic adjustable height standing model.”
Suddenly, Ji-Su was all business as he started rattling off the options he wanted.
“The black is nice but I want to go with the white finish. And for the interior computer LED lights,” he paused to consider. “Let’s go with arctic white and gold.”
“Your team colors.”
“Exactly.”
The clerk’s phone started dinging with back-to-back notifications.
“Sorry. Let me turn this—.” He stopped and went quiet as he looked at whatever was on the screen. “I posted that video and people are commenting. Wow. Locals are saying they’re coming in to shop and people are posting screen shots of the stuff they purchased from us on our online store.” He scrolled up with his thumb. “Others are asking what you’re buying because they want to get the same thing.”
“Hmm. Lots of business for your store. That’s worth a discount don’t you think?” Ji-Su asked, with his expression sharp.
The clerk nodded so hard that his curly hair flopped back and forth. “Oh, absolutely.”
“Sweet. Now let’s look at gaming chairs.”
AN HOUR LATER, THEYwere back in the truck. They’d had to place special orders for the custom builds. Those items would be delivered to the ranch later. But the gaming chairs—three of them—the game consoles, extra controllers, monitors, web cameras and microphones, laptop, two tower shelves to store all of his games and assorted other gadgets were all loaded into the back of the truck. The clerk had looked a little dazed when he’drung everything up and Raul had handed over his Black Amex without blinking at the fifteen-thousand-dollar total.
As they drove off the parking lot, Ji-Su was practically vibrating with excitement.
“I’ll be able to get back to practicing and streaming in no time. The computer parts and desk should arrive within the week. And I can have everything else set up and ready to go by then. There’s a corner in my room I can use.”
“You can stream in your room if you want. But there’s an empty spare room in the house you can have. You’d be able to set yourself up without restricting yourself to one corner.”
“Really? Thank you!”
They drove back to the ranch, with Ji-Su enthusiastically going over all of his plans. Raul didn’t know much of what he was talking about, but he was happy to listen. When they arrived home, Ji-Su hopped out of the truck unassisted. Raul whistled and several servants came out to help them carry everything inside.
“Take it all to the spare room upstairs,” he directed.
“Yes, sir.”
“Raul?”
Raul turned when Ji-Su called his name. “Yes?”
“Thank you so much for what you did tonight. I felt so... violated after Cedric destroyed my stuff and that was weighing on me as much as the financial damage. You were right. He would have hurt me eventually and I’m glad I’m not with him anymore. I feel better here with you. You make me feel safe and you took away the stress of replacing the tools I need for my livelihood. So, thank you.”
Ji-Su rushed forward and wrapped his arms around his waist in a hug. Surprised at the gesture, Raul looked down at the blond head nestled against his chest.
“You’re welcome,” he said as he returned the embrace.
Ji-Su lingered in his arms for a few seconds before he pulled back. While he was still within reach, Raul set a finger beneath his chin, tipping his face up so that their eyes met. He brushed a thumb over Ji-Su’s cheek then lightly touched his hair. Ji-Su looked surprised at the caresses but he didn’t move away.
“You are safe with me. And anything you need, just ask.”
The tip of Ji-Su’s tongue darted over his bottom lip. “I’ll remember that.”
He shifted to the side so Raul reluctantly dropped his arms to allow him to move away.
He was happy that he’d been able to use his wallet and his home to help Ji-Su. Still, he was furious that it was necessary in the first place. Beating the shit out of Cedric last night only slightly eased his anger. But it would have to be enough. Right now, Ji-Su was happy and that was all that mattered.