Chapter 219: Teasing him

It wasn't fear of Derby or fear of the divorce failing, but fear that while Lucas had been moving closer to him, Vince had also found a place in Lucas's heart. He didn't want him loving Vince, not minding that he was Vince.

Alex pushed the thought away immediately, because it was ridiculous.

Lucas liked him. Lucas waited for his calls. Lucas asked to see him.

So why was he feeling like this?

On the other end of the line, Lucas sighed.

"Then why do you sound sad?"

The question caught Alex off guard. He smiled despite himself.

Trust Lucas to notice. Trust Lucas to always hear the things nobody else did.

"I'm not sad."

"You are bothered about something."

"I'm not."

"I can feel it. You are."

Alex laughed. "You are impossible, Lucas."

"And you're avoiding my question."

Alex rubbed his forehead. For a moment he considered telling him that hearing about Vince bothered him. And that he was jealous of himself in Vince’s personality. And that the thought of Lucas smiling at another man made him irrationally angry.

However, he couldn't because he was the one tempting him.

He sighed dramatically.

"Fine."

Lucas waited.

Alex smiled and said, "I'm sad because now I have competition."

Lucas blinked. "What do you mean? I mean, who is it?"

"The gardener."

Lucas immediately groaned.

"Oh my god."

"There it is."

"What?"

"That tone."

"What tone?"

"The tone people use when they're defending someone they like."

Lucas nearly fell off the bed.

"I am not defending him."

"Sure."

"I'm serious."

"Sure you're."

"Alex..."

"Baby."

Lucas pressed a hand over his face. "You are unbelievable."

Alex grinned. For the first time since hearing about the divorce, his mood finally lifted. Teasing Lucas was far easier than confronting what he was really feeling.

Then his expression softened. "Listen."

Lucas looked out the window.

"Hmm?"

"I'm proud of you." The teasing disappeared completely. "You've been through a lot."

His voice became gentle. "And making this decision couldn't have been easy."

Lucas's chest tightened. "It wasn't."

Alex smiled sadly. "But you did it."

For a moment neither spoke.

Then Alex added quietly, "Whatever happens next..." His voice lowered. "you won't face it alone."

The words settled deeply inside Lucas. Warming something in him.

Since waking up, the confusion in his heart eased a little.

Even if he still couldn't explain why thinking about Alex made him smile,

and thinking about Vince made his pulse race. He felt at ease for now.

Before ending their call, they had agreed to meet at Casa that night.

Casa Lounge and Bar was already busy despite the early hour.

Music played softly through hidden speakers while waiters moved between tables carrying drinks and trays of chops.

Lucas sat in a private section with two guards nearby. His attention kept drifting toward the entrance.

Alex wasn't late. In fact, it was still early. Yet Lucas found himself checking the time every few minutes.

One of the guards smirked.

"Expecting someone important, boss?"

Lucas immediately looked away.

"No."

The guard laughed. "Sure."

Before Lucas could respond, he stood. "I'm going to the restroom."

The guards chuckled at his naive attitude. Neither of the guards bothered. They knew he was expecting Alex.

Anyways, none of them noticed that another pair of eyes was following him across the room.

The moment Lucas disappeared down the hallway, Zenith stood up from his seat. His pulse quickened.

For days he'd heard rumors.

Lucas had lost his memory. He didn't remember some people and wasn't the same.

At first he didn't believe it. So now,

he was finally going to find out.

Lucas stood in front of the mirror washing his hands. The cool water helped calm his nerves. He was still thinking about the divorce papers he had drafted. Then about Alex, and about Vince. His thoughts were a complete mess.

Then the restroom door opened behind him. Lucas barely glanced up, when a voice spoke.

"Luc?"

His hands paused.

The nickname instantly caught his attention. Only close friends called him that.

Slowly, he looked up at the mirror.

A handsome man stood behind him.

He was stylish and confident, but completely unfamiliar.

The stranger's eyes widened. "Oh my god." He took a step forward.

"Luc, is that really you?"

Lucas frowned. "I'm sorry, I don't..."

Before he could finish the man rushed forward and wrapped his arms around his neck.

Lucas froze.

"Luc!" The man's voice cracked with emotion. "I've missed you so much."

He pulled back just enough to look at him. "You promised you'd visit."

His smile widened. "But you never showed up."

Then unexpectedly, he kissed Lucas's cheek. It was a quick affectionate peck.

Lucas's eyes widened. Completely caught off guard.

"Sweet pie." The man laughed softly. "I've missed you so much."

Lucas stared in total confusion, trying desperately to remember.

Nothing came, not even a single memory.

The stranger continued talking.

"Why did you disappear on me, hmm?"

Lucas opened his mouth, but then closed it again.

The man's face remained unfamiliar. Not even a little recognition surfaced. The silence seemed to prove what Zenith heard.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He smiled.

"You're coming home with me tonight."

His hand landed lightly against Lucas's chest. "Sweet pie..."

Lucas stiffened. Something about the familiarity felt wrong. Not dangerous yet but it was just overwhelming.

The stranger's hand lingered, caressing his body. "I've missed you, so so much, my Luc."

Lucas immediately stepped back.

"Hey." The word came out sharper than intended. "Stop, please."

Zenith blinked.

Lucas shook his head. "I'm sorry, but..."

His expression turned apologetic.

"I think you've mistaken me for someone else."

The smile disappeared from Zenith's face.

"What?"

"I don't know you."

The words hung heavily between them. For the first time, Zenith looked genuinely stunned. So he really forgot.

Lucas moved toward the door.

Zenith immediately blocked his path.

"What do you mean you don't know me?" His voice rose slightly. "We've known each other for months, we've had fun. Great kisses, romances ending with great sex. Not once, not twice, I lost count."

“What?” Lucas looked uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry."

Zenith stared. Then suddenly he laughed. As though this were some strange joke.

"Very funny."

"I'm serious."

The laughter died instantly. "What are you saying?"

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck.

"I had an accident."

Zenith's expression changed.

"A few weeks ago."

Lucas sighed.

"I lost part of my memory."

The shock on Zenith's face looked completely genuine.

"What?"

Lucas nodded.

"I don't remember a lot of people."

For a moment Zenith simply stared.

Then slowly. his expression softened.

"Oh."

His voice lowered. "So that's why."

Lucas nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry."

Zenith shook his head. Then stepped closer again. Not aggressively, almost sadly.

"You're saying you forgot me too?"

Lucas looked away. The guilt hit him immediately. "I guess so and I'm sorry."

Zenith laughed softly, but there was hurt behind it.

"Damn."

He ran a hand through his hair.

"That's unfair."

Lucas remained silent.

Then Zenith wrapped an arm around his waist, though not forcefully. Just enough to stop him from walking away.

"No." He shook his head. "You can't forget us. I have to help you remember."