Chapter 81 Aftermath
He stepped out, walked around the car, and carefully opened the door. The moment he unbuckled him, Lucas instinctively leaned into him.
“Hey… we’re home,” Alex murmured but there was no response.
Shaking his head affectionately, Alex slid one arm under Lucas’s knees and the other around his back, lifting him effortlessly like a bride.
Right on cue, Dan rushed ahead, fumbling with the keys. “I’ve got it, boss!”
The door swung open just as Alex reached the entrance.
On stepping inside, he carried Lucas upstairs straight to his bedroom, laying him down gently on the bed. Lucas stirred, clutching at Alex’s shirt even in sleep.
“Don’t leave me…” he mumbled.
“I will never leave you,” Alex whispered, brushing hair off his forehead and stroking his cheek slowly before gently freeing himself.
Once Lucas was settled, Alex stepped out of the room and walked downstairs where Dan was waiting.
“Thank you for today, Dan,” Alex said sincerely. “You can head home and rest.”
“Alright, boss. Goodnight.”
Dan took a few steps toward the door, then hesitated. He turned back, scratching the back of his neck.
“Boss… um… may I say something personal?”
Alex raised a brow. “Sure. What is it?”
Dan exhaled. “I know you’ve probably figured it out already, but… that kiss. It meant nothing to Lucas. He regretted it immediately.”
Alex stiffened slightly. “He told you that?”
“Yeah.” Dan nodded firmly. “And whatever the other secret is… he’s terrified. He thinks if he tells you, you’ll leave him.”
That landed heavier than Alex expected. “He said that too?” he asked quietly.
Dan nodded again. “So, just be gentle with him. He’s overthinking everything and he’s scared of losing you.”
For a moment, Alex didn’t respond. His expression softened.
“Wow,” he said finally. “You’ve really bonded with my baby, hmm.”
Dan smiled faintly. “He’s a sweet guy, boss.”
Alex narrowed his eyes playfully. “Hey. Don’t you dare start looking at him like one of your ‘sweet guys.’”
Dan laughed. “Come on, boss. You know I don’t cross that kind of line.”
A corner of Alex’s mouth lifted. “Good.”
There was a pause and comfortable understanding before Alex said again, “Thank you, Dan. “Really appreciate this.”
Dan dipped his head. “Goodnight, boss.”
“Goodnight, Dan.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, Alex stood there for a moment, the house suddenly too quiet.
He headed back up to his bedroom. He needed to shower. He was undressing as Lucas murmured, “Secrets are bad, don't be mad, hmm.”
Alex turned toward him and stared as he stirred and started mumbling again. “Please don't leave me. Secrets, please…”
Alex walked over and whispered while caressing his hair. “Shh, it's okay, my sweet one. Secrets are bad, yeah but I will never leave you okay. Go on and sleep.”
To his surprise, he mumbled with a light smile, “Okay, you will not leave me.”
“Yes, my love, I will never leave you,” Alex whispered back and kissed him lightly.
Lucas didn't say anything again and slept soundly.
Alex headed to the bathroom, as resolve settled into his chest. He had the feeling that a storm was coming for their peace of mind, and to charter their trust but he would face it head-on.
And whatever that secret was, it wouldn't be strong enough to tear them apart.
By morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Alex was already awake. Lucas was still sprawled across the bed, one arm thrown over Alex’s pillow, breathing slow and heavy. The aftermath of last night’s drinking was written all over his peaceful face.
Alex slipped out of bed quietly.
In the kitchen, he moved with practiced ease. He brewed strong tea, chopped scallions, crushed garlic, and set a pot on the stove.
The rich aroma of hangover soup soon filled the apartment. He simmered warm broth with tender beef and vegetables, the kind that could drag a man back from the brink of regret. He toasted bread, fried eggs just the way he liked them with the hope that Lucas would like it. He arranged everything neatly on the table.
He even set out water and painkillers.
By the time he finished, steam curled lazily from the bowls, and the entire place smelled like comfort.
Satisfied with his work, Alex headed to the bathroom.
When he returned, droplets of water still clung to his collarbone. A white bathrobe hung loosely on his frame, tied carelessly at the waist. His damp hair fell slightly over his forehead as he pushed open the bedroom door.
Lucas hadn’t moved. The sheets were still tangled around him, dark lashes resting against his cheeks. His lips were slightly parted, and there was this faintest crease between his brows. Even in sleep, as if he were wrestling invisible battles.
Alex’s steps softened.
He walked to the bed and lowered himself beside him, the mattress dipping gently. Propping his head up with one palm, he turned onto his side and simply looked at him.
Admiration flickered openly in his eyes.
How could someone look so stubborn, so infuriating, and yet so heartbreakingly beautiful at the same time?”
His gaze traced Lucas’s features slowly, the sharp bridge of his nose, the faint stubble along his jaw, the curve of his mouth he knew too well. This was the same mouth that argued fiercely and gave kisses that tasted of honey.
Alex’s fingers hovered for a second before brushing lightly against Lucas’s temple, pushing away a stray lock of hair.
“You’re impossible,” he murmured under his breath, though there was no heat in it. Only affection.
Lucas shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent, his hand instinctively reaching toward Alex’s side of the bed, even in sleep, searching for him.
Alex’s chest tightened.
He leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “I made you soup. You’re going to need it.”
Lucas didn’t wake, but his fingers curled weakly into the edge of Alex’s robe, as if refusing to let him disappear.
Alex smiled softly, unguarded.
And for a moment, the world outside didn’t exist.
Then Lucas stirred. His lashes fluttered once… twice. Then his eyes snapped open.
For a split second, he stared straight ahead unfocused and disoriented. The ceiling wasn’t his. The scent wasn’t his. The sheets felt different, then he turned his head and froze.
Alex was right there, staring at him, close, too close. Propped up on one elbow, damp hair, bathrobe slightly loose at the collar, watching him with an unreadable expression.
Lucas jerked upright so fast the sheets tangled around his legs.
“What?” His voice came out rough and hoarse, then he winced, clutching his head. “Why are you here?” He started but then paused and rephrased the question. “Why am I here?”
He looked around properly this time. Recognition dawned. “How did I get here?”
Alex didn’t move immediately. He just watched him sit there in confusion, hair a mess, eyes wide and slightly bloodshot.
“You don’t remember?” Alex asked quietly.
Lucas blinked, pressing his fingers harder against his temple as if squeezing out memories. Then Flashes came, the loud music, too many drinks, leaning on someone for support, warmth.
His stomach dropped.