Chapter 123 Untraceable threat
The moment he glanced at the screen, his breath hitched sharply. His heart skipped so violently that it felt like it echoed in his chest.
Lucas noticed instantly as their eyes met. Alex lifted a hand slightly, subtle but firm, signing Lucas not to speak as he put it on speaker.
Lucas gave a small nod, his body going still, every sense sharpening.
Alex answered. “Hello, Mac.”
A low chuckle slid through the line, smooth, amused as if watching. “Your voice sounds lighter tonight,” Mac said. “What’s the secret, Alex dear?”
Alex leaned back just enough to look composed, though his fingers tightened around the phone. “Well…” he let out a soft chuckle, playing along, “I guess it’s because I’ve been expecting your call.”
There was a pause as Alex waited but Mac said nothing.
Then Alex pressed, voice casual but edged with intent. “You still haven’t told me why you’re being so mysterious.”
“You think I’m mysterious?” Mac asked, almost teasing.
“Of course you are,” Alex shot back smoothly. “You haven’t told me who you are… how we met… if I’ve offended you… Or what exactly do you want from me?”
Another silence stretched and it was heavy this time.
“Hmm… playing smart.”
Alex’s jaw tightened.
Mac’s voice dropped lower, colder beneath the amusement. “How about this, don’t worry your boys about tracing me.” He burst with laughter.
Alex froze.
Across from him, Lucas’s eyes widened.
“They won’t get to me.”
The air in the room shifted instantly, tight, suffocating.
Alex and Lucas stared at each other, the same realization crashing through them at once.
He’s watching.
Mac chuckled again, softer now, almost pleased with himself.
“Anyways…” he continued lazily, “I saw your sweetheart when he walked in.”
Lucas’s stomach dropped.
“I guess it’s one of those dinner or sleepover nights,” Mac added, voice laced with mock warmth. “How sweet.”
Alex’s grip on the phone turned white.
“Enjoy your dinner,” Mac finished, almost like a whisper now. “And sweet dreams.”
Click. The line went dead.
Silence blew like a breeze through the dining area, for a few long, suffocating seconds.
Then Alex shot to his feet. “Damn you, Mac!” Alex exploded, lowering the phone as anger surged through him, sharp and uncontrollable.
His chest rose and fell rapidly, eyes blazing. Because this wasn’t just a threat anymore.
It was proof that they weren’t just being watched but might be attacked.
Lucas stood slowly, watching the storm brewing behind Alex’s eyes. For a moment, he said nothing. He just crossed the space between them and slipped his arms around Alex from behind, holding on firmly, like he could anchor him back to calm.
Alex’s body was tense, shoulders tight, breath uneven.“Hey, love,” Lucas murmured, resting his chin against his shoulder. “You’re shaking.”
Alex let out a sharp breath, running a hand through his hair. “I hate this, baby. I hate not knowing who the hell is behind this.”
“I know, dear” Lucas said gently, tightening his hold. “But losing your head won’t help us.”
Alex gave a dry, humorless laugh. “So what do you suggest? We just sit here and wait for the next call?”
Lucas hesitated, then spoke carefully. “How about we report it to the police?”
“They won’t do anything,” Alex cut in immediately, pulling slightly away before turning to face him. His jaw was tight, eyes dark with frustration. “The number is masked, so it's untraceable. You heard what he said, this isn’t random. If we report to the police, he will take it that I'm panicking. I don't want to give him such joy that I'm scared of him.”
Lucas studied him, searching his face. “You don’t know for sure if they can't trace him.”
“I do. My men are capable of getting him if it's possible ” Alex’s voice dropped, quieter now but more dangerous. “Whoever this man is, he knows us well.”
A brief silence settled between them.
Lucas reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. “Then all the more reason not to handle this alone.”
Alex looked at their joined hands, his anger flickering, wavering.
“For now,” Lucas continued, his voice calm but firm, “We don’t have much to go on. So we stay careful. We stay smart. And you,” he lifted their hands slightly, “Please, stay calm as if you don’t know a thing.”
Alex exhaled slowly, some of the tension easing out of him. “Easier said than done.”
“I didn’t say it’d be easy,” Lucas replied with a faint smile. “Just necessary.”
He stepped closer again, his free hand brushing lightly against Alex’s cheek, grounding him. “We’ll figure this out. But panicking? That’s exactly what whoever this is wants.”
Alex held his gaze for a long second, then finally nodded, reluctantly, but enough.
Lucas smiled softly, leaning in just a little. “Good. So for now, we breathe. And we wait until he says what he wants, hmm.”
Alex let out a quiet breath, his forehead resting briefly against Lucas’s. “For now,” he agreed.
Lucas studied him for another second, then a small smile formed on his lips. “Then concerning that runway launch, I’ll come.”
Relief flickered across Alex’s face, subtle but real. “Yeah?”
Lucas nodded. “Yeah. But you need to be careful. I will pretend not to know a thing.”
Alex let out a quiet laugh. “Deal.”
And just like that, the night carried on, lighter and warmer. Unaware of what tomorrow might bring.
After cleaning the dishes, Alex insisted that Lucas sleep over. So they retired earlier, falling asleep in each other's arms.
The next evening, they arrived just as the runway show was about to begin. The venue was already alive, lights slicing through the dim space, music pulsing softly beneath the hum of anticipation. Guests filled the seats, cameras flashing as the media scrambled to capture every detail.
Lucas’s eyes lit up the moment they stepped in. “This is insane,” he whispered, already drawn in.
Alex gave a small nod, his gaze sweeping the room, not with excitement, but with quiet vigilance. Even here, surrounded by glamour and noise, a part of him remained elsewhere, being on alert at what he didn't know.
The show began. Models strode down the runway with effortless confidence, each piece bold, expressive, demanding attention. The crowd reacted in waves, murmurs, applause, and the constant clicking of cameras.
Lucas leaned forward, completely absorbed. “Did you see that one?” he murmured at some point, nudging Alex lightly. “That design is crazy good.”
Alex glanced up briefly, offering a faint smile. “Yeah, it is.” But his attention never stayed long.
Lucas noticed, but said nothing. Instead, he let himself enjoy the moment enough for both of them, occasionally stealing glances at Alex, hoping he’d relax, even just a little.
As the final model walked and the designer took a bow, the room erupted into applause.
“Wow,” Lucas exhaled, clapping. “That was actually amazing.”
Before they could slip out, ushers began guiding guests toward another hall nearby.
“The after-party?,” Lucas said, turning to Alex. “Want to…”
“I think we should go,” Alex cut in quickly, already half-rising. “It’s late.”
Lucas frowned slightly. “Alex…”
“Hey!” A voice called out at once.