Chapter 128 Just this once
Lucas’s gaze drifted, unfocused, staring into nothing as the possibility took root. His chest tightened. Goosebumps rippled across his skin.
If that was the mystery Mac, then this wasn’t a prank. It could get dangerous.
“Lucas,” The soft, strained whisper from Alex pulled him back instantly. Alex’s hand lifted weakly, finding Lucas’s and pressing over it, his touch гоugh and unsteady.
“Baby,” he breathed, his voice low and wrecked. “I want some sugar…”
He nuzzled into Lucas’s neck, seeking comfort, clinging like he was drowning.
Lucas stiffened for half a second, then his expression softened, worries flooded back in full force.
“Alex, easy,” he said quietly, one hand coming up to cradle the back of Alex’s head, keeping him steady. “You’re not yourself right now.”
Alex only leaned closer, still disorganized.
Lucas swallowed, before focusing back on him. “I’m here,” he whispered firmly. “But you need to hold on, okay? Just a little longer.”
Lucas knew now that it wasn’t just about getting Alex to be alright anymore. This was about finding out who did this and what more plan he was intending on.
At the hospital, everything moved fast. Doctors rushed Alex in, questions flying, vitals checked, samples taken. Lucas stayed close, his chest tight the entire time, while Jason handled the paperwork and kept things moving.
Minutes felt like hours. Finally, the doctor returned.
“He was drugged,” he said plainly. “A stimulant-based substance. It elevates body temperature, heightens sensation, causes disorientation and impaired judgment.”
Lucas’s jaw tightened.
“But,” the doctor continued, calmer now, “he’ll be alright. We’ve stabilized him, flushed his system, and given him something to counter the effects. He just needs rest.”
Relief hit Lucas as he muttered, “Thank goodness, he will be alright soon.”
To him, that was enough for now. Not minding that they're not safe yet but he had the feeling that they would survive the storm.
By the time they got Alex home, he was already half-asleep, the worst of it wearing off. Lucas stayed with him, making sure he was comfortable, checking on him through the night, barely sleeping himself.
Morning came slowly. Then soft light filtered through the curtains.
Alex stirred.
A sharp headache hit him immediately. “Damn…” he groaned, pressing a hand to his temple as he forced his eyes open.
Fragments came first, blurred, broken. Then the heat in the restroom, the dizziness, the desperation and then…Lucas.
Alex sat up slightly, wincing.
Lucas, who had been watching him almost all through the night, woke up to his movement instantly. “Easy,” he said. “You’re just coming off it.”
Alex looked at him, searching his face. “What… happened?”
Lucas didn’t sugarcoat it.
“You were drugged.”
Silence stretched a bit as the words settled heavily.
Lucas filled in the gaps with everything. The strange man. The way Alex had staggered. What he’d said. How bad it had gotten.
Alex listened without interrupting, his expression hardening with every second.
By the time Lucas finished, the softness was gone, replaced by something colder and focused.
“This wasn’t random,” Alex said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. He swung his legs off the bed despite the lingering headache, already reaching for his phone.
“Alex,” Lucas started.
“I’m fine,” Alex cut in, voice firm.
Then he dialed. It rang once.
“Dan,” Alex said the moment the call connected, his tone sharp, controlled. “I need you to get on something.”
“Yes boss.”
“I was drugged last night.”
“What?”
Another pause as Alex ran hand through his hair. His heart pulsing with annoyance.
“I want everything,” Alex continued. “Security footage, staff logs, guest lists. Work with the venue’s security team. No gaps, no delays.”
His eyes darkened. “Find out who did it. The guy with dark hair that talked to Lucas, get his info as well.”
He ended the call without waiting for a response.
For a moment, the room was quiet. Then Alex exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
“This goes deeper than it looks,” he muttered.
Lucas watched him carefully.
Because now, it wasn’t just about what happened. It was about who was bold enough to do it. Then why they thought they could get away with it.
As the call ended, Alex let the phone slip from his hand onto the bed. For a brief second, the tension in his shoulders remained tight, coiled, and unrelenting.
Then he turned without a word and walked straight to Lucas. He pulled him into a tight embrace.
“Baby…” his voice dropped, rough with emotion. “Thank you for saving me.”
Lucas stilled in his arms.
“I was supposed to protect you,” Alex continued, tightening his hold, like he needed to feel him there, real, and safe. “But you were the one protecting me.”
He exhaled shakily against Lucas’s shoulder. “Thank you, my love.”
For a moment, Lucas said nothing. He just held him back firm, steady, and grounding.
Then he softened, his hand sliding up Alex’s back in a slow, reassuring motion. “It’s not one-sided,” Lucas murmured gently. “It’s my duty to take care of you too.”
He pulled back just enough to look at him, his gaze calm but resolute. “We protect each other. That’s how this works.”
His fingers brushed lightly against Alex’s cheek, a quiet contrast to the storm they’d just survived.
“We need balance,” he added softly. “That’s the only way we survive anything coming at us.”
Alex held his gaze, the weight of those words settling deep. Not just love but a partnership and a promise. And in that moment, despite the danger closing in around them, they both understood one thing clearly. They weren’t facing it alone anymore.
Alex nodded slowly, though the fear in his eyes hadn’t completely faded. “Yes, baby… we need balance,” he said softly. Then his voice dropped, almost breaking. “But please, don’t take risks for me. I’d rather die…”
Lucas didn’t let him finish. “No,” he cut in firmly, his hands coming up to hold Alex’s face. “Don’t say that. No one is dying. Not you, not me, no one.”
Alex went quiet.
Lucas held his gaze, something steadier, more determined settling in his expression. “What if my test results come out positive?” he added, a faint, hopeful smile tugging at his lips. “What if my ovarian system can actually produce eggs, won’t you get me pregnant?”
The shift caught Alex off guard.
For a second, he just stared. Then a soft smile broke through the tension.
“Of course, baby,” he said gently, his thumb brushing against Lucas’s cheek. “That would be another miracle.”
But just as quickly, the smile faded. His expression darkened with caution, reality creeping back in. “Lucas, don’t get your hopes up…”
Lucas leaned in before he could finish. Their lips met, soft, warm, and intentional. Not rushed, but
just enough to silence the doubt.
When Lucas pulled back slightly, his forehead rested against Alex’s, their breaths mingling. “Honey, let me hope,” he whispered quietly. “Just this once.”
Alex’s eyes softened again, the tension in him easing under the quiet strength in Lucas’s voice.
And this time, he didn’t argue but leaned in for another kiss.
Then his phone buzzed, startling them.