Chapter 151 Resumption
Alex stared at Lucas. He was sitting on the bed with his laptop open. His expression was unreadable, as his fingers left the system and rested on the bed.
“Honey, we can't remain locked up like this,” Lucas said, walking toward him. Since there was no sign of them we need to step out and find out if they were waiting or if they've gone.” He added as he stood beside Alex.
That got Alex’s attention. He slowly lifted his gaze, eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re right but somehow, it still worries me.”
The silence returned, because with someone like the unknown face of Mac, Alex knew that quiet didn’t always mean peace. It meant something was coming but he couldn't keep him locked up like some criminal in hiding.
Lucas lifted his hand, fingers threading slowly through Alex’s hair, grounding him. “Sweet boo… think about it,” he murmured, voice low but steady. “You know I’m right, don’t you?”
Before Alex could argue, he snapped the laptop shut and pulled Lucas onto his lap in one swift motion.
Lucas let out a soft chortle, squirming slightly. “Alex, come on…”
But Alex only chuckled, arms tightening around him like he wasn’t planning to let go anytime soon.
Silence stretched for a beat, heavy, and charged, before Alex exhaled and gave in.
“Alright,” he said finally, tone shifting, sharper now. “I’m going back to work tomorrow too.”
Alex’s hold turned into cuddling.
“Yeah, we can’t catch them by hiding,” Alex continued, eyes locking onto him. “If Mac pulled back because I disappeared, then fine, I’ll give him something to look at. I’ll step right into the open and let him make his move.” His lips curled slightly, something dangerous flashing through his gaze. “And trust me… he will mess up. When he does, I’ll be right there to treat his fuckup.”
Alex studied Lucas for a moment, conflicted. Then he reached for Lucas’s hands, gripping them tightly.
“But baby…” His voice dropped, softer now, edged with worry. “I want you to come back here after work. No detours and no risks.”
Lucas didn’t interrupt.
“You’ll be safer here,” Alex went on, thumbs brushing over Lucas’s knuckles. “And I’ll breathe easier knowing exactly where you are.” His eyes darkened slightly. “If anyone tries to follow you, my men will handle it before they even get close. Hmm?”
Lucas held his gaze for a second, then gave a small quiet nod, but was certain.
“Alex…”
His name came out softer this time, but it still pulled Alex’s full attention.
“Yes, baby,” Alex answered immediately, turning his head to press a lingering kiss against Lucas’s cheek.
Lucas didn’t smile as he said, “I want to pick up my car.”
The words dropped between them, firm and non-negotiable.
Alex’s body tensed. “Lucas, I don’t think…”
“Alex.” Lucas cut in, pulling back just enough to look him straight in the eye. “I’m not scared of them. Not James, and certainly not Mac.”
There was heat in his voice now though it was controlled, but rising.
“In fact,” he continued, sitting up straighter, “I think they’re the ones scared. That’s why they’re hiding.” His jaw tightened. “And if James has any sense left at all, he shouldn’t even show his face in Fairbanks again. He’s a criminal through that blackmail. So he should be scared of being arrested.”
By the end of it, his breathing had picked up slightly, agitation slipping through. Alex reacted instantly. His arms tightened around Lucas, pulling him back against his chest. “Hey… hey, easy, baby.” His voice softened, calming. “Calm down, okay?”
Lucas didn’t fight the hold this time. “You can get your car,” Alex conceded after a moment, pressing his chin lightly against Lucas’s shoulder. “It’s fine. And you’re right…” He paused, then added more firmly, “But if you see James anywhere, take precautions. Call Dan or me immediately. Okay?”
A small pause before, “Hmm, Okay,” Lucas replied, quieter now, leaning back into him.
The next day, they returned to work. The moment Lucas stepped in, the atmosphere shifted.
“Lucas! You’re back!”
“Man, we missed you!”
“How are you feeling now?”
Voices overlapped, warm and genuine, pulling him into quick greetings and light touches on his shoulder. For a brief second, it caught him off guard before it clicked.
The excuse was a sick leave and it was Alex's doing. Lucas hid his smile and played along effortlessly. “Yeah, I’m good now. Much better,” he said, brushing it off with ease.
Work picked up almost immediately after. Orders, movement, noise, everything fell back into rhythm as if he had never been absent.
But something else picked up too. Whispers, he couldn’t understand. At first, Lucas ignored it. Until he started noticing the looks, and the subtle glances whenever he walked in or out.
By lunchtime, the rumor had fully taken shape. Chef Lizzy leaned casually against the counter beside him, a teasing grin on her face.
“So… boss man bought you a car, hmm?”
Lucas blinked, then let out a short laugh. “What?”
She nudged him lightly. “Don’t act innocent. We’ve all seen it. You're driving in, Alex watching like a proud husband…” She lowered her voice playfully, “It’s cute, honestly.”
Lucas shook his head, amused. “You people are unbelievable.”
But he didn’t correct her. Neither did he bother to explain that the car had been his long before he ever set foot into the eatery… before Alex… before all of this.
Instead, he just smiled to himself and went back to work, letting them believe whatever they wanted.
Some rumors weren't worth denying.
Later in the evening when Lucas told him about the rumor, Alex didn’t even try to hide his amusement. He burst out laughing.
Not a chuckle. A full, amused laugh that echoed through the room.
Lucas narrowed his eyes at him. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Oh, I am,” Alex admitted shamelessly, leaning back as if he had just heard the best news of the day.
Lucas folded his arms. “And why exactly?”
Alex’s lips curved slowly with a smile, something playful settling in his gaze. “Because,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “They’ve already promoted me.”
Lucas frowned. “Promoted you to what?”
Alex leaned closer, voice dropping just enough to make it feel personal. “A good husband-to-be.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then Lucas huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love it,” Alex shot back instantly, leaning forward with a kiss.
Lucas didn’t deny him or protest his words. Their laughter blended, light and easy, one of those rare moments where nothing felt heavy, nothing felt dangerous. Just them sharing something sweet and undeniable.
Days turned into a week.
A week into two and nothing happened. No shadows, no threats, no sign of Mac, James, or anyone.
The tension that once clung to them slowly began to fade. They started going out again, real outings this time. Dinner dates in quiet places, late-night drives with no destination, walks where Alex didn’t constantly look over his shoulder.
Lucas noticed it first. The way Alex’s grip on him loosened just slightly. The way his eyes softened and less guarded.
By the third week, Lucas finally brought it up. They finished eating dinner and Lucas had pulled Alex to watch a movie with him. Then amidst the movie, he called him, “Sweet boo…”
“Yes baby, asked away…” he winked at Lucas knowing that he was about to request something.
Lucas said, “Call your men off.”