Chapter 38 Tensed confrontation
Lucas struggled, trying to pry Zenith’s hands off him, but the man only tightened his grip, his breath hot against Lucas’s ear as he whispered, “Come on, sweetheart. Relax. Stop behaving like a child.”
Something snapped within Lucas. Zenith’s hands were struggling to loosen the rope on Lucas’s pants.
“Take your goddamn hands off me,” Lucas growled, fury ripping through his voice.
He didn’t wait for a response. Gathering every ounce of strength he had, Lucas jerked his head back and slammed it hard into Zenith’s face.
Zenith cried out with a sharp, pained moan and instantly released him, staggering backward. He clutched his nose, eyes blazing.
“Damn it, Lucas! You hurt my nose,” he cursed, struggling to steady himself.
Lucas spun around, chest heaving, his anger boiling over. “Sorry, sir, but this is all your fault. You’re fucking harassing me,” he shot back. “I’ve told you already that I’m not gay.”
Without waiting for another word, Lucas yanked the door open and stormed out.
“Lucas, come back here…” Zenith started, but Lucas was already gone, moving fast, almost running, his heart pounding violently as he hurried back toward the kitchen.
Once inside, he muttered under his breath, hands shaking with rage. “What the heck is wrong with that man? Is he a fucking pervert?”
Henry noticed Lucas immediately. The tension in his posture, the anger written all over his face—it was impossible to miss. His expression hardened, suspicion settling in as he walked over.
“Hey, man,” Henry said quietly. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” He paused, studying Lucas’s face, concern deepening. Then, more cautiously he asked, “Did he try to touch you?”
Lucas’s head snapped up. His fist clenched at his side, knuckles whitening, his eyes blazing with an answer he didn’t even need to voice.
Henry swore under his breath. “That son of a bitch will never change,” he muttered angrily. “You have to tell the boss, Lucas. If you don’t, he’ll never stop.”
Lucas stared at him, stunned. “You mean… he has done this before?”
Henry let out a bitter scoff. “Before? He harassed Jamiu. He harassed me too.” His jaw tightened as he lowered his voice. “And the craziest part? I never gave him any green light. I’m not even gay. His behavior was disgusting—shameless. The man behaves like a straight-up pervert.”
They were still talking when a movement caught their attention.
Zenith has walked back in.
His head was lowered, his steps slower than usual. His nose was visibly red and swollen, the damage was hard to miss. Henry took one look at him and let out a short, humorless chuckle.
“Oh my goodness,” Henry said dryly. “Did you do that to him?”
A low murmur rippled from the nearby staff who had noticed Zenith’s condition.
Lucas turned, finally seeing the aftermath of his retaliation—but Zenith quickly pulled a face mask on, covering most of it.
“Damn,” Lucas muttered, a flicker of concern slipping through his anger. “Is he… really hurt?”
Henry shot him a look, one eyebrow arching. “Seriously, Lucas?” he said incredulously. “You’re feeling sorry for him after he harassed you?” He shook his head. “Or what—did he not try to kiss you or grab where he had no business touching?. My time this fucking man tried to rip my cocky out of my body. He is crazy and you're feeling sorry for him?” Henry was getting very annoyed already.
“I’m not feeling sorry for him,” Lucas snapped, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just worried. Today is my first day at work and two horrible things have already happened.” His voice dropped, bitter. “The worst part? He’s my head chef. I’m answerable to him.”
Henry nodded slowly. “Yeah, I get that now. But listen—none of this is your fault.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “I heard the instructions he gave you earlier about the vegetables. I don’t know why you stayed quiet, but one thing you should know about Zenith—he can’t be trusted. Not at all. So be careful.”
Lucas exhaled sharply. “Damn it. Why did he have to be the head chef? How am I supposed to work with him?”
“Relax,” Henry said firmly. “Go to him. Ask what you’re doing next. Keep it professional. If he tries anything stupid again, I’ll call the boss myself and make sure he pays for his fuck-up.”
Lucas hesitated, then nodded. He squared his shoulders and started walking toward Zenith, forcing calm into his steps. In his head, he rehearsed a fake apology—something polite, something harmless. He didn’t believe Zenith deserved it, but peace on his first day mattered more.
Before Lucas could even open his mouth, Zenith spoke.
“Lucas… I’m really sorry about what happened back there.” His head was bowed, his voice unusually subdued. “I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me. Please.” He swallowed. “Don’t tell the boss. Don’t tell anyone. It will never happen again. I swear.”
Lucas froze, surprise flashing across his face.
Silence stretched between them.
Zenith waited, barely breathing, silently praying Lucas would believe him.
Lucas studied him, searching for something—sincerity, guilt, maybe fear. Finally, he decided to accept the apology. Not because he fully trusted it, but because he wanted this nightmare to come to an end.
Still… he straightened.
If he was going to forgive him, he would do it on his own terms.
And this time, he would be bold—bold enough to make sure Zenith never tried such nonsense again.
Mustering what little courage he had left, Lucas folded his arms over his chest and finally spoke, his voice cutting through the heavy silence.
“Are you talking to me or the kitchen floor?” he asked flatly. “My grandma used to say that when you apologize, you look the person in the face. If you don’t, they won’t see your sincerity.”
“I’m sorry, Lucas,” Zenith said quietly. His head remained bowed, shame weighing down his shoulders. “I’m ashamed to look at you. Please… let this go just this once, okay?”
He hesitated, then slowly lifted his head and their eyes met.
Zenith swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. “Damn it,” he cursed inwardly. “Why is he so beautiful?”
The thought hit him like a slap. “He’s even prettier than Alex.”
“What the heck are you doing?” Lucas snapped, instantly catching the stare. “Stop looking at me like I’m some crispy chicken you’re about to munch on.”
Zenith blinked, startled, and stared down.
“Listen,” Lucas continued, pointing a warning finger at his chest. “You’re a fine man, I won’t deny that. But I’m not gay. Let’s just pretend this never happened and move on.”
Zenith nodded his face still down. Putting his hand on his chin, he lifted Zenith's face to stare at him.