Chapter 78 Wrong kiss
Nathan’s voice was barely steady. “Tell me something, Luc. If there was no Alex… would you have given me a chance?”
Lucas swallowed. His throat felt tight, scraped raw from everything unsaid. He nodded.
Nathan let out a broken breath, something between a laugh and a sob. “So, in other words, you do feel something for me.” His voice cracked completely now. “But you just love him more.”
Lucas nodded again. The tears came freely this time. He didn’t wipe them away. He didn’t even try.
Nathan’s hand trembled as he lifted it, cupping Lucas’s cheek, thumb brushing away a tear with unbearable tenderness. “Oh, Luc…” he whispered. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to kiss you?”
Lucas’ heart slammed against his ribs, and his eyes widened.
“I know you’ve chosen Alex.” Nathan’s second hand came up, holding Lucas’s face like something fragile. “You've made your choice already, but just once… may I kiss you? Please?”
Silence fell between them.
Lucas stared at him with hesitation. Nathan had tried several times before with jokes, teasing, almost, but Lucas had always refused. Always held back because somewhere deep inside, he believed Alex would return to him.
But now Nathan stood in front of him, raw, honest, hurting. And Lucas was a bit drunk and somehow wanted to dare devil, just once.
From the other side, Alex paced like a caged animal. His eyes never left the screen. Not for a second. For months Alex hadn't smoked but suddenly he felt too agitated. He pulled out the drawer, and there was a pack there. He opened it and took a stick, he searched for a lighter but there was none.
“Damn it,” he muttered angrily and rushed down to the kitchen. Picked up a match and ran back up to his study. Lighted up the cigarette and inhaled. He coughed out a bit. “Shit, man get a grip," he cautioned himself as his eyes glued back to the screen.
He knew that look in Nathan’s eyes. He knew that pause in Lucas’s breathing. He needed to stop this madness, he could call his phone to interrupt and end it. Or he could watch and see what happened. But the thought of watching is scaring the shit out of him. He settled back in his seat.
“Luc…” Nathan murmured again, softer now. “Please. Just let me. It’ll make me feel better. Hmm?”
His fingers traced gently over Lucas’s cheek.
Lucas swallowed hard, then he nodded.
From Alex’s house, he shot to his feet in surprise. “Damn it, Lucas,” he muttered under his breath. “Why would you say yes?”
His hand shot into his pocket for his phone but it wasn't there. He cursed. Spotted it on the table. He reached out for it but too late because Nathan had already leaned in. Their lips brushed. It was soft and tentative.
Nathan exhaled against his mouth. “So sweet…” he whispered, almost reverent. “You’re beautiful everywhere.”
Alex’s hand clenched into a fist. Eyes glaring at the screen as he watched the scene unfolding.
Nathan leaned in again. This time the kiss deepened. Slow at first, testing, then more certain. Then desperately, his hand slid into Lucas’s hair as the rhythm shifted, his hunger finally spilling over. But suddenly Lucas’s breath hitched, then he pulled away.
Abruptly, something flickered in his eyes, not disgust, not regret but fear.
“I…I’m sorry,” Lucas breathed quickly, stepping back. “I got carried away. I shouldn’t have…”
Nathan didn’t let him finish, he pulled Lucas into a tight hug instead, holding him firmly, almost protectively.
“Hey,” he murmured against his hair. “Don’t apologize for making me feel better.” He gave a small, shaky laugh. “I’m not angry anymore. And I’m glad… I’m glad you feel something for me.”
His arms tightened once before he let go. “Even if I’m not the one you choose,” he added softly. “I’ll still be your best friend, always.”
Lucas looked at him, guilt. swimming in his eyes.
Nathan stepped back, wiping at his own tears quickly, regaining that familiar smirk like armor snapping back into place. He turned toward the bathroom.
But just before disappearing inside, he glanced subtly toward the camera mounted in the corner, and grinned.
The bathroom door clicked shut behind Nathan.
The instant he stepped under the shower, he let out a low chuckle.
“Well, well… dear Alex,” he murmured, tilting his head slightly as water streamed down his face.
“So my sweet, innocent Lucas is the one you’ve been waiting for all these while.” He ran a hand through his wet hair, smiling to himself.
“I honestly wish it wasn’t him. He’s a good guy.” His expression hardened just a little. “And I’m afraid you might ruin him.”
He leaned closer to the mirror, voice dropping to a taunt. “I know you’re watching. You’ve always been the possessive type.” A smirk tugged at his lips. “Tell me… how does it feel to be betrayed without warning? And unexpectedly by the one person you thought was yours.”
A soft laugh escaped him.
“I bet you’re furious right now.” He relaxed fully under the shower, letting the water drown out the sound of his amusement.
At Alex’s, his fingers had hovered over Lucas’s contact. He had been seconds away from calling, and seconds away from interrupting, when Lucas pulled back from the kiss. So Alex paused.
Then Nathan hugged him. Alex watched but Lucas didn’t hug him back. Relief coaxed through him so hard he almost laughed.
“Good,” he muttered, exhaling. “That’s my Lucas, good that you didn't hug him back. You just got emotional. He was hurting and you're hurting too. Then alcohol mixed with sympathy. That’s all it was.”
He inhaled deeply on his cigarette. Then leaned back, as he settled back on seat, convincing himself. But then as Nathan turned toward the bathroom, he paused, looking straight at the camera.
Alex’s brows furrowed. He zoomed in. Nathan wasn’t just glancing, he was really staring and grinning.
It hit Alex like a brick and he shot to his feet. “What the hell…” His jaw tightened. “That son of a bitch.”
The realization slammed into him. Nathan knew he was watching. He was purposely playing his cards.
“How dare you, Nathan,” Alex hissed, fury rolling off him in waves. “How dare you play with Lucas’s emotions?”
His fists clenched. “I need to get him away from you, immediately.
Inside Nathan's apartment, Lucas felt sick instantly. Not from alcohol but from guilt.
He paced the sitting room, fingers twisting together, nails digging into his skin. His lips still tingled and that made it worse.
“Why did I let that happen?” He dragged a hand down his face.
“What am I going to tell Alex?” The thought alone made his chest tighten.
Without thinking any further, he strode toward the door, swung it open abruptly, and stormed out leaving the door to close by itself.
Dan, who had been lingering nearby, jumped back. “Damn it,” he muttered under his breath. “Why didn’t the boss warn me?”
His phone vibrated instantly.
“Dan,” Alex’s voice came sharp but controlled. “Sorry, I didn't alert you. Please follow him.”