Semua Bab UNCHARTED PATH : Bab 51 - Bab 60

Lucas instinctively flexed his fingers, then stopped, as if caught. It wasn't due to pain but due to the sensation Alex’s touch gave him. “It’s nothing,” he murmured, forcing a small smile. Alex wasn’t convinced. He reached out, careful, his fingers hovering before lightly taking Lucas’s hand. “You don’t wince over nothing,” he said quietly. “Talk to me. I need to know you’re okay.” “Yeah, I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt that much,” Lucas said quickly, the words tumbling out as if speed alone could make them true. “I was just rushing to get the order out on time, that’s all. I probably stressed it a bit.” Even as he spoke, the explanation felt thin, more for himself than for Alex. He drew a slow breath, forcing his shoulders to relax and his pulse to settle. “Stay calm, keep it together, guy. You know what you want.” He muttered within himself praying Alex wouldn't bring up last night's discussion or the Club Unite kiss. Because he knew the moment he brought any of them up,

Alex’s hand slid to Lucas’s back, holding him closer as if he had been waiting forever for the moment. Lucas let himself sink into it, eyes closed, the world narrowing down to the feel of Alex’s lips, and the steady rhythm of his breathing. For a brief, fragile moment, everything else…his father, the threat, his secret…all faded away.The only thing that mattered was them standing there engrossed in their affection. After they pulled away they stayed like that for a while, staring at each other, no words, heart thudding with unexplainable emotion. Alex’s arms were around Lucas, loose but certain, as if he were afraid that tightening them might break the moment. Lucas moved resting his head against Alex’s shoulder, breathing slowly for the first time in what felt like hours. The world had gone quiet, but it felt warm and safe. Alex pressed a light kiss to Lucas’s hair, then another to his temple, nothing demanding, just presence. Lucas closed his eyes, letting it linger, le

Lucas managed and responded, “He is not bad. He is a cute man.” “Exactly, he is so gorgeous and breathtaking. I called him a while ago, but he was busy. I hope he calls me back.” Lucas felt jealousy grip him. “Nat, maybe you should forget about…” “Talking to him?” Nathan cut in.“Come on Luc, you don't understand how I feel about him. Trust me if you're into guys, you will eye him. Everything about him is awesome. I don't even know if I'm obsessed with him because I still miss him a lot and I wanted to try to win him over. What do you think, Luc?” “Nat, I don't know what to think right now,” Lucas muttered, his heart aching. Nathan chortled at that. “Don't worry, okay. I will just try. If I fail, I will cry on your shoulder. And Lucas?” “Yes?” “I meant it,” Nathan said sincerely. “For your new job, put in your best, try one of your new recipes. Serve him to taste, my Alex likes getting practical. Take care of yourself, okay.” “Thank you, Nat,” Lucas replied s

As the staff started cleaning up, Zenith had left the kitchen for the locker room. But suddenly changed his mind, he didn't want to miss any detail of Alex and Lucas's show. Then again the way Lucas shut him down showed that he was pissed about something. It sharpened Zenith's interest the more. So he needed to find out what it was and use that opportunity to his advantage. Suddenly a smile curled up his lips as he recalled what had happened earlier.*** It was almost evening already, when they were dealing with a late rush. The kitchen was buzzing, orders piling up, voices overlapping, heat rising. It was the perfect time. Zenith waited until Alex was pulled away into a brief talk. Lucas was beside the walk-in fridge. Zenith grabbed the opportunity immediately. “Lucas,” Zenith said smoothly, appearing beside him at the walk-in fridge. “I need your help inside, now.” It wasn’t a request. Lucas hesitated only a second before nodding. Saying no outright would raise que

Alex took in some air and lowered his voice a bit.“Stop hurting yourself. Please.” He took another breath, then said it…clear and final. “I’m in love with him.” Nathan shook his head violently. “No. No, you can't, you’re just obsessed,” he insisted, tears spilling over. “He saved your life, yes, but you don’t know him. You can’t let some stranger into your life just because of a favor…” “Will you stop?” Alex snapped, frustration breaking through. “The person who found him testified that he’s a good person. That’s enough. Just… end this.” Nathan wiped his face with his hand, voice trembling. “Does he even feel anything for you? Are you sure he could love you?” Alex didn’t hesitate. “I’ll give him time. I will wait for him.” “No, Alex…please you can't…” “Yes, I can,” Alex said firmly. “You stop. I don’t love you enough. So just… leave.” Nathan opened his mouth again, voice breaking completely. “No, please don't…” But the words never finished. With a sob, Nathan t