Ch. 9: Strange Desires

“I can call a taxi,” Isaac grumbled.

“Where do you live?”

Isaac told him the street name.

“I’m heading that way. We can go together.”

Isaac was skeptical but found himself waiting with Lucien in front of the restaurant. A long silence stretched between them, and Isaac wanted to break it, but he didn’t know what to say. He stole a glance at Lucien and couldn’t help but think that he looked even more handsome than usual. The only thing that bothered Isaac was how impassive Lucien’s expression was. It was frightening how nothing changed in his eyes, as if they were empty and soulless. Even during dinner, you could never tell what he was thinking.

“Are you a dog?”

Lucien’s question caught Isaac off guard, and his gaze locked on Isaac’s.

“You’re staring at me like a lost puppy looking for a new home.”

“Wouldn’t that make you my owner?” Isaac joked wryly.

Something flickered in Lucien’s eyes, but when Isaac blinked, the spark was gone. Drunk, Isaac thought, I’m too drunk.

“I didn’t mean to stare. You’re beautiful,” he mumbled thoughtlessly. Isaac quickly slapped his hand over his mouth. “I meant to say handsome,” Isaac rambled hastily. “I think you’re handsome… sir.”

Isaac closed his eyes and slowly died inside.

“I’m drunk,” he admitted. He didn’t dare open his eyes to see Lucien’s reaction, but he had a strange feeling that he was smiling.

Lucien’s private chauffeur arrived in a jet-black SUV that seemed unnecessarily large for just two people. Lucien opened the door for him, and as Isaac attempted to get in, he lost his balance. Lucien’s strong hand caught his waist, and Isaac felt a strange jolt surge through him. It was different from when Mr. Thompson caught him earlier.

“Be careful,” Lucien warned him. His voice was deeper. Rougher. Isaac felt a twinge in his belly.

“Mhm,” he mumbled.

Lucien was making him feel a way he shouldn’t. Instead of chasing the feeling, Isaac did his best to suppress it. He expected Lucien to take the front seat, but he settled beside him. The middle seat separated them, but Isaac’s knees knocked together and his thighs tightened. The backseat felt smaller than it should, almost as if Lucien’s presence was enough to take up all the space.

When the vehicle moved forward, Isaac finally managed to say, “Thanks.”

“For?”

“For the meal. For treating everyone to a nice dinner.”

“It’s my job.”

Isaac shook his head. “No, your job is to be mean and bossy, not take us out for dinner.”

An unreadable expression crossed Lucien’s eyes, and Isaac pressed his lips together. He really couldn’t hold his tongue when he was drunk. But to his surprise, a low chuckle escaped Lucien’s throat, and Isaac wished he could replay it. He had never heard such a beautiful tune. Isaac stole another glance at Lucien, expecting another impassive look. Instead, he caught a glimpse of something behind those magnetic eyes.

“I didn’t do it for them.”

Isaac’s brows shot up. “What?”

“Are you still considering quitting?” Lucien inquired, changing the subject.

“You wouldn’t let me go even if I tried.”

“Smart boy.”

Isaac’s lips pressed together.

“Did you want to become an athlete?” Lucien asked.

Isaac blinked in surprise. He didn’t think Lucien was listening when he spoke about his athletic degree at the restaurant. He was secretly happy he paid attention.

“I did, I really loved running,” Isaac admitted with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

“What did you love about it?”

“I felt free,” he smiled.

“And now?”

He felt trapped. Isaac remained silent, so Lucien asked, “Is there anything else you want to do?”

Isaac paused, contemplating the question. “It hasn’t really changed from when I was younger.” He pressed his hands together, fixing his gaze on his knees. “I just want a normal life. You know, go to work, make a living, hang out with friends, maybe find love along the way.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

Isaac tensed at the question, his chest squeezing. “Once. What about you?”

“Never.”

Isaac licked his dried lips. “Can I ask why you’re so interested in me?”

“I find you interesting,” Lucien replied. “Everything about you is contradicting. Everyone else uses my money without a second thought. I thought you were the same after you offered a lap dance at the strip club, but at dinner tonight, you felt guilty and didn’t order the most expensive thing on the menu like everyone else did and even asked for the cheapest wine. Are you greedy or humble?”

Isaac stared in surprise. He thought Lucien was busy speaking to everyone else, but maybe he was paying more attention than he’d thought.

“And you’re stubborn,” Lucien added swiftly. “I’ve met a lot of stubborn people, and they all equally annoy me. But strangely, not you. I can’t tell if it’s because I want to fuck you, toy with you, or spoil you. Maybe all three, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this indecisive.”

Isaac stared blankly at Lucien’s handsome face, his mind racing with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Why was his heart pounding so quickly? Lucien had just called him stubborn and what? That he wanted to toy with him? And what, fuck him? Was that the arrogant, twisted CEO version of saying he was interested in him?

No, it couldn’t be. Jubilee had warned him about Lucien’s reputation. Lucien went to strip clubs and loved casual sex. Nothing he said could be genuine. But Isaac couldn’t ignore the flutter in his chest and the heat rising to his cheeks. The alcohol was making him feel weird.

They arrived at Isaac’s place, and when he attempted to pay the driver, Lucien intervened, stating that he had already covered the fare.

“I’ll pay you back,” Isaac insisted.

“I was heading this way anyway.”

“You don’t even live in this neighborhood.” It wasn’t a question.

“You’re right, I have another appointment nearby.”

An appointment at this hour? With who? And where? Isaac suddenly had an idea, and a knot formed in his stomach. He quickly looked away, unable to meet Lucien’s gaze.

“Just take the money.” Isaac’s voice sounded colder.

“Jealous?”

Isaac could almost hear the smile in Lucien’s voice.

“I’m not!” Flustered, Isaac’s voice rose involuntarily. “Just take the money. Please.”

“Beg for other things, not this. I’ll walk you to your door.”

Lucien wasn’t open to negotiating. He opened the car door and offered his hand. Isaac took it. He wobbled slightly, trying his best to focus on the ground so he wouldn’t fall and make a fool of himself, but Lucien held him firmly to keep him balanced. Isaac’s heart fluttered erratically in his chest, and he reluctantly released Lucien’s hand.

They reached the metal stairs, and when Isaac looked up, they seemed steeper than they usually were, looming dauntingly before him. He bit his lower lip, but it hurt his pride to ask Lucien for help again.

Isaac grasped the metal rail tightly and climbed up the stairs, trying not to flinch at the twinge of discomfort in his right leg. Climbing stairs wasn’t that big of an issue for him, but the alcohol made it difficult. Isaac’s breath hitched when he missed a step, and Lucien swiftly caught his waist, his hands strong and firm.

“I’m fine now, thank you,” Isaac murmured.

“You’re leaning into me as if your leg hurts,” Lucien replied flatly, seeing right through him. Before Isaac could deny it, Lucien said, “How long are you going keep up the tough act?”

Isaac stiffened.

“Be a good boy and take my hand.”

Lucien’s low, intense voice sent a shiver down his spine.

“I don’t want to,” he lied.

“Scared that I murdered someone with these hands?”

Isaac’s laughter came out strained, his nerves tingling at the thought. “No, it’s just that you make me anxious,” he confessed. “You keep putting me in situations where I rely on you. I don’t want it to become a habit. I’m scared if I get used to it, I won’t be able to stand on my own.”

“Why would I let you stand on your own? You’re mine now.”

Isaac’s lips parted in surprise, wondering if he had heard right. No, it couldn’t be. Surely, his mind was playing tricks on him again. Isaac took Lucien’s hand. They were big and rough, but surprisingly warm and gentle. They reached his door, and Isaac turned toward Lucien.

“Thank you for walking me to my door,” Isaac murmured.

“Goodnight, Isaac.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected beauty of Lucien’s smile, Isaac felt a fluttering in his stomach. Lucien turned to leave, but Isaac caught his sleeve and couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you meeting tonight?”

The question pierced the air, and Lucien glanced over his shoulder.

“Do you have to go? To your appointment, I mean,” Isaac continued nervously.

“Where else would I be?”

“You could stay here.” Isaac gulped. “With me.”

Lucien raised a brow, his expression unreadable. “To do what?”

“What?”

Suddenly, Isaac found himself pressed against the door, Lucien’s left hand against the wall beside him while the other curved around his neck. Isaac held his breath, his body tensing at their proximity. Lucien was so close, his intense gaze locking with Isaac’s.

Lucien’s voice was low and husky, sending a wave of heat through Isaac’s body.

“Don’t look at me with those innocent eyes after asking something like that, Isaac. You know exactly what you’re doing. Spell it out for me. Scream it. Tell me what you want, Isaac.”

Isaac stared at him, cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and desire. But before he could reply, the sound of a motorcycle filled the air, shattering the moment. Isaac’s eyes widened and dread filled his stomach. Riley was here.