Desire Me If You Can Novel - Chapter 126

That incident had left Ashley with an enormous trauma. The idea that his own child had tried to kill the one person precious to him—it must have been more terrifying for Ashley than falling into the fires of hell. If he lost Coy, he would have no reason left to remain in this world.

“I know.”

Coy spoke gently, hugging him back. Clasping the large, faintly trembling body tightly, he whispered softly.

“But we can definitely find other ways.”

Ashley, who had been silent for a while at the gentle voice, slowly raised his head. Coy looked into his eyes and spoke with an assured tone.

“Let’s think about it together, from now on.”

Ashley still said nothing. Grayson feeling emotions? Could something else possibly reflect in those glassy eyes, which remained unfazed in any situation, no matter what he saw…?

He still couldn’t believe it. Admitting he was wrong wasn’t difficult. He could even accept it with joy.

But having hope only to have it crushed was a different matter. They had already swung between countless expectations and despair. Coy, as always, seemed to be embracing a new hope, but the case was different for Ashley. He was a born pessimist, completely different from the optimistic Coy. That was one of the reasons Ashley was drawn to Coy, but…

Haa, he let out a short sigh and came to the same conclusion as always. Time would naturally reveal the answer. He would know whether Coy was right, or if it was merely a futile expectation.

Dane Striker.

Ashley recalled the name of the man he had seen. He hadn’t received any reports that Grayson had found a new lover, so he must still be with Dane. In that case, could Dane Striker possibly be…

When he thought that far, his mind became complicated. He had been kind enough to tell him all the trivial details about his son, yet the man hadn’t run away yet?

He certainly felt completely different from the partners Grayson had brought home under the guise of destiny. He had even given him a warning, but the man seemed to be sticking around. Why? Did he have some foolish certainty that he wouldn’t die?

I need to find out about that man.

Ashley thought. Even if Grayson truly began to feel emotions, how it manifested on the surface was another matter. What if he were to harm Dane Striker…?

“Ash?”

Coy called him, sensing something strange. Ashley immediately offered a smile, as if nothing was wrong. But even as he did, all sorts of warning lights were flashing in his mind.

That must absolutely never happen. He hadn’t assigned bodyguards or kept many people around because he couldn’t trust Grayson, but if Dane remained in Grayson’s vicinity, the situation changed. There was only one conclusion.

I need to find a bodyguard to protect Dane Striker.

Grayson let out a languid moan and stretched his limbs. He could feel the bright sunlight through his closed eyelids. Had there ever been such a refreshing morning? A smile involuntarily spread across his face. It was such a strange experience to be able to smile without consciously lifting the corners of his mouth.

Smiling sheepishly, he rolled over to one side, but suddenly felt a strange sensation. He felt around the mattress with his eyes closed, but there was nothing there.

…Uh?

It took him a moment to realize the situation. And then he sprang up, his eyes wide open, as if jumping out of the bed. There was no one on the enormous bed fitted to his tall frame. Only himself.

“…Dane.”

Grayson murmured, his face immediately turning pale. The next moment, he scrambled out of bed and rushed out of the room. The first place he headed was Dane’s room, which was right next door.

“Dane!”

Grayson, who had flung the door open without knocking, was instantly struck by a shock so great he felt like he would faint. There was no one in the room. The fact that not even Darling was visible made him feel like the world was collapsing.

What happened? Was it really a dream?

His mind was nothing but confusion. But the traces of their lovemaking remained perfectly on the bed. Besides, the sensation of the chest he had been kneading was still in his hands—the idea that it was all a dream was ridiculous. Then where had he gone? Dane, where was he?

Did he leave?

“Dane, Dane!”

He ran around the house, calling his name like a madman. Is he sick of me? That must be it, right? I was in rut, how disgustingly clingy must I have been? Dane hates troublesome things, so he must be completely put off by now, right? What do I do? What do I do now, seriously?

His memories from the time of the rut were fragmented and didn’t connect properly. But the fact that he had sex with Dane was certain.

I forced myself on Dane…

There was no other answer. Grayson, in a panic, ran frantically down the hallway. Only Dane was in his mind.

I need to contact the secretary team right now. I need to find Dane. No, what if he went to work? Right, I don’t even know how many days have passed. Dane must have gone to work. Damn it, then where is Darling…!

“Dane…!”

It was just as he was running and shouting hysterically. Suddenly, another voice came from behind him. Grayson, who was in the middle of running, was surprised and tried to stop abruptly, causing him to stagger violently.

He whipped around, but that was as far as he got. Grayson froze like ice. In his wide eyes, he saw Dane, half-out of a panel. It was the snack bar.

“Uh…”

Grayson was so flustered that he could only utter a ridiculous exclamation. What was going on? Didn’t he leave? Then Darling…

Grayson soon spotted Darling resting on Dane’s shoulder. Just as he felt his strength drain away, Dane’s face suddenly contorted. Looking at the space between Grayson’s legs with an expression of disgusted revulsion, he went inside without a word.

“Da—”

Grayson, who was about to call out to him in confusion, paused instantly.

Ah.

He belatedly realized why Dane had looked at him with that expression. From the moment he had sprung out of bed until now, he hadn’t put on a stitch of clothing.

“Do you have exhibitionism?”

Dane spat out irritably as he flipped a fried egg.

“Why are you always running around naked like a damn lunatic.”

Grayson, who had hurriedly thrown on a robe and emerged, hunched over the bar and muttered,

“I thought you were sick of me and left…”

He looked completely dejected, yet his lips were ceaselessly turned up. He had an expression that showed he was thrilled to death that Dane was right in front of him. Dane paid no mind to him and continued what he was doing: making breakfast.

He was wearing only training pants and no shirt. It was his usual attire, but today, it was probably an unavoidable choice. His large chest was completely covered in red and blue bruises, without a single spot left bare, and his nipples were swollen and raw, a complete mess. He had handled them so much that they were even larger than their original size. It looked like the swelling would take days to subside.

Even a breath of air hurts.

The brief sensation of cool air made his nipples sting and his chest ache, causing Dane to frown. Tsk, he clicked his tongue, then grilled bacon and eggs and placed them on a plate. Just then, the toaster alarm sounded, and the bread popped out. Dane picked up the two plates of food, turned around, and set one down in front of Grayson.

“Eat. It’s yours.”

Dane said curtly to Grayson, who was looking up at him with large eyes, his jaw agape and unable to speak. Then, he set his own plate down in front of himself and began to eat breakfast while standing.

Grayson still looked disbelieving, only alternating his gaze between Dane and his own plate. Dane, paying no attention, continued his meal, drinking the tomato juice he found in the refrigerator. He was casually cutting his egg with the side of his fork when Grayson, who hadn’t moved an inch until then, opened his mouth.

“Hey, Dane. Can you slap my cheek for me?”

Dane put the egg in his mouth with an expressionless face. And the next moment, with a tremendous smack, Grayson’s head snapped to the side.