DESIRE ME IF YOU CAN [EN] - Chapter 38 - 38

<My co-star is Chase Miller. Can I devour him?>

When she ended up filming a movie with Grayson's younger brother, Chase, Naomi asked that as a joke. Of course, she had no real intention of seducing him. Grayson alone was more than enough to satisfy her.

<Please do.>

Grayson's answer, however, was unexpected. He laughed, genuinely amused. Hearing that, Naomi felt puzzled. Did this man lack possessiveness or jealousy? Just as the thought crossed her mind, Grayson added, Thank god you're a Beta. He gave the reason, too. Because it would be trouble if I left a mark.

Naomi made a mistake in that moment.

<Why is that?>

She shouldn't have asked that question. At the time, however, Naomi was overflowing with affection for that trash, letting her guard down. She knew all too well that the species known as men always looked for an opportunity to stab you in the back.

Bursting into laughter, Grayson said:

<You gotta distinguish between a fuck buddy and marriage material.>

The sensation of her blood running cold remained vivid. The meaning was all too clear: Naomi was just a fuck buddy, not marriage material. What an arrogant man. Whether that confidence stemmed from his noble Extreme Alpha bloodline or his family's immense status didn't matter. Naomi never forgave anyone who wounded her pride.

I'll make sure to see that son of a bitch sobbing in agony.

How many years had she spent grinding her teeth? Grayson had started harping on about fated mate again. This time, he was at a fire station. It was news as joyful and exciting as a Best Actress nomination. Naomi had eventually won that glorious Oscar; this time would be the same. Her heart pounded. Could there be any award more delightful than seeing Grayson Miller brutally hurt?

A thrilling joy swept through her body. Clenching her fists, trembling, she hurriedly rummaged through her phone. Time to find out where Grayson was screwing up. She pressed a speed dial number; a sleepy voice answered after a few rings.

“Yeah, it's me. Sorry for calling late.”

“No, it's okay. What's up?”

Her secretary responded faithfully despite the late hour. Though feeling slightly sorry, Naomi couldn't hold back. With the opportunity to screw over Grayson Miller fast approaching, she couldn't delay even a moment.

“I need to find someone urgently. I heard he became a firefighter, but I don't know which station. Can you find out as soon as the sun comes up?”

Naomi waited quietly while the secretary found a pen and paper. When the secretary finally said she was ready, Naomi took a deep breath, uttering the name.

“Grayson Miller.”

She felt the secretary pause. Naomi smiled brightly, adding.

“Yes, that's right. The second son of the Miller family, that very Grayson Miller.”

To her nodding confirmation, the secretary asked.

“Do I just need to find him?”

“Yes, I'll handle the rest.”

Naomi added a warm goodbye.

“Sorry for always being so demanding. Thank you.”

“Don't worry. I'm billing you for the overtime.”

Joking with a serious tone, the secretary hung up. Naomi smiled, taking out her checkbook to write a check. As she scribbled her signature, her face shone brighter than ever with anticipation.

***

At the same time, in another place, another Miller was talking about this event.

“A firefighter? Grayson? Your brother Grayson Miller? Became a firefighter?”

It was around that time Joshua Bailey received a call from his mate, Chase Miller. Staying in another state for work, they kept the romance alive with frequent calls; today, there was special business. News about Chase's older brother, Grayson Miller.

That he got a job—at a fire station, no less.

Hearing Chase's words, Joshua couldn't believe it, asking several times with an unconsciously raised voice. From the other side of the phone, Chase answered in a heavily twisted tone.

“Yeah, that son of a bitch. What the hell is he thinking? The world's most selfish prick taking the most altruistic job? He must be crazy, right? Right, he lost his mind because of pheromones. Must be.”

Listening to the emotionally charged curses, Joshua thought something completely different. A firefighter, of all things? Is this fated mate?

“Do you know which fire station?”

At Joshua's question, Chase searched his memory, recalling what Koi had said. Hearing the answer, Joshua became certain. This must be a sign.

Besides, a fire station. Wasn't it just appropriate timing? Like fated mate.

“Chase.”

Calling his name during a pause on the other end, he lowered his voice meaningfully.

“I just had an interesting thought. Want to hear?”

“What thought?”

To the still sulky voice, Joshua threw the question again.

“Remember my promise? That I'd kidnap that bastard for you if you wanted.”

Silence fell suddenly. Joshua smiled, imagining Chase holding his breath with a frown.

“Yes, that's right. The time has come.”

Joshua paused deliberately before adding.

“Time to settle the score.”

A sharp intake of breath came from the other side. After another tense silence, Chase finally spoke.

“So, where do we start?”

Hearing the voice faintly trembling with anticipation, Joshua spoke with a satisfied smile.

“The first thing to do, of course, is find an accomplice.”

“An accomplice?”

“Yes.”

To the word Chase repeated, Joshua nodded.

“I know a firefighter.”

***

A branch on the towering tree shook briefly. Dane Stryker, having moved slowly up the ladder, stopped immediately to assess the situation. Confirming the tree was quiet, he walked forward again.

At the end of the precarious branch, looking ready to snap any moment, a scarred cat huddled, bristling its fur to glare at him. A small body trembling anxiously, fur mottled with dust, sharp yellow eyes flashing. Every sign revealed the cat was full of fear and wariness.

As Dane approached slowly, the cat sat firmly on the dangerously swaying branch, crying, “Meow.”

“It's okay, sweetheart. Come here.”

For whatever reason, she had climbed high, unable to come back down. He could see her small chest rising and falling rapidly. Dane didn't rush. His voice persuading the cat was full of gentleness. As he approached, clicking his tongue softly, the team members watching from below spoke up.

“It's really amazing. How a guy that cynical can be such a softie for animals.”

At someone's remark, another nodded in agreement.

“Bastard beats the shit out of people but never touches animals.”

“Is that all? Last time, he beat an owner to a pulp for setting fire to a house with a dog inside; he almost went to jail.”

“It's a relief it ended with just a fine. If a person had been inside the fire, he wouldn't have stopped at just a beating.”

“No, he might have beaten him just for making things troublesome. He's the type.”

“Who knows. Well... he probably wouldn't want to go to jail. He has a cat.”

Standing some distance away from the colleagues exchanging arbitrary remarks, Grayson watched Dane, frowning.

What is he doing again, that bastard?