Chapter 4
FOUR
Ijust finish washing all the plates when I find Zia’s empty glass from last night.
As I pick it up, I can’t help but smile.
He was nothing like I expected when I ran past that fancy as fuck car.
Who knew it would turn out like that? It was a surprise, but I had such a good night.
I haven’t talked to anyone like that in .
. . well, ever. It was easy. I didn’t worry about saying the wrong thing or tripping up, and even when I did, he didn’t care.
We just clicked in a way I never have with any other person.
My door suddenly bangs open, and I whirl around.
It could be any of the guys I train with, but my dad’s hulking, six-foot frame fills the doorway, his bald head shining in the light.
“You’re late,” he barks. His harsh voice coupled with his appearance terrifies nearly everyone, and only I know that he’s a fucking teddy bear who loves his son and this gym more than anything in the world.
“I’m coming,” I tell him as I walk to the sink.
“Where were you last night? You were supposed to be at that club opening for Nexus,” he says, crossing his arms.
“Something came up,” I reply as I turn the glass over in my hands, remembering Zia and his smile.
“It better have been important.”
“It was.” I dunk the glass. It was important. Zia needed someone, but what I didn’t expect was for me to need him as well. How long have I been drifting by myself? I needed that connection. Zia is a burning bonfire, and I was simply ash until he reignited me and my passion.
Someone like him could inspire armies, but I was reminded of what I’m fighting for in life and why after only spending one night talking to him.
What an idiot his boyfriend is for taking him for granted.
It makes me angry on his behalf, but I have a feeling Zia can fight his own battles.
He doesn’t need me to protect him like others would.
Clearing my throat, I wash the glass and dry my hands as my dad watches me. “Well?”
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I mutter even as I spare a glance at my apartment, sensing how empty it feels now that it’s housed his laughter.
Oh well, I guess it’s something I’ll have to get used to. I shut the door and try to focus on my upcoming fights and the preparation I need to do for them.
As I trudge down the stairs after my father, my eyes go to the water we stared at all night, a smile curling my lips again.
I wonder if he’s okay.
I wonder if he will think of me from time to time like I will of him.
One night is all we had. We are no better than strangers passing on the street, but I’m irrevocably changed by it.
By him.