Chapter 8
EIGHT
Iwatch the blacked-out car, which is worth more than my entire house and gym, speed away with my heart in my throat.
He looked so fucking good, wearing a white suit with black flowers on it.
He didn’t have a shirt on underneath, showcasing his chest, and diamonds dangled from his ears.
I could barely believe my eyes when he walked in.
I have looked for him everywhere, and there he was, right in front of me.
He recognized me, but he didn’t say anything.
Why?
Did he not care?
Did that night mean so little to him? No, he sent me that note, so he didn’t forget me. Why did he act like we’re strangers? I suppose to the outside world, we are, but even now I feel that connection between us. I wanted to keep him here, as if I knew he would disappear again.
God, that look he gave me when he got into the car. He had a possessive gleam in his eyes and a knowing smirk. It left me a weak mess stuck in this spot, hoping he’ll come back.
“I can’t believe he bet that land,” Mr. Landry remarks as he glances at us, breaking the spell Zia wove around me.
“He’s been sitting on that for years, never willing to part with it.
He must have faith in you. He’s never betted with me like that before.
” He eyes me with something akin to curiosity in his gaze.
“That land has been in his family for generations. Don’t misplace his trust and faith in you. “
“Shouldn’t you want to win the bet?” I ask.
“Nah.” He grins, something mischievous in his gaze. “I have a feeling losing would be much more interesting.”
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Landry. We won’t take any more of it,” Charlie declares at my side, tugging on me, but I refuse to move. I should, since it’s rude, but I can’t, and Mr. Landry watches me like he’s waiting on something.
“Is he your friend?” I question bluntly.
He eyes me, that knowing look growing. “He is. We’ve been friends since we were kids. Occupational hazard,” Mr. Landry replies. “Anything else you wish to know?”
“Who’s Faiz?” I ask.
“Nikko,” Charlie hisses, his grip becoming painful as he tries to drag me away. “Mr. Landry, I am so sorry—”
“Don’t be.” He doesn’t look away from me as he holds up his hands, his interest fully blooming as he runs his gaze over me. “This will be fun. Faiz is his ex.”
Ex.
The word ricochets in my head, bouncing around like a bullet. Is that the one he was talking about? He broke up with him? How long ago? Does that mean he’s single?
I don’t know what he sees in my eyes, but his smirk grows. “They were together a long time. Zia left him four months ago and has been taking over the world, as they say. Why? Are you interested in Zia, Nikko?”
I grind my teeth, unsure what to say, but he doesn’t get offended.
“Interesting. You know, for this sponsorship, I’d like to add another clause. I’d like to be able to visit training and matches whenever I wish, with whoever I wish.”
“Oh, uh, Mr. Landry, respectfully, our gym is private,” Charlie starts, glancing between us, but I don’t look away from Zia’s friend, seeing the challenge there.
“Done,” I agree, my heart pounding. Does he mean he’ll bring Zia? I have to hope.
“Good, then I’ll be seeing you.” He turns and whistles to himself as he wanders away. I watch him go, hoping like hell I’m right.
I thought I was fine moving past that one night, but after a single look at him, I know I’m a liar.
I need to see Zia again.
I want him in my life in any way I can get him.
“What the hell was that, Nikko?” Charlie snaps in the car on our way back. “Who is he?”
“Who?” I play dumb.
“The guy you wouldn’t stop asking about. Why did he vouch for you like that?” I don’t respond, and he pulls over. “I can’t help you or this gym if I don’t know. I need you to trust me, Nikko. I’m here to support your and your father’s dream.”
I look over at him. I know he is, but Zia feels like my secret.
I don’t say it, and I see him retreat, hurt in his eyes because he thinks I distrust him.
Charlie is the only one who sticks around, ignoring my bad attitude and lack of social skills, and I don’t want to lose that.
“I’m not ready to talk about it, okay? It’s not that I don’t trust you.
I just . . . I don’t know what I’m feeling or how it is yet. ”
He meets my gaze. “Okay then, keep this from your father though. He won’t like it.”
I nod, knowing he’s right, and the car starts up again as he pulls into traffic. “He was cute, by the way, really fucking pretty, that Mr. Xander. I didn’t know he was your type,” he comments carefully.
“I didn’t know I had a type until him,” I reply with a shrug. “No one ever interested me before.”
“Jesus, say things like that to him, kid, and he’ll be yours,” he scoffs.
“I’m not a kid,” I say. “He won’t. Did you see him? He’s loaded, connected—”
“And still a man,” he interrupts. “Where people come from or what’s in their bank doesn’t matter—only what’s in their heart. You might be from different walks of life, but why does that matter? It doesn’t if you want it badly enough.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I ask, and I realize it’s sudden and intrusive when he chokes. “Sorry, was I not supposed to ask?”
“No, no, it’s fine,” he assures me. “I have once, when I was younger. We were together for six years before I realized we wanted very different things. It’s hard in our type of relationship.
People assume we can’t have the same things as others, but they are wrong.
A home, a family, kids . . . marriage—we can have it.
I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s worth it.
He didn’t desire those things, and I waited too long to find out.
I still loved him, but I left for my own well-being. ”
“You haven’t loved anyone since?”
“Not in the same way,” he admits softly.
“I want to be happy single first. I spent so long time adapting and changing for him that I lost who I am. I’m still learning that even years later.
One day, I’ll find someone to share this life with, but I’m in no rush.
There is more to life than being in a relationship.
Some people are happier alone. I figured you were one of those until now. ”
“I am happy alone. I like my own company and peace. I don’t even know if there is room in my life for anyone, but he makes me want to try,” I explain, having no one else to talk to about these feelings that won’t go away.
“Then try. What is the worst that can happen? But remember, Nikko, you’re enough without the love of a partner. Your life is full without a relationship. You don’t need another person to complete it for you.”
“My father is not happy alone,” I say as I glance at him, trying to figure out how to phrase it. “He likes and respects you.”
“Your father is a good man, but not gay, Nikko, trust me.” He grins. “I appreciate the thought though.”
I shrug. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I just meant they are both my favorite people and I want them to be happy.
I’m not very good at this.
He’s quiet for a moment. “So you like them pretty, huh?”
I can’t help but growl, and he laughs. He’s going to tease me for a very long time.