Chapter 42
FORTY-TWO
My black shirt is buttoned all the way to the top, the golden-tipped collar matching the dangling chains on my chest. My black-and-white blazer is cropped, showing my waist. When I put it on this morning, Nikko went wild, grabbing me and demanding I change, saying he wouldn’t be able to concentrate.
That’s how I know I’ve chosen an outfit well, and even though he’s working with the new trainees, his eyes keep coming back to me.
There is a wildness in his gaze that tells me I’m going to get it later.
Sitting back, I cross my legs as I watch him. His dad did, in fact, have breakfast with extra cheese, and despite the meetings I need to attend, I find myself lingering as Nikko puts three new recruits through their paces.
His dad stays silent about the tattoo, but the other fighters give Nikko shit. He doesn’t seem to care, showing it proudly to them as I smile.
My eyes narrow, however, when I see visitors lingering at the entrance, watching them. I don’t know who they are looking at, but Nikko is the hottest one here, so it doesn’t take much to guess, and I hate it. He’s mine. The tattoo isn’t enough.
I need to control every aspect of his life so he can’t leave me.
Turning to his dad, I smile as an new idea comes to mind. “Can we speak in your office?”
He blinks at me but then nods and heaves himself up, Charlie following.
His dad shuts the door to the office and sits in the chair, while Charlie perches on the busy desk.
I take the seat opposite him, smiling as I eye the belts and photos behind his desk.
Despite all his dad’s victories, the item in pride of place is a picture of Nikko.
“What’s up, son?” his dad finally asks, drawing my gaze from the photo.
“I want to buy the gym and Nikko’s apartment above it,” I say casually.
His dad huffs and then laughs, but when I arch a brow, he sobers up. “You aren’t joking?”
“Not one bit.” I shrug.
Charlie shakes his head, but he’s smiling. “Lots of people have tried to buy this gym. It’s in a prime location and the only thing stopping them from reconstructing this whole side of the river into high-rises, and he always says no.”
His dad leans forward. “Why do you want to buy it?”
“So I can protect and control it.” I shrug. “It’s a big part of Nikko’s life. I want to be part of every aspect of it. I won’t sell it, and there is no one better to protect it from investors than me. My name on that door would instantly turn them away.”
“You’re serious.” Charlie gapes. “Why? Just because Nikko trains here?”
“That as well.” I tap my nails on my knee. “Nobody has to know, and I’ll give you a great price. Nothing will change—well, apart from who I let watch Nikko’s training matches. Other than that, it will all be the same. You would still be in charge.”
“And the apartment?” his dad asks, but there’s a knowing grin on his lips.
“I’ll kick him out, say I’m selling it to someone, maybe Charlie here, so he can come live with me.” It will leave him with no other option, and I like that he’ll need me.
“Let me get this straight . . . you want to buy the gym and apartment, not for an investment, but to stop people from coming to watch your boyfriend and to force him to live with you?” his dad sums up, and I nod. “The tattoo wasn’t enough?” he teases.
“No, not nearly.” I sigh, leaning back. “Name your price. I can give you triple what you are asking—”
“We don’t do that for family.” His dad sighs.
“Okay, kid. You want the gym, then fine, I’ll sign it over—no money needed.
It was going to stay in the family anyway.
I was going to give it to Nikko when he was ready, but it’s probably better with you.
My only stipulation is this.” He lifts his meaty finger, showing one. “It stays the way it is.”
“Agreed,” I answer quickly.
“Two.” He holds up another finger. “You promise to love my son for the rest of your life. Don’t do this if you don’t plan to.”
“I don’t do anything I’m unsure of,” I state as I lean forward and grip his two fingers. “This gym will be mine, and so will your son. I don’t plan on letting either get away from me.”
We stare each other down for a moment before he turns away and roots around in a drawer. He pulls something out and signs it, then he slips it across to me. It’s a contract. I should have my lawyers look it over, but I sign it without doing any of that and pass it back.
“Charlie, copy this,” his dad orders, and Charlie, who is still laughing, does as he’s told then hands them back so Nikko’s dad can sort them into envelopes.
It was a lot easier than I thought. I have no intention of telling Nikko, since he will think I’m trying to buy his affection again, but it will give me peace of mind at least.
The door opens, and we all turn to see a breathless Nikko. When he sees me, he sighs and slumps. “I thought you left without saying goodbye,” he tells me.
“Not a chance, just talking with your dad. Go back to practice. I’ll wait, and we can eat before I go to work. How about that?”
Grinning now, he walks closer and leans into me, kissing me despite his sweaty chest. “Perfect. Won’t be long, baby.” He jogs away happier than before, and I turn back to his dad with a grin.
He just shakes his head as he hands me a copy. “He’s yours now. Good luck. Don’t try to give him back. I don’t want him.”
Rising, I wink at Charlie, who is laughing quietly to himself. “Thank you for the gym and your son.”
“I just need to take these papers in, one sec.” Nikko kisses me before he gets out of the car and jogs across campus toward the building.
“Maybe I should buy the college as well,” I muse out loud.
“You can’t buy every aspect of his life,” Yuki cautions from the driver’s seat.
“Why not? I have enough money.” I frown.
“Sir, Nikko wouldn’t like it. He’s simple and down to earth,” Yuki reasons.
“And I’m a billionaire who knows what he wants.” I look out of the window, seeing a burly guy running past, a couple of guys chasing him. “And I protect what is mine. The college has faced difficulties in the past. Look into it and his classes.”
“Yes, sir.” Yuki chuckles.
We don’t wait long before Nikko is back in my car, taking my hand. “Sorry, baby, I forgot the essay was due. Okay, where do you want to go for lunch?”
“I have a place in mind,” I reply as I lean into him, pressing my hand into his shoulder. “Was it hard practicing this morning with your new tattoo?”
“No, I didn’t even feel it.” He kisses my head in reassurance, and my phone starts to ring.
Sighing, I pull it out and talk with Reece about the new development for the whole drive.
Nikko doesn’t complain once, just plays with the rings on my fingers until I hang up as we pull up outside of my favorite Italian restaurant.
He’s out in a minute, and my door is open, his hand ready.
Laying my palm in his, I let him help me out as Yuki frowns.
“Nikko, that is my job,” he grouses.
“Sorry. My boyfriend, my job,” Nikko retorts. “Are you joining us?”
“No, enjoy your date. I need to reply to some emails and check on some building matters. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
Nodding, I head to the door, Nikko following. The interior is a mix of Gothic and comfort, and I’ve always loved this place. Faiz hated it and refused to come since it wasn’t Michelin-star rated, but something about it always made me feel homey here.
“Mr. Xander.” Timothee, the greeter, smiles widely, walking around the podium. “It has been too long.”
“Nice to see you again, Timothee,” I reply with a smile. “Do you have a table?”
“For you? Always.” He winks as he grabs two menus, and Nikko makes a noise at my side as Timothee looks at us. “How have you been?”
Nikko slides his arm around my waist, and his hand slips into my pocket, tugging me until there is no space between us. The possessive move is obvious as he stares at the man. “He’s been good. The table, Timothee,” he mocks.
Timothee blinks, looking at Nikko then me.
He swallows but turns and leads us through the dining room until we reach my favorite table in the back.
Once there, Nikko pulls out my chair, and I sit.
Timothee sets a menu down before Nikko and then hands me the second one.
I accept it gratefully, opening it since they change their offerings daily.
The chef is notorious for only cooking what he wants.
Most people think he’s crazy, but his food is incredible.
I almost slept with him once just to get a good meal before we realized we were both bottoms.
“Mr. Xander, the same wine as always?” Timothee asks, reaching for my arm to get my attention.
Nikko’s hand darts out lightning fast and grips his before he can make contact with my exposed skin. Staring into his eyes, Nikko slowly presses his hand back until he cries out and kneels, trying to relieve the pressure. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to touch what isn’t yours?”
“I’m so sorry, sir,” Timothee says, and I place my hand over Nikko’s.
“Let him go.” Nikko eyes me but releases Timothee, who hurries away with a chastised look. “Don’t abuse the staff here. I like the food.”
“He wants to fuck you,” Nikko snaps.
“So?” I arch a brow. “Most people do. I’m beautiful, after all.”
“Z,” he insists.
“Nikko,” I tease as I lick his lips. “You’re hot when you’re jealous. Besides, you’re the only one fucking me, so ignore them.”
I enjoy his silent ire, and when a different waiter appears and pours our wine, I see an opportunity. I eye him, knowing Nikko is watching, and when the waiter disappears, I turn to see Nikko glaring at me.
It’s mean, but I love it. I used to do the same to get Faiz’s attention, but it never worked. He never even noticed.
“He was cute,” I remark as I prop my chin on my hand.