Yuki was right. It’s modern but unexpected, with wood and glass, black trim everywhere, and a giant wooden front door that opens as I march over the gravel driveway.
“Mr. Xander, please come in,” the nervous realtor says.
I nod and walk past her, pulling off my shades as I glance around the entry hall. The marble floors are spotless, and the house has an open-floor plan, with stairs to the left, a lower living room leading to a kitchen to the right, and full glass back doors that open to a terrace and the back garden.
“There is a guest bathroom here, Mr. Xander,” she explains as we meander deeper. “The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, and surround sound and security systems are already installed. The bedrooms—” She stops as I walk away then turn back.
“Tell Yuki.” I nod at him. “I’m going to look around.”
I hear them talking as I wander to the back door before going upstairs. Everything is sleek and modern with a wooden twist I really like. The second floor contains most of the bedrooms and bathrooms,and the third has two more rooms with a walk-in dressing room, office, and the biggest bathroom I have ever seen. It’s all finished in the same modern style, and I find lots of architecture books in the office, which makes sense. This place is beautiful, but when I head up the final set of stairs and push out of the door, I arrive in another world.
All the modern lighting fades into a paradise.
There’s an infinity pool, the water shining brightly in the sun, and a sauna and steam room. The last two are usually boxy rooms disguised by wildflowers and nature, but this is something more. I head over to a green, flower-covered arch that leads into a beautifully kept garden with benches and string lights.
It’s like a tiny oasis in the middle of the city, an escape, and I breathe easier.
I don’t know how long I linger, but my heart feels like it’s at peace here, like I was always supposed to stand in this grass.
I stare at the river beyond, realizing we are opposite of Nexus, yet I have the same feeling I had there.
Sanctuary.
“Sir?” Yuki calls behind me. “Your thoughts?”
“Buy it,” I command as I spare him a glance, “and prepare movers and our team. We will be in before nightfall.”
I turn back to the view, wondering where Nikko is and if he’s thinking of me like I am him.
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 beenimportant.”
“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.
