His eyes blow in anger, his hands fisting at his sides. “Someone istargeting you, Zia. It isn’t happening to any of the other families. I’m worried. We need to find out who.”
“We?” I snap.
“We, the four sons. No matter what happened, we are a united front. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Let us help before you get hurt,” Faiz pleads, looking genuinely worried.
“Despite who is saying it, I agree,” Julies remarks. “I was going to talk to you about it today. I’ve heard rumors. Is it getting bad?”
“Bad enough,” I admit. “There have been a few. It’s evident they are gunning for me. I had some mercs try to track them down, but they came up empty-handed. Very annoying. Whoever is behind it is connected and wealthy. They want me out of the picture for some reason. I have been trying to think of why. The only reason I can think of is to stop the expansion of Xander Enterprises into new territory.”
“Who would gain from that?” Faiz paces. “We need to find out.”
“A few.”
“Is that really enough reason to kill you?” Julies scoffs.
“Money is a big motivator, you know that.” I sigh as I stand. “I have been considering setting a trap, drawing them out, and ending this. I’m tired of their games.”
“Then let us help,” Faiz pleads. “Please, Zia, I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you. Let us help you.”
I share a look with Julies, and despite it all, I might need their help. Whoever is coming for us is growing desperate, and desperate people are more dangerous. I have something to lose now, and I need to keep him safe, which means ending this quickly.
“Fine, then let’s make a plan,” I concede, and they both grin, excited for the bloodshed that will come our way. “Someone call that drunkard who is our fourth.”
FORTY-THREE
“Nikko!” My dad’s yell makes me grunt and wipe my face on my arm. I duck the punch without looking. “Come here.”
“I’m out.” I nod at my sparring partner and take off my gloves, happy for the break. I’ve been training nonstop recently. I know it’s important to prepare for the title, but I’m exhausted. Every muscle in my body aches, but I do feel stronger, so I can’t really complain much.
Besides, my father is a champion. He knows what it takes, so I trust him.
Ducking under the ropes, I swipe my water bottle and gulp some down as I walk to his office door. I have the urge to check my phone for the hundredth time this hour before I remember Charlie confiscated it so I would concentrate. I’ve gotten used to Zia being at my side at all times, and I hate the space between us, but I know he’s busy just like me.
“Nice ink,” Tyler teases.
“Thanks, man.” I grin as he laughs and step into my father’s office. I sit in the chair opposite his desk, uncaring about the sweat that will drip onto it.
He looks uncharacteristically serious for once, and I instantly sit up. “What is it? Is Zia okay?”
“He’s fine.” My dad sighs. “I know we planned for you to challenge the second?—”
“Reg, yes.” It’s important we do that, skipping a few challenges and then going for the title. I need to make up time if I want to win. “Did he decline?”
“No. Before we could even issue the challenge, we had one come through.” My dad hesitates.
“Oh, well, that’s good.” I shrug, but he’s staring at me again. “Isn’t it?”
“Nikko, it wasn’t Reg. It was Lucas, the champion. He challenged you.” The words fall into the air as I stare. Lucas Wainwright, the reigning champion, not only knows who I am but challenged me? I just gape in shock.
“He doesn’t want to lose his title. He’s challenging you now in hopes of defeating you while you are still healing. Beat the underdog down, have the crowd on his side. There would be no time to prepare. I want to decline, but it’s your choice,” my father offers.
“No, we won’t decline.” Sitting up, I nod. “We’ll accept.”
“Nikko—”
“I’m ready,” I promise. “You made sure of that. I’ve been training for this fight my entire life. I won’t back down. That belt will be mine, for you and everyone else who got me here. Accept the challenge. We are just skipping a few steps. That’s all.”
“And with less time to heal and practice,” my dad cautions.
