A hand lands on my thigh under the table, and I spare Faiz a narrow-eyed look as I remove it. “Don’t touch me. The trap doesn’trequire that. The only reason I’m working with you right now is because I need to, but I will never do anything that will make Nikko uncomfortable or second-guess our relationship, understood?”
“You are always so loyal,” Faiz taunts, eyeing me hard. “I loved that about you, still do. No matter what I did, you never gave up on me when everyone else did.”
“Yes, well, I was a fool,” I reply.
“No. Not a fool. You are a good person, kind, loyal, and loving, but never a fool. I’m sorry if I made you feel that way. I don’t want you to change that because of me,” he explains, and I glance at him to see him smiling sadly. “I know I fucked things up badly between us. I’m just trying to find my way back to who I was before this . . . this life got to me. I want to be someone you are proud of again, even if it’s only as a friend. I want to be the person you always said I could be before power, money, and drugs got to me. I know people change, but I hope you never do, Z. Even after everything I did to you, you still have that same kindness, and this world needs it. I’ll admit I’m jealous it’s now for Nikko, but I’m happy for you as long as you are happy.”
“I am,” I admit. “He makes me really happy.”
“Good.” He nods, sitting back. “That’s all that matters.”
“I had to find out from your social media that this is why you aren’t with me.” Nikko’s familiar, furious voice makes my eyes widen and my head swing around to see him towering over our table. His arms are crossed as he glares at me, ignoring everyone else. “Why did you lie to me?”
“I didn’t.” I stand before sinking down as I swallow. “It’s not what you think. We’ll talk later, okay?” Worry crowds my heart, making it speed up. He can’t be here when they get here. Nikko could get hurt, and I would never forgive myself.
“No, we’ll talk now,” he snaps.
“Who’s that?” Chan whispers to Julies.
“Z’s new boyfriend,” Julies replies. “Hey, Nikko.”
“Hello.” He nods at Julies and then swings his gaze back to me. I wince, knowing this looks bad, especially when he glances at Faiz then back to me.
“Hi, Nikko, long time,” Faiz jokes, and I elbow him. “What? I can’t even say hello?”
“No,” I bark before softening my voice. “Go home, baby, okay? I’ll be there soon, and I’ll tell you everything.”
“You didn’t think I’d let you or understand?” he asks, looking hurt. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“You’ll never know. How could you? You’re just some poor boxer. You know nothing about his life,” Faiz teases. He’s being cruel, but I know why. He spotted the same thing I have. Ten men entered the club, their eyes sharp. They are clearly professionals, and despite his feelings for Nikko and me, he knows I care for him and is trying to keep him safe.
“Enough,” I shout and lean toward Nikko, worried though I try not to show it. “Go home, okay? I’ll be there soon.”
I glance past him to the men who are spreading throughout the club, the lumps at their hips making it obvious they are packing. “Chan, get him out of here now,” I order.
“Shit, what? I want to join the fun,” he grumbles as he stands, and I lean back in my seat, sliding my hand to my gun. “Baby, go with Chan right now,” I demand, brooking no room for argument. He frowns as Chan tugs on him, dragging him to the back corridor as the first man approaches our table.
“New friend?” he asks. He isn’t familiar, but that doesn’t surprise me. They are probably paid hitters since the others failed.
“What can I say, when you’re this handsome, they flock to you. I bet you don’t have that issue.” I indicate his face with a smirk, and his eyes narrow. “You aren’t my type, keep moving.” I wink.
“I’m not here to talk, Zia Xander,” he mocks.
“Thank fuck because your voice sounds like you snorted helium,” I taunt, making Faiz and Julies laugh.
“Oh, I’m going to enjoy this,” he growls as he reaches for his hip. “My employer wanted it to be fast, but I think I’ll make it messy and long. Hope you understand.”
“I do like it messy. Sorry to ruin your plans though. The only onedying tonight will be you.” I smirk at him. “You should have brought more men.”
I kick the table out, and it smacks into him and the two men at his side, knocking them back as I climb on top of it, pulling my gun out and firing. All three crumple to the floor, and I trust Faiz and Julies to have my back as I slide over the top, roll across the floor, and flip the next table, ducking behind it as bullets rain across the area I just was. Over it all, I hear Julies’s whoop of excitement, which makes me grin.
I chance a glance back to see Nikko being dragged down the corridor, kicking and yelling, by Chan and four of his men. Peeking over the table, I fire some shots to make the mercs duck as I see my men stream into the bar, cleaning out the bystanders.
“Remember, we need some alive!” I yell as I see Julies laughing manically and firing into the crowd. Shaking my head, I glance over to see Faiz to my right. He nods, and together, we roll out from behind our cover. I come up firing, shooting three. They hit the floor before they can even get a shot off, and I dive over the bar as one aims at me. Bottles smash over my head, and the bartender screams, ducking.
“Sorry, cutie,” I tell her as I grab a bottle, take a swig, then spew it into the face of the man heading my way. I grab the lighter then use it on him.
His cries fill the air, his face on fire as he rolls back over the bar. I shoot him, leaving him to burn, then I glide across the floor to avoid rogue bullets and come up at Faiz’s side. He’s panting and grinning, and we share a look, speaking without words as we duck out from behind the booth and aim.
