“You’re really going to put that land up against this?” he scoffs. “You’re going to lose it over this? Damn, you’ve gotten more competitive.”
“I won’t lose.” I glance at Nikko, who is looking between us. “I can just tell.”
Julies grabs the paper, looks it over, and signs. “Fine, got yourself a bet. Be prepared to lose though. I might not know a lot, but I know the current champion, and he’s a mean fighter.”
Standing, I fasten my suit jacket out of habit. “Good deal.” I nod at Nikko and Julies. “Now, let’s eat. You promised me food.”
“I did.” He stands and shakes Nikko’s and Charlie’s hands. “We will be in touch.”
“Thank you,” Charlie gushes while Nikko nods his thanks.
Julies and I walk to the elevator, and they follow us in. I can feel Nikko behind me, but I don’t look back, unsure what to do or say. Nothing has changed. My life has no place for a good person like him. This is all I can do to return the favor from that night. I might not allow myself to get attached to someone like him, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want him to succeed.
I can smell him, however, as his dark scent wraps around me. I can scarcely breathe, so when the door opens, I practically run out, storming across the lobby toward the doors. Julies is at my side as the guards scramble to open it, his men heading to the cars outside to follow us discreetly. Yuki waits next to my Rolls-Royce with the door open and his phone to his ear.
When he sees me, he comes my way, covering the phone, and I have a bad feeling.
“Mr. Xander.” Yuki hands the phone over. “It’s Reece.”
Swearing, I take the call. “Don’t tell me it fell through.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Xander. Faiz pulled the contract before we could swap it.”
I swear again. “I’ll be right there.” I hang up and look at Julies. “I have to go.”
“Trouble in paradise?” he teases.
“Just Faiz being an asshole,” I mutter.
“No doubt to get your attention.” He winks. “Rain check on dinner. Go handle your shit and give Faiz a kick for me.”
Nodding, I head toward my car, unsure what to say to Nikko. He probably doesn’t wish his friend or partner to know about me, so I don’t bother saying goodbye. Besides, I see him all the time. He just doesn’t know.
“Z—Mr. Xander,” Nikko calls hesitantly, stopping me in my tracks.
I turn, half in the car, and he looks around before meeting my eyes. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t.” I grin before I shut my door, and we drive off, leaving Nikko and Julies staring after me.
“Sir, isn’t that Nikko?” Yuki asks carefully, knowing to tread lightly when it comes to him. After all, he’s the one spying for me.
“It is,” I confirm.
“Is . . . everything okay?” he asks.
“Fine. Find Faiz,” I order, changing the subject.
“Yes, sir.”
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.
