God, that look he gave me when he got into the car. He had a possessive gleam in his eyes and a knowing smirk. It left me a weak mess stuck in this spot, hoping he’ll come back.
“I can’t believe he bet that land,” Mr. Landry remarks as he glances at us, breaking the spell Zia wove around me. “He’s been sitting on that for years, never willing to part with it. He must have faith in you. He’snever betted with me like that before.” He eyes me with something akin to curiosity in his gaze. “That land has been in his family for generations. Don’t misplace his trust and faith in you. “
“Shouldn’t you want to win the bet?” I ask.
“Nah.” He grins, something mischievous in his gaze. “I have a feeling losing would be much more interesting.”
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Landry. We won’t take any more of it,” Charlie declares at my side, tugging on me, but I refuse to move. I should, since it’s rude, but I can’t, and Mr. Landry watches me like he’s waiting on something.
“Is he your friend?” I question bluntly.
He eyes me, that knowing look growing. “He is. We’ve been friends since we were kids. Occupational hazard,” Mr. Landry replies. “Anything else you wish to know?”
“Who’s Faiz?” I ask.
“Nikko,” Charlie hisses, his grip becoming painful as he tries to drag me away. “Mr. Landry, I am so sorry?—”
“Don’t be.” He doesn’t look away from me as he holds up his hands, his interest fully blooming as he runs his gaze over me. “This will be fun. Faiz is his ex.”
Ex.
The word ricochets in my head, bouncing around like a bullet. Is that the one he was talking about? He broke up with him? How long ago? Does that mean he’s single?
I don’t know what he sees in my eyes, but his smirk grows. “They were together a long time. Zia left him four months ago and has been taking over the world, as they say. Why? Are you interested in Zia, Nikko?”
I grind my teeth, unsure what to say, but he doesn’t get offended.
“Interesting. You know, for this sponsorship, I’d like to add another clause. I’d like to be able to visit training and matches whenever I wish, with whoever I wish.”
“Oh, uh, Mr. Landry, respectfully, our gym is private,” Charlie starts, glancing between us, but I don’t look away from Zia’s friend, seeing the challenge there.
“Done,” I agree, my heart pounding. Does he mean he’ll bring Zia? I have to hope.
“Good, then I’ll be seeing you.” He turns and whistles to himself as he wanders away. I watch him go, hoping like hell I’m right.
I thought I was fine moving past that one night, but after a single look at him, I know I’m a liar.
I need to see Zia again.
I want him in my life in any way I can get him.
“What the hell was that, Nikko?” Charlie snaps in the car on our way back. “Who is he?”
“Who?” I play dumb.
“The guy you wouldn’t stop asking about. Why did he vouch for you like that?” I don’t respond, and he pulls over. “I can’t help you or this gym if I don’t know. I need you to trust me, Nikko. I’m here to support your and your father’s dream.”
I look over at him. I know he is, but Zia feels like my secret. I don’t say it, and I see him retreat, hurt in his eyes because he thinks I distrust him. Charlie is the only one who sticks around, ignoring my bad attitude and lack of social skills, and I don’t want to lose that. “I’m not ready to talk about it, okay? It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just . . . I don’t know what I’m feeling or how it is yet.”
He meets my gaze. “Okay then, keep this from your father though. He won’t like it.”
I nod, knowing he’s right, and the car starts up again as he pulls into traffic. “He was cute, by the way, really fucking pretty, that Mr. Xander. I didn’t know he was your type,” he comments carefully.
“I didn’t know I had a type until him,” I reply with a shrug. “No one ever interested me before.”
“Jesus, say things like that to him, kid, and he’ll be yours,” he scoffs.
“I’m not a kid,” I say. “He won’t. Did you see him? He’s loaded, connected?—”
