“And still a man,” he interrupts. “Where people come from or what’s in their bank doesn’t matter—only what’s in their heart. You might be from different walks of life, but why does that matter? It doesn’t if you want it badly enough.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I ask, and I realize it’s sudden and intrusive when he chokes. “Sorry, was I not supposed to ask?”
“No, no, it’s fine,” he assures me. “I have once, when I was younger. We were together for six years before I realized we wanted very different things. It’s hard in our type of relationship. People assume we can’t have the same things as others, but they are wrong. A home, a family, kids . . . marriage—we can have it. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s worth it. He didn’t desire those things, and I waited too long to find out. I still loved him, but I left for my own well-being.”
“You haven’t loved anyone since?”
“Not in the same way,” he admits softly. “I want to be happy single first. I spent so long time adapting and changing for him that I lost who I am. I’m still learning that even years later. One day, I’ll find someone to share this life with, but I’m in no rush. There is more to life than being in a relationship. Some people are happier alone. I figured you were one of those until now.”
“I am happy alone. I like my own company and peace. I don’t even know if there is room in my life for anyone, but he makes me want to try,” I explain, having no one else to talk to about these feelings that won’t go away.
“Then try. What is the worst that can happen? But remember, Nikko, you’re enough without the love of a partner. Your life is full without a relationship. You don’t need another person to complete it for you.”
“My father is not happy alone,” I say as I glance at him, trying to figure out how to phrase it. “He likes and respects you.”
“Your father is a good man, but not gay, Nikko, trust me.” He grins. “I appreciate the thought though.”
I shrug. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I just meant they are both my favorite people and I want them to be happy.
I’m not very good at this.
He’s quiet for a moment. “So you like them pretty, huh?”
I can’t help but growl, and he laughs. He’s going to tease me for a very long time.
NINE
“Ifound him, sir,” Yuki comments.
“Take me there,” I order, trying my best to rein in my anger.
Yuki understands. We have been working on this project for years. It’s supposed to be the new symbol of our company, our glowing orb for the future and what we base all prospective projects on. It’s our biggest deal to date, and my father is letting me handle it. I can’t let this fall through or the investors, my father, and the landowners will come for my head.
Faiz knows that, so it isn’t just my heart and personal life he’s fucking with now. It’s my business.
My family.
He’s called and texted a lot since the breakup, but it’s gotten worse recently. He turned up at a hotel the other day where I was having a business meeting and tried to have a meal with me. He’s getting bolder. I don’t know what he wants from me. I’m moving on, healing, and yes, my heart still longs for him. He was a big part of my life for a very long time. It hasn’t been easy, and I still have weak moments, but he isn’t helping by doing this shit.
Fifteen minutes later, we park in front of Serenity, the mostrenowned spa in the city, which is also owned by Faiz. Rolling my eyes, I climb from the car and hold my hand up for Yuki. “I’ve got this. Call Reece back and tell him to keep the crew there. I will have this resolved in thirty minutes or less, or I’ll pay them all triple for today’s work.”
“Yes, sir.”
Straightening my suit, I stalk toward the frosted glass doors and let myself in. The ladies at reception wear serene smiles, ready to greet me, before I see one’s eyes widen. “Mr. Xander?—”
I nod and head toward the door that leads into the spa, even as the other woman calls out, “You can’t go back there?—”
“He can,” the other hisses. “His boyfriend owns this place.”
“Ex,” I correct her as I open the door and walk inside. My shoes slap on the tiled floor as I stride past meditation areas, lounges, and treatment rooms. I ignore the area that leads to the three-story spa facility with steam rooms, saunas, and every kind of relaxation room you could imagine. I know exactly where he is. The floor tilts down, and I move through another set of double doors that leads to the pool. It’s the biggest in the city. Faiz said he did it for the guests, but we both know differently. The water is Faiz’s happy place, and the waterfall pool with the starlight ceiling is the most relaxing place in the entire city for him. It’s also where he used to come when we fought, and every time I would turn up here and reconcile with him, even if he started it.
I guess nothing has changed.
The lounges and sofas surrounding the pool are empty, but I walk beside the crystal-clear water to the only one that’s occupied at the back. He’s reclined and his eyes are closed, though I have no doubt he can hear me coming. The slight curve to his lips tells me I’m right. His arm is above his head and one knee is bent, letting the white Serenity robe part to show his glistening skin. His hair is wet and pushed back as he poses.
He looks good, and for a moment, I soften before I harden my resolve. Attraction was never our issue. It was everything else.
Stopping above him, I cross my arms and wait, but he doesn’tspeak or open his eyes. He knew I would find him as soon as he pulled that contract. He manipulated me again, this time to get me where he wanted.
