“Sure,” I answer, glancing at Zia. He doesn’t look like he belongs in a gym like this, not dressed like that.
He wears a silk shirt that’s neither white nor cream, almost aniridescent pearl that shines in the light. It’s loose on his beautiful, unmarred chest, with a deep V leading down to a black corset belt that makes his waist look so fucking incredible, I can’t stop staring. My fingers ache to trace the dip of his muscles. His hair is swept artfully back, jewels drip from his ears, and his eyes and lips are darkened with makeup.
He looks like he walked out of a photoshoot, and I have no doubt his outfit costs millions and is worth every fucking cent.
Hell, I don’t have the money, but I’d throw it at him if I did just to see him in ten different versions of this getup.
“Nikko?” Charlie’s voice penetrates my lust-filled gawking, and I jerk my head up when I realize they are all watching me. How many times did he say my name? Fuck, did Zia notice? I glance at him, feeling embarrassed, and see his lips rolled in as if he’s trying to control his laughter, and I swear my face turns so hot, I might as well just melt.
He saw me checking him out.
Fuck me.
Luke should have knocked my ass out. It would have been less embarrassing than this.
“Did Luke hit you too hard?” Charlie chuckles, covering the awkward moment. “I was just letting you know they might be coming more often and that you did well today.”
I nod in understanding, looking anywhere but at Zia while trying to control myself and these urges. I want to fucking wrap my hands around his waist to see if I could span it. I bet I could, and for some reason, that thought has my shorts tightening.
I drag my gaze to Mr. Landry, trying my best to ignore Zia so I don’t traumatize everyone by getting hard in the middle of the gym.
Think, Nikko. Words. Don’t sound dumb.
“Thank you for coming. You didn’t have to. We appreciate your sponsorship,” I say formally, remembering the script Charlie made me practice.
“Cute. You were right, Z.” He grins. “He’s good. That was a smartmove, waiting for him to tire. You are like a hunter who won’t let go of his prey. I’d hate to feel the strength of that punch.” He chuckles as he slings his arm around Zia, who shakes it off, but Mr. Landry puts it back. “Right, Z?”
I stare at the arm touching him, and something in my chest tightens as a feeling I don’t understand rears its head. Mr. Landry’s eyes are sharp, and he seems to notice it, his smile indicating he got the reaction he wanted. Zia just knocks his arm off again and grins at me, a sexy one that has me shifting back on my heels.
“I told you he was. You should listen to me more often. That win is practically mine,” he teases, and I glance between them. Are they friends? Lovers? More? Have they ever been? Does he know how soft and curvy Zia’s waist is? Has he felt it for himself?
The thought makes me see red, but I don’t understand why.
I bite my tongue so I don’t blurt out the questions fighting for purchase in my brain. It doesn’t help, though, just like normal. “Are you two lovers?”
I long for the ground to swallow me. I know enough to understand you don’t ask that, and their dual shocked, wide-eyed expressions confirm that.
“Nikko!” Charlie groans.
I don’t apologize. I want the answer, even if it isn’t appropriate.
“No,” Zia answers with a crooked smile that does something to me. “Julies is like an annoying brother to me.”
“Zia is not my type. Sorry, cutie, like he said, he’s a brother.” Mr. Landry chuckles. “Why, Nikko?”
“Just curious.” I shrug, and there’s this awkward silence when we all know I am full of shit. Luckily, my dad has perfect timing.
“Nik!” my dad barks, and I jerk back, looking at him. “Wash up. I want you to rest before training tonight.” He’s oblivious to the tension, but I nod at his order, swallowing hard.
“I better go do as I’m told,” I mutter, looking at Mr. Landry. “Thank you for your support.” I glance at Zia, who smiles at me knowingly. “Mr. Xander.”
Spinning on my bare heel, I practically run to the locker room.
My heart thunders and my legs are weak, but not from training.
Why the fuck did I ask that?
And why am I happy with the answer?
