“No, but I’m glad you’re finally realizing that, baby,” I answer as I cup his face, close my eyes, and press my lips to his.
I expect him to move away, but he melts and kisses me back. It lasts for a while before we both pull away. Neither of us says anything as he rests his head on my shoulder.
We sit together, soaking in the night.
I hope I can give him peace like he gives me excitement.
NINETEEN
I’m in a good mood as I climb from Nikko’s bike outside my house. The sun has barely risen, and the guards seem sleepy but look away, giving us privacy. We stayed out all night talking, and I didn’t even know I needed that until he came for me. Somehow, this man did, and he offered it to me with no expectations or reimbursement. Nikko just wanted to be with me and make sure I was okay.
My brain never switches off, but for a short time last night, it did. I just let him hold me as we spoke about everything and anything, not thinking beyond that moment. There was no family drama, ex drama, or thoughts about business and running the empire. It was just him and me.
It was peaceful.
I feel a bit like a teenager again, sneaking in after spending the night out with the boy I like, and it’s exciting. I can’t remember the last time I felt exhilaration like this, a shift in my everyday life. Everything Nikko does is unexpected.
Nikko cups my face for a moment, not wanting to let go either. “Have a good day, okay? And don’t ignore my texts this time or I’ll come right back here.”
I sigh. “Stubborn.”
“Brat.” He grins, and I bite back my smile as he steals a quick kiss.
I wave as he pulls away then stare at the empty street far longer than I should before heading inside. The guards greet me with a mumbled, “Morning,” and a nod, and I know gossip will spread among them later. That’s fine, as long as it doesn’t go any further. I can’t put Nikko in danger.
As I walk toward the house, I realize I still have his jacket on. Smiling as I step inside, I press my nose to the collar and inhale his scent.
“Sir, let me take your coat,” one of the staff offers. I hesitate, but I know it will look strange if I demand to continue wearing it. Instead, I slip it off and hand it over.
“Hang it in my room. Don’t wash it,” I order.
“Yes, sir.” They scurry away, and I walk down the corridor to the dining room, knowing my father will be up at this hour. Despite him taking a back seat in the family business, he never fails to be up at the crack of dawn like old times. I have my own place, but I still like to stay here from time to time, worried he feels lonely. Last night was one of those times.
“Good morning, Father—” I jerk to a stop in the dining room door as Faiz smiles at me, leaning back in what used to be his chair as he dabs his mouth with a napkin. Breakfast sits before him on a plate, and there is a mug of coffee near his hand.
The eight-person table overflows with food, and my father sits at the head, the seat to his left open for me—the one next to Faiz. For a moment, I’m thrown back to being seventeen before I shake it off.
“Morning,” my dad says, his gaze on his newspaper. He never eats breakfast, but he always makes a point to sit with me while I do, even when I was a kid and he was super busy. He would say it’s the most important meal of the day, a time to spend together to prepare for what’s ahead. As I grew up and fell in love, that began to include Faiz, but I can’t remember the last time he came or was awake for breakfast.
“Why are you here?” I snap, all those good feelings and peace disappearing as I stare Faiz down—a reminder of who I am and who I can never be for Nikko.
My father raises his head, eyeing Faiz then me. He knows we broke up, and although I didn’t tell him the full reason, he knows it hurts. I’m surprised he let Faiz in, but then again, he has to be nice because of the family connection. Judging by the tightening of his eyes, though, I would say he isn’t pleased Faiz is here.
“He said he had some business to discuss and couldn’t get a hold of you to schedule a meeting,” my father informs me as he runs his eyes over me. No doubt his guards reported that I was gone all night, but he trusts me and knows I will do everything for this family.
Stalking around the table, I sink into my seat and deftly lay my napkin on my lap, taking the time to push back my annoyance.
“What business?” I ask Faiz as casually as I can as I reach to pour myself coffee. His hand is there first, and I hate that he adds the cream and sugar like I like before passing it over.
“Ah, you should eat first. I missed Matt’s spreads. His breakfasts were always the best.” Faiz sighs happily as he starts to plate all my favorites for me—yogurt, fruit, and toast. It’s a small breakfast, otherwise I’d feel sick all day—another thing I hate that he knows.
“They were here every day, unlike you,” my father remarks, his tone direct as he picks up his newspaper like he didn’t just destroy Faiz with one sentence. Stifling my chuckle, I sip my coffee, feeling more relaxed now that I know my father is also annoyed and on my side. I place my hand on my thigh, and I startle when Faiz’s covers it, trying to twine our fingers. Yanking my hand away, I scoot my chair to the left to avoid him.
I could call him out, but my father would probably kill Faiz. I might not like him very much right now, but I won’t be the reason a war starts between the families when there has only been peace for the last twenty years.
“What business?” I repeat. “I’ll ask Yuki to set up a meeting when we are both free?—”
“No need, we can talk about it while I’m here,” Faiz responds with a casual shrug, clearly intent on staying put.
