“Nikko has never gone down or lost,” his father murmurs, not commenting on my presence or my hand in his. He has to have questions about where I’ve been and why I’m here, but he simply sits on the other side of the bed. “You’re the reason he was moved?”
I nod as I look at him. “He’ll get the best care here. They told me he’ll be okay, but they want to keep him sedated for now to reduce swelling.”
He nods before looking at Nikko, something crossing his features. “I’ve seen a lot of hits in my life, brutal hits, but this—” His father shakes his head as he looks at me. “This wasn’t normal.”
“How so?” I ask, sitting up taller.
“Something was wrong about the fight from the get-go. Cobra was too calm, like he knew he would win, but the odds were against him. He was losing, Zia. Then one hit and Nikko goes down? That boy’s skull is thick as shit. It wasn’t right.” This isn’t a parent who’s unable to accept his kid’s loss. There’s true concern in his voice.
“I know.” He brings his gaze back to me. “The doctors suspect it wasn’t just one hit that did this. I think you’re right.”
“I don’t have any right to ask you,” he murmurs after a moment. “I know you have connections?—”
“You don’t need to ask,” I tell him. “I am already looking into it. Nobody hurts what is mine.”
“So he’s yours?” He eyes me. “I’m thankful for the room and help, but don’t come back into my son’s life if you plan to hurt him again. No matter how much I like you, he’s my priority, my family. I won’t let anyone hurt him, not even you.”
“I never wanted to,” I admit. “I just wanted to keep him safe. He’s surprisingly stubborn though. He gets that from you.”
He grins at that. “Of course he does, and his looks.”
I smile before it fades. “I can’t stay away from your son, even if you wanted me to. He’s an adult who can make his own decisions, and it seems he chose me.”
“And you? Do you choose him?” he asks.
I turn away, refusing to answer as I look at the man who has become such a big part of my life.
Uncaring that his father is watching, I press his hand to my cheek and bask in his warmth for a moment, then I kiss his bruised, swollen head. “I’ll be back before you wake up. Just rest, I’ll handle everything else. Wait for me like you promised.” I reluctantly release his hand and nod at his father as I walk to the door.
“Zia?” I stop, my back to him. “If this isn’t right like we suspect, then they won’t want it to be discovered. Be careful, kid. I can’t handle another body in a bed.”
I incline my head and open the sliding door, seeing my guards on the other side.
“Please wake up, kid,” I hear his dad whisper as I start to shut the door. “I can’t lose my child, okay? You’re the only family I have left. He’s right. We need you here. I need you. I can’t lose you too. Please wake up.”
My heart breaks into a million pieces, and I silently promise him Iwill do everything to bring his son back to him and find the person who did this.
I face my guards, knowing my expression is cold, and Yuki appears. “I have all the information you could need. I emailed it to you.”
I nod and glance around. If we are right and this wasn’t just a boxing bout, then it means something is happening. I won’t risk Nikko, his dad, or their livelihood.
“Stay here and protect him. Call me if there is any change,” I order my guards. “Yuki, stay with him.”
“Sir—”
“I mean it. He is the most important thing right now. Stay here,” I snarl. “Keep Charlie safe as well and send someone to the ring. I have some favors to call in.”
He nods but steps into my path. “Be careful.”
“Me? They are the ones who should be afraid.” I know what he sees in my eyes, and it only makes him smile.
“Make them pay,” he says as he steps back.
“I plan to.”
THIRTY-ONE
Isit in the car outside of the house, my phone to my ear. “Hmm, I want every inch of the gym checked. Track his last movements as well. Find them.” I hang up and stare at the expensive three-story house that Joe Fitz lives in. I have been busy all night, getting what I need.
