I must have gotten lucky because I see his car pulling out of the parking lot. He’s sitting in the back, looking out of the window, and my heart races so hard it hurts. I have to stop him.
My eyes frantically search around before I find what I’m looking for.
I race down the path, running parallel to the road he’s taking. I dodge around doctors and visitors, ignoring their shouts as I run as fast as I can and dive across the bushes before falling into the road right in front of his car.
The tires squeal as they skid to a stop, and there’s a bang as I groan and climb unsteadily to my feet. “Nikko!” Zia is before me, holding my arm as he glares at me. “What the hell are you doing?” he shouts.
“You were leaving again,” I rasp, feeling dizzy. “Had to stop you.”
Understanding floods his expression as he groans. “I was going to get you some supplies and clothes since you will be out for a few days.”
“Oh.” I huff. “You were gone. You are going to leave.” It’s all I can say as my body shakes from shock and adrenaline.
“Sir, I’ll call the doctors,” Yuki offers, and Zia nods, but his attention is on me as I sway, shivering in the cold.
“Nikko, look at me.” He grips my cheeks as my chest heaves. “I swear I was coming back, okay? I promise I’m not going anywhere. You were right. I can’t fight this. I can’t live without you, so I’m not going to try. I was coming back.”
Relief floods me, and all the adrenaline fades, leaving me weak. I blink as he starts to sway sideways and my body gives out.
I start to fall, and he yells, catching me so I don’t hit the pavement. His worried eyes swim in my vision.
His voice is the last thing I hear.
“Nikko! I have you. It’s okay. I have you. I’m right here.”
A smile tilts my lips before I fade into the waiting darkness again.
THIRTY-THREE
“What were you thinking?” his dad roars. He’s been ranting at Nikko since he opened his eyes half an hour ago. He’s back in bed, and this time his door is locked. He’s going to be okay, but the doctors are furious he left. I was worried if he woke up again and I wasn’t there, he would do the same thing, so I sent Yuki for what we need.
When his dad finally stops, Nikko stares at him sternly. “I couldn’t let him leave.”
His dad gapes, and Nikko smiles. “I know you understand. You told me you chased Mom down a highway when she tried to leave you.”
His dad sputters, seeming to slump as he pinches his nose. “God forbid the foolish men in our family fall in love.” He points at me. “You deal with him. I need to calm down.” He points at Nikko. “If you try that again, I’ll chain you to that bed.”
We watch him go, and I look back at Nikko. “He’s serious, you know. Your dad was terrified when you were brought in here. Be kind to him.”
“I’m trying,” Nikko mutters as he watches me. “You really weren’t leaving?”
“No,” I reply. “I was going to get supplies.”
He nods and leans back, his eyes on me. “We didn’t finish our talk.”
“We can talk when you’re better. Just rest, okay?” I implore. I’m not ready to discuss this yet. I can’t live without Nikko. I can’t stay away, but I’m not ready to give him what he wants. Luckily, he lets it go and relaxes into the bed.
Friends and other boxers come by most of the day, filling his room with balloons and flowers, and we have to usher them out so Nikko can rest. I work during the afternoon while he naps, and after his last checkup, his dad yawns and stretches.
“Why don’t you head home?” I suggest as I stand.
“No, I should be here.” He glances at Nikko.
“I’m staying tonight anyway. Both of us don’t need to be here, not with your bad back.” I walk over and lay my hand on his arm. “I promise to call if anything changes, but he’s okay.”
He looks between us and sighs. “You’ll stay?”
“All night,” I vow. “Go home and get some sleep. You look like shit.”
