“Gee, thanks, kid,” he scoffs, but he nods and moves over to Nikko. “Be good. Don’t make me kick your ass.”
“Thanks, Dad,” he mutters, but he smiles. “Get some sleep. He’s right, you need it.”
“I will. Who’s the parent here?” he teases as he kisses his son’s forehead. “I love you, kid. Don’t scare me like that again.” He heads my way and wraps his arms around me. “Take care of my boy for me, will you? I’m trusting you with him.” He pats my back and walks toward the door. I watch him go before glancing at Nikko.
His eyes say too much, so I turn away and lay out the blanket Yuki bought for me, adjusting the sofa’s pillows. After I go to the bathroom, wash up, and change into something more comfortable, I return to Nikko. “Lights on or off?”
“Off please,” he requests. It’s late, and we both need to sleep, so I turn them off, leaving only the light from the moon. Heading to the sofa, I slide under the blanket, wincing at how uncomfortable it is andhow my legs dangle off the edge. I turn and settle on my back, knowing I’ll be sore tomorrow, but I don’t care.
I’m not going anywhere. If Nikko’s here, then I will be here too.
We lapse into silence as I struggle to close my eyes. Too much has happened. It whirls around in my brain, leaving me far too energized, and I must not be the only one because Nikko speaks.
“I know you probably aren’t used to sleeping on a sofa,” he says. I can hear him moving around in the bed, and I stop myself from checking on him for the millionth time.
“It’s fine,” I say, our voices soft in the dark.
He’s quiet for a moment. “Come here,” he murmurs.
“I’m fine?—”
His eyes narrow as he sits up. “If you don’t come here, I’ll go there.”
Grumbling, I slide from the sofa and head over, stopping at his bedside. “What is it—” My words end in a yelp as his good hand darts out and yanks me down to his chest. He wraps me in his arms and blankets.
“Nikko.” I start to move, and he groans, so I freeze.
“I’m in pain, so don’t move too much,” he guilts. “Now I can sleep.” He nuzzles his face into the nape of my neck and inhales. “I kept thinking about what would happen if I went to sleep again and you weren’t here when I woke up. This way, I know you can’t leave.”
Agony rips through my chest at the pain I hear in his voice, knowing he’s scared to sleep in case he’ll lose me again.
I did that, and I have to live with it.
I settle into his arms and slowly turn so we can see each other. “I won’t do it again.”
“Promise?” he whispers.
“I promise. I’m sorry I made you worry.” I stroke his face, allowing myself that weakness. “Your beautiful face.”
“It will heal,” he promises, kissing my hand. “As long as you still want me.”
“Even if you were like this forever,” I whisper, “I will always want you, Nikko.”
He swallows, looking at me. “So why did you leave?”
There’s no escape, and honestly, I’m tired of trying. “It really was to protect you. My life is filled with nothing but death and pain?—”
“Then let me be the goodness in it. Let me be your safety, your happiness. I’m not afraid.”
“I am,” I admit. “I’m afraid you’ll get hurt because of me.”
“I got hurt even without you.” He sighs. “You can’t let fear stop you from living your life, Zia. I know what I want—you. If it makes your decision easier, I’m not going anywhere ever again.”
“I could escape you, Nikko. I have money and power,” I scoff.
“I don’t care. I’d find you. I wouldn’t stop until I did. No money or connections could keep me away from you.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Stop running, Zia. Stop worrying. Just let me in. Just let me . . .” I see fear in his eyes before he continues on. “Let me love you.”
My eyes widen and I still, barely breathing as he takes a deep breath.
