“I love you, Zia. I know you aren’t ready to hear that. I know you’re still guarding your heart from the last idiot who took it and abused it, but I can’t stop myself from loving you. I fell so slowly, over every little thing—the way you laugh, the way you smile, your determination, your brain, your body, your kindness. How could I not love you? The moment you left me, you took it all with you. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life. Losing you terrified me, and I realized my life means nothing without you. I can’t live without you. You brought me happiness, Zia, something I didn’t even know I was missing. The night I met you, I knew everything would change, but I’m not afraid anymore. You can be scared for both of us, but I’m not.”
“Nikko . . .” I trail off, unsure what to say.
“Give me your heart, Zia,” he whispers, pressing his forehead to mine. “I promise I will never hurt it. I will spend my life protecting it. Give it to me the way I have given you mine. It’s not fair, but I want it. I need it. You stole mine long ago. You’re here. You could be anywhere else, but you’re here.”
“I can’t—” I swallow. “I can’t say those words, Nikko, not again, maybe not ever. I just can’t. I don’t know if I will ever be able to fullytrust anyone after everything Faiz did to me, but if I could, it would be you. If I could love again, Nikko, it would be you. I can’t give you what you want, but I can tell you this—I’m happy when I’m with you. You are the only thing in my life that is easy, that feels safe and warm. Everyone expects something from me, but not you. I can just be me when I’m with you. I don’t know if that’s enough, but I’m not going anywhere.”
“That’s enough for now.” He kisses my head. “But be prepared, Zia, because I’m going to win your heart and trust, and I’ll guard them with my life. I’m not letting you go. I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I smile as I stare at him. “Your dad was right. God forbid a man from your family falls in love.”
“We’re brave suckers.” He chuckles. “I never understood my dad’s love for my mom. I knew what love was, but that type of devotion eluded me until you. Whatever happens, Zia, I won’t regret meeting you that rainy night. It was the best thing to ever happen to me.Youare the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“What about your championship?” I tease.
“No title could ever compare to the one you gave me—yours.”
Biting back my smirk, I close my eyes and move closer. “Crazy man.”
“Beautiful, perfect man,” he responds as he holds me tighter. “Sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start for us both.”
We fall asleep, his heart unburdened from his confession and mine hurting from it.
Can I ever love Nikko like he deserves?
Can I ever be what he needs?
I hope so.
I hope I can learn to love again, because what I said is true—if it could be anyone, it would be him.
We spend two more days in the hospital, and his room is never empty. His father is here every day, as is Yuki, Charlie, and most of the other boxers. Apparently, reporters have gathered outside, wanting an interview, but I block them. Nikko will talk when he’s ready.
He holds me every night. It seems he struggles to sleep unless I’m there. I know I did that, and it kills me. On the final day, the doctors discharge him, mainly because of his insistence he is fine and doesn’t need to be here.
“If you go home, you’ll be back in the gym,” his father snaps, his arms crossed.
“Why don’t you go home with Zia?” Charlie suggests, perking up. “He’s the only one who can make you listen anyway. At least we’ll know you’re safe and not exerting yourself until you’re fully healed.”
All eyes turn to me. The idea of him in my house feels too . . . personal, like we are living together, and with his promise ringing in my ears, I look to Yuki for help. “Zia is staying with his father at the moment.”
“My dad is sick,” I explain. “He’s been worse over the last few weeks. He won’t admit it, but he is. I’m staying at his house to keep my eye on him.”
“I’m sure he won’t mind.” Yuki pulls his phone out, and before I can protest, he’s smiling. “Mr. Xander, I’m so sorry. I still can’t call you by your first name. I just called to ask if it would be okay for Zia’s boyfriend, Nikko, to stay with him at your place. He was injured after a fight—yes, that one.”
I gape, and Yuki nods, hums, then hangs up. “Your dad says it’s fine, sir.”
“How the hell does my father know about Nikko?” I ask, suddenly worried.
“Sir.” He raises his eyebrows. “No offense, but you learned everything from your father. He might be retired, but do you really think he doesn’t keep tabs on your life?”
“Do you spy for him?” I ask as I slowly stand.
Yuki grins, holding his hands up. “No, but that doesn’t mean othersdon’t. I’ll go to Nikko’s and pack his bags.” He waves at Nikko and his dad and runs away, no doubt seeing the fury on my face.
“Well, that’s settled.” His father nods, and I just stare.
Fuck, is Nikko really coming to live with me?
