“He needs a partner, but that doesn’t mean you need to understand everything. You don’t need to be a businessman or born with a silver spoon to be that, just someone who’s willing to walk by his side no matter how hard life gets,” his father responded. “If my son brought you home, Nikko, then he thinks you’re good enough, and that’s enough for me.”
Gripping the necklace tightly, I stared at his father in shock and understanding as he looked out at his garden. “I can die in peace now, but don’t worry, not too soon. I want to see you make an honest man of my son first. Come on, we better head back before he finds us.”
My hand presses to the necklace hidden behind my shirt, knowing I will give him the ring one day and beg him to marry me. As I stare at Zia across the table, I know no matter what happens, I want him to be my family more than anything.
“Goodnight, Nikko,” Zia says as he hesitates at my door. I’m in the room across from him, my bags placed there as if to make sure I stay.
“Can’t I stay with you?” I know I’m whining, and his smile is cute as he watches me.
“No, you need to rest, and we both know if you stay in my bed, you won’t,” he scoffs.
“But I can’t sleep without you,” I admit softly.
“Then I’ll stay until you fall asleep.” He steps past me and climbs into the bed, patting the other side. Happy I won at least that much, I pad over and slide in next to him. He’s in monogrammed silk pajamas and looks incredible, so I tug him into my arms.
“You will?” I ask.
“Of course, and I’m just across the hall,” he assures me as he strokes my chest. “Sleep, you need as much as you can get.”
As if summoned by him, a yawn splits my lips. “I like your dad. He’s funny. It’s obvious he loves you a lot.”
“He does. He tried to become both my mother and father since we lost her. He always did the best he could by me.” He goes quiet for a moment. “He likes you. He never let Faiz in like that. Hell, he never even let Faiz stay here.”
“Why does that make me pettily happy?” I tease as I kiss his head and close my eyes.
The next thing I know, I’m waking up and it’s dark. The comforter is tucked around me. For a moment, my heart pounds in panic before I remember that Zia’s just across the hall. I won’t be able to sleep now, though, so I think of a devious plan to sneak into his bed and hold him. He won’t kick me out. For all his bravado, he likes it too.
I head to the door and turn the ornate handle, monogrammed with his family initial, only to freeze when it doesn’t twist. I tug on it and yank, but it doesn’t budge.
Is it locked?
I pull harder, hurting my shoulder, but panic sets in, old fears clawing up my back. The darkness seems to close in around me, their taunting laughter finding me even years later.
My fists slam against the door until they start to bleed as I struggle to breathe. It’s yanked open from the other side, revealing Zia haloed by the hallway light, and I fall into his arms.
“What’s wrong?” Zia asks, gripping my shoulders. “Nikko, talk to me.”
I wheeze through the panic, shame filling me. “I’m okay.”
“You aren’t.” He presses my hand against his chest. “Breathe with me. That’s it, in and out.”
I copy the slow rise and fall of his chest until I’m calm, and then I’m unable to meet his eyes. “Sorry.”
“Come on.” He helps me to my feet and leads me to his room. I barely look around. I’m winded and exhausted as he guides me to a huge bed and helps me into it. He slides in next to me, sitting up as I curl against his side. Zia’s hand strokes my back and hair. “What happened?” he asks.
“The door was locked,” I whisper, shame gripping me as I hide my raw knuckles.
“Okay.” I hear the confusion in his voice.
“When I was a kid, I was bullied,” I tell him. “Before I got strong. At first, I didn’t understand what was happening. I thought they were my friends until they started to lock me in closets. One time, I was locked inside the school overnight, unable to get out. It kind of messed me up, and I hate being locked in places. I’m sorry. I haven’t had a reaction like that in a while.”
“You don’t ever have to apologize.” He lifts my head, running his eyes over me. “Not to me. They should be the ones apologizing to you.” I lay my head down, and his hand soothes over my back. “I’m sorry, Nikko. They lock the doors to give us a precious few seconds to reach for a weapon in case of an attack. It wasn’t personal.”
“I’m okay now,” I murmur as I tug him closer and sigh, closing my eyes again now that he’s here.
“What were their names?” he asks softly.
“Who?” I ask sleepily, my words slurred.
