“And the apartment?” his dad asks, but there’s a knowing grin on his lips.
“I’ll kick him out, say I’m selling it to someone, maybe Charlie here, so he can come live with me.” It will leave him with no other option, and I like that he’ll need me.
“Let me get this straight . . . you want to buy the gym and apartment,not for an investment, but to stop people from coming to watch your boyfriend and to force him to live with you?” his dad sums up, and I nod. “The tattoo wasn’t enough?” he teases.
“No, not nearly.” I sigh, leaning back. “Name your price. I can give you triple what you are asking?—”
“We don’t do that for family.” His dad sighs. “Okay, kid. You want the gym, then fine, I’ll sign it over—no money needed. It was going to stay in the family anyway. I was going to give it to Nikko when he was ready, but it’s probably better with you. My only stipulation is this.” He lifts his meaty finger, showing one. “It stays the way it is.”
“Agreed,” I answer quickly.
“Two.” He holds up another finger. “You promise to love my son for the rest of your life. Don’t do this if you don’t plan to.”
“I don’t do anything I’m unsure of,” I state as I lean forward and grip his two fingers. “This gym will be mine, and so will your son. I don’t plan on letting either get away from me.”
We stare each other down for a moment before he turns away and roots around in a drawer. He pulls something out and signs it, then he slips it across to me. It’s a contract. I should have my lawyers look it over, but I sign it without doing any of that and pass it back.
“Charlie, copy this,” his dad orders, and Charlie, who is still laughing, does as he’s told then hands them back so Nikko’s dad can sort them into envelopes. It was a lot easier than I thought. I have no intention of telling Nikko, since he will think I’m trying to buy his affection again, but it will give me peace of mind at least.
The door opens, and we all turn to see a breathless Nikko. When he sees me, he sighs and slumps. “I thought you left without saying goodbye,” he tells me.
“Not a chance, just talking with your dad. Go back to practice. I’ll wait, and we can eat before I go to work. How about that?”
Grinning now, he walks closer and leans into me, kissing me despite his sweaty chest. “Perfect. Won’t be long, baby.” He jogs away happier than before, and I turn back to his dad with a grin.
He just shakes his head as he hands me a copy. “He’s yours now. Good luck. Don’t try to give him back. I don’t want him.”
Rising, I wink at Charlie, who is laughing quietly to himself. “Thank you for the gym and your son.”
“I just need to take these papers in, one sec.” Nikko kisses me before he gets out of the car and jogs across campus toward the building.
“Maybe I should buy the college as well,” I muse out loud.
“You can’t buy every aspect of his life,” Yuki cautions from the driver’s seat.
“Why not? I have enough money.” I frown.
“Sir, Nikko wouldn’t like it. He’s simple and down to earth,” Yuki reasons.
“And I’m a billionaire who knows what he wants.” I look out of the window, seeing a burly guy running past, a couple of guys chasing him. “And I protect what is mine. The college has faced difficulties in the past. Look into it and his classes.”
“Yes, sir.” Yuki chuckles.
We don’t wait long before Nikko is back in my car, taking my hand. “Sorry, baby, I forgot the essay was due. Okay, where do you want to go for lunch?”
“I have a place in mind,” I reply as I lean into him, pressing my hand into his shoulder. “Was it hard practicing this morning with your new tattoo?”
“No, I didn’t even feel it.” He kisses my head in reassurance, and my phone starts to ring. Sighing, I pull it out and talk with Reece about the new development for the whole drive. Nikko doesn’t complain once, just plays with the rings on my fingers until I hang up as we pull up outside of my favorite Italian restaurant. He’s out in a minute, and my door is open, his hand ready. Laying my palm in his, I let him help me out as Yuki frowns.
“Nikko, that is my job,” he grouses.
“Sorry. My boyfriend, my job,” Nikko retorts. “Are you joining us?”
“No, enjoy your date. I need to reply to some emails and check on some building matters. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
Nodding, I head to the door, Nikko following. The interior is a mix of Gothic and comfort, and I’ve always loved this place. Faiz hated it and refused to come since it wasn’t Michelin-star rated, but something about it always made me feel homey here.
“Mr. Xander.” Timothee, the greeter, smiles widely, walking around the podium. “It has been too long.”
