“Nice to see you again, Timothee,” I reply with a smile. “Do you have a table?”
“For you? Always.” He winks as he grabs two menus, and Nikko makes a noise at my side as Timothee looks at us. “How have you been?”
Nikko slides his arm around my waist, and his hand slips into my pocket, tugging me until there is no space between us. The possessive move is obvious as he stares at the man. “He’s been good. The table, Timothee,” he mocks.
Timothee blinks, looking at Nikko then me. He swallows but turns and leads us through the dining room until we reach my favorite table in the back. Once there, Nikko pulls out my chair, and I sit. Timothee sets a menu down before Nikko and then hands me the second one. I accept it gratefully, opening it since they change their offerings daily. The chef is notorious for only cooking what he wants. Most people think he’s crazy, but his food is incredible. I almost slept with him once just to get a good meal before we realized we were both bottoms.
“Mr. Xander, the same wine as always?” Timothee asks, reaching for my arm to get my attention.
Nikko’s hand darts out lightning fast and grips his before he can make contact with my exposed skin. Staring into his eyes, Nikko slowly presses his hand back until he cries out and kneels, trying to relieve the pressure. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to touch what isn’t yours?”
“I’m so sorry, sir,” Timothee says, and I place my hand over Nikko’s.
“Let him go.” Nikko eyes me but releases Timothee, who hurriesaway with a chastised look. “Don’t abuse the staff here. I like the food.”
“He wants to fuck you,” Nikko snaps.
“So?” I arch a brow. “Most people do. I’m beautiful, after all.”
“Z,” he insists.
“Nikko,” I tease as I lick his lips. “You’re hot when you’re jealous. Besides, you’re the only one fucking me, so ignore them.”
I enjoy his silent ire, and when a different waiter appears and pours our wine, I see an opportunity. I eye him, knowing Nikko is watching, and when the waiter disappears, I turn to see Nikko glaring at me.
It’s mean, but I love it. I used to do the same to get Faiz’s attention, but it never worked. He never even noticed.
“He was cute,” I remark as I prop my chin on my hand.
Nikko’s eyes narrow until they are just slits as he grips my cheek and tugs my neck back, kissing me for everyone to see. “Try to flirt with someone again, I dare you. You forget I’m about to be a world champion, baby, which means I can kick anyone’s ass, and I will.” I shudder at his dark confession. I shouldn’t like it, but I do. His hand slides down to my neck. “If you keep acting like a brat, I’ll treat you like one. I’ll bend you over my knee and turn this ass red.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I mutter, even as desire rolls through me at the idea.
“Try me,” he retorts, and I can tell he’s serious, so when I lean back, I make sure not to make eye contact with any of the servers.
I order for both of us since Nikko doesn’t care what he eats. He should be on a diet, but with me, he can sneak a few extras since he works it off later between my thighs. I’m just leaning over to tell him that when a soft, feminine voice reaches me.
“Oh my gosh, it is you!” We both turn around, and I eye the woman at our table. Her shoes are from last season, and her skirt doesn’t match her shirt, but she’s pretty in an old-money way and fluttering her lashes at Nikko.
My body hardens as old insecurities rise, along with memories. Faiz would openly flirt and then sneak away to fuck them in a situationlike this. I know it’s not fair to compare Nikko, but I can’t help it. Nikko just stares at the woman.
“Do I know you?” he asks bluntly.
“You’re Nikko, right? The boxer? I love watching you,” she purrs, moving closer. “I’m Shelby. This is my friend’s restaurant.”
Ah, so I can’t kill her unless I don’t want this food again. That pisses me off even more, and I surge to my feet. “I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be back.” I nod at her and Nikko, who tries to catch my hand as I pass. Once I’m behind the wall that leads to the kitchen and hallway, just a short distance from our table, I listen.
I have to know.
She brazenly slips into my seat. “My name is Sarah, can I get your number? I’d love to keep in touch.”
“I am on a date with my boyfriend,” Nikko declares loudly as he leans back, tugging his hand away when she goes to touch it. “Firstly, I would never give you my number. Secondly, please do not come back to our table. You make him uncomfortable.”
“I didn’t know you were dating someone,” she reveals. “Boyfriend . . . Do you want a girlfriend as well?”
“Sheila, was it?” Nikko says, genuinely confused, which makes me grin and cover my lips. “I am dating the most perfect man in the world, so why would I ever need anyone else? Please leave and do not approach me again.”
She huffs and saunters away. Something in my chest loosens. He was given a chance, and he didn’t take it. In fact, he seemed annoyed.
