CHAPTER 42: CHAPTER 42: NICKI’S PAST UNWRAPPED

Nantam grinned, leaning back in his seat.

"They met back in university," he began, his tone laced with amusement. "I should prepare your mind first, both of them are dirty and naughty. The first reason their energy matched so well was because they shared the same wild streak. They were all over each other, love-dovey, and to be honest, both are strong dominants. Sometimes, they even did drugs just to fuck for hours."

Dean raised a brow. "I know Nicki does drugs."

Zayn frowned. "Hopefully, Nicki has stopped taking them."

Nantam shook his head. "No. I’ve talked to him about it several times, but he wouldn’t stop."

He waved his hand, returning to his story. "Anyway, if both of them got high, they could go at it all day. And you know Nicki, he’s shameless. He once told me no other man could ever match up to his ex. Not just because of the sex, but because he knew that man better than anyone."

Zayn tilted his head. "If he knows him better than anyone, then why did they break up?"

Nantam sighed heavily. "The father of his ex caught them in the act."

Zayn’s brows furrowed. "Act? Like what?"

Dean smirked knowingly. "You mean caught them having sex, right?"

Nantam nodded. "Exactly. To cut the story short, the father disapproved of their relationship."

"Why?" Zayn pressed.

"The man didn’t want his son to be with another man," Nantam replied simply.

Zayn’s expression softened. "That’s cruel... So why does Nicki want him back now?"

"That’s the thing," Nantam said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I kind of lost interest in the story when he told me they met again recently, but his ex had already moved on. Told him he’s in love with someone else now."

Dean frowned. "And Nicki didn’t give up?"

"Not at all," Nantam said. "He kept insisting that there’s no way his ex could truly love this new guy. Unless he knows the man’s full power and influence, Nicki wouldn’t believe it. He thinks someone like his ex wouldn’t just fall for anybody."

Dean chuckled. "Why not? What if this person is even badder than him?"

Zayn lifted a brow. "Yes... what if?"

"I asked him the same thing," Nantam said. "But he claims his ex would never let someone new know everything about him so quickly. He’s convinced this guy doesn’t really know him that well."

Dean leaned back. "This story’s kind of unclear."

"Probably," Nantam agreed. "They might still be hiding something from each other. But Nicki doesn’t tell me everything, only that he’s sure his ex will never truly move on."

Zayn thought for a moment. "So... do you think he’ll win him back or not?"

"I’m not certain," Nantam admitted. "But I think they’ll surely cross paths again."

"Then I’m rooting for them," Dean said firmly.

Zayn tilted his head. "Honestly, it sounds like they don’t really love each other. They just enjoy each other’s company. I don’t want to sound negative, but if his ex truly said he loves this new guy... maybe he meant it."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Please, Zayn, carry your innocence somewhere else. You don’t understand the power of satisfaction. You might have sex and get release, but that doesn’t mean you’re satisfied. And when you’re not satisfied, you’ll crawl back to the one place you know you can get it."

Zayn’s eyes widened slightly. What Dean said made sense. It’s just like before I met Evric... I was always looking for satisfaction.

"Fine," Zayn said with a small smile. "Then I’m rooting for Nicki. I hope they get through it."

"If they do," Dean said, "make sure you let us know. We’re here to listen."

Nantam chuckled quietly.

"By the way," Dean asked suddenly, "who’s the ex?"

"Yes," Zayn added curiously. "Who is he?"

Nantam shook his head. "Ever since Nicki started talking about this guy, he’s never mentioned his name. All he said was that his father is filthy rich and well-known. He told me that if he ever said the name, I’d recognize it instantly, but he wants to keep the man’s identity private."

Zayn smiled faintly. "That’s romantic, in a way. You only protect the people you love. Maybe their love isn’t just about sex. Maybe they really do love each other."

Dean waved a dismissive hand. "Alright, enough about them. Zayn, your birthday’s coming up. What are you planning this time?"

Zayn smiled faintly. "I’m not really planning anything big, maybe just a small party with my close ones. You know... have fun, keep it simple."

Nantam leaned back in his seat, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Zayn, it’s time you stop doing something small. Let’s throw a big party and invite our old friends. Make some noise for once."

Dean chuckled, shaking his head in agreement. "I’m with him on this one. You’re way too simple. And with your looks and hotness? You should be badder."

Zayn’s brows lifted, and he glanced between them, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Who told you I’m not badder? You’re still looking at me with those old eyes."

Nantam laughed, reaching over to pat Zayn’s arm. "Leave my cute man alone, he’s definitely badder than he lets on."

"Then, badder man," Nantam continued with a grin, "allow your friends to arrange your birthday party. All you need to do is show up at the venue. It’ll be a surprise."

Zayn shook his head, smiling but unconvinced. "I don’t want anything big."

Dean leaned forward, his voice mock-serious. "We’re sorry, man, but you will want something big. You have no choice. Okay?"

Zayn’s smile lingered, but his mind drifted for a moment. How am I going to tell Evric my friends decided to throw a party for me?

Zayn glanced at them both, his lips pressing into a small smile. "Okay... but don’t start planning anything yet. We still have time, you know."

Nantam narrowed his eyes knowingly, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "I know exactly what you’re thinking, you’re trying to give us the go-ahead at the last minute so it won’t work out. Sorry, sweetheart, that’s not happening."

He turned to Dean. "We’re starting the planning right away, right?"

Dean grinned and nodded without hesitation. "Absolutely."

Zayn opened his mouth to protest, but just then, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and froze for a heartbeat, Evric.

"I’ll take this call first," he told his friends, already sliding out of his seat.