Page 88 of Nitro

“Okay.” She gives me a weak smile before disappearing down the hall. Her footsteps stop outside Matrix’s door but continue toward her room a moment later.

I finish cleaning up then go back to where Nitro’s sitting. “Come to bed.”

He looks up at me, and all the pain on his face melts. He reaches for my hand. “I love you so much.”

“Me too.”

“Let’s go to bed.”

After we’re tucked under the covers, I hold him in my arms. He tells me about some of the other horrible things that happened at Blackstone’s. I listen well into the night. Getting it all out, telling someone else seems to help because he finally falls asleep just before dawn.

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to understand all the layers of this complicated man. Eventually, I realize I don’t have to figure it all out right now. It might take a lifetime for himto tell me everything they did to him. Or maybe he’ll take some secrets to his grave. Either way, I plan on being by his side for the rest of his life. Whenever he needs me, I’ll be there. Because he’s the only man I’ve ever truly loved with all my heart and soul.

Chapter 24: Nitro

Morning comes with the official results of the governor’s race. Blackstone won by a slim margin, but it was enough to secure a victory. The mood in the house isn’t good. I venture out to the kitchen to make breakfast for Holly and find Matrix halfway through a six-pack of beer. It isn’t even nine a.m. He’s not a day drinker, so I’m worried about him. Scar called Church, but it’s not for a few more hours. In the meantime, I’m trying not to let the news ruin my day.

When I get back to my bedroom, Holly’s sitting up in bed, reading something on her phone. She looks up when I walk in. “I can’t believe he won, even after that tape came out. It’s unreal. How can people elect a man like him and live with themselves?”

“They’re inherently selfish. Everyone’s got their own agenda, and they don’t give a fuck about anyone else.” I set the breakfast tray I’m carrying down on the bed, then crawl in beside her.

“What can we do about that?” she asks.

“I don’t know. Nothing. Vote. That’s the only power we have.”

“It’s not enough. What else can we do to ruin Blackstone? Have you guys tried going after any of his businesses?”

“Yep, but he weaseled his way out of that too. When I say we’ve tried everything, I’m not kidding. Sometimes, and pleasedon’t tell the guys I said this, but sometimes, I wonder if we should just give up.”

“Would you be able to move on knowing he’s still out there?” She picks up a fork and pokes at the scrambled eggs I made.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. Revenge has always been our top priority. No matter how many times we fail, we keep attempting to take him down. I keep thinking, maybe this time it will work. And then it doesn’t.” I shake my head and sigh.

“Maybe moving on is the best option. Holding onto all that hate can’t be good for you.”

“No, but if we turn our backs, what’s to stop him from adopting more kids? The only reason he hasn’t tried it is that we’ve managed to thwart him. We’ve got someone at Child Protective Services who lets us know if he’s trying to adopt. He hasn’t made any attempts in years, but that doesn’t mean he won’t.” I take a bite of toast and chew while trying to gather my thoughts.

“My stomach still feels funny. I called Doc last night. He’s stopping by today to see if he can figure out what’s wrong with me.”

“Do you want me to make you something else? I kept the toast dry in case you didn’t feel like eating the eggs.”

“You’re so sweet.” She hugs me. “Toast works. I’m so hungry, but every time I eat, I feel nauseous. I hope nothing’s wrong.”

“Me too. What time is he coming?”

“In an hour. I should take a shower before he gets here.”

“As much as I’d love to join you, I’m ready to chew my arm off. Mind if I stay here and finish this off?” I point to our breakfast.

“Go for it.” She smiles as she slides out of bed. I watch her perky ass jiggle as she walks to the bathroom. That’s my woman, hotter than hell.

After I get my dick under control, I polish off the food. Since she only ate half her toast, I take care of the leftover piece. I can always make more if she wants it. We were up all night again. One of these days, we should actually attempt to sleep, but that’s been impossible because we can’t keep our hands off each other. I’m not upset at all, but the lack of sleep is catching up with me. Maybe we’ll be able to get a good night’s rest tonight.

I gather up the dishes and head back to the kitchen. Matrix is gone, but now all six of the beer bottles are empty. I glance toward the garage door.

“Yeah, I’d better check,” I mutter.

His bike’s still in the garage, so at least he isn’t being a total fool. Scar would have his ass if he caught him drunk riding.

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