Page 18 of Nitro

Instead of pulling away, Tommy closed his eyes and leaned into my touch like a needy kitten.

I drew in a sharp breath. At that moment, Tommy looked so vulnerable, so raw, and I never wanted him more.

Tommy pressed his hand against mine.

"Nitro, I'm so glad you're here," he whispered.

The moment he uttered those words, I broke. I released his cheek and pulled him into a fierce embrace.

Right then and there, I swore I would protect Tommy from anything or anyone that meant him harm.

My inner grizzly growled in agreement within me.

5

NITRO/ TOMMY

NITRO

Then Spike cleared his throat, disrupting the tender moment between Tommy and me.

Tommy pulled away with some reluctance. I shot Spike a glower over my shoulder, seriously contemplating wringing his neck.

Spike gave me an "aw shucks" look that he was so good at.

"You brought Spike with you?" Tommy asked, rubbing at his eyes.

He sounded more surprised than irritated.

"Yeah, we kinda thought you were in trouble," Spike said unhelpfully behind me.

Spike wasn’t done and I was really hoping he’d soon make his farewells.

Spike continued, “Listen, Tommy. I'm not completely clueless. Clearly, Nitro and you want a moment, but I really need to pee."

Tommy's laughter, unrestrained and clear, rang out.

"Bathroom's that way," Tommy said.

"You can stare at your adorable mate all night later; this is really an emergency," Spike whispered in my ear as he rudely shoved me to one side to enter the apartment.

I fumed at his words.

Tommy couldn't look at me as I entered his tiny apartment as well. Dang it. He must've heard the word Spike had uttered.

The word "mate" was the equivalent of a live grenade.

I knew from the beginning that Tommy was mine, but I intended to ease him into this, especially after all he'd been through.

The only sound in the apartment was Spike, groaning in pleasure. Then number one turned into number two.

"Oh hell, let me open the windows," I grumbled, completely embarrassed for my friend.

“Good idea,” Tommy said.

"Those must be the fish tacos he ate on our way back to Moon Burrow after our job," I explained. "I told him he shouldn't have eaten six of those."

Tommy helped me with the rest of the windows in his place.

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