Page 38 of Nitro

In that moment, with Nitro's arms around me, my old terrors melted away. Still, my mind raced for answers.

What was that thing in my window? A residue from my nightmares? Of course. What else could it be?

“I thought you went looking for Spike,” I said, finally regaining my senses.

Nitro and I sat on the edge of my bed. Unthinkingly, I reached for his fingers, relieved he didn’t let go.

His touch was grounding, a silent reassurance.

"I did, get back in bed," he instructed.

Nitro added, "Scoot over."

Pleased he was going to join me, I slipped back between the sheets and made room for him.

My single bed was a tad small for both of us, but it hardly mattered. I felt safe and secure with Nitro next to me.

"What happened?" I prodded.

Nitro looked hesitant, maybe thinking it was inappropriate to talk about his problems after finding me in such a state.

"Please," I insisted. "It would help take my mind off my nightmare, knowing you and Spike are okay."

Nitro sighed, his shoulders relaxing a fraction. He began to recount the events with Spike.

I could tell he was both frustrated and worried about his best friend.

As he spoke, I listened intently, resting my head on Nitro's chest, my fingers entwined with his rough and callused ones.

The steady rhythm of his heartbeat became a reassuring backdrop.

"So he's still continuing the fight?" I eventually asked.

"Yeah, it's still on," Nitro said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "In the end, I didn't manage to get through to him or find out why he acted this way."

"Maybe he'll tell you eventually. You just have to be patient. You're good at being patient," I pointed out reasonably, trying to offer some solace.

Nitro laughed softly, the sound made me feel warm and happy inside. Just being with him helped me forget the tense events of earlier.

"Says who?" Nitro said. "Tommy, I have a short fuse."

"Says me," I responded with a playful grin. "You take your time with me."

Nitro cupped my cheek, making me look at him. His expression softened.

"You're different," he murmured.

"Different, how?" I asked, genuinely curious.

My pulse raced. I knew the answer to that question, but it seemed too early in our relationship to acknowledge us as mates.

He studied me for a moment, his thumb gently brushing against my skin.

"You make me want to slow down, to savor each moment," he admitted. "With you, patience feels easy."

I flushed. Pleasure filled me hearing those words.

I thought back to how Nitro found me and furrowed my brows.

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