Page 14 of Nitro

“I don’t … That’s a lot.”

“There’s more. I can get the whole list from Matrix, so we don’t miss anything. You should be able to log into your accounts here and download copies of everything.”

“But I don’t have—”

“They need your credit cards statements too, but we should be able to call the numbers on the backs of your cards for those. We grabbed your purse when we left your house. Let me get it for you. It’s around here somewhere.” He slides off the bed and begins sifting through piles of clothing. “Sorry it’s a bit of a train wreck in here. I’ve been too busy to pay attention to this place.”

“Don’t bother,” I mutter.

“Hang on. It’s around here somewhere.”

“No, it’s not that. I don’t have access to half of that stuff. I don’t even know how I’d get a copy of our tax returns. Jeff handles everything. He has an accountant do it for us.”

“We can call them and get copies.”

“No way. Jeff told me no one will talk to me about his accounts.”

“What do you meanhisaccounts?” Nitro stops what he’s doing to look at me.

“I’m not on any of them.”

“What?”

“I don’t even have a credit card.”

“That’s … how do you pay for things like groceries?”

“He gives me cash.”

“You pay cash for everything?”

“Yeah.”

“What about your paychecks from the bar? Don’t you have a bank account for those?”

“No. He makes me sign them over to him. I get an allowance based on a percentage.”

“What the fuck?” His face darkens. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

I cringe and grip the blankets tighter. I wish I could hide right now. It’s so embarrassing and humiliating, but I’m also frightened by the sudden change in his demeanor.

“Kitten, fuck, I’m sorry.” His face softens. “I’m just so fucking mad right now.”

“I know it was stupid of me to let him—”

“None of this is your fault.” He sits on the edge of the bed and pulls me into his arms. He slowly strokes my back until I melt into his strength. “He’s a fucking monster. I can’t believe he had total control over your finances. That’s just insane.”

“He controlled everything.”

“Not anymore.” He leans back just enough to look deep into my eyes. “This complicates things a bit, but we’ll handle it. Don’t worry about trying to find any of that paperwork. I’m going to make sure he never has control over you again. From this moment on, you’re free of him and his bullshit. Got it?”

A whimper escapes my lips because I’m too overwhelmed to respond. Nitro cuddles me in his arms and holds me until I stop trembling. Warmth from his body slowly seeps into mine until I start shivering again, but for an entirely different reason. The tension between us returns with a vengeance. I give into the sudden, overwhelming yearning to be closer to him, and slide my cheek against his. He coils his arms around me, holding me so tenderly I’m sure my heart’s going to shatter. My breasts press against his chest, and I swear I can feel his heartbeat syncing up with mine. I inch my lips closer to his while I try to summon the courage to follow through on what I want. I could do this. I could kiss him and reclaim my life. I could start over. I just need to make one little move closer.

“Kitten, you should get some sleep.” His voice is tight and gruff. When I look up at him, the blaze of desire burning in his eyes steals my breath. We can’t look away from each other. I’m frozen in place, unable or unwilling to retreat. His lips are so close, so smooth, so full and inviting. All I need to do is stop listening to the little voice warning me not to get involved with another man so soon.

Eventually, the voice of reason wins. I sigh and shut my eyes. The bedsprings creak as Nitro stands. When I finally look up at him, his molten gaze mirrors mine. He’s all fire and passion and heat, everything Jeff never was. The way he’s looking at me is exhilarating and terrifying. He wants me, but I don’t know if I’m ready for someone like him. I don’t know if I ever will be the kind of woman who could hold onto a man like Nitro. But damn, I wish I was brave enough to kiss him. Atleast then I’d finally know what it felt like to have those lips I’ve fantasized about for years pressed against mine.

“Sleep. I’ll talk to Matrix about the bank stuff.” Nitro gently tucks the blankets around my body. He pauses and drops his gaze to my mouth before looking away. As he turns to walk out of the room, his fists clench and he softly curses under his breath.

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