Page 19 of Nitro

“You’re gorgeous. A little extra meat on your bones will only make a man pant for more. Trust me on this,” Nina says.

“I need to stay in shape to keep up with Scar in the bedroom. Trust me on that.” Julia laughs.

“Where’s Eli?” I ask, referring to her son. He’s almost a year old and growing like a weed. She brings him into the bar and grill when she has dinner there with Scar. He’s the cutest baby and so well-behaved. If I ever have a child, I hope they have the same temperament.

“He’s with my mom for the day. I needed a break. I guess it’s a good thing they fired me from my nursing job. Now I’ve got all the time in the world for my family.”

“Do you think you’ll ever go back to work?” I ask.

“She doesn’t have to,” Nina says. “You know I’ll take care of you now that you’re family.”

“I know, but I don’t want to impose. You’ve already done so much for me and Scar.”

“You make him happy. That’s all I care about. For that, I’m glad to help you in any way I can.”

“Thank you.”

“Did you bring the stuff from the list I texted you?” Nina asks.

“It’s in the car. I wanted to make sure she was awake and feeling somewhat okay before I overwhelmed her.”

Nina walks to the door and opens it. The prospect guarding me turns to greet her. She gives him a heart-stopping smile, making the guy instantly blush.

“Tucker, be a doll and get the bags out of Julia’s truck then bring them in here.”

“Of course. Anything else?” he asks, unable to meet Nina’s amused smirk.

“Not at the moment.”

After Tucker leaves, Nina shuts the door. “That poor boy. I’d rip him apart.”

“You’re terrible,” Julia says, grinning.

“They make it so easy these days.” Nina perches on the edge of the bed like a queen. “Did you file the divorce papers yet?”

“Matrix is working on it. My husband kept all of our financial information away from me, so Matrix has to hunt it down.”

“He will. If it’s on a computer, he can get to it,” Nina says. “What about you? How are you doing? And I’m not talking about the bruised ribs and burns.”

“I’m okay, I guess. It’s hard to believe this is happening.”

“That’s how I felt when I kidnapped Max,” Julia says. “But you’ll get through it. Just take it one step at a time.”

“You’re stronger than I am. I could never have done something like what you did. You’re a hero. I’m just a waitress, washed up at twenty-five with nothing to show for it.”

“Stop that,” Nina admonishes. “You’re a smart girl with your whole life ahead of you. I know it feels like the end of the world right now, but as someone almost twice your age, I’ll tell you this: The minute you think your life is over could be the very same minute it changes and becomes better than your wildest dreams.”

The dreamy look in her eyes is so unlike her that all I can do is stare. I know she was married once, but her husband died in a motorcycle accident. Beyond that, I don’t know anythingabout her life or how she acquired her wealth. I’d never ask her either because that would be incredibly rude.

“Has Nitro been behaving?” Nina asks.

“He’s been … perfect. He’s super sweet. He even slept on the floor last night because he didn’t want me to feel alone.”

“You’re part of the club now. You’ll never be alone again,” Julia says.

“I am? I didn’t think anyone was part of the club unless they were patched in or someone’s old lady.” I catch the smile Nina and Julia flash at each other, but I don’t know what it means.

“The only thing you need to worry about is getting better,” Julia says.

---