Page 105 of Nitro

“What if it’s all girls?” I ask.

“Then we’re locking them up with armed guards until they’re eighteen.”

“Oh, we’re not going to have a squad of cheerleaders?”

“In those short skirts showing their asses off? Fuck no.” He sits up, suddenly serious. “Kitten, our girls will be protected. I don’t want any motherfuckers getting their hands on them until they’re adults.”

“You’re going to be the worst helicopter dad ever.”

“Heli-what? If that means following my girls around in a chopper with an M249 SAW fully automatic machine gun at the ready, then yes … Yes!” He nods like he’s the Jack Nicholson meme from Anger Management.

“Nitro!” I slap his arm.

“You’d better hope they’re all boys.” He chuckles while I swat him again.

“There’s no way I’m allowing you to buy a helicopter now.”

“How about letting me rappel out of one? I came across this company that—”

“No. Absolutely not. While I’m pregnant, there will be no jumping out of anything. I couldn’t take losing you.” I’m suddenly tearful. Stupid hormones.

“Okay, kitten. Don’t cry. I was kidding.”

I know he wasn’t, but I can’t imagine watching him do any of his crazy stunts while I worry about giving birth to a fatherless child. He knows I’m upset now, so he stops joking and pulls me into his arms.

“Sorry, hon. I went too far.”

“Yep.” I sniff.

“I love you and I won’t do anything fun—I mean, stupid—until you say I can.”

“It won’t be forever, just while I’m pregnant. Okay?” I ask, compromising.

“You got it.” He kisses me softly.

I know I can’t expect him to give up that slightly reckless, wild part of himself that makes him who he is. He wouldn’t bethe same man without it. But I can make certain demands for the good of our children. Not dying in a stupid stunt seems perfectly reasonable. I really need to research other ways he can feel like he’s at risk without actually being in danger.

The next morning, we meet Nina’s real estate agent at the house I like. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and, most importantly, a huge living room with a stone fireplace. The pictures didn’t do it justice. It’s absolutely stunning, with marble countertops throughout the kitchen and bathrooms, heated tile floors, and his and hers closets. I plan on claiming both, and he can put his clothes in a dresser. Once I stuff one with sexy lingerie, he won’t complain.

“It’s perfect,” I say to the agent.

“If my future wife loves it, then I love it,” Nitro says, hooking his arm around my waist and pulling me to his side.

“You like it too, right?” I look up at him to make sure he actually wants to live here. He shouldn’t just agree because I want this place.

“Kitten, I love it. Did you see all those shower heads in our bathroom’s shower? And that bench?” He leans down to whisper in my ear. “I can’t wait to fuck you up against the wall. Get you all wet and drippy.”

“Shh. She can hear you.” I jerk my head toward the agent.

“Nah, she’s calling Nina to get the deal done. She’s not even paying attention.” He returns his voice to a normal volume. “We’re just going to look at the owner’s bathroom again real quick. Be right back.”

I scream and laugh as he lifts me into his arms. He carries me into the shower.

“Don’t you dare turn it on.” I glance at the stone seat built into the shower, and all the sexy possibilities flash through my head. I lick my lips because he’s right, it’s going to be hot as fuck.

“Babe, you have such a naughty, dirty look on your face right now. Maybe you need to be soaped up and licked clean.”

“I need that second part.” I lean back against the tile and bite my bottom lip seductively.