Page 108 of Nitro

“No. It needs to be now.”

“Why? Did the hacker take anything? Or see anything? Or do whatever the hell hackers do?”

“I won’t know until I do a full systems analysis. That will take a few hours.”

“Get that running, then it’s nap time. Trust me, you’ll be able to think clearer after you’ve had some rest.”

“You’re moving out today, right?”

“Yep.” I can’t stop the grin from spreading across my face. I can’t wait to move my fiancée into our new place.

“In that case, it will finally be quiet around here and we’ll all be able to get a full night’s sleep.”

“Oh, come on, we weren’tthatloud.”

“Right. ‘Oh, Nitro. Oh baby, put that big cock in my—’”

“Fucker!” I punch his shoulder hard enough that his hand should go numb.

“Have a good move, man.” Matrix’s eyes droop. He looks tired as fuck.

“We’ll be back later to pick up more stuff, and we’ll be here for dinner. Daisy’s making a chorizo and mozzarella gnocchi bake.”

“I don’t know what the fuck that is, but it sounds amazing.”

“It’s some Italian dumpling thing. The picture she showed us looked good.”

“Sweet.”

“She missed you.”

“Holly?” he asks innocently, like he doesn’t already know who I’m talking about.

“Bro, really?”

“Whatever. I’m not in any shape to deal with some chick.”

“She might help take your mind off Blackstone.”

“Doubt it.” He scowls.

“Give her a chance. She’s a sweet girl, and she obviously has the hots for you. If nothing else, it would be some fun stress relief.”

“Not interested.”

“Sure.” I smirk. “Okay, well, you have fun lying to yourself. I’m going to finish packing my shit.”

“You do that.” He returns his attention to the computer as I walk out the door.

When I get back to my room, Holly’s trying to lift a bag. “Put that down. You’re not carrying anything.”

“I’m not an invalid. I’m pregnant. Women work right up until giving birth. Which reminds me, when can I go back to my job at the bar?”

“First of all, you’re not working in the bar anymore. Second of all—”

“Nitro, are you saying I can’t have a job?” The fear on her face catches me off guard. It takes me a second to understand what’s got her all worked up.

“Shit. Okay. Look, I’m not Jeff. You can go back whenever you want, but after a few months, running around all day with a bowling ball strapped to your belly isn’t going to be good for your back. I was just thinking long-term. I would never stop you from working, but at least consider slowing down until the baby’s born.”