Page 84 of Nitro

“His opponent was leading the polls, but I don’t buy it. Blackstone’s a snake. That news report and the interview he did with Reynolds did a lot of damage, but was it enough?”

“I don’t know, babe. But we’re going to find out tonight.”

“What if he wins?”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I stay silent. Blackstone had better not win. I don’t think the guys could handle it if he did. Matrix has been a mess. He hasn’t left his office in days. His obsession with the current polling numbers isn’t healthy. Everyone’s worried about him, including Daisy. She keeps bringing him food and refuses to leave the office until he eats something. That’s the only reason he hasn’t passed out from starvation. I tried talking to him about things, but he pretended everything was okay. I know what that’s like.

“How are you feeling today?” Nitro asks.

“Better. I must have just had the stomach flu or something.” That’s the only reasonable explanation for the strange bouts of nausea I’ve been getting.

“I wonder if Daisy made burgers with pickles. I’ve been eating those giant dill pickles she bought at the farmer’s market, but I can’t get enough. They’re just so salty and crunchy.” A wistful look crosses his face.

“You’re really obsessed with those, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.” He blushes, and I fall in love with him all over again. It happens every time.

“Get dressed and go ask her. I’m going to take a shower before I go out there. They already know what we’ve been up to, but I don’t think they want to hearandsmell it.”

His laughter follows me into the bathroom.

By the time I’m dressed and ready to go, the guys are in the living room gathered around the TV. Nina’s sandwiched between Reaper and Talon on the couch. Matrix is hunched over his laptop on the floor. Nitro’s sitting in the recliner, munching on small, gherkin pickles. He wraps an arm around my waist and drags me into his lap.

“Want one?” He holds a half-eaten pickle to my face.

“Ugh. No.” My stomach rolls. Although it was fine earlier, it’s gurgling again.

“Are you feeling okay?” Nina asks.

“I think I must have a stomach bug or something. It comes and goes.” I shrug.

“Hmm…” Nina eyes me but doesn’t say anything else.

“I’ve got Tums if you need them.” Daisy walks into the living room carrying a tray of snacks. She waits for Talon to move his feet before setting them on the coffee table.

“I’ll be fine.”

The front door opens. Scar and Julia walk in.

“Did it start yet?” he asks.

“Not yet. Exit polls still show his opponent winning,” Matrix says.

“I’ll grab us some chairs, babe.” Scar gets two chairs from the kitchen table and drags them into the living room. He and Julia take their seats.

“Want a snack?” Julia asks him.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to eat until this is over.”

“Me either,” Matrix says.

“You have to eat something. I’ll fix you a plate.” Daisy fills a paper appetizer plate with chips, dip, bell pepper strips, and olives before handing it to him. “Here.”

“Thanks, but I really can’t.” Matrix sets the plate aside.

“Eat the snacks,” Daisy says in a stern voice.

“I like her. All bossy and shit.” Talon grins at Matrix, who glares back.