CHAPTER FIFTEEN

RITCHIE

THE BIG GUY PAYS A VISIT

S itting across from my father in the comfortable office felt foreign. I was a bodyguard. Not a boss. Dad’s grin widened as his gaze swept the office space.

“This is a nice office, son.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Are you still a bodyguard for Luca?” he asked. Concern morphed on his face.

My fingers tingled as they slid through my hair. “Considering his woman fled on my watch. Yes. He refuses to let me go. He’s given me some time off. I’ve been gone for a while. Catch was sent to keep an eye on me. Not sure what Luca and Marco thought I’d do. Kill myself.”

“Son, you pride yourself on being the best at whatever it is you put your mind to.”

I nodded. My father knew me well.

“I’ve made peace with your role as a bodyguard for the Espositos.”

A smirk hit my lips. My father and Catch’s father felt we should’ve become bosses for the Pituccos or even beater a boss under our fathers’ last names Toscana or Rizzo would’ve been ideal. Not sure grandfather would’ve gone for our families branching out. But then again, maybe he would’ve agreed if it meant he’d get a cut of everything. It didn’t matter Catch, and I chose differently.

Callum’s father was disappointed when he became a bodyguard, but my own father accepted my decision–he cared more about my happiness than his own ambitions.

In the back of my mind, I still felt like I let him down. Even though he never said so.

The glint in his eyes as he took in the office told me a piece of him wished my position as boss came true.

“Archie told me you were here,” he said as he brought the glass of Scotch to his lips.

I told him not to call my father.

Because my father was an only child and practically raised himself, my grandparents loved him like he was their own. Dad was a hard worker. There was nothing my grandfather loved more than a hard worker.

Dad became a fixer for the mafia. He fixed several political problems for grandfather before my cousin took the mafia throne.

Dad still fixed problems for the Pituccos. Which was why I called him.

The girls had finished torturing Daryl and Reece less than thirty minutes ago. When Dad and I approached the office fifteen minutes ago, he asked, “Is that bleach I smell?”

“Yes,” I responded, nodding to the door across the hallway.

He smirked. Dad knew what that meant. We were torturing those who crossed us.

“If you called me, it must be bad. You wouldn’t call on me otherwise. Why is that?” his brow arched as he stood.

My father casually walked over to the bar, his tailored gray suit fitting him perfectly. Dad always took pride in his appearance. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was dating anyone. We hadn’t discussed relationships in years.

“Because deep down I think you wish I became a boss,” I responded.

He held his glass high. “Want another?” he asked in a thick New Jersey accent.

“Yes,” I answered.

Dad shrugged. “I hadn’t thought about that in years. This office is a statement. It says power. The memory of that moment in time resurfaced.” He strolled toward me and placed the glass in my hand.

“Ritchie, remember that you can always come to me for help.”

His words filled me with comfort. I looked up at him and nodded. “I won’t hesitate, Dad.”

He patted my shoulder reassuringly. “Now tell me, why did I have to fly out to Chicago?”

I placed my hand on top of his. “Thank you for being here, Dad.”

“For my one and only son, I will do whatever it takes,” he replied sincerely.

He sank onto the leather sofa not far from where I sat in one of the chairs.

“I arrived here two months ago to keep an eye on Lexis.”

His brows lifted. “Luca’s girlfriend?”

“Yes.” I sipped the Scotch.

Luca is unaware that I’ve found her, and it’s probably best to keep it that way for now. Lexis fled and started her life over in Chicago, indicating that she no longer wants to be with him. My job was to protect and watch over her, not to give relationship advice. But based on her actions, it’s safe to say she has no desire to be with Luca anymore, and I will honor her decision. If any issues arise, I’ll handle them personally or hire men to ensure her safety when I return to Jersey City.

He smiled. “You’re still a stand-up guy. Your mom would be proud.”

A wide grin spread across my lips. “She would, huh?”

“Yes.”

We clanked our glasses to honor my mother.

“May my dear wife rest in peace.” He stared into the bottom of his glass for a beat.

“Dad, how are you doing? Are you seeing anyone?”

He smirked. “What else is going on, Ritchie? What happened?”

Dad changed the subject. That was fair. I probably shouldn’t have asked about another woman after honoring Mom.

“Son, you didn’t say anything wrong.”

It was like he read my mind.

“Ritchie, I want to know what happened, then we’ll circle back to me.”

A small smile appeared at the corner of my mouth. “Alright, I’ll tell you. During my stay in Chicago, a persistent hotel maid snapped me out of my drunken haze. I was drowning myself in alcohol, consumed by the guilt of losing Lexis. But this maid refused to let me hide from my problems. She pushed back against my grumpy ways and never backed down. Despite my attempts to avoid her, I couldn’t resist her fiery spirit.”

“Let me guess, she’s the woman that Archie mentioned going to the gun range with?”

“Her name is Tori Corrigan, and she had been in a relationship with a notorious drug dealer known as Daryl ‘Man-Man’ on the South Side. However, it was revealed that he was blackmailing her to stay with him so he could continue his hidden romance with his boyfriend. To make a long story short. I asked Catch to stay in Chicago and protect her while I went back to work for Luca for a while. It was inevitable that there would be a war between me and Daryl; he had no intention of giving up Tori without a fight. And if someone had told me that I would fall in love during all of this, I probably would’ve laughed in their face.”

I threaded my fingers through my hair again. “I messed up. My goal was to torture myself for losing Lexis. But the gorgeous woman wouldn’t have it. Tori wanted me when I didn’t feel I deserved love. The woman is so fucking stubborn. I told her I’m a bodyguard for a mafia crime boss. My life is on the line every day. If anyone shoots at Luca, I take the bullet.”

Dad’s eyes widened. Sometimes when a person laid the truth bare out in front of them, they really saw it for what it was. Dad understood too well how dangerous my position was in the mafia.

I reached for the liquor and downed it, savoring the burn as it traveled down my throat. “There was a point where I didn’t care if I lived or died,” I admitted.

“As long as I had her in that moment.”

Getting up from my seat, I caught a glimpse of my father’s face. “I took three bullets for her,” I stated proudly.

My dad’s jaw dropped. “What?” he exclaimed.

“Yeah, one in the thigh, stomach, and arm,” I gestured to each wound on my body.

My dad jumped up and lifted my shirt, examining the stitched-up wounds with concern. He looked back at me, his expression filled with worry. “Son, did you have a vest on?” He lowered my shirt.

“Yes, that motherfucker had cop killing bullets. That could penetrate a bullet-proof vest. I’ve since upgraded everyones’ vests. So that won’t happen again.”

Dad pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. “We won’t go without talking for so long anymore. Do you understand?”

I squeezed him back. “Dad, I missed talking to you. Just being in your presence makes me remember how much you love me.”

He pulled back and sniffled. “Don’t you ever forget that, son.”

“I won’t, Dad.”

“You should’ve told me you were going to war. I would’ve fought with you.”

Another wide smile hit my lips. “Take a load off. I’ll make us another drink.” I grabbed his empty glass.

He nodded.

“Thanks Dad.” I poured Scotch into both of our glasses.

“Uncle Arlis nursed me back to health.”

“I have to thank him for saving your life. I know you’re downplaying it. I bet your life hung in the balance.”

“It wasn’t easy. Sitting in the alley bleeding out, I realized I had to see her face every day. That one more day just wasn’t enough. Luckily, my cousin’s a sharpshooter. He came to my rescue. Catch saved my life. When I woke up after being sedated for a few days. I learned my woman had been kidnapped.” I walked toward the couch and placed the glass of Scotch in his hand.

“Son, I can’t believe you’ve been through so much.”

“That’s only half of the story. I was injured again, rescuing her from the crazy asshole who kidnapped her. I almost got blown to smithereens. Last night my friends and I made another bold move and drew out the guys who worked for her ex.” I tipped my glass toward the door.

“He’s across the hallway. The war is officially over. I need to ensure we don’t have any blow back from the suburban police department.”

A devilish smirk hit his lips. “Now, son, you know you’ve come to the right person. This is my area of expertise.”

I smiled. “Great. Tori’s father will take over the South Side. Ezra Costa Nick’s personal bodyguard will protect Tori while I’m away.”

I sent a text to Tori.

Me: Come to the office.

Tori: Ok.

“Dad, Tori is my future. She’s had some traumatic experiences that’s keeping her trapped in Chicago. I’ll get her the help she needs to ensure she’ll be able to join me in Jersey soon.”

“Ritchie, I’m happy for you.”

There was a gentle knock on the door, and I quickly stood up to answer it. My heart raced as I swung open the door to reveal the woman who had been starring in my dreams for weeks. Her intense gaze sent a wave of desire through my body, making me ache to possess her. “Please, come in,” I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady. She gracefully stepped into the room, wearing a stunning golden dress that stopped at her knees. Her blonde hair brushed her shoulders, framing her radiant cinnamon face. Just then, my dad walked over to us.

“You must be Tori.”

“Yes, and you’re Mr. Toscana.” She stretched out her hand for his.

“Please call me Rich.” Dad pulled her into a hug. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said as he stepped back.

“My son has brought me up to speed. Once he informs me of the plan for the future, I’ll know how often I’m to return to Chicago.”

“Dad, that means a lot to me.” I grinned.

“Rich, you don’t have to do that. The girls and I can manage.”

I placed my hands on her bare shoulders and firmly squeezed from behind.

“Tori, he said it’s no problem.”

“Rich, I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Tori, it’s really no problem at all.”

She glanced between us. “Ok.”

“Tori, have a seat. I’ll make you a drink,” I said.

Dad and Tori talked for a while. He got a chance to get to know her. She loved the stories about him and Mom.

Two hours later, we sat around the table eating as a family. Dad and Callum Sr. seemed more like brothers than two guys who married sisters. The smiles on everyone’s faces brought a sense of peace at that moment. It was time to return home. Be the bodyguard my boss needed. He was lost. I’d carryout whatever brutal act required.

My hands pressed lightly against Tori’s eyes as I guided her steps over the threshold of the two-story brick home.

Her hands brushed mine. “Show me, Ritchie.”

“Ok.” I removed my hands from her eyes.

A gasp fell from her lips as she scanned the foyer. “Ritchie, it’s massive.”

The space was adorned with decorative wrought iron banisters, winding along one side of the black and white staircase. She hesitated before asking, “Is the house empty?”

I flipped on a light to my left, revealing tear-shaped fixtures on the cream walls that led upstairs. “Yes,” I confirmed.

Tori’s gaze shifted to the slender white chandelier above us. “You can decorate our home however you’d like,” I reassured her, placing a hand on the small of her back.

She turned to face me, eyes wide in amazement. “It’s a lot of house for just two people,” she commented.

“If you saw Catch’s mansion with seven bedrooms, our Chicago home would seem small in comparison.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Our Chicago home.” She seemed to be testing the words on her tongue.

“Yes, we also have a condo in downtown Jersey City, and soon we’ll have a third residence in East Hills, which is a prominent suburb outside of Jersey City. Catch and Bianca will be our neighbors.”

Her smile faded. “I understand.”

My fingers tightened around the front of her neck as I leaned my forehead against hers. “I won’t give up on you, Tori.”

“Damn it, Ritchie, I wanted you so badly...sexually. To be pleased by you. But I knew I couldn’t offer anything more.”

“It’s ironic. You wanted to sleep with a mafia bodyguard who could die at any moment while on duty.”

Her dark brown eyes held sadness. “We’re two messed up souls,” she sniffled.

“Baby, if all I wanted was a cookie cutter woman who would turn a blind eye and enjoy my wealth, I would have settled for that type of woman.”

“They’re in abundance,” she stated.

A smile lifted my lips. “Yeah, but there’s only one badass, spunky woman who gives me a run for my money.”

Tori grinned. “I definitely put you on edge. Never a dull day with Tori Corrigan.”

“Soon you’ll become Tori Toscana.”

Fear crossed her beautiful face, and she instinctively tried to back away. I held onto her neck tighter.

“You can’t mean that. I’m too fucked up, Ritchie,” she choked out.

“Tori, I fucking mean it,” I bit out.

I released my hold on her neck and commanded, “Get down on your knees.”

She hesitated, but eventually complied with my order. It pained me to do this to her, to trap her in another relationship so soon after being held against her will in a previous one. The right thing would be to have a casual sexual relationship with her and give her the freedom she deserved, not force her into something more.

I unzipped my navy slacks. “Do you know why you’re being punished?”

“Yes.” Her tongue slicked across her plump golden-brown lips.

“I doubted us,” she muttered, staring at me through her long lashes.

One thing I loved about Tori. She wasn’t a damsel in distress. This woman could hold her own. Fuck, her strength turned me on. Yes, she was flawed. But show me a human who wasn’t.

I let go of my dick and watched as her mouth opened in a way that I found irresistible. This woman held my heart in her hands, with the power to shatter it if she wanted. I gently brushed my thumb against her cheek before slowly stroking myself. I didn’t want to keep her on her knees for too long, but she needed to see this through.

“Stick out your tongue,” I commanded.

“Do you want to be free?” I questioned.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she immediately shut her mouth. “What?” she asked incredulously.

“How would you feel if I slept with other women?” A look of rage crossed her features as she flopped on her calves and folded her arms over her chest. “I’d be furious, Ritchie.” A mischievous smirk appeared on my face.

“Get on your knees,” I ordered. “Ritchie?” she growled, clearly not pleased with my request.

“Now,” I said through gritted teeth. She reluctantly complied. “Tongue out,” I demanded.

“Tori, do it now,” I told her firmly.

She gave me that look that said motherfucker, are you serious?

With a scowl, she stuck out her tongue, and I rolled the head of my cock over it teasingly.

“You aren’t free to date other men. Do you have any idea what I do to men who touch my woman?”

Tori trailed a hand down her stomach, under her gold dress, and into her panties. “Yes,” she moaned.

I gripped her blonde hair with my free hand. “You are everything I want in a woman. I’ve killed for you. I will continue to kill for you. Because you’re my woman,” I roared.

My greedy woman sucked the tip of my dick.

“Fuck, baby,” I groaned.

“I love you, Ritchie. If I find out about another woman, I will come to New Jersey, even if it half kills me. I’ll murder her.”

My dick became rock hard. Shit, this woman was sexy.

Mentioning my neighbor, who was border line obsessed with me, probably would get her killed. I’d tell her I have a woman now. Better yet, a fiancée. That should get her to back off. There were others around town who begged to suck my cock. I’d turn them down for the hundredth time. Tori gripped my shaft and worshiped it. She licked my cock from base to tip. Tori took my dick into her mouth and slid back and forth. Each time gagging on my length. What a fucking sight.

“Tori, fuck,” I growled.

The sound of Tori gagging and slurping as she eagerly pleasured me echoed throughout the room. “I’m about to come, baby,” I growled.

Her body shook with ecstasy as she came all over her hand and panties.

She stared up at me as she swallowed every ounce of my come. I pulled my cock out of her mouth.

“Good girl,” I praised her, a thrill running through me.

Tori grinned, and I reached for her hand as I sank to my knees. I took her delicate fingers into my mouth and licked them clean off her juices.

Holding her arm, I eased her onto the floor. “I never gave you permission to make yourself come.”

“When you talked about killing...it was insanely hot,” she gasped.

I lifted up her dress and swiftly removed her drenched panties from her legs.

“I’ll hang on to these.” I brought them to my nose and inhaled her jasmine scent.

Stuffing them into my inner jacket pocket, I stared at her glistening pussy.

I couldn’t control myself any longer.

“Tori, you’re going to come on my tongue now,” I commanded.

My fingers gripped tightly onto her thighs, and I devoured her insatiable hole like a starving man. Her orgasm belonged to me.

“Ritchie,” she moaned.

“You have no idea how much you’ve affected me. I’ve become this crazed man because of you. I can’t get enough of you.” My tongue traced circles around her clit.

“You’re mine, Tori. There’s no turning back now. You’ll be my wife and have my children.”

“Oh God,” she screamed in pleasure. Her body arched off the floor. Tori’s fingers tangling in my hair as she reached the peak of her climax.

Her body convulsed, and tears streamed down her cheeks. I didn’t stop until she was completely spent and limp in my arms.

I leaned over her trembling body and captured her lips in a fervent kiss. “You taste so damn sweet.”

She pressed a kiss against my lips again. “Yes, I do. I’m all yours. There’s no other man I desire on this earth, Ritchie.”

A smile curled my lips. “All I want is you, Tori.”

“I’ll clean your face,” she said.

“No need, Tori. We’re not going anywhere tonight. Besides, I plan to eat your pussy at least four more times tonight. And fuck you in every room of our mini mansion.”

I pulled Tori to her feet, then straightened our clothes.

Her nude stilettos clanked against the mahogany hardwood floor as she strolled into the white and silver kitchen.

“Who is she?” Tori asked with her back to me.

“What?” My brows pinched together.

Tori leaned against the white marble counter, staring up at me. “Who is she?”

“Baby, what are you talking about?”

“Something flicked in your gaze earlier that told me there’s a her or them. I’m not na?ve, Ritchie. You’re fucking gorgeous. I know women flirt with you. Beg to be fucked. I just want to know which woman is the problem.”

Tori slid a finger down my black dress shirt seductively. “Who do I have to kill?”

Fuck...