CHAPTER NINETEEN

RITCHIE

THE VEGAS TRIP

I failed to mention to Tori that I took Gloria up on one of her offers. It wasn’t major. I’d tell Tori before I returned to Jersey. There was nothing going on between Gloria and me. I had nothing to hide.

Gloria: Hey Ritchie, just wanted to let you know that I took Mr. Chaos to the groomers since you’ll be coming home on Sunday. Sinchi and I will miss him.

Sinchi was my neighbor’s cat. What could I say? Gloria took great care of my cat.

I thought about my encounter with my neighbor. Instead of returning Mr. Chaos to me in his kennel, she held him in her arms and then passed him to me, her fingers brushing against my chest each time. I squeezed the bridge of my nose and imagined the desire on her porcelain face.

Ok, I’ve established that my neighbor probably returned to her apartment and masturbated after coming in close contact with me.

I decided on Monday I’d insist she put my cat back in his kennel and end the slick touches. I also needed to make it clear that I was in a committed relationship now. From now on, I would find other arrangements for Mr. Chaos.

Me: Actually, I’ll be home on Monday at five in the evening. Please place him in his kennel. Thanks for taking good care of Mr. Chaos.

Gloria: No problem. We’ll see you then.

I thought it would be a good idea to take a shower while Tori was sleeping. As soon as I stepped into the shower and felt the scalding water from the six jets pounding on my muscles, I winced in pain.

Arlis would be taking x-rays in the morning to check for any internal injuries from the incident. I hoped there wouldn’t be any need for more surgeries. He also gave me stronger pain medication to get through the night.

After pouring a generous amount of shower gel on a washcloth, I lathered my body as I glanced at the camera in the upper corner of the bathroom near the door. Tori slid a hand over her colorful satin bonnet. Her lips parted as she moved toward the rack of clothes. The biggest smile lifted her cheeks. Knowing I put that smile on her face brought joy to my heart.

Then horror overcame her beautiful features.

Quickly rinsing off, I turned off the water and wrapped a towel around my waist before storming out of the bathroom.

Pulling her into a hug, I reassured her, “I’ve got you, Tori.”

Rage pumped through my veins, wishing I could exact revenge on her mother’s boyfriend for what he did to her. She may never be able to erase those traumatic memories from her mind.

My hands gently cupped her face as I tried to get her attention.

With a flutter of her eyelids, she slowly opened her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“No need to apologize,” I assured her before asking her to choose a beautiful dress.

In that moment, I wanted to bring the world crashing down around me. She needed me, and I couldn’t stay in Chicago any longer.

Once we arrived at the diner and met with our friends, Tori relaxed. Like I said, it was a process.

Bianca’s bachelorette party was in full swing as the girls left the diner and headed out for a night on the town.

I glanced at my cousin, but I couldn’t read his expression behind the dark sunglasses covering his gray eyes. However, the scowl slowly etching his features conveyed his feelings loud and clear. “Let’s leave,” he said hoarsely.

It was evident he didn’t want to be away from his fiancée for too long. If only she lived in New Jersey like we did, then we wouldn’t have to be so careful with our time spent with our women since we lived in different states. Every moment we had with them was precious.

We piled into a pimped out black Mercedes Limousine bus that was double parked outside.

“Catch, what’s on your mind?” I asked as I poured each of us a drink as the driver cruised down the strip.

“I don’t want a traditional bachelor party. I’d rather be where she is. Just to start out the night.”

My heavy hand came down on his shoulder. “Let’s go to the club. We can still have a good time.”

He smiled and relaxed into the plush tan leather seat. “Thanks, Ritchie.”

Catch raised his glass. “Let’s toast to Ritchie surviving another near-death experience.”

The guys roared. “Salute.”

We tossed the whiskey down our throats.

I welcomed the burn after the day I had. A few stiff drinks would help mellow me out.

Being in the presence of other bodyguards who were my friends made me feel at ease for the first time today.

“I’ll have Nick send more men. The girls need extra security. If I wasn’t at the playhouse...” My words trailed off.

Rémy squeezed my shoulder. “But you were. We’ll rotate weekends. That way at least one of us is in Chicago every week.”

I released a breath. “That sounds good.”

Romeo grabbed the bottle of whiskey and refilled our glasses.

A cocky grin hit Catch’s lips as he brought the glass to his mouth. “If you never went to Chicago and met Tori, I wouldn’t be getting married to her best friend tomorrow. One interaction with that head strong beautiful woman and I was a goner.” He sipped the whiskey.

“Bianca will have to live between Jersey City and Chicago,” Catch stated, smoothing a hand over his tailored gray suit jacket.

“Can’t believe you got her to agree to travel back and forth,” Romeo stated from his seat across from Catch and me.

“Asia will visit but travel back and forth often...nope...she said after Tori gets better, she will,” Rémy added.

My brow lifted. “Catch, so she’s good with that?” I asked.

He chuckled. “She lost her shit when she found out I brought her here to get married. So, no.”

Catch drained his glass.

“Tori, starts therapy next week,” I confirmed.

“Ritchie, kidnap her. Take her to Jersey City,” Catch suggested.

Laughter filled the bus.

“Take that firecracker against her will to Jersey City. Good luck,” Ezra muttered under his breath.

My fingers slipped through my hair. “Good point, Ezra. That little firecracker’s situation is different. I had to fuck her first panic attack of the day out of her.” I gulped the whiskey.

The guys burst into laughter again.

I pointed my glass at them. “And that was just to get her on the plane. She had another breakdown in the hotel suite before we arrived at the diner,” I admitted.

“I know you must’ve wanted to kill that bastard who raped her,” Catch bit out.

“I sure fucking did,” I growled in response. “Too bad he’s already dead.”

“Now Daryl, on the other hand.” I flashed a devilish smirk.