CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

TORI

THE LITTLE VEGAS WEDDING CHAPEL

I stumbled upon the most adorable boutique that happened to be open late. Ritchie and I were getting married tonight. My heart fluttered with excitement.

Wow. If you would’ve told me that I’d leave the state of Illinois, I’d say lies. Then, on top of that, I was going to get married. I’d tell you, you’re delusional.

Standing in the mirror, I slid my hands down my sides fascinated by the white strapless mini dress that hugged my breasts and stomach but puckered out at the waist, giving a chic yet futurist look. Ivory beads accentuated the bust line. And white feathers graced the lower half of the dress. The nude spiked red bottoms were unique and fit perfectly. My entire couture outfit had to cost at least fifteen thousand dollars. While in my fake relationship with Man-Man, I was used to dressing in nothing but the best, but this was next level. My eyes caught the glistening diamond in the mirror that graced my ring finger.

It felt like I was starring in my own fairytale. Southside queen pin to marry Jersey City mafia royalty.

After placing the dress and shoes I wore earlier in a garment bag, I paid for my beautiful wedding ensemble with Ritchie’s black card.

It was hard to hide my shock when the salesclerk announced, “Twenty thousand, five hundred and thirty-one dollars.”

Ritchie had told me not to worry about the cost, but I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of guilt. One of Ritchie’s many bodyguards, Bricks, opened the back door of the SUV for me. As soon as I sank into the soft, peanut butter-colored seat, I let out a sigh of relief.

As we made our way to the chapel, I couldn’t help but take in the dazzling lights and impressive facades of the nearby hotels and casinos. They seemed almost otherworldly as they sparkled and glimmered in the night sky.

Tears threatened to spring free from my eyes. I had never been out of state willingly because of the trauma I endured. I’d love to see more of the world. My demons’ fingers crept up back. “Southside trash is getting married, huh? It won’t last. He’ll grow tired of the panic attacks,” they said.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

“No,” I muttered.

“Not today.”

Warm hands gripped my face. “Breathe Tori.”

I inhaled and exhaled.

“Open your eyes, baby,” he demanded softly.

My eyelids fluttered open. His beautiful gray eyes held so much love.

He knows what he’s getting into, Tori. It’s not fair to him, though. Not fair that he has to endure seeing me like this.

“Damn, baby, you are absolutely breathtaking.”

The way he looked at me like I was all that mattered. My heartbeat slowed.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Were you waiting outside for me?” I asked.

“No, I told Bricks to keep a close eye on you and to let me know if you had a panic attack.”

So fucking embarrassing.

He took my hand and helped me out of the Mercedes SUV. “Come on. Tonight, I’m marrying the most stunning woman in the world.”

My arm circled his, and a chuckle bubbled in my throat as we walked inside. I peeked over my shoulder and mouthed, “Thank you, Bricks.”

He smiled and nodded.

For the time being, I pushed the demons away. I was marrying this sexy hunk beside me. Suddenly, I felt wetness pool in my glittery cream panties. I couldn’t wait to fuck my fiancé’s brains out later.

A woman standing near the altar greeted me. “Tori, my name is Laura. Here’s your bouquet from Elaborate Floral. We have locations in Chicago too. I hope you like your bouquet.”

I gasped as I stuck my nose in one of the rose gold-colored roses. White and deep purple tulips were mixed in with the roses. I’d never seen flowers like these. Honestly, I never had a use for flowers before now.

“I love the bouquet. Thank you.” I grinned.

“Laura, I’ll definitely use your services in Chicago,” Ritchie stated.

“Wonderful. I know this will be a day you’ll never forget,” she said before scurrying off.

Of course, she had no idea we were involved in a shootout earlier. I laughed inside.

Ritchie and I spoke to the officiant before turning to face each other.

It was perfect that our officiant was a woman.

After the officiant recited words from her speech, it was time for Ritchie and me to exchange vows.

“Tori, I can never thank you enough for not giving up on me.” He gripped my hands firmly.

“I was spiraling out of control when you met me.”

A tear slipped down my cheek.

“You were the force I needed then. And you’re certainly the force I need for the rest of my life. I am marrying the perfect woman for me,” Ritchie confirmed.

My heart slammed against my ribcage at his words. Not to mention the warm tingles that sparked my body for this man were on overdrive.

Staring into his gray eyes, a smile swept across my lips. “The first day I barged into your life you witnessed first-hand the real me. Ritchie, you didn’t back down. Didn’t cower and turn your back on me. You were determined to show me I was the woman you wanted in your life. Thank you for showing me what real love looks like. Outside of my best friends I didn’t know I could experience this kind of love. I can’t promise every day will be easy with me but know that I love you. There’s no other man on this earth for me. Only Ritchie Toscana.”

Tears welled in his eyes.

I made the big guy tear up. Warmth swept over my body. I didn’t tell a lie. He was the only man for me.

The officiant continued her speech.

After we exchanged rings, the officiant said the words I couldn’t wait to hear. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Ritchie cupped my cheeks. His eyes held mine briefly before taking my lips in a bruising kiss. My hands pressed against his white suit jacket as my tongue slipped into his mouth, tangling with his. I was so caught up in our kiss I almost forgot we were standing at the altar.

Reluctantly, I released his lips. “We’re married,” I gushed.

“Mrs. Toscana, you’re all mine.”

He whispered in my ear, “I can’t wait to hear you call my name all night long.”

I pulled my lower lip between my teeth. “Oh yeah, I can’t wait either.”