CHAPTER THIRTY

TORI

THE STREETS ARE DANGEROUS

“ H ow could you keep this from me Tori?” Asia shook her head, then her gaze moved to the rear passenger window.

I glanced at my bodyguard, who sat behind the steering wheel with a smirk on his face while he drove through the streets of Chicago.

“Asia, you and I have been friends since elementary. The decision Ritchie and I made was special to us. Guess you could say we were in the moment. All we could think about is being together as one.”

I felt her eyes on me.

“So I married the most handsome man I ever laid eyes on,” I swooned.

Asia released a sigh. “That’s so romantic.”

She reached over, grabbed my left hand, studying my gigantic diamond wedding ring.

“If Ritchie wouldn’t have come to Chicago due to a certain situation, I wouldn’t have met my men.”

Our eyes met. “I think we can agree Saturday night was special for all of us.”

My head fell back against the plush black leather seat. “It certainly was a night I’d never forget.”

Asia and I burst into laughter. I caught my bodyguard running his tongue over his lips. It seemed he and my other bestie, Simone, had a spectacular night too.

Time to poke the bear.

“Ezra, did you and Simone enjoy Saturday night?” I asked.

“Did I enjoy time with the love of my life? Yes. And I’d say I made her very happy.”

Asia and I peeked at each other. “Love of your life?” we repeated.

“Since when?” I pushed. Asia and I slapped hands, cackling.

“My love life isn’t important,” he growled.

“It is when you’re dating our best friend,” Asia snapped.

“When Simone is ready to tell you about us, she will,” Ezra stated.

“We want to hear from you what happened five years ago.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

He ran a gloved hand over his dark brown hair. “I became obsessed from the moment I laid eyes on her. I introduced myself and persuaded her to come to my hotel room. She thought it was a one-night stand. She had no idea I wouldn’t let her go.”

I cocked my head to the side. “But you did.”

“The enemy who was on my ass at the time wanted me dead. There was no way I’d let him find out who Simone was. Let’s just say I did everything in my power to protect her. Even became Nick Pitucco’s bodyguard.”

My hand curled against my chest. “That’s so romantic.”

“It is,” Asia gasped.

“We definitely need to have a little talk with Simone,” I whispered to Asia.

Ezra pulled over and halted at the curb. “Doesn’t look safe around here, ladies.”

I met my bodyguard’s gaze. “That’s because it’s not, Ezra. The motherfuckas on the Southside ain’t to be fucked with. The girls and I have toned down the way we talk around you guys. Now that you’re here to stay, that ends. We can’t appear weak in these streets.”

“That’s right. We’re all one big happy family, but you’ll have to observe before you say a word. Sometimes these motherfuckas shoot first and ask questions later.” Asia opened the rear passenger door and stepped out.

I slid across the seat, exited the SUV, and stood next to her. Ezra approached, but his eyes took in our surroundings.

Two guys stood conversing with two muscled men sitting on the hood of a black Charger, their loud voices and raucous laughter filling the quiet street. Broken shutters hung from the dilapidated houses, weeds sprouted from cracked sidewalks, and trash littered the curb.

A cool breeze rustled through my blue jean jacket. My white t-shirt boldly displayed the words “Wrong Bitch” in black cursive lettering. The tight fit of my blue jeans accentuated my curves, and my white sneakers completed the look.

“What’s up, Tori and Asia?” Gunner called out as he hopped off the car and made his way towards us. With one hand holding up his sagging jeans, he approached with his signature durag covering his perfect waves. Valdez followed close behind him.

“Who the fuck is the white boy, Tori?” Valdez asked. His dark dreads brushed his muscled shoulders as he stepped closer.

“This is Ezra, my new bodyguard,” I replied.

“That’s funny because I remember me and my brother...” he pointed a thumb between them. “...used to have your back.”

“That’s why I’m here. As you move around the Southside, you’ll see there ain’t many left who worked for Man-Man and me.”

Asia looked Valdez up and down. “She’s trying to see where your loyalty lies.”

Gunner held his head high. “I ride for the South Side. Always.”

A smile curled the edges of my lips. “That’s good to hear. I need ears to the street about a certain someone whose looking for me. If you still got me, I got you.”

“Tori, you don’t even have to ask. Gunner and I always got you.” Valdez jutted his chin.

I nodded. “Good.”

Asia placed burner phones in their hands. “Nice to know you still ride for the Southside.”

“Until we die,” Gunner affirmed.

“My father is back in charge of the streets,” I glanced between the brothers for a reaction.

Silence.

It seemed they weren’t bothered by who was in charge. These two were all about their money. I took care of them before. I’d certainly take care of them now. As long as they were really on our side.

“My phone number is programmed into your phones,” I said. “We’ll talk soon.”

Ezra held the rear door open. “Brock, we’re on the move,” he stated into the earpiece.

My husband wasn’t playing when it came to my safety. I climbed across the back seat. Asia slid in beside me.

“It’s good to know we have two strong soldiers out of the original camp,” she sighed.

I nodded. “Sure is.” Twisting my wedding ring on my finger, I stared out the window, taking in the view of the city. “We should just ensure they are really down for us.”

She burst into laughter. “Oh, what kind of fun are you thinking of?”

“Have them each drop a body in Lake Michigan to cement their commitment to the South Side.”

“Fuck yeah, bitch, that will do.” She tapped Ezra’s seat. “Press number one on the radio. That should be WGCI.”

“Started from the bottom now we here,” boomed through the speakers.

We raised our hands over our heads, singing, “Started from the bottom now we’re here.”

“Tori, we literally started from the bottom.” Asia smiled.

“Girl, we did.”

My cell buzzed.

Ritchie: Mrs. Toscana, are you giving your bodyguard trouble?

Me: Mr. Toscana, Asia and I took Ezra on a scenic route through the South Side.

Ritchie: His job is to keep you safe. Let him.

Me: You’re right. I will. Ritchie, I miss you.

Ritchie: I miss you too. I’ll call you later tonight.

Me: Love you too. Talk to you soon.

Thirty minutes later, I strolled into the hotel lobby at work. The demons crept up my spine. They wanted my undivided attention. They’d been in my ear since early this morning.

I remembered Ritchie holding me tight on the tarmac at the private airport. “Don’t give into them, Tori,” he whispered against my ear.

“I won’t.” Tears slipped down my cheeks.

He probably didn’t believe me. But what could he do.

“On Tuesday, make the best of your appointment with the therapist.”

Pulling back, I peered into his gray eyes. “I will.”

The sexy as sin man clutched my cheeks and crushed my lips like he’d never see me again. His tongue twirled around mine as his big hands slid down my body and palmed my ass. Ritchie’s possessive kiss sent jolts of electricity throughout my body. Every inch of my body felt his love.

I’d be back in his arms Wednesday.

You can make it, Tori.

On the flight home, I took half of a sedative to help me sleep.

“Hey Mattie,” I smiled at my coworker, bringing me back from my memory.

I was fortunate I had a boss who understood my situation. I needed this job. I enjoyed chatting with customers and getting lost in the mundane routine of cleaning throughout my shift.

“Good to see you, girl.” He flicked his blonde hair out of his face.

“It’s good to see you, too. Where am I?”

“You have the second floor today.” He grinned.

“Thanks,” I said as I turned on my heels, glancing at the list of supplies I had to gather.

“Excuse me, miss. Do I need a code for the gate to gain access to the swimming pool?”

I lifted my head and met her gaze. She wore large, expensive sunglasses that hid her dark brown eyes.

“You’ve got balls walking up to me like this, Tyra,” I gritted out.