CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

THE NEW JERSEY TRIP PART ONE

TORI

S taring out the window, I took a deep breath as the jet ascended into the clouds. Asia gripped my hand.

“Tori, are you all right?”

My gaze moved from the window to her pretty eyes that held so much worry. “So far, so good.”

It was a tough pill to swallow that my friends would constantly worry about me after I told them Marlowe raped me and what that brutal attack did to my psyche.

“Arlis gave me a sedative. I think I’ll take that to calm me down.”

“I’ll grab a bottle of water for you,” she said as she stood.

“Actually, vodka and cranberry.” I smirked. A hint of nervousness on my face.

She returned my nervous smile. “Be right back.”

I rubbed at the knot in my shoulder that was creeping toward the back of my neck. It felt like the walls were closing in on me. This Tyra shit had thrown off my plan to see the therapist.

“Here you are?” Asia smirked at me as she placed the glass in my hand.

“Thanks.” I rubbed at the knot with my free hand.

“Is it really bad?” she asked.

I let out a deep sigh. “Yes. It’s all this Tyra shit and having to leave town again. I can feel myself spiraling down.”

Asia gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t keep it bottled up. Let it out before it resurfaces at an inconvenient time.”

I wrapped my fingers around the chilled glass, lifting it to my lips and taking a sip of the sweet, fruity, yet bitter cocktail.

“That’s why I went to work. I felt the fingers crawling up my throat trying to get out.”

“Tori, we’ll get through this together.”

I released a long sigh. “Thanks, Asia.”

My brows lifted, and I turned to her. “I know what will make me feel better about being alone in the gigantic house Ritchie bought, if the four of us could have dinner tomorrow. I’ll cook something delicious.”

A huge smile lifted her cheeks. “Girl, I’ll be there for sure.”

I latched onto her arm and squeezed tightly. “Great. In the meantime, I want you to relax. I’ll do the same,” I stated as I stood to my feet.

“I’ll lounge in the living room area and watch TV,” she said as she stood.

“I still can’t get over how fancy their jets are,” Asia snickered.

I chuckled. “I know this new life takes some getting used to. Man-Man was rich. But this is the next level. Stupid rich.” I shook my head.

“Stupid rich is right,” Asia added.

“Just think, in four hours you’ll reunite with Romeo and Rémy,” I grinned as I walked with her toward the front of the plane.

Her face lit up. “Yes, I can’t wait.” She patted my shoulder. “See you when we land.”

I turned on my heels and took in the sight.

Ezra and Brock lounged lazily on either side of the aisle in the comfortable leather seats. I smirked at my bodyguards, hired to protect me and my friends.

I made my way towards the bedroom, taking a bottle of vodka from the galley counter with me. I might let my inner demons get the best of me before I fall asleep. I thought to myself. It was important for me to be mentally prepared when I saw my husband face-to-face.

Ezra pulled up to the wrought-iron gate that guarded the entrance to my new home. He leaned out of the window and typed a code into the keypad, causing the gates to open. As we drove through, I caught glimpses of the expansive grounds surrounding the house. My mouth hung open in awe. “Who’s responsible for maintaining all of this?” I muttered.

“The Pitucco landscaping company takes care of the grounds,” he said as he drove to the back of the house.

Damn, I couldn’t believe they had their own landscaping company.

“Having their own landscaping company keeps enemies from gaining control of their properties.” He came to a stop inside the six-car garage.

“Ezra, you know a lot about the Pitucco family. How long have you worked for them?”

He scratched his stubbled jaw. “I’ve known Nick since high school. We’re best friends. But I’ve worked for him for five years.”

“You never had dreams of maybe returning to the military?”

He chuckled. “Who said I wasn’t in the military?”

Interesting.

“Ezra, you look so sad lately. What’s the matter?”

““I hadn't been in frequent contact with Simone for over five years. Being able to see her everyday while in Chicago, then in Las Vegas...” He shrugged. “...it was nice.”

Ezra met my gaze through the rearview mirror. “You ladies really have no idea how much Simone means to me. I would die for her.”

I had to control my facial features. “Why are you two keeping secrets from the rest of us?”

“It’s my problem, not Ritchies. Don’t mention it, Tori,” he ordered.

“Nick is aware. He’ll help me sort it out.”

If Ritchie was aware of Ezra’s predicament, he’d insist Ezra return to work for Nick. I could see the joy on Simone’s face whenever Ezra was around. I wouldn’t let Ritchie let him go.

“Is Simone safe?” I asked.