CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

TORI

THE CAT

T ime to get Mr. Chaos. If Ritchie thought he’d pick up the cat without me, he was mistaken.

Ritchie said he was capable of picking up his cat without me. So I did what any logical woman would’ve done. I promised my husband I’d stock the freezer full of home-cooked meals he could take to work or eat when he got off work. All he had to do was pop them in the microwave.

Standing in the walk-in closet doorway, I stared up at my husband, who turned over my words.

“I’d appreciate it if you would. Now get out of the way so I can get moving.”

My top lip twitched. “Fine, this cat is on lockdown.” I stormed toward the bedroom door.

Ritchie’s dark laughter filled the space. He thought it was funny.

“Don’t move another fucking inch,” he ordered.

I only stopped because my traitorous pussy obeyed. This was the same pussy that didn’t get completely satisfied last night.

“Get in here,” he commanded.

My near-death experience brought out the territorial side of Ritchie. He wasn’t taking my shit anymore. He was in extra asshole mode.

Stalking into the closet, I glared at him, careful not to wince.

“You’re supposed to be in bed,” he said as he slipped the black slacks over his muscled thighs.

My throat bobbed at the sight of his muscled chest. My tongue wanted to lick every defined muscle.

“I’ll rest when I get back.”

Ritchie snatched a pale pink button-down dress shirt off the velvet hanger. “I received a text about a dinner you’re hosting for your friends this evening.”

Shit. Who told him? Ezra?

“Ritchie, I’m perfectly capable of cooking later.”

The dress shirt hung open and clung to his bulging muscles. “I know someone who can cook dinner for you.”

“What...”

“...if you agree to let them cook, you can go with me to pick up Mr. Chaos.”

“Ritchie, I can...”

He raised a long thick finger, cutting off my words. “Take the deal, Tori.”

Tori, this would be a win for you. You’ll know exactly where the bitch lives and soon where she works.

“Fine,” I growled through clenched teeth.

A cocky grin hit his sexy lips.

“What are you smiling about?”

“My beautiful wife is here in Jersey, where she belongs.” His lips took mine in a smoldering kiss.

Last night I was pissed he didn’t let me come. Ritchie pulled me into his arms and kept me snug against his hulking frame. After a few minutes, I gave into the love I had for this man and caressed his chest.

This kiss made me want to stay.

Ritchies tongue released mine, and he stepped back.

After my war was over, I’d make every appointment with my therapist. I had to get my mind right. Not just for me, but for Ritchie. My crazy drama filled Chicago life was too much for Ritchie. Especially since he’d be in Jersey far away from me.

My fingers moved over his abs. “I love being with you, Ritchie.”

This wasn’t the time to bring up my war back in the Chi.

It wasn’t lost on me how furious my husband was with me last night. Ritchie loved me so much it scared me. I never had a man truly love me. A man who desired to protect me from all the bad in the world.

“Tori, I can’t lose you.” There it was again. Vulnerability filled his gray eyes.

Standing on my tippy toes, my fingers gripped his neck. Pain radiated my ribs. I ignored the pain. If I showed any signs of discomfort, he would insist I return to bed. “I can’t lose you either. Please hold me just for one more minute.”

“In my heart, I’ll hold on to you for eternity.”

“Ritchie, I will too.”