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CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

TORI

THE GLORIA AFTERMATH

D inner with the girls had been fantastic. Now, as I stood at the double sink vanity, I caught Ritchie’s reflection in the mirror while brushing my teeth with a bit more vigor than usual.

“The girls and I talked over dinner about what we’re going to do with Gloria,” I said, my voice casual despite the topic.

Ritchie stood beside me, his hair a sexy, tousled mess that made my stomach flip. God, the man was gorgeous. And he was mine.

He arrived home about two hours ago, kissed my cheek, and asked how I was feeling as he fixed a plate. After he ate dinner, he took a nap on the sofa.

He deserved some rest. The man had done so much for me. I felt a pang of sympathy for Ritchie today, he hadn’t realized how obsessed Gloria was with him.

Ritchie was always busy, focused solely on protecting Lexis. Gloria had never given him any reason to suspect her obsession; she’d just seemed like a helpful neighbor, offering to watch his cat and handle little tasks. To him, she was just kind. He’d told her he was a businessman. She hadn’t questioned him, which likely helped him feel at ease around her. Maybe she was drawn to the “bad boy” hidden beneath the suits.

The crazy bitch wanted a life with him. I questioned whether she would’ve wanted that life if she knew he was involved in the mafia. I’d definitely ask after the girls, and I were finished playing our little game.

His gray eyes held mine as he brushed his teeth.

Was he upset with himself for not realizing Gloria was obsessed with him?

Shit, he was.

Fuck that. I wouldn’t let him beat himself up.

“I wasn’t sure how much could be said around Janeesha,”

He ran his toothbrush under the water. “She brought food to the makeshift clinic Luca uses to stitch up bodyguards from time to time. Usually, Lexis’s dad patched up the men, but if he was working at the hospital, Luca and Lexis would handle it. Long story short, Janeesha can be trusted.”

He grabbed the glass resting on the counter and poured himself some water. He took a sip, swishing it around his mouth before spitting it out in the sink. I observed as he rinsed his mouth clean.

I didn’t miss the hurt in his eyes. He doubted himself.

After rinsing my mouth out, I placed my electric toothbrush next to Ritchie’s.

“I’ll remember that the next time I have her come over and cook with me.”

The smile on his face brightened the entire room. It was like that statement made him feel better.

He lifted me up and placed my bottom on the counter. His large hands rested on either side of me, caging me in. “You’re coming back?”

My palms caressed his stubbled jaw. “Yes, Ritchie. This is our main home.”

His eyes slammed shut and his forehead rested against mine. “It is. I’m so happy you’re on board with our new life together.”

“I am. Tomorrow morning, I have a zoom call with my new therapist.”

Ritchie wrapped me in his arms and released a breath. My heart slammed against my ribcage as my hands brushed along his muscled back. My husband carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. I had to do something to ease the stress that was mounting around him.

“I love you, Ritchie.”

“Tori, I love you so much.”

Ritchie pulled back. His hands moved up and down my arms covered in goosebumps.

“Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t see Gloria’s true colors. I didn’t pay much attention to her because she never caught my interest.”

“I bulldozed my way into your life too, Ritchie.”

He laughed. “I told you, baby, that sassy mouth of yours made my dick hard as steel.”

I pushed at his chest. “Don’t forget about my gumbo.”

He smiled again. “That was a clever move on your part.”

Ritchie scooped me up into his arms. “I’ll light a fire.”

My hand swayed his massive chest. “Sounds good.”

“We’ll watch a movie until we fall asleep. Tomorrow, after your therapy session, I want you back in bed.”

“Mr. Toscana, I promise to behave.” I winked.

He chuckled. “Sure, you will.”

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