CHAPTER SEVEN

RITCHIE

THE PRISONER

“ F ifteen minutes into the movie, Tori’s eyelids surrendered to the weight of drowsiness, and she slipped into a dream-laden slumber. The action movie held my attention until Arlis returned two hours later hanging an IV bag. Its translucent fluid was a lifeline to Tori’s restful oblivion. The second dose of medicine coursed through the tubing, like a whispered promise of respite.

In the back of my mind, I heard Tori’s voice, “Don’t torture Rosco until you’re healed.”

Pushing those thoughts aside, I planted a kiss on her cheek, rose to my feet, and slipped my bare feet into my boots.

I’d held my bladder until now. A smile curled my lips as I sauntered down the hallway to relieve myself.

I turned the doorknob at the end of the hallway. “Sorry Tori, I couldn’t wait.” I muttered.

My gaze landed on Rosco.

Slumped on the floor to one side, his wrist hung awkwardly behind him in the handcuffs attached to the wall.

The stench of urine and vomit lit the air.

I padded across the plastic sheet, halting a few steps from his body. “I’ve held this for a couple of hours.”

“Fuck off,” he grumbled.

“You can say that until you’re blue in the face,” I chuckled.

“Rosco, Rosco, Rosco, you pissed on the wrong woman,” I roared.

I pulled out my cock and released a stream of urine on his chest. “This is for pissing on my woman, you sick motherfucker.”

“Stop,” he barked.

Laughter poured from my throat. “You want me to stop?” I asked as the stream ended.

I tucked my cock back into my shorts. “You think Tori wanted to be marked? Huh, asshole?”

My boot slammed into his shin. A howl tore from his lips.

“She’s my woman. You had no right to take her.” I plunged my fist into his face until it was bloody and bruised.

“Ritchie?” A voice shouted from behind.

I heard her plea to stop, but I kept going. My boot slammed into his stomach over and over again.

Strong hands wrapped around my biceps, pulling me back. Blood poured from Rosco’s disproportionate nose and mouth.

Halting my steps, I jerked out of their hold. “I’m done,” I yelled, raising my hands.

“For now, asshole.” I narrowed my eyes at Rosco.

“You should be asleep,” I said as I turned on my soiled heels and stalked past Romeo and Ezra toward Tori.

I took in her blonde strands that hung in waves around her face. Fuck, I wanted to fist her wavy locks and suck on her puffy lips.

The swelling in her second eye had subsided after I applied a bag of frozen peas. Even though I was still in excruciating pain, caring for her was the only thing that could lessen the pain in my body.

“How could I sleep with you yelling at the top of your lungs?” She asked in frustration, gripping the IV pole with a death grip.

“You should’ve stayed in bed. You can barely stand upright,” I bit out, pulling her against my chest, allowing her to put all of her weight on me.

“I will get a piece of you too,” Ezra roared.

My eyes landed on Ezra over my shoulder.

“You don’t take what doesn’t belong to you. We’re going to carve you up nice and slow. Italian mafia style.” Dark laughter rumbled in Ezra’s chest.

Romeo gripped my neck. “Are you all right?”

“Better now that I got my hands on him after what he did to my woman,” I responded.

Romeo chuckled. “I bet.”

“Tori, how are you feeling?” he asked.

“Good. I’m happy to be back.”

“Tori, it’s good to have you back. Good night.” He exited the room.

Ezra stepped beside me. “You didn’t do anything I wouldn’t have done.”

I nodded. “We’ll continue torturing him soon.”

I kissed the top of Tori’s head.

“You two get some rest,” he said, then darted down the hallway.

I kicked the door closed, slipped out of my boots, and placed them outside the room.

My hand wrapped around her waist. “Let’s get you back to bed.”

“Me?” she huffed. “You’re in worst shape than I am.”

I chuckled. That was the truth, but I wouldn’t let her see how much pain I was in. Once we were back in the room, I helped her into bed. “Sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep.”

“Not without you by my side.”

I stood there, staring at her for a beat. “Tori, I need a shower.”

Not that I could get my entire body wet yet. I could at least wash myself to the best of my ability.

“When you return, drink a glass of water.” She pointed to the glass on the nightstand.

“You should stay hydrated, Ritchie.”

“Tori, after my shower, I will,” I responded, before sauntering into the bathroom.

A smile tugged at my lips. She refused to go back to sleep until I was lying next to her. I loved that she finally accepted our relationship.

The second I closed the door, I shed my shorts and t-shirt.

My hand slid across the sleek heather gray wall as I moved to the shower. Earlier, Bianca brought our toiletries from the downstairs bathroom to this one.

Our friends and family really came through for Tori and me during the war. Couldn’t believe that asshole kidnapped my woman. Thankfully, we intercepted Rosco before he reached Salt Lake City.

I flipped on the hot water. Stepping back, I surrendered to the soothing cascade as it rained down my aching legs. Arlis had warned me about getting too much of my body wet earlier, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Tori had needed my help, and I had been determined to tend to her.

The price I paid was the relentless throbbing pain that coursed through my thigh, twisted around my abdomen, and clawed at the side of my torso.

Arlis had done his best by re-bandaging my wounds upon our return. I told him I’d be more careful this time, determined not to endure another round of my uncle’s stern reprimands in the morning.

Arlis had proven himself to be our rock in this tumultuous journey. He had come through for us when we needed it most, his unwavering support a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.

My body swayed of its own accord.

What the fuck was happening?

I blinked rapidly, trying to focus. It felt like my body had been struck by a bolt of lightning. The walls closed in, and the room spun around me like a dizzying carousel.

Desperation clawed at my chest, urging me to regain control. I pressed my back against the cool tile wall, as if it were the only anchor keeping me tethered to reality. My fingers trembled, seeking any semblance of stability in this disorienting moment. I could feel the weight of the world bearing down on me, threatening to overwhelm my senses.

In that vulnerable moment, I knew I had to pull myself together. I had to find clarity. With every shallow breath, I fought to regain my composure, refusing to give in to my battered body.

“Fuck,” I uttered.

“Ritchie?” Tori called out.

Shit, had I been in the bathroom too long? I had no intention of being in the shower for more than five minutes. I just didn’t want that fucker’s blood on my body when I climbed into bed with my woman.

Before I could respond, the door flew open. Her eyes widened as she took in my appearance. “Ritchie, you’re going back on bedrest.”

“Baby, it’s not that bad,” I lied.

“You’re lying,” she barked out.

I must’ve looked pretty bad off because she saw right through my bullshit.

Tori moved toward me, pulling the IV pole with her.

I held out a palm. “I’ll follow you out of the bathroom. There’s not a chance I’ll allow myself to fall on top of you.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “Take your time.”

Worry hung on her face.

After turning off the water, I stepped forward, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around my muscled waist.

Tori watched my every move. The moment I climbed into bed, she turned off the lamp and slid in beside me.

“Drink the water,” she ordered, placing the glass in my hand.

I peeked at her. The light from the TV screen cascaded over our bodies.

Taking the glass from her grip, I tossed it back. The water soothed my scratchy throat.

“That was good,” I stated.

I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.

“Uh huh,” Tori mumbled.

“Now, I know you’ll get a good night's sleep.” She smiled.

I sat the empty glass on the nightstand, then slid lower under the cover. Tori snuggled into my side.

“With you by my side, I will.” I planted a kiss on her cheek.

“You’re so sweet, Ritchie. That sedative I added to your water will help you sleep too.”

“Tori, what?” I growled.

“Good night, baby,” she cooed.

My eyelids felt heavy, then sleep pulled me under.