CHAPTER EIGHT

TORI

THE TIME HAS COME

R itchie had to be the most stubborn man I’d ever met. Early in the morning before he awoke, I asked Arlis to sedate Ritchie for four days. He didn’t hesitate. Turned out Ritchie busted two of his stitches while kicking Rosco’s ass. Somehow, they’d held up until then.

Made Men like my man couldn’t be trusted to rest and heal on their own. They had to be forced. This was for the best.

Standing in the bathroom mirror, I took in my face. The bruises on and around my eyes were healing nicely. Rosco punched me in both of my eyes, but only one had been swollen shut. The swelling in my lips also subsided. My cheeks were still bruised. But I looked much better. The gunshot wound was healing slowly. Thank goodness I was free of the IV. I was tired of lugging it to and from the bathroom.

I turned out to be a better patient than Ritchie. Instead of running around the warehouse, I stayed in bed with him. I did all I could to regain my strength, so I’d be ready to torture Rosco in the near future.

Asia, Bianca, and Simone kept me company. We caught up on Love and Hip Hop and Grey's Anatomy.

My man was in la la land. It was for the best. If I didn’t ask Arlis to sedate Ritchie, he would’ve killed himself. I understood his level of anger. A dangerous man stole me from him. He planned to beat and rape me and my best friend repeatedly. Rosco deserved all the pain he had coming.

The girls and I kept the conversation light. Soon we’d have a meeting about those who wronged us over the years. The list was a mile long. After Daryl was no more, we’d dive into the hit list our men knew nothing about.

During the evenings, Asia and Bianca took turns rotating my dominant arm. Ensuring I regained strength on the right side of my body.

When my man woke up, I had to be the first person he saw.

He blinked a few times before his beautiful gray eyes met mine. “Good morning, Tori.”

A huge smile lifted my lips. “Good morning, Ritchie.”

He was the most handsome man I’d ever seen. And he was all mine. It didn’t seem real. I’d pinch myself later. I knew it was wrong to cheat a little, but I did. I had Simone beat the hell out of my face with makeup, so I looked my best when Ritchie took in my appearance.

His brow lifted. “Your face?”

Ritchie’s eyes darkened. “If your face has healed, that means I’ve been asleep for a long time,” he bit out.

He pulled himself into a sitting position.

“I’m wearing a ton of makeup. I wanted to look good for you,” I admitted.

“Tori, your eye isn’t sealed shut anymore.” He slid his fingers through his hair.

“Fuck. My hair is even longer than before. Which tells me I’ve been out for some time.”

“Ritchie, it’s only been four days. You’ll thank me later. Do you need help getting out of bed?”

“No,” he growled as he moved to the edge of the bed. Ritchie placed his fists on the mattress and pushed himself upward.

He stood on the side of the bed before snatching up his phone and walking toward the bathroom stark naked.

The purple and blue bruises weren’t as vibrant as before. I applied my own secret concoction to the gunshot wounds and the terrible bruise on the side of his torso. He didn’t have a limp anymore, either. I worked his thigh and leg muscles while he was sleeping. I didn’t overexert myself. I only worked his limbs three times a day.

“Are you upset with me?”

“No,” he grumbled before he closed the bathroom door.

Liar. I shrugged and popped a sliced kiwi into my mouth. I’d been awake for a few hours. About thirty minutes ago, I’d gone downstairs to the kitchen and prepared a bowl of fruit for Ritchie and me. He’d want a hearty meal after his shower. Too bad I couldn’t stand in the kitchen for long periods of time. If I could, I’d whip him up something special. For now, he’d have to settle for a microwaveable breakfast sandwich. I ground my back molars together in anger. I hated being physically weak.

Taking in my glossy cinnamon skin brought a smile to my face. I felt invigorating after my long bath this morning. Despite only being able to soak my sore lower limbs.

Leaning back against the headboard, I zoned out, watching the Today show.

“Tori, Tori.” A long finger brushed my cheek.

My eyes fluttered open. I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep.

He slipped his fingers through his sandy brown hair. Water beaded at the ends of his medium length strands. Ritchie’s abs rippled with the slight movement. My tongue instinctively slicked over my lips as I stared at the gorgeous man standing before me. I glanced at the green towel hanging low on his waist, exposing the perfectly defined V. Resisting him just became so much harder.

“Are you tired?” he asked.

“A little bit. I’ve been up for a few hours.”

He grabbed a melon chunk out of the bowl and popped it into his mouth.

“Go back to sleep,” he ordered. Worry laced his words.

“No, I’ve been waiting for you to wake up.” I stretched my hand out, running it over his wound.

“How are you doing?” I asked.

He placed his big hand over mine. “Better now that I can see your beautiful face in real time outside of my dreams.”

My heart fluttered in my chest at his statement.

“Sit down, Ritchie. Eat some more fruit.” I tossed a melon cube into my mouth as I relaxed against the headboard.

He walked to the other side of the bed. “Where’s my duffel bag?”

“I placed your belongings in the first three drawers.”

“Thanks Tori,” he said, strolling across the room.

“We’re moving back to our room soon.”

I nodded, never taking my eyes off him.

“I checked my messages. Kagan is in town.” Ritchie halted at the dresser.

“Why didn’t he come to the warehouse?” I asked.

“Because I sent him on a mission. I was supposed to check in with him days ago. But I was sedated,” he bit out in a sour tone.

I wouldn’t apologize for keeping my man alive.

He grabbed a pair of boxers out of the top drawer. Ritchie whipped the towel off and placed it on the dresser. His giant, hard dick sprung free. I couldn’t remember the last time I wanted dick so badly. Oh yeah, there hadn’t been another time. This was the man I salivated for. Fuck, why was I so infatuated with him?

His gaze held mine. He didn’t move to put on his boxers. I rose from the bed dressed in a pair of tiny black shorts and an orange tank top. My blonde strands were pulled up into a ponytail.

“What’s on your mind, Ritchie?” I asked as I moved closer.

His tongue slid over his lower lip. “You, baby.”

Ritchie’s deep vocals hit my ears, warming my heart.

He peered down at me as I halted in front of him. Ritchie dropped the boxers to the floor. I curled my fingers around his big dick. “Pretty sure we’re the last two people in this place to have sex.”

I slid my hand up and down his shaft.

“You’re probably right.” He curled a hand around my neck and slammed his lips into mine, stealing my breath as he caught me off guard in the most delicious way.

“I’m in love with you, Tori,” he muttered against my lips.

A warm sensation enveloped my body from hearing those words. This man was what I desired most. Our lives were very different. Even though we both were heavily into criminal activities. We didn’t live in the same state. Reality hit me like a sack of bricks. He’d return to Jersey soon.

“Ritchie, I love you, too.” I slipped my tongue past his lips as I stroked his dick faster. My thumb slid over the precum leaking from the tip.

I pulled back and stared into his gray eyes. “Fuck me, Ritchie.”

“Tori, I don’t want to hurt you. And I will hurt you.” His hungry gaze made me wet as fuck. I loved how he looked at me, like I was his undoing. Because he definitely was mine.

“I’m already broken into pieces.”

He released my neck and his hands curled at his sides. Ritchie’s nostrils flared. “That motherfucker will pay for hurting my woman.”

Ritchie’s muscles bulged as his chest heaved. Every muscle in his body came to life as his anger took control.

How could a man be so beautiful? Yet have hard edges making him wickedly handsome.

“You rescued me, Ritchie.” My fingers splayed his pecs. “I’m back where I belong. With my man.”

My lips skated across the tattoos covering his chest. His eyes slammed shut. A pained look covered his handsome features.

“We need this, Ritchie. I wanted to fuck you since the first time I laid eyes on you,” I admitted.

His eyes popped open. The respectful side of Ritchie vanished before my eyes. Only the unforgiving mafia man stood before me.

Ritchie snatched the tank top off my body, tossing it aside. I winced as my arms fell to my sides. My tiny shorts were next to go. His eyes combed my body from head to toe. His fingers grazed my cheek where my bruises were. Even though the makeup covered my bruised skin, it was like he memorized all the places I’d been struck.

My lower lip trembled as his thumb brushed my pouty lips that were still healing.

His big hands gripped the back of my thighs. He lifted me off the ground like he hadn’t been shot and struck by flying gas pump panels during an explosion a few days ago.

“You will muscle through the pain while I plow my thick cock into those tight walls,” he growled.

Shooting pain swept through my chest in waves.

Fuck the pain . I needed my man’s dick. Now.

Ritchie stalked over to the bed and stopped at the edge.

“Are you going to lock the door?” I asked.

“Someone might walk in on us. You know, since we are supposed to be resting.”

His knees lowered onto the firm mattress. He moved us toward the top of the bed.

“No,” he replied.

“If someone walks in on us, they’ll get an eyeful. Along with a string of curse words for not knocking first.”

I smirked.

Ritchie gripped my chin to the side and bit into my neck.

“Oh, shit,” I breathed. My legs instinctively curled around his waist.

“Nope. Drop those legs open,” he ordered before circling his tongue along my neck.

“I want to feel that slick pussy on my skin.”

He inched his head lower. Palming my breast, Ritchie slicked his tongue around my hard mocha colored nipple. His other hand was braced near my head. I curled my hand around his tanned, corded forearm. His hand left my perky breast and slipped between us. He circled two fingers over my clit while he stared into my eyes.

It felt like my senses heightened even more. My hands went to his bearded cheeks. “I-”

“You had me sedated.” His words cut into mine. I watched as his gray eyes turned into menacing storm clouds.

My heart raced in my chest as I felt my orgasm building low in my belly.

“Yes, baby, I did.” I leaned up, stealing a kiss.

“I needed my man whole again.”

He slid two fingers into my slick walls. I circled my hips, chasing that orgasm he wouldn’t let me have yet.

Ritchie chuckled. “You’re such a bad girl.”

I smiled. “That’s why you love me.”

His smile withered as he snatched his fingers out of my heat. Instantly, I felt empty.

“Don’t ever fucking meet up with someone without proper backup.” He sat on his knees, taking my ankles in one hand.

His heavy hand came down on my ass.

“Ow,” I howled.

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if I couldn’t get you back, Tori,” he roared at the top of his lungs. The veins near his temples strained as his hand came down on my ass again and again.

A tear slid down the side of my face as he released my ankles. My trembling legs fell on either side of him. He scooped me up, pressing my back against the headboard. His big palm massaged my ass cheeks in a soothing manner.

His hauntingly sad gaze bore into mine. “I can’t lose you, Tori.”

I felt the head of his dick at my throbbing entrance. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever loved.”

His words rocked me to the core just as he thrusted into my pussy once, then twice.

“Ritchie,” I screamed before biting down on his shoulder.

“You feel so fucking good. I knew you’d fuck me up,” he groaned like a wounded animal.

His big hand gripped my throat, pushing my head backward, pinning my body against the headboard as he plunged his cock deeper inside of me.

It was the most delicious feeling I ever felt. The way his cock moved inside my pussy felt mind-blowing. I never felt anything like this. It was pure bliss.

“Oh fuck, Ritchie,” I choked out, barely able to breathe.

My legs wouldn’t stop shaking as he stroked faster and faster inside of me.

His grip loosened around my neck.

The smell of his expensive body wash and my simple rose scented soap mingled with the smell of sex in the air.

Ritchie’s lust filled eyes drank me in as his lips fell against my parted ones. Breaking our kiss momentarily, my eyes dropped between us. His long cock appeared, then disappeared inside of me.

Another blissful euphoria overtook my body. I felt like I was high on him.

“Don’t stop, Ritchie.”

My eyes rolled into the back of my head as he pounded my pussy relentlessly.

“I’m coming again, Ritchie,” I moaned breathlessly.

He fisted my ponytail, fucking me harder. I felt like I was suspended in the air as he bounced me up and down on his dick.

“Who does this pussy belong to?” he grunted.

“You,” I panted as my body convulsed against his. Sweat covered our bodies as he fucked me into the headboard.

Ritchie pulled out of me and lowered my ass onto the pillow. He stroked his length until thick white creamy cum shot out the tip, landing on my belly.

“Fuck,” he growled as he continued unleashing his cum on my skin.

His chest rose and fell as he stood.

He scooped me up into his arms. “I’ll get you cleaned up.”

Our first time was amazing. It was just what I needed. Coddling wasn’t what I wanted. Having my man fuck me into oblivion was perfect. I rested my head on his shoulder as he stalked into the bathroom and kicked the door shut. Ritchie sat me on the shower bench, then flipped on the hot water.

After grabbing a washcloth, Ritchie kneeled before me.

“How do you feel?” He slid the washcloth over my stomach, removing his cum.

“I feel sore.”

His brows lifted.

I cupped his face. “It’s a good kind of sore.” I felt my cheeks heat.

A smile lifted the corners of Ritchie’s mouth. “I’m going to finish cleaning you up now.”

He spread my legs and slid his tongue up and down my pussy.

“Ritchie,” I moaned, as I held his head in place.

This man was incredible. I knew we had no business having sex. But we needed this connection. I planned to fuck his brains out while he was in town.

He circled his tongue around my clit, and I lost control, bucking my pussy against his mouth. Ritchie caressed my waist as I came again.

“I’m so thankful you’re all mine,” I breathed.

He sat back on his knees, staring into my eyes. His beard was drenched in my cum. How sexy.

“No one hurts my woman and lives. I will kill them all. Starting with the asshole down the hall.”

I eased off the bench and wrapped my arm around him. “Ritchie, together we’ll kill them.”

“Tori, I have to go to my meeting. I’ll stop and grab food on my way back.”

My heart lurched in my chest at the realization that he was probably walking into another dangerous situation.

I sighed into his chest. “Please be careful.”

“Tori, I will.”

Twenty minutes later, I watched my man pull a navy suit jacket over his broad shoulders. Damn, the man looked drop dead gorgeous in a suit. He leaned over the bed and took my lips.

“I’ll be back soon,” he muttered.

“Is Catch going with you?”

“No.Brock and two other guys will accompany me. Because of you, I have an army of men.”

I smiled against his lips. “My big strong man,” I purred.

“Tori, while I’m gone, rest that arm.”

“Ok,” I responded.

“When I return, we’ll begin torture session one. I’ll teach you how to take your enemy to death's door and bring them back.” He winked.

“I look forward to it.” I grinned.

The second Ritchie was out the front door, I was off to talk to my girls.

Slowly, I sauntered down the hallway. “Asia,” I called out as I moseyed down the stairs.

“Tori,” Asia screeched as she tore past me down the steps.

“Bianca and Simone, get your asses out here! It’s time for girl talk,” Asia hollered before pulling me into a hug.

Bianca and Simone ran toward us. My three best friends surrounded me with love.

They stepped back.

“Let’s bake brownies,” I said, excitement pouring over each word.

“I thought you couldn’t cook yet?” Simone asked.

“I can add the ingredients to the bowl. You guys will have to do the rest.” I walked toward the kitchen.

“It’s time to talk dirty.” I winked over my shoulder.