Page 69 of My Broken Bodyguard 2: Ritchie & Tori

I took a deep breath and nodded my head. “Ok.”

And with his lips pressed against my temple, he whispered, “Let go of all your negative thoughts. You deserve to go anywhere in this world, Tori.”

When I awoke from another nap, I noticed a rack of clothes. My lips parted as I bounced over to the colorful dresses, shorts, shirts, blouses, and gorgeous stilettos. My fingers brushed the expensive material. I heard the water running in the bathroom. Ritchie must’ve been taking a shower.

The negative thoughts were trying to creep in.You’ll never amount to nothing. Your mother’s a strung-out crack head. And that pretty face of yours should best be seen from a position on your knees. My mother’s boyfriend’s demonic chuckles filled my head.

Strong arms enveloped me from behind, pulling me close against a firm chest. “I’ve got you, Tori,” Ritchie’s deep voice rumbled in my ear.

Feeling embarrassed and apologetic, I mumbled my apology to him.

But he firmly held my face in his rough, callused hands and commanded, “Open your eyes and look at me.”

Reluctantly, I obeyed and took in our position on the bed. His gray eyes revealed a stormy gentleness reserved just for me.

“Don’t apologize. Just pick a pretty dress so we can go meet our friends,” he said with a soft smile.

My hand brushed along his still-wet chest before I stood up and looked through my dresses.

“Was it a coincidence that you found me like that?” I asked, remembering my recent panic attack.

Ritchie loomed over me from behind. “No, baby, I installed cameras.”

There was a moment of silence before embarrassment flooded over me. The man couldn’t even take a shower without having to keep an eye on his girlfriend.

Swallow it down, Tori.

This trip wasn’t about me and my struggles. It was about celebrating my best friend’s wedding. Ritchie’s gentle kisses on the back of my neck made my heart flutter. He whispered, “I love you, Tori, with all of my being.”

At that moment, I realized what true love felt like. I had never experienced it before. But with time and proper support, I knew I could heal from my own issues and become whole again.

I chose a deep green mini dress to accentuate my curves.

“Later, I’ll tear this dress apart with my teeth,” Ritchie growled seductively in my ear.

“I can hardly wait,” I moaned in response.

Ritchie and I entered a diner with retro vibes about thirty minutes later.

I spotted the girls hugging at the diner counter.

I took a deep breath. They had no idea I was coming. It would be a total surprise that I left Chicago.

Ritchie squeezed my hand as we approached our group. We were more like family than friends now.

Catch met Ritchie’s gaze and spoke first, “You made it.”

Our friends turned and looked at us. Bianca’s tear-stained, shocked face caught my attention.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She pulled me into her embrace and squeezed. “You’re alive. You’re alive.”

Honestly, I had no idea what they knew about the explosion. I thought it was just supposed to be a surprise that I was coming to Vegas.

I pulled back as a smile tugged at my lips. “Yes, luckily we’re alive.”

“Bet you can’t guess who tried to kill me?” I shrugged.

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