Page 103 of My Broken Bodyguard 2: Ritchie & Tori

Our eyes met. “I think we can agree Saturday night was special for all of us.”

My head fell back against the plush black leather seat. “It certainly was a night I’d never forget.”

Asia and I burst into laughter. I caught my bodyguard running his tongue over his lips. It seemed he and my other bestie, Simone, had a spectacular night too.

Time to poke the bear.

“Ezra, did you and Simone enjoy Saturday night?” I asked.

“Did I enjoy time with the love of my life? Yes. And I’d say I made her very happy.”

Asia and I peeked at each other. “Love of your life?” we repeated.

“Since when?” I pushed. Asia and I slapped hands, cackling.

“My love life isn’t important,” he growled.

“It is when you’re dating our best friend,” Asia snapped.

“When Simone is ready to tell you about us, she will,” Ezra stated.

“We want to hear from you what happened five years ago.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

He ran a gloved hand over his dark brown hair. “I became obsessed from the moment I laid eyes on her. I introduced myself and persuaded her to come to my hotel room. She thought it was a one-night stand. She had no idea I wouldn’t let her go.”

I cocked my head to the side. “But you did.”

“The enemy who was on my ass at the time wanted me dead. There was no way I’d let him find out who Simone was. Let’s just say I did everything in my power to protect her. Even became Nick Pitucco’s bodyguard.”

My hand curled against my chest. “That’s so romantic.”

“It is,” Asia gasped.

“We definitely need to have a little talk with Simone,” I whispered to Asia.

Ezra pulled over and halted at the curb. “Doesn’t look safe around here, ladies.”

I met my bodyguard’s gaze. “That’s because it’s not, Ezra. The motherfuckas on the Southside ain’t to be fucked with. The girls and I have toned down the way we talk around you guys. Now that you’re here to stay, that ends. We can’t appear weak in these streets.”

“That’s right. We’re all one big happy family, but you’ll have to observe before you say a word. Sometimes these motherfuckas shoot first and ask questions later.” Asia opened the rear passenger door and stepped out.

I slid across the seat, exited the SUV, and stood next to her. Ezra approached, but his eyes took in our surroundings.

Two guys stood conversing with two muscled men sitting on the hood of a black Charger, their loud voices and raucous laughter filling the quiet street. Broken shutters hung from the dilapidated houses, weeds sprouted from cracked sidewalks, and trash littered the curb.

A cool breeze rustled through my blue jean jacket. My white t-shirt boldly displayed the words “Wrong Bitch” in black cursive lettering. The tight fit of my blue jeans accentuated my curves, and my white sneakers completed the look.

“What’s up, Tori and Asia?” Gunner called out as he hopped off the car and made his way towards us. With one hand holding up his sagging jeans, he approached with his signature durag covering his perfect waves. Valdez followed close behind him.

“Who the fuck is the white boy, Tori?” Valdez asked. His dark dreads brushed his muscled shoulders as he stepped closer.

“This is Ezra, my new bodyguard,” I replied.

“That’s funny because I remember me and my brother...” he pointed a thumb between them. “...used to have your back.”

“That’s why I’m here. As you move around the Southside, you’ll see there ain’t many left who worked for Man-Man and me.”

Asia looked Valdez up and down. “She’s trying to see where your loyalty lies.”

---