Page 114 of My Broken Bodyguard 2: Ritchie & Tori

“There are many things about my life and Simone’s that you don’t know. She’s been keeping secrets for me for years. When she finally tells you everything, please don’t hold it against her. It’s all on me.”

Knuckles tapped on the driver’s side window, signaling Simone’s arrival. Ezra got out of the car and embraced her tightly. “I’ve missed you so much...” He whispered something into her ear.

I stepped out of the right rear passenger door.

“Tori, wait here,” Ezra ordered. “I have to sweep the house.”

“Okay,” I replied.

He kissed Simone’s lips one more time before walking away.

“Tori, how are you feeling?” she asked as she rounded the back of the SUV.

“Tired. I let the demons run wild on my back before I took a sedative on the jet. I feel better now.”

What Ezra said was heavy on my mind.

“I had no idea this wasn’t your first time in New Jersey.” I tilted my head to the side.

“What are you talking about? Who told you I’d been to New Jersey?”

“It seems like Ezra is starting to let all your secrets slip out,” I pointed out, trying to keep my tone light. “He even mentioned that you have your own bodyguard when you come here.”

She brushed her hand across her collarbone, giving me a knowing look. “Is that so?”

I couldn’t believe it. My eyes nearly popped out of my head as I saw the massive diamond wedding ring set on her finger. “Wait a minute, why didn’t you tell us you got married this weekend too?”

She shrugged nonchalantly. “Same reason you didn’t tell us. It was a busy weekend.”

There was something off about Simone’s behavior. I had known her since we were kids and could always tell when she was hiding something. Like when she started dying her hair different colors, claiming it was just a phase. But it had been five years now, and she was still doing it. Suddenly it clicked - she must’ve done it because of Ezra.

“You’re deflecting, Simone.”

She snorted. “Listen, I want to tell you and the girls what’s going on. I’m trying to keep people safe. And if I start spilling my guts too soon, innocent people could die.”

“We’re your best friends. We’ve always got your back.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I know.” The tears streamed down her cheeks. “You have no idea how hard it is to sit amongst your best friends and not tell them everything.”

Actually, I did.

“I can’t judge you. I hid what was going on with Man-Man from y’all.” I pulled my best friend into my arms.

“I love you. So do Bianca and Asia.”

Her body shook in my arms.

My heart hurt for my best friend. “I love you so much, Simone. We’ll always be best friends, no matter what.” I squeezed her tighter.

Her body relaxed like some of the stress had rolled off her. “I love you too. So, so much.”

“Beautiful, are you all right?” Ezra’s concerned voice filled the garage.

Simone stepped back, wiping at her tear-stained face. Ezra stalked toward her as he removed a handkerchief from his pocket. He took his time cleaning her face.

“You didn’t answer my question?”

“I’m ok. Tori wanted to know why we hadn’t mentioned we’d gotten married over the weekend.”

---