Page 1 of My Broken Bodyguard 2: Ritchie & Tori

CHAPTER ONE

RITCHIE

THE FIRE BURNS WITHIN

Resting my head on the pillow, I held the phone to my ear. It rang three times before he answered.

“Hello?”

“Ezra, it’s Ritchie. Is Tori safe?”

There was silence on the other end of the line.

Arlis ran a hand over his hair. Why the fuck did he look nervous?

“Ritchie, did you forget? I got shot.”

My brows rose and my heart lurched in my chest. Fuck, I had a one-track mind.My woman.I didn’t even think to ask Ezra how he was doing.

“Yes, I forgot,” I replied.

“How are you doing, Ezra?”

“There’s no easy way to say this,” he sighed.

My eyes widened and my fist curled at my side. What the fuck happened?

“Ritchie, I passed out at the wheel during a high-speed chase. Tori and Asia had to handle themselves.”

“What?” I roared. I yelled so loud my voice bounced off the walls.

I knew he wasn’t to blame. The situation just dug under my skin.

“Where’s Tori?” I asked.

“She should be here. I last saw her yesterday. It’s pretty quiet today. Usually, when I wake up from one of my many naps, I hear Rémy’s singing or the girls laughing,” he sighed.

“Ask Catch. He has to know where she is. In the meantime, I’ll call Simone.”

I raised a brow. “You will, huh?”

“Ritchie, yes. Simone and I are trying to work through our rocky past. I promise my relationship with Simone won’t interfere with protecting Tori.”

“Ok. Remember you said that shit.”

“Ritchie, I have your back,” Ezra stated.

I could hear the sincerity in his voice.

“Thank you.” I stated, before disconnecting the call.

I immediately dialed Catch.

Arlis walked backward toward the door.

“Oh, no you don’t, Arlis. You know more than you’re letting on. I want to know what the hell is going on. Stay awhile.”

The phone rang several times, then went to voice mail. I wondered if Tori found the phone I bought for her. It was worth a shot calling her. Good thing I memorized her number. What could I say? I was good with numbers. I had to be when I took bets from guys at the betting houses.

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