Page 23 of My Broken Bodyguard 2: Ritchie & Tori

I chuckled. That was the truth, but I wouldn’t let her see how much pain I was in. Once we were back in the room, I helped her into bed. “Sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep.”

“Not without you by my side.”

I stood there, staring at her for a beat. “Tori, I need a shower.”

Not that I could get my entire body wet yet. I could at least wash myself to the best of my ability.

“When you return, drink a glass of water.” She pointed to the glass on the nightstand.

“You should stay hydrated, Ritchie.”

“Tori, after my shower, I will,” I responded, before sauntering into the bathroom.

A smile tugged at my lips. She refused to go back to sleep until I was lying next to her. I loved that she finally accepted our relationship.

The second I closed the door, I shed my shorts and t-shirt.

My hand slid across the sleek heather gray wall as I moved to the shower. Earlier, Bianca brought our toiletries from the downstairs bathroom to this one.

Our friends and family really came through for Tori and me during the war. Couldn’t believe that asshole kidnapped my woman. Thankfully, we intercepted Rosco before he reached Salt Lake City.

I flipped on the hot water. Stepping back, I surrendered to the soothing cascade as it rained down my aching legs. Arlis had warned me about getting too much of my body wet earlier, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Tori had needed my help, and I had been determined to tend to her.

The price I paid was the relentless throbbing pain that coursed through my thigh, twisted around my abdomen, and clawed at the side of my torso.

Arlis had done his best by re-bandaging my wounds upon our return. I told him I’d be more careful this time, determined not to endure another round of my uncle’s stern reprimands in the morning.

Arlis had proven himself to be our rock in this tumultuous journey. He had come through for us when we needed it most, his unwavering support a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.

My body swayed of its own accord.

What the fuck was happening?

I blinked rapidly, trying to focus. It felt like my body had been struck by a bolt of lightning. The walls closed in, and the room spun around me like a dizzying carousel.

Desperation clawed at my chest, urging me to regain control. I pressed my back against the cool tile wall, as if it were the only anchor keeping me tethered to reality. My fingers trembled, seeking any semblance of stability in this disorienting moment. I could feel the weight of the world bearing down on me, threatening to overwhelm my senses.

In that vulnerable moment, I knew I had to pull myself together. I had to find clarity. With every shallow breath, I fought to regain my composure, refusing to give in to my battered body.

“Fuck,” I uttered.

“Ritchie?” Tori called out.

Shit, had I been in the bathroom too long? I had no intention of being in the shower for more than five minutes. I just didn’t want that fucker’s blood on my body when I climbed into bed with my woman.

Before I could respond, the door flew open. Her eyes widened as she took in my appearance. “Ritchie, you’re going back on bedrest.”

“Baby, it’s not that bad,” I lied.

“You’re lying,” she barked out.

I must’ve looked pretty bad off because she saw right through my bullshit.

Tori moved toward me, pulling the IV pole with her.

I held out a palm. “I’ll follow you out of the bathroom. There’s not a chance I’ll allow myself to fall on top of you.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “Take your time.”

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