Chapter 38

Seeing the determined look in her eyes he laid back, closed his eyes and groaned in anticipation. “Be gentle with me, baby. I’m no spring chicken anymore you know.”

“Oh, yeah, you’re positively ancient.” She snorted. “Your room at the nursing home will be ready next week.”

His chuckle stuck in his throat when he felt her hands stroke slowly from his collarbone to his waist. Smiling, she lifted her hands and did it again, this time pausing over his pecs to press her fingertips into the hard muscle, then rubbed her palms back and forth over his rapidly hardening nipples.

His hands, which had been resting on her thighs, rose to her hips, grasping the hem of the shirt she was wearing and lifting it up and over her head before dropping it on the floor. He let his gaze roam over her, smiling when her nipples hardened in response. When he reached for them, she caught his hands in hers, lacing their fingers together and pressing them into the pillow on either side of his head.

“No, no, no babe. This is my time.” She whispered against his lips. She brushed her mouth teasingly across his, once, twice, three times. Increasing the pressure slightly, she kissed him lightly. When he tried to deepen the kiss she raised up out of reach, chuckling when he growled in frustration. Swooping down she suddenly pressed her lips hard against his. When his parted in response, she invaded with her tongue, exploring the moist cavity, running over his teeth and rubbing along his. Her heart rate increased and her breathing slightly laboured, she tore her mouth away. She needed to maintain control if she was going to fulfill her goal tonight. Redirecting her attention to his neck she alternated licking and sucking along its length, unknowingly leaving a mark on the sensitive spot below his ear. Reaching the base she sank her teeth lightly into the strong tendons there, then backing off and licking the marks she’d left there.

Continuing her downward path, she dotted kisses all along his collarbone. Shaking her head, she sent her hair slithering over his chest. Hearing his swiftly indrawn breath, she slowly turned her head from side to side as she kissed her way to the nailhead of his nipple, dragging the silken strands over his flesh. She felt the shiver that racked his body, saw the goosebumps that formed on his skin, and heard the moan that was ripped from his throat. Beneath her hips she could feel the hard evidence of how much he enjoyed what she was doing. Surprised, she glanced up at his face.

“I told you.” He rasped, all smoothness gone from his voice. His breath was coming in pants, his eyes glittered with desire and his hands kept clenching around hers with his urge to touch her.

With a wicked grin she returned to her torturing of his nipple, first licking it, then worrying it with her teeth before finally taking it into her mouth and suckling it hard. Gasping, his back arched in response. Releasing it she kissed her way across his smooth chest to give its mate the same treatment.

“God, baby, you’re killing me!” He groaned.

“Payback’s a bitch isn’t it?” She retorted.

Shifting back so that she was now straddling his thighs she pulled his arms down to lie at his sides, maintaining her grip on his hands. Lips traveling down his abdomen, she inwardly smiled as his muscles contracted in anticipation of her touch.

Following the light trail of fur to her prize, she was again taken aback at its size, amazed that she had been able to accommodate him. Licking the massive tip, she blew lightly on it, then dragged her hair along the full length of his shaft, watching it swell even more.

“Jesus Tori!” He cried out. “Baby, I can’t take much more.”

“Yes you can.” She assured him. The words were murmured against his sensitive skin, increasing his agony. She pressed her tongue against the big vein on the underside of his erection feeling his racing pulse. Tracing it back to the tip she cursed her shallow gag reflex that wouldn’t allow her to take him as deep as she would like. Taking as much as she could she then slowly released him swirling her tongue under the ridge and sucking lightly. She repeated the process several times, savouring the drops of fluid he couldn’t hold back.

“Tori, no more, baby please!” His voice was a gravely whisper. A shudder racked his body.

Glancing up at him Tori stared in awe at the picture before her. His head was thrown back, face flushed, the tendons standing out in his neck. He was covered in sweat. His chest rose and fell like bellows as his breath came in gasps. His entire body was rigid as he fought against his release. His arms jerked involuntarily as he tried to pull his hands from hers.

She hadn’t considered what seeing his extreme arousal would do to her. Pleasuring him had aroused her as well, and suddenly she couldn’t wait any longer either. Releasing him she climbed off him to remove her panties and grab a condom from the nightstand.

Returning, she smiled to see that he hadn’t moved. He lay there, eyes closed, desperately sucking in oxygen. Resuming her seat she ripped open the packet and slowly rolled the latex down his shaft, slapping away his hands when he tried to reach for her. Holding him in one hand she positioned herself and slowly sank down on him.

He moaned at the feel of her tightness. “Easy baby, be careful.” He grabbed for her hips to control her descent, but she pulled his hands away, once again locking them with hers. When it felt like too much she rose up a bit, then sank down again, over and over until finally he was buried to the hilt. Panting, she rotated her hips trying to ease the fit. His hips bucked against her. Gasping, she started to move, undulating her hips in counterpoint to his at first, then raising and lowering herself amazed at how fast her passion rose to flashpoint.

“Richie, baby look at me.” She pleaded.

Forcing his eyes open he did as she asked, groaning breathlessly at the site of her, flushed and panting, eyes like glowing sapphires above him. “Baby, I can’t wait…I….Tori!” He squeezed her hands and bucked even harder as his last bit of control was stripped away and he was flung over the edge.

Gazing down into his eyes, so dark they were almost black, she melted into their heat. Knowing that he had found his piece of paradise, she let go and found her own.


Collapsed on top of him, she felt his hands slowly stroke up and down her back, more soothing than inciting as they both waited to regain their senses.

Finally, he had to move her off of him to deal with the condom, then pulled her back into his arms.

Smiling up at him she raised a hand to trace an eyebrow with her finger.

“Satisfied?” He asked.

“Mmm hmm. You?”

“Mmm. I think my head exploded.” He paused. “Both of them actually.”

She laughed. “You were right. Watching your partner come apart in your arms is a very heady feeling.”

“Don’t think you’re going to experience it often.” He warned her.

“Oh? Why not?” She asked with an innocent grin.

“Because my heart can’t take it.” He replied. “Besides, I have a feeling that making it a mutual experience will be even better.”

“I’m not sure my heart can take that!” She shuddered lightly at the thought.

Chuckling, he kissed her soundly and settled her more comfortably against him.

Sighing contentedly, she relaxed against him and drifted off into a sated sleep.

Staring at the ceiling, lightly stroking her arm, Richie contemplated the woman in his arms. Tonight she had taken him to a place he’d never been to before – hell he didn’t even know it existed! She wasn’t the only one not comfortable giving up control, but he had a feeling that he’d better get used to it. They were a perfect match in so many ways - physically, mentally, emotionally. They shared a love of music, family….children. He’d seen the way she was with Jon’s kids. She’d make a wonderful mother. At long last he felt like he’d found his other half. He didn’t like the term soulmate, it was too corny, but she made him feel whole for the first time in his adult life. He knew that there were a few potential obstacles in their way, but they could work them out. He wasn’t about to let her go. They were meant to be together. Now he just had to convince her.




Chapter 39

Tori was in the kitchen making breakfast the next morning when Richie came in from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, another around his neck, his hair still wet. Walking up behind her he slid an arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

“What’s for breakfast?” He asked.

“Scrambled eggs and toast. EEE, you’re dripping on me and it’s cold!” She squealed.

“Sorry. You looked so hot I thought maybe you needed me to put out the fire.” He smirked.

Glancing down at the t-shirt that was all she was wearing, knowing that her hair looked like a rats nest because she hadn’t even brushed it yet, she looked at him in disbelief. “You don’t have your contacts in yet do you?”

He laughed and gathered her into his arms, kissing her lightly. “Don’t you know how sexy you look to me, wearing only my t-shirt, your hair all tousled and looking like you just got out of bed? It makes me want to take you back there.”

“Mmmm, much as I would enjoy that, the kids would be really disappointed. Did you forget that you promised Jesse a guitar lesson this morning? And I promised Jake a Candyland rematch.” Reaching up she smoothed back his wet hair and froze, her eyes widening. “Oh my God!” Covering her mouth with her hand, she closed her eyes as her face went bright red.

“Honey? What’s the matter?” He asked, concerned.

Turning his head so that she could get a better look, she touched a spot on his neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even know I did that.”

Moving to stand in front of the mirror above the sink to see what she was looking at he grinned. “Well damn baby, are you part vampire? Or do I just need to remember to feed you before we go to bed? I’ve heard women say I looked good enough to eat before, but I never thought anyone would ever try it.” Moving the towel around his neck he revealed three more love bites along his collarbone.

Grabbing for a chair, she dropped into it and buried her face in her hands and groaned. “I’m so embarrassed.”

Chuckling, he stroked her hair. “Hey, it’s ok. I like knowing that I can drive you to such heights of passion. As long as you keep the bites above the waist, it’s all good.”

Without raising her head, she reached out with one hand to slap at his leg nearest her for that last comment. “I can’t believe I did that!” Sitting up, she blew out a breath and stood to continue her breakfast preparations. Noticing that he still stood there grinning at her, she glared at him. “Oh, go shave and get dressed before I bite something that you won’t find so funny!”

Raising his hands in a defensive gesture he backed away. She could hear him still chuckling as he headed for the bedroom. Returning in shorts and a tank top he waited for her reaction.

Putting his plate in front of him she considered for a moment. “If you want me anywhere near you in the foreseeable future, you will take off that tank and put on a regular t-shirt.”

“But it’s hot out. Why?” He asked, trying to look innocent.

“Because David will never let me hear the end of it. I can handle one showing, but not four.” She explained. “Be thankful that a turtleneck would only make it more obvious.”

He laughed, but he did change before they headed for the main house.


She spent the morning playing with the kids and sat through lunch on tenterhooks, waiting for someone – namely David to make a comment. No one did. She should have remembered that the kids were at the table and that she wouldn’t get off that easily with this crew.

Mid afternoon she was heading for Jon’s office to see if they were going to rehearse that day when she met them coming towards her.

“There she is. Come on Dracula it’s time to go to work.” David told her. “The sun’s pretty bright out there don’t forget your sunglasses.”

The other men snickered, even Richie, which earned him a glare. Turning back to David Tori tried to ignore her flaming face and raised a brow. “What’s the matter Goldilocks? Are you jealous? None of your Miss Right Nows fitting just right?”

The snickers turned into guffaws. “She’s got you there Lema.” Jon chuckled.

Letting the rest of them walk ahead of her she hoped that was the worst of it. Elbowing Richie in the ribs when he put his arm around her shoulders, she shot him an accusing look.

“I’m sorry angel. He saw the one on my neck and started pulling on my shirt to see if there were more.” He tried to explain.

“And you let him?” She hissed.

“Hey, I was outnumbered!” He defended himself, but he was laughing.

“Hmmpf.” She snorted. “Aren’t you the least bit embarrassed?”

It was his turn to snort. “About what? The fact that my woman is very passionate? Not in this lifetime.”

When he put it that way, it didn’t seem quite so bad.

A couple hours later Tori was getting a bottle of water out of the fridge for both her and Jon when David tried again.

“Shake a leg Bela, we don’t want to be here all night!” He hollered.

“Don’t get your ringlets in a knot Shirley, I’m coming!” She yelled back.

The other three looked at each other and shrugged. “Ok, you guys lost me on that one.” Jon admitted.

“Bela Lugosi.” Tori explained. “The actor who played Dracula.”

“Shirley Temple.” David grimaced.

“Oh, I like that one!” Jon laughed.

That should have warned Tori that the nicknames would stick.





Chapter 40

The next couple of weeks fell into a comfortable routine. Tori spent mornings with the kids, and rehearsed most afternoons. Hugh had finally arrived, having been tied up with family commitments set before he knew about the fundraiser and the time in the studio increased as they worked to narrow down the set list. She went shopping with Dorothea and Stephanie, buying a dress for the fundraiser as well as a couple more casual outfits for outings with Richie.

They went to Joan’s one night for dinner as they had promised her. Joan treated her like the daughter she never had and dinner was spent with Joan regaling Tori with stories of Richie’s youth – much to Richie’s dismay and Tori’s delight.

“Aw Ma, Tori doesn’t want to hear about that!” He kept trying to disrupt his mother’s flow, but it never seemed to work.

“Oh, hush Richie, yes I do!” Tori would assure them.

Tori insisted on helping Joan clean up after dinner. Sitting in the livingroom, Joan pulled out the first of the photo albums. Richie groaned. Tori smiled and settled in to learn all about what she mentally dubbed Richie: the formative years.

After about an hour Richie broke up the party. “Sorry Ma, but we’ve got to get back. Jon and the guys will be waiting for us in the studio.” They actually had the night off, but he wanted to get Tori away from the trip down memory lane and back to the guest house where they could be alone.

Joan frowned. “You all work too hard. You should take a night off. Get some rest.”

“We will Ma, we just need to get everything set for this fundraiser.” Richie answered.

“Mmm hmmm, and then it will be the tour, and you’ll be traipsing all over the world eating junk food and staying up all night.” She turned to Tori. “And will you be joining them on the road?”

“No.” Tori answered. “I’ll be going home in a few weeks. I’ll go to the show when they come my way, but I need to get back to work soon.” Richie frowned.

“Then I guess I’m going to have to rely on that assistant of yours to make sure that you take proper care of yourself.” Joan frowned at her son. “Maybe I should have a talk with her.”

“Ma, I’m a big boy, I can look after myself.” He complained. Tori hid her smile.

“Richie, I’m your mother. I will always worry about you.” Joan assured him.

Walking them to the door Joan gave Tori a big hug. “Take care dear, and I hope to see you again. Soon.”

“Thanks for everything Joan. Dinner was delicious.” Tori hugged her back.


When they got in the car Richie blew out a relieved breath. Tori shook her finger at him.

“You just lied to your mother.” She admonished him. “We don’t have to be in the studio tonight.”

“I know, I just wanted to get out of there before she started describing how I went through puberty.” He stated wryly.

Tori laughed. “I can just imagine you as a tall, gangly boy, learning to shave, discovering girls, voice cracking.”

“You can imagine, but it won’t come close to the reality.” He shuddered. “It was, bar none, the worst time in my life.”

“If it helped to make you the man you are today, then from my perspective, it was worth it.” She stated quietly.

“Thank you.” Leaning over he kissed her.


Knowing that a lot of people would be looking at her, Tori added sessions in the gym to her daily routine. Strangely enough, Jon insisted on joining her, not wanting her to overdo it and hurt herself. He even called the doctor to discuss which exercises were safe and which should be avoided. As they worked out together they began to talk. Jon finally opened up, telling her stories about growing up in the Bongiovi household, what it was like when the band first started, when they made it big. This was Jon as she had always perceived him. She was thrilled to find out that he did indeed exist. She felt like he had finally accepted her as part of his family.


“I want to apologize again for my earlier behaviour Tori.” He told her one day while they were on the treadmill. “I really should have taken the time to get to know you. I should have trusted my family’s instincts. It’s just….”

“Jon, you don’t have to explain. I get it.” She interrupted him. “You were protecting your family. You are the oldest and it’s your lifestyle that puts them at risk. I can’t deny that you hurt me – a lot. I’ve been a fan for over twenty years and I couldn’t believe that the image I had of the man you were could be so far from the truth. And that after finally having the opportunity to meet you, you would treat me like you wished I didn’t exist. But I also understand the position you were in. Doesn’t mean I condone your behaviour, but I understand it. Now that you have gotten off your high horse, and have shown me that you are indeed the man I always thought you were, I’d like to put the past behind us.”

He smiled. “I’d like that too.” He hesitated. “About Richie….”

“Are you going to tell me again that you want me to stay away from him?” She asked him warily.

He shook his head. “No. And if I did I think that Richie might do more than just punch me. What I was going to say was, thank you. He’s tried to put a good face on it, but I know he’s been really lonely, and that’s not good for him. Since you’ve been here, he’s been the old Richie again. I’ll admit that the whole situation is a little weird for me, but I’m trying to deal with it.”

“Weird for you?” She asked.

“Mmm. You’re my sister and I should be looking out for you and making sure that any man that gets near you has the right intentions and treats you right. He’s my best friend and I want him to be happy. So while I should be watching his every move with you, and disapproving of what I know is happening in the guest house without a commitment, I am also happy so see him back to his upbeat, relaxed, joking self. We also used to talk and joke around about his exploits with women. Needless to say I don’t want to hear it this time….and he doesn’t want to tell me. It makes things a little weird.” He explained.

She grinned. “Yeah, I can see that it would.”

He frowned. “Still, if he doesn’t treat you right, I want to know about it. And if you need help dealing with his fame, his past and his….issues, I want you to know that you can come to me and I promise to do what I can.”

“Thank you.” She blinked back her tears.