Three weeks later Tori sat at her desk, cradling her head in her hands. She couldn’t ignore it anymore. She needed to see the doctor. Something wasn’t right. Their days had fallen into a normal – well, normal for them – routine. Her week in New Jersey had dealt with the most urgent needs of her new job. She felt that she had it under control, and Dorothea had lived up to her promise to keep Jon under control, so the pressure had been off there, she’d kept on top of Richie’s mail, and Heather had backed off and pretty much left them alone. She’d had so much free time that she’d decided to start the redecorating that she wanted to do. But it had never gotten passed the planning stages. She couldn’t seem to shake the lethargy that continued to drag at her. At first she’d blamed it on her hectic schedule over the last several months, and the emotional upheaval with Heather, but it wasn’t getting any better. One day two weeks before, she’d sat down on the couch in the living room to plan her afternoon, and fallen asleep. Then, last week, she’d been in the spare room across the hall from their bedroom, trying to decide how to decorate it, when she’d gone into their room to get something, looked at the bed and decided she had to lie down for just a few minutes. She’d awakened two hours later. She’d added a few pieces to their gym and gotten back to her usual workout routine, thinking that would help. It hadn’t. She’d taken to napping most afternoons. Luckily, Richie was gone most of the day working on a score for a movie, so he wasn’t around to see how tired she was and worry and fuss over her – or put a stop to their new morning activities. What had started out as a way for her to make up for falling asleep on him at night, had become a regular occurrence, whether they’d indulged the night before or not. She wasn’t sure why, but it seemed that ever since that incredible night in Hawaii, her body craved his whenever he was near. She smiled as the memories sent shivers through her body and had her glancing at the clock to see how long she had to wait until he would be home and they could indulge again.
With a sigh, she went over her symptoms in her head, knowing that the doctor would want to know. As she ran down the list, she frowned. She wasn’t a doctor, but she’d heard enough about what her sisters-in-law experienced, that everything pointed in the same direction. Could it be? She picked up the calendar sitting on the desk in front of her and started counting. She rechecked her figures three times, her heart beating faster each time. Don’t get your hopes up Tori. It could be any number of things. Her hand was shaking as she reached for the phone.
“Dr. Crandall’s office.”
“Hi. This is Tori Sambora and I’d like to make an appointment to see Dr. Crandall as soon as possible please.”
“ Well, we’ve just had a cancellation, so if you can be here in an hour, she can see you then. Will that work for you Mrs. Sambora?”
“That’s great. Thank you. I’ll see you then.”
It was a good thing that traffic was light on her way to the doctor’s office, because Tori’s mind definitely wasn’t on her driving. In fact, she couldn’t even remember the trip. The time she spent sitting in the waiting room seemed like hours, but was actually only about five minutes. The next five minutes waiting for the doctor was an eternity.
“Hello Tori. Congratulations on your wedding by the way. What can I do for you today?”
Tori quickly explained her symptoms and what she hoped it might be and watched the doctor’s face for any reaction.
Dr. Crandall nodded. “And when was your last period?”
“The second week of September, but I only stopped taking birth control on the 20th.”
“Any spotting at all?”
“No.”
Dr. Crandall nodded again. “Ok. We’ll take some blood and send it down to the lab for confirmation.” That done, she patted the examining table. “If you’ll get undressed, we’ll examine you and see what’s what.” With that, she left the room to ask her nurse to run the blood sample to the lab for testing and to ask the lab to put a rush on it.
Tori undressed and blew out a nervous breath as she settled on the table and waited for the doctor to return. The fact that the doctor wasn’t giving anything away wasn’t helping her nerves.
When the doctor returned she started poking and prodding Tori’s breasts and abdomen. “Any tenderness in your breasts?”
Tori frowned in thought. “Not really, just…” She blushed.
The doctor smiled. “Just an increased sensitivity when your husband touches them?” She guessed.
Tori nodded. “Yeah. A little.”
“Ok. I’m going to do an internal now.”
Tori nodded her understanding and tried to relax.
“Any nausea or dizziness?” Dr. Crandall probed a little deeper.
“No.” That was the one thing that made her doubt the possibility.
“Well, you might be one of the lucky ones, or it may come later.” She stepped back and pulled off her gloves. “You can get dressed. I’ll go check to see if the tests are back yet.”
Tori was pulling on her jeans when the doctor’s comments finally registered. Does that mean what I think it means? She sat down heavily in the chair. She cautioned herself again about jumping to conclusions. She wouldn’t believe it until the doctor came right out and said it. When the door opened, she looked up, all her hopes shining in her eyes.
Dr. Crandall smiled. “Congratulations Tori. You are indeed pregnant. It’s hard to tell at this point, but if I had to guess, I’d say about five weeks. Now, because of your age I’m going to have you come in more regularly than I normally would at this stage, and I want you to call me if you have any pain or spotting or if anything just doesn’t feel right.” She was a big believer in listening to a woman’s instincts when it came to the workings of her body. “Your iron is a little low which is making the tiredness worse. I’m going to give you a prescription for that and for prenatal vitamins.” She searched Tori’s face. “I know that you understand that a pregnancy at your age has increased risks. But you’re strong and healthy and I see nothing in your history or your family history that concerns me. I want you to go home and tell that handsome husband of yours that a new little rockstar is on the way and will make an appearance in June. I want you to celebrate and enjoy this.”
Tori nodded, not even aware of the tears running down her face. “Thank you. Thank you so much!”
Dr. Crandall gave her a hug. “Call me if you have any questions. Lisa will set up your next appointment.” She handed over the prescriptions and walked her out the door.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chapter 214
After lunch, Tori dialled the phone and handed it to Ava so that she could thank Jon and Dot for her birthday gift. While they talked, she slumped on the couch and closed her eyes, her early morning activities having left her drained, yet exhilarated at the same time.
“Tori, Aunt Dot wants to talk to you.”
She opened her eyes and took the phone Ava handed to her. “Hi Dot.”
“Hi. Talking to Ava has answered one of my questions. She seems to be doing okay. How about you?”
Tori smiled and watched Ava head for the kitchen to check on their latest baking effort. “Better. I told him how I felt, and about my suspicions about the extent of Heather’s illness. Then I set a little plan in motion, and I think I’ve convinced him that I was right.” She went on to explain everything that happened the day before. “At the very least I got him to promise no more meetings without her doctor there.”
“Good. Sounds like Heather got the message. Hopefully, she’ll back off now and you can get on with your lives together. How serious are you about going for sole custody?”
“If she continues playing games, very.” Tori sighed. “But unless Heather does something to put Ava at risk, I’m going to have to let things be. As much as I want her with us, despite everything, she loves her mother and I can’t take that away from her. All I can do is try to be there for her when she needs someone.”
“Yeah that’s a tough one. I just wish that Heather deserved such devotion. Maybe when Ava gets older she’ll see what’s really going on. In the meantime, don’t worry, she already knows that you’re there for her. Is Joan still there?”
“Yeah.” Tori yawned. “She’s flying back later this afternoon though.”
Dorothea heard the yawn. “Are you sleeping?”
“I’m sleeping just fine. No insomnia. I think everything – the tour, the wedding, all this with Heather – is just catching up with me.” Not to mention my very active mornings lately.
“Mmmm….could be. At least you’ll be able to take it easy for awhile.”
Tori snorted. “And are you going to lock your husband up somewhere without a phone to make that happen?”
Dorothea laughed. “I’ll give him strict instructions to leave you alone. That might buy you a couple weeks of peace.”
“As long as something doesn’t go wrong. I live in hope.”
“Miracles do happen. I’ll work on Jon, you work on relaxing. Spend some quality time with your husband.” She hesitated. “I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thanks Dot, I appreciate that. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Anytime. Bye Tori.”
Hanging up, Tori rubbed a hand over her face, stood and went to join Ava and Joan in the kitchen, hoping that Joan had managed to keep Richie from eating all the brownies.
Several hours later, they were at the airport waiting for Joan’s flight. Tori and Ava entered one of the shops to take a look around, but Joan stopped Richie from following them.
“Tori looks tired. Is everything okay? Maybe she should go see a doctor.”
“I think it’s just everything we’ve been through the last few months. The tour, the wedding, the new job, then the emotional upheaval of all of this stuff with Heather. I think she just needs to relax and rest for a few days – we both do.” Especially, if she's going to continue waking me up in the morning!
Joan wasn’t convinced - she’d been watching Tori all day - but she didn’t argue. “Well, keep an eye on her. Keep in mind that she’ll be more stubborn than your average person. She’s a Bongiovi, she can’t help it. It’ll be up to you to make sure that she’s taken care of.”
He nodded and wondered what his mother was worried about, but before he could question her, his daughter distracted him.
“Daddy, come look at this cool hat!”
Later that evening, they were sitting on the couch together. They had dropped Ava off at her mother’s earlier, so it was just the two of them. Richie was reading a movie script that he was scheduled to start writing the score for in the next few days, trying to get a feel for what might work. Tori was curled up next to him, reading through the latest batch of his fan mail. The ping of an incoming text message on Richie’s cell phone, which was sitting on the table beside him, sounded loud in the silence of the room.
He picked up the phone to check the message. Karin about to call. Don’t answer it. She’s going to rip you a new one. D. His brow rose.
“Anything important?” Tori asked.
Before he could answer, the land line rang. He stared at the cordless receiver that was also sitting on the table beside him.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Tori asked after the second ring.
He picked up the phone and held it out to her. “It’s for you.” It rang again.
She frowned. “How do you know that? You haven’t answered it.”
“Trust me. It’s for you.”
Giving him a bemused look, she took the phone. “Hello?” She winced, and held the phone away from her ear, as Karin’s angry voice came blaring through the line.
“So what? Now that your married you don’t talk to me about your problems anymore? Or maybe now that you’re famous you don’t think that I’ll understand or be able to help! And tell Richie that if he’s fucking around and hurts you, I’ll break every one of his fingers and turn the moose into a mouse!”
Tori glanced at Richie and almost laughed at his horrified expression – Karin’s voice had come through loud and clear.
“Whoa there girlfriend, don’t mess with my favourite toy! What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about whatever’s going on that upset you and had your new husband staying home while you went to New Jersey. And I want to know why you didn’t tell me about it!”
Tori sighed. “I was going to call you tomorrow. I just got back Friday night and we’ve been on the go ever since with Ava’s birthday yesterday and Joan coming in for it. I didn’t tell you about it before, because…well….I was trying to determine the extent of the problem….and you were so happy and excited about Shirley, I didn’t want to bring you down with my…..concerns. How did you hear about it anyway?”
“Jon told David, and he asked me if I’d talked to you and whether you were okay or if he needed to beat some sense into Richie.”
Tori laughed, then frowned. “What, exactly did Jon tell him?”
“Just that you had come to Jersey for meetings without Richie, that you were upset and that he thought that it had something to do with Heather. He was more than a little annoyed that you wouldn’t let him help and that Dorothea knew more than him and wasn’t talking either.” Karin paused. “So what’s going on Tori? Do we need to come out there and….remind Richie of where his loyalty should lie?”
“No. He just needed to have his blinders removed.” She went on to explain what had happened and how she had dealt with it. “We’ve talked it out, and I think he understands now why I was upset.” Richie kissed her temple. “We’re on the same page now.”
“Good. I’d hate to have to tell Jon he needed to find a new guitarist, although I got the feeling that he wanted to be the first in line to have a go at him.”
Tori chuckled. “Yeah, he’s turning out to be even more protective than Jim and Michael. Luckily Dot’s there to keep him bearable.”
“You talked to her about all this?” Karin tried to hide the hurt, but Tori could hear it.
“Yeah. She knows Heather and I knew she could tell me whether my suspicions were plausible or if I was way off the mark.”
“You know that regardless of whether or not either of us are married or starting a new relationship or who we’re involved with, I’m still here for you, right? I still want to know what’s going on with you. We’ve been there for each other through good times and bad for too many years to let it fade away now just because we’re on opposite sides of the continent and your life has changed so drastically.”
“I know. You’re the sister I never had. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you sooner, but I really was going to call you tomorrow. I figured I’d better wait until after the weekend since I wasn’t sure where you’d be.” Tori smirked. “So…were you home this weekend or in Jersey?”
Karin chuckled. “Yeah, you got me. I was in Jersey.”
“And?”
“And….I decided to take your advice and just see where this goes. I have to admit that I was surprised. We had such a…..normal…..weekend together. We even went out for dinner and to a movie and didn’t get mobbed. Not an autograph hound or vulture in sight.”
“It happens. Not often, but it’s nice when it does. The scary thing is that you actually kinda get used to the vultures. The fans are usually polite and sometimes amusing. I know it’s hard to believe, but they really are just normal guys for the most part.” Tori paused. “So…did you sleep in the guest room again?”
There was a long pause. “Yes, but I think it was for the last time. We’ve agreed to take it slow, but to be honest, I don’t know how long I can wait!”
Tori laughed. “What is it with these guys and waiting? In our case I could sort of understand it, since I’d recently had surgery and Richie was afraid of hurting me, but…what are they waiting for?”
“It’s called being a gentleman.” Richie informed his wife. She snorted in disbelief. He smirked and shrugged. “Waiting until her desire reaches the point where she becomes the aggressor increases the pleasure for both of them, and assures him that she really wants him.”
Tori frowned. “So what’s the difference between that and the groupies that are forever throwing themselves at you?”
Richie grinned. “We’re forcing the cavewoman out, not having her forced on us.”
Tori snorted, shook her head and spoke into the phone. “Did you hear that?”
“Yeah and it’s giving me a few ideas for next weekend.”
“Going to Jersey again?”
“No, he’s coming here. My turf, my home, my rules.”
Tori laughed. “Well, have fun. Let me know how it goes.”
“I will. Let me know how the whole Heather situation pans out. And you can tell Richie that his parts are safe….for now.”
“I will. I’m sure he thanks you, and I do too. I like his parts just the way they are. Talk to you later.”
“Bye Tori.”
When she hung up, Richie took the phone from her hand, set it on the table, took her in his arms and nuzzled his spot beneath her ear. “You like my parts huh? How about going upstairs and showing me which parts you like the best….and where you like them?”
Her chuckle was a low purr. “I might be persuaded.”
“Tori, Aunt Dot wants to talk to you.”
She opened her eyes and took the phone Ava handed to her. “Hi Dot.”
“Hi. Talking to Ava has answered one of my questions. She seems to be doing okay. How about you?”
Tori smiled and watched Ava head for the kitchen to check on their latest baking effort. “Better. I told him how I felt, and about my suspicions about the extent of Heather’s illness. Then I set a little plan in motion, and I think I’ve convinced him that I was right.” She went on to explain everything that happened the day before. “At the very least I got him to promise no more meetings without her doctor there.”
“Good. Sounds like Heather got the message. Hopefully, she’ll back off now and you can get on with your lives together. How serious are you about going for sole custody?”
“If she continues playing games, very.” Tori sighed. “But unless Heather does something to put Ava at risk, I’m going to have to let things be. As much as I want her with us, despite everything, she loves her mother and I can’t take that away from her. All I can do is try to be there for her when she needs someone.”
“Yeah that’s a tough one. I just wish that Heather deserved such devotion. Maybe when Ava gets older she’ll see what’s really going on. In the meantime, don’t worry, she already knows that you’re there for her. Is Joan still there?”
“Yeah.” Tori yawned. “She’s flying back later this afternoon though.”
Dorothea heard the yawn. “Are you sleeping?”
“I’m sleeping just fine. No insomnia. I think everything – the tour, the wedding, all this with Heather – is just catching up with me.” Not to mention my very active mornings lately.
“Mmmm….could be. At least you’ll be able to take it easy for awhile.”
Tori snorted. “And are you going to lock your husband up somewhere without a phone to make that happen?”
Dorothea laughed. “I’ll give him strict instructions to leave you alone. That might buy you a couple weeks of peace.”
“As long as something doesn’t go wrong. I live in hope.”
“Miracles do happen. I’ll work on Jon, you work on relaxing. Spend some quality time with your husband.” She hesitated. “I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thanks Dot, I appreciate that. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Anytime. Bye Tori.”
Hanging up, Tori rubbed a hand over her face, stood and went to join Ava and Joan in the kitchen, hoping that Joan had managed to keep Richie from eating all the brownies.
Several hours later, they were at the airport waiting for Joan’s flight. Tori and Ava entered one of the shops to take a look around, but Joan stopped Richie from following them.
“Tori looks tired. Is everything okay? Maybe she should go see a doctor.”
“I think it’s just everything we’ve been through the last few months. The tour, the wedding, the new job, then the emotional upheaval of all of this stuff with Heather. I think she just needs to relax and rest for a few days – we both do.” Especially, if she's going to continue waking me up in the morning!
Joan wasn’t convinced - she’d been watching Tori all day - but she didn’t argue. “Well, keep an eye on her. Keep in mind that she’ll be more stubborn than your average person. She’s a Bongiovi, she can’t help it. It’ll be up to you to make sure that she’s taken care of.”
He nodded and wondered what his mother was worried about, but before he could question her, his daughter distracted him.
“Daddy, come look at this cool hat!”
Later that evening, they were sitting on the couch together. They had dropped Ava off at her mother’s earlier, so it was just the two of them. Richie was reading a movie script that he was scheduled to start writing the score for in the next few days, trying to get a feel for what might work. Tori was curled up next to him, reading through the latest batch of his fan mail. The ping of an incoming text message on Richie’s cell phone, which was sitting on the table beside him, sounded loud in the silence of the room.
He picked up the phone to check the message. Karin about to call. Don’t answer it. She’s going to rip you a new one. D. His brow rose.
“Anything important?” Tori asked.
Before he could answer, the land line rang. He stared at the cordless receiver that was also sitting on the table beside him.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Tori asked after the second ring.
He picked up the phone and held it out to her. “It’s for you.” It rang again.
She frowned. “How do you know that? You haven’t answered it.”
“Trust me. It’s for you.”
Giving him a bemused look, she took the phone. “Hello?” She winced, and held the phone away from her ear, as Karin’s angry voice came blaring through the line.
“So what? Now that your married you don’t talk to me about your problems anymore? Or maybe now that you’re famous you don’t think that I’ll understand or be able to help! And tell Richie that if he’s fucking around and hurts you, I’ll break every one of his fingers and turn the moose into a mouse!”
Tori glanced at Richie and almost laughed at his horrified expression – Karin’s voice had come through loud and clear.
“Whoa there girlfriend, don’t mess with my favourite toy! What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about whatever’s going on that upset you and had your new husband staying home while you went to New Jersey. And I want to know why you didn’t tell me about it!”
Tori sighed. “I was going to call you tomorrow. I just got back Friday night and we’ve been on the go ever since with Ava’s birthday yesterday and Joan coming in for it. I didn’t tell you about it before, because…well….I was trying to determine the extent of the problem….and you were so happy and excited about Shirley, I didn’t want to bring you down with my…..concerns. How did you hear about it anyway?”
“Jon told David, and he asked me if I’d talked to you and whether you were okay or if he needed to beat some sense into Richie.”
Tori laughed, then frowned. “What, exactly did Jon tell him?”
“Just that you had come to Jersey for meetings without Richie, that you were upset and that he thought that it had something to do with Heather. He was more than a little annoyed that you wouldn’t let him help and that Dorothea knew more than him and wasn’t talking either.” Karin paused. “So what’s going on Tori? Do we need to come out there and….remind Richie of where his loyalty should lie?”
“No. He just needed to have his blinders removed.” She went on to explain what had happened and how she had dealt with it. “We’ve talked it out, and I think he understands now why I was upset.” Richie kissed her temple. “We’re on the same page now.”
“Good. I’d hate to have to tell Jon he needed to find a new guitarist, although I got the feeling that he wanted to be the first in line to have a go at him.”
Tori chuckled. “Yeah, he’s turning out to be even more protective than Jim and Michael. Luckily Dot’s there to keep him bearable.”
“You talked to her about all this?” Karin tried to hide the hurt, but Tori could hear it.
“Yeah. She knows Heather and I knew she could tell me whether my suspicions were plausible or if I was way off the mark.”
“You know that regardless of whether or not either of us are married or starting a new relationship or who we’re involved with, I’m still here for you, right? I still want to know what’s going on with you. We’ve been there for each other through good times and bad for too many years to let it fade away now just because we’re on opposite sides of the continent and your life has changed so drastically.”
“I know. You’re the sister I never had. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you sooner, but I really was going to call you tomorrow. I figured I’d better wait until after the weekend since I wasn’t sure where you’d be.” Tori smirked. “So…were you home this weekend or in Jersey?”
Karin chuckled. “Yeah, you got me. I was in Jersey.”
“And?”
“And….I decided to take your advice and just see where this goes. I have to admit that I was surprised. We had such a…..normal…..weekend together. We even went out for dinner and to a movie and didn’t get mobbed. Not an autograph hound or vulture in sight.”
“It happens. Not often, but it’s nice when it does. The scary thing is that you actually kinda get used to the vultures. The fans are usually polite and sometimes amusing. I know it’s hard to believe, but they really are just normal guys for the most part.” Tori paused. “So…did you sleep in the guest room again?”
There was a long pause. “Yes, but I think it was for the last time. We’ve agreed to take it slow, but to be honest, I don’t know how long I can wait!”
Tori laughed. “What is it with these guys and waiting? In our case I could sort of understand it, since I’d recently had surgery and Richie was afraid of hurting me, but…what are they waiting for?”
“It’s called being a gentleman.” Richie informed his wife. She snorted in disbelief. He smirked and shrugged. “Waiting until her desire reaches the point where she becomes the aggressor increases the pleasure for both of them, and assures him that she really wants him.”
Tori frowned. “So what’s the difference between that and the groupies that are forever throwing themselves at you?”
Richie grinned. “We’re forcing the cavewoman out, not having her forced on us.”
Tori snorted, shook her head and spoke into the phone. “Did you hear that?”
“Yeah and it’s giving me a few ideas for next weekend.”
“Going to Jersey again?”
“No, he’s coming here. My turf, my home, my rules.”
Tori laughed. “Well, have fun. Let me know how it goes.”
“I will. Let me know how the whole Heather situation pans out. And you can tell Richie that his parts are safe….for now.”
“I will. I’m sure he thanks you, and I do too. I like his parts just the way they are. Talk to you later.”
“Bye Tori.”
When she hung up, Richie took the phone from her hand, set it on the table, took her in his arms and nuzzled his spot beneath her ear. “You like my parts huh? How about going upstairs and showing me which parts you like the best….and where you like them?”
Her chuckle was a low purr. “I might be persuaded.”
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Chapter 213
Tori woke the next morning to find herself once again wrapped in her husband’s arms. Damn! That’s two nights in a row that I fell asleep on him. We’re never going to have a baby that way. As memories of the previous morning’s activities flitted through her mind, a smile curved her lips. Well, he didn’t seem to mind me waking him up yesterday. She stroked a hand over his chest, then rolled onto him even more. One fingertip circled one male nipple while her tongue circled the other. A grin spread over her face as she felt his body respond. Long fingers stroked along her spine and she glanced up to find hot dark eyes watching her.
“Starting a new habit?” His voice was gritty with sleep.
“Would you be opposed if I was?” She slid her thigh along his hardening shaft
He snorted. “Not in this lifetime.” With a quick move, he rolled her underneath him. “Just want to make sure we keep this fair.” When she crooked a brow at him he explained. “Yesterday you got to play. Today it’s my turn.”
She gasped as his hand roamed her torso, finding all her sensitive spots. Her hands clutched his shoulders as he bent to capture her mouth with his. Tongues twining, he weighed each breast, kneaded them and tugged on the hard tips.
She tore her mouth away. “Please baby. Don’t make me wait. I need you now!”
Leaning back he gazed at her, surprised to find her eyes dilated and glazed with hunger, her skin flushed with arousal and her body already writhing with need.
“Richie please!”
He slid his hand down over her stomach to her pulsing female flesh. Separating her swollen folds he tested her readiness and slid two fingers deep inside her. Her back arched and she cried out as she climaxed. Stunned, he added a third finger, and massaged her delicate tissue, grinding his palm against her clit at the same time. He watched ecstasy take over her face as she peaked again. Giving her a minute to catch her breath, he slid his fingers free and nuzzled her neck. He licked and kissed his way over her upper chest in a direct path to a nipple that was standing tall, begging for his attention. When he merely brushed it with his lips, her hands slid into his hair and tugged.
“Please!” When he still hesitated, she tugged again.
He relented with a chuckle, parted his lips and took her into the heat of his mouth. His tongue swirled around it several times, then suckled. Releasing her, he kissed his way across her chest to give her other nipple the same treatment. Her cries echoed around the room. She was shaking by the time he decided to move on. His mouth roamed her abdomen, tasting the film of sweat that covered her skin, making him thirst for something more.
Gasping for breath she tried to brace herself for what she knew was coming when he spread her thighs with his shoulders. His lips burned a path from her knee to her groin. She moaned when his tongue traced her cleft. Opening her with his fingers, he settled in to feast. Her fingers clenched in his hair as he lapped at her.
“Mmmmm, yes…oh God…mmmmm…Richie!”
“Sweet….so sweet. You taste so good baby, I can’t get enough.”
He felt her thighs tighten and knew she was on the brink. Thrusting his tongue deep, he let her fly. He wasn’t finished. He licked and sucked and teased and brought her to climax twice more, before he decided it was his turn. Sitting back on his knees, he flipped her over onto her stomach.
Panting for breath, her body a quivering mass of sensation, all she could do was lie there and wait to see what he had planned next. She sighed as she felt his lips dot kisses along her calves and the back of her knees and thighs. Warm, large hands caressed her buttocks, followed by kisses and light nips. Next, his attention turned to her back, massaging the long muscles first, then following with soft kisses. His tongue traced the groove of her spine. She shivered. He nibbled her earlobe.
“Ready for more?” It was a gravelly whisper.
She nodded. She should be exhausted, but just the sound of his voice – and the promise of pleasure that his words conveyed – had her body humming, aching for more….for him. She felt him lift her hips to slide a pillow under them. A touch of his hand had her spreading her legs as wide as she could, making room for him. She felt his weight on her back a split second before she felt his hard shaft penetrate her.
“Oh God!” She moaned and shuddered.
Richie rocked gently against her, his thrusts long and slow. Supporting most of his weight with his elbows, he rubbed his body over hers. It wasn’t long before her hands gripped handfuls of the sheet and she muffled her scream in her pillow as she once again tasted ecstasy. Slowing his movements even more, he rode out her storm. When her convulsions faded, he raised up on his knees, lifting her hips with him. Gripping her hips firmly, he began moving again, pulling her back towards as him as he thrusted so that he could reach even deeper. This time, he rode her hard and fast.
“Oh! Oh…Oh…Oh God!” She was beyond speech.
“Yes! That’s it baby. Take it. Take it all!” He was panting, and grunting with the effort behind each thrust. “I want you to come for me baby. I want you to come hard. NOW!”
Only the pillow prevented her scream from reaching beyond their bedroom, and alerting the household. Richie collapsed on her, his body shaking as he emptied himself inside her.
“Are you trying to kill me?” She panted.
He chuckled breathlessly. “No, just trying to keep up.”
It was several minutes before he had the strength to withdraw and roll off of her onto his back. Still panting, he turned his head to find her watching him. He could see the tears shining in her eyes, but there were no shadows clouding the sapphire depths. He was confused.
“Angel? What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”
She raised a shaking hand to stroke his cheek and shook her head. “No, you didn’t hurt me.” She paused, trying to catch her breath. “You are an incredible man. You make me feel things I’ve never felt before. Things I didn’t know I could feel. I love you so much.” She swallowed and her tears overflowed. “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”
“Oh baby! I love you too.” He gathered her into his arms and held her tight, pressing a kiss to her forehead, his hands stroking her soothingly. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re never going to lose me.”
“Starting a new habit?” His voice was gritty with sleep.
“Would you be opposed if I was?” She slid her thigh along his hardening shaft
He snorted. “Not in this lifetime.” With a quick move, he rolled her underneath him. “Just want to make sure we keep this fair.” When she crooked a brow at him he explained. “Yesterday you got to play. Today it’s my turn.”
She gasped as his hand roamed her torso, finding all her sensitive spots. Her hands clutched his shoulders as he bent to capture her mouth with his. Tongues twining, he weighed each breast, kneaded them and tugged on the hard tips.
She tore her mouth away. “Please baby. Don’t make me wait. I need you now!”
Leaning back he gazed at her, surprised to find her eyes dilated and glazed with hunger, her skin flushed with arousal and her body already writhing with need.
“Richie please!”
He slid his hand down over her stomach to her pulsing female flesh. Separating her swollen folds he tested her readiness and slid two fingers deep inside her. Her back arched and she cried out as she climaxed. Stunned, he added a third finger, and massaged her delicate tissue, grinding his palm against her clit at the same time. He watched ecstasy take over her face as she peaked again. Giving her a minute to catch her breath, he slid his fingers free and nuzzled her neck. He licked and kissed his way over her upper chest in a direct path to a nipple that was standing tall, begging for his attention. When he merely brushed it with his lips, her hands slid into his hair and tugged.
“Please!” When he still hesitated, she tugged again.
He relented with a chuckle, parted his lips and took her into the heat of his mouth. His tongue swirled around it several times, then suckled. Releasing her, he kissed his way across her chest to give her other nipple the same treatment. Her cries echoed around the room. She was shaking by the time he decided to move on. His mouth roamed her abdomen, tasting the film of sweat that covered her skin, making him thirst for something more.
Gasping for breath she tried to brace herself for what she knew was coming when he spread her thighs with his shoulders. His lips burned a path from her knee to her groin. She moaned when his tongue traced her cleft. Opening her with his fingers, he settled in to feast. Her fingers clenched in his hair as he lapped at her.
“Mmmmm, yes…oh God…mmmmm…Richie!”
“Sweet….so sweet. You taste so good baby, I can’t get enough.”
He felt her thighs tighten and knew she was on the brink. Thrusting his tongue deep, he let her fly. He wasn’t finished. He licked and sucked and teased and brought her to climax twice more, before he decided it was his turn. Sitting back on his knees, he flipped her over onto her stomach.
Panting for breath, her body a quivering mass of sensation, all she could do was lie there and wait to see what he had planned next. She sighed as she felt his lips dot kisses along her calves and the back of her knees and thighs. Warm, large hands caressed her buttocks, followed by kisses and light nips. Next, his attention turned to her back, massaging the long muscles first, then following with soft kisses. His tongue traced the groove of her spine. She shivered. He nibbled her earlobe.
“Ready for more?” It was a gravelly whisper.
She nodded. She should be exhausted, but just the sound of his voice – and the promise of pleasure that his words conveyed – had her body humming, aching for more….for him. She felt him lift her hips to slide a pillow under them. A touch of his hand had her spreading her legs as wide as she could, making room for him. She felt his weight on her back a split second before she felt his hard shaft penetrate her.
“Oh God!” She moaned and shuddered.
Richie rocked gently against her, his thrusts long and slow. Supporting most of his weight with his elbows, he rubbed his body over hers. It wasn’t long before her hands gripped handfuls of the sheet and she muffled her scream in her pillow as she once again tasted ecstasy. Slowing his movements even more, he rode out her storm. When her convulsions faded, he raised up on his knees, lifting her hips with him. Gripping her hips firmly, he began moving again, pulling her back towards as him as he thrusted so that he could reach even deeper. This time, he rode her hard and fast.
“Oh! Oh…Oh…Oh God!” She was beyond speech.
“Yes! That’s it baby. Take it. Take it all!” He was panting, and grunting with the effort behind each thrust. “I want you to come for me baby. I want you to come hard. NOW!”
Only the pillow prevented her scream from reaching beyond their bedroom, and alerting the household. Richie collapsed on her, his body shaking as he emptied himself inside her.
“Are you trying to kill me?” She panted.
He chuckled breathlessly. “No, just trying to keep up.”
It was several minutes before he had the strength to withdraw and roll off of her onto his back. Still panting, he turned his head to find her watching him. He could see the tears shining in her eyes, but there were no shadows clouding the sapphire depths. He was confused.
“Angel? What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”
She raised a shaking hand to stroke his cheek and shook her head. “No, you didn’t hurt me.” She paused, trying to catch her breath. “You are an incredible man. You make me feel things I’ve never felt before. Things I didn’t know I could feel. I love you so much.” She swallowed and her tears overflowed. “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”
“Oh baby! I love you too.” He gathered her into his arms and held her tight, pressing a kiss to her forehead, his hands stroking her soothingly. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re never going to lose me.”
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Chapter 212
They met Joan at baggage claim. “Hi you two. How was the honeymoon?”
“Hi Joan. Hawaii was beautiful.” Tori hugged her. “The people were so warm and friendly, and I’ve never seen such gorgeous flowers! I could have stayed there forever.”
Joan snorted. “If you think that I believe that you saw much of the people and the flowers, you must think that I don’t know my son at all!”
Tori laughed. Richie could feel his face flush. “Ma!”
“What? Oh get over yourself Richie, I’m slightly more than seven you know – and I had a honeymoon once too. Ah, here comes the luggage.” She glanced around as the conveyor belt began to move. “I hope there aren’t any of those pesky reporters lurking around downstairs.”
“If there are we’ll let Tori take care of them. She’s in Bongiovi Boss mode today.”
Tori crooked a brow at him. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean, Fuck with me and I’ll kick your ass mode.”
“Richard! Language!” Joan admonished him while she fought a smile.
“Sorry Ma.”
Tori’s brow arched higher. “Keep it in mind or you’ll find yourself next on my hit list.” She winked at Joan.
Brown eyes twinkled. “Yes dear.”
Joan chuckled. “Good for you Tori. He requires a firm hand to keep him in line.”
She felt his familiar hands slip around her waist and his breath in her ear. “Mmm….a very firm hand. But then you already know that don’t you angel? You know just what your hand can do to me.”
“Stop it!” She hissed, swatting him on the arm, ignoring the shiver racing down her spine at the image his words evoked, and her own flushed face.
He just chuckled and hugged her tight before releasing her to reach for his mother’s suitcase. “We’d better get a move on before the vultures find us.”
That evening as they arrived at the restaurant in the Village, Tori heard her name being called. Turning as she stepped out of the Hummer, she grinned and caught Ava as she flew at her. “Hey Bean. Ready for your big party?”
Ava nodded, dark eyes shining, a huge smile wreathing her face. “Mommy came too! She said she couldn’t miss my birthday party.”
Staring into the young girl’s happy face, Tori knew she couldn’t take her away from her mother. She couldn’t hurt her that much. In spite of being generally ignored, being relegated to second or even third place, in spite of everything, Ava loved her mother. As long as she felt that way, and wasn’t at risk, as much as she wanted Ava for her own, she’d have to let things stay as they were –for now. She smiled. “I’m glad.”
Tori watched Heather approach while Ava greeted her father and grandmother. The two women nodded politely to each other, then Tori turned towards the restaurant. “Come on Bean, let’s go see your friends.” They headed inside, leaving Richie to escort his mother and his ex-wife.
“It’s okay angel, go ahead and say it.”
Tori raised a brow at her husband’s murmur. “Say what?”
“You told me so.” He nodded slightly in Heather’s direction.
She looked at him and grinned. “Obviously I don’t have to. Just remember not to doubt my instincts when it concerns some woman trying to destroy my happiness.”
“Yes dear.” He searched her eyes. “But you know I’m not going anywhere, right?”
She raised a hand to caress his cheek. “I know.” She hesitated. “So…no more ‘therapy sessions’, at least without her doctor present?”
He covered her hand with his, then turned his head to kiss her palm. “No more without her doctor. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
The sound of Ava’s squeals of delight had them turning back to watch her open her presents. Tori watched the glow of her face as she laughed with her friends, holding up her gifts to show checking with both her parents, Tori and Joan, to make sure they saw. Suddenly Tori’s eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly to try and clear them. Richie noticed.
“Angel? What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, not taking her eyes off Ava. “Nothing, just….wishful thinking.”
It took a minute, but the penny finally dropped for him. He reached over to squeeze her hand and kissed her temple. “Patience angel. It’s only been a few weeks. It’ll happen for us.”
She just sighed and squeezed his hand. “Mmmmm. We’ll see.”
He frowned. “Hey, what happened to our agreement? I haven’t pressured you. Stop pressuring yourself!”
She glanced at him and smiled weakly. “I’m trying. Actually I haven’t even thought about it since we got back from Hawaii. It’s just looking at Ava…..anyway, I must be tired.”
“Daddy, Tori, did you bring me this from Hawaii?” Ava brought their attention back to her as she held up the exquisitely carved and painted wooden doll in tradional Hawaiian dress.
“Yes.” Tori answered her. “We found it at the luau we went to and thought you might like it.”
“The artist’s son had a crush on Tori. He brought her a flower for her hair.” Richie added. Tori smiled at the memory.
“Really? What did you do?” Ava asked wide eyed.
“I gave him a kiss.” Tori admitted. At the surprised looks aimed at her, she explained. “He was about seven years old.”
There was a chorus of ‘oh’s’, then attention was returned to the unveiling of Ava’s loot. The sparkle in Tori’s eyes as she turned to her husband should have warned him to brace himself.
“Oh! I forgot to thank those divers properly for the lei!” She managed to look upset with herself.
He narrowed his eyes at her and grunted, then leaned closer to murmur in her ear. “Just remember what happens when you provoke the caveman.” Blue eyes locked with brown and he smirked when she shivered.
As the party broke up, they helped load the gifts into Heather’s car – except for the few Ava want to bring with her to her father’s house where she was spending the night so that she could spend some time the next day with her grandmother – piled into the Hummer and headed home.
Back at the house Tori watched Ava run up the stairs to put her bag in her room. Joan watched Tori.
“So when are you two going to make me a grandmother again?”
Richie grimaced at his mother behind Tori’s back. “Jeez Ma, we just got married!”
Tori just smiled weakly and walked into the living room. Joan would have followed, but Richie held her back, making sure that Tori was out of earshot before quickly filling her in on the situation and Tori’s fears.
Joan frowned. “But you’ve only been married for three weeks. She’s got to give it a fair try before worrying that something’s wrong!”
“I know Ma. Deep down I think she does too, but….” He shrugged.
Joan smiled. “But she’s a Bongiovi and wants things to happen when she wants them to.”
He nodded. “Exactly. We’re working on it, but only time will settle this one I’m afraid.”
“Well I’m sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure that it gets settled as quickly as possible.”
“Ma!” He might be closer to fifty years old than he’d really like to think about, but that didn’t mean he wanted to talk about his sex life – even remotely - with his mother!
Joan just chuckled and followed her daughter-in-law.
When they were all settled in the living room with drinks and popcorn – and in Richie’s case cookies, ignoring his mother’s pointed look at his stomach – Ava popped in a new movie that she gotten from Kate. Tori curled up beside Richie, resting her head on his shoulder. His kissed the top of her head and laced their fingers together.
Halfway through the movie, Joan got Richie’s attention and gestured towards Tori, and whispered. “She’s asleep.”
He nodded. “I know. It’s been a long few days for her, plus I think she’s probably still suffering from jet lag.” He glanced at Ava. “That reminds me. Don’t forget to call Aunt Dot and Uncle Jon tomorrow and thank them for your gift.”
“I know. Tori said we’d call after lunch. Do you want me to go up and pull back the covers so that you can carry her up to bed?”
Richie smiled. “Please.”
“Hi Joan. Hawaii was beautiful.” Tori hugged her. “The people were so warm and friendly, and I’ve never seen such gorgeous flowers! I could have stayed there forever.”
Joan snorted. “If you think that I believe that you saw much of the people and the flowers, you must think that I don’t know my son at all!”
Tori laughed. Richie could feel his face flush. “Ma!”
“What? Oh get over yourself Richie, I’m slightly more than seven you know – and I had a honeymoon once too. Ah, here comes the luggage.” She glanced around as the conveyor belt began to move. “I hope there aren’t any of those pesky reporters lurking around downstairs.”
“If there are we’ll let Tori take care of them. She’s in Bongiovi Boss mode today.”
Tori crooked a brow at him. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean, Fuck with me and I’ll kick your ass mode.”
“Richard! Language!” Joan admonished him while she fought a smile.
“Sorry Ma.”
Tori’s brow arched higher. “Keep it in mind or you’ll find yourself next on my hit list.” She winked at Joan.
Brown eyes twinkled. “Yes dear.”
Joan chuckled. “Good for you Tori. He requires a firm hand to keep him in line.”
She felt his familiar hands slip around her waist and his breath in her ear. “Mmm….a very firm hand. But then you already know that don’t you angel? You know just what your hand can do to me.”
“Stop it!” She hissed, swatting him on the arm, ignoring the shiver racing down her spine at the image his words evoked, and her own flushed face.
He just chuckled and hugged her tight before releasing her to reach for his mother’s suitcase. “We’d better get a move on before the vultures find us.”
That evening as they arrived at the restaurant in the Village, Tori heard her name being called. Turning as she stepped out of the Hummer, she grinned and caught Ava as she flew at her. “Hey Bean. Ready for your big party?”
Ava nodded, dark eyes shining, a huge smile wreathing her face. “Mommy came too! She said she couldn’t miss my birthday party.”
Staring into the young girl’s happy face, Tori knew she couldn’t take her away from her mother. She couldn’t hurt her that much. In spite of being generally ignored, being relegated to second or even third place, in spite of everything, Ava loved her mother. As long as she felt that way, and wasn’t at risk, as much as she wanted Ava for her own, she’d have to let things stay as they were –for now. She smiled. “I’m glad.”
Tori watched Heather approach while Ava greeted her father and grandmother. The two women nodded politely to each other, then Tori turned towards the restaurant. “Come on Bean, let’s go see your friends.” They headed inside, leaving Richie to escort his mother and his ex-wife.
“It’s okay angel, go ahead and say it.”
Tori raised a brow at her husband’s murmur. “Say what?”
“You told me so.” He nodded slightly in Heather’s direction.
She looked at him and grinned. “Obviously I don’t have to. Just remember not to doubt my instincts when it concerns some woman trying to destroy my happiness.”
“Yes dear.” He searched her eyes. “But you know I’m not going anywhere, right?”
She raised a hand to caress his cheek. “I know.” She hesitated. “So…no more ‘therapy sessions’, at least without her doctor present?”
He covered her hand with his, then turned his head to kiss her palm. “No more without her doctor. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
The sound of Ava’s squeals of delight had them turning back to watch her open her presents. Tori watched the glow of her face as she laughed with her friends, holding up her gifts to show checking with both her parents, Tori and Joan, to make sure they saw. Suddenly Tori’s eyes filled with tears and she blinked rapidly to try and clear them. Richie noticed.
“Angel? What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, not taking her eyes off Ava. “Nothing, just….wishful thinking.”
It took a minute, but the penny finally dropped for him. He reached over to squeeze her hand and kissed her temple. “Patience angel. It’s only been a few weeks. It’ll happen for us.”
She just sighed and squeezed his hand. “Mmmmm. We’ll see.”
He frowned. “Hey, what happened to our agreement? I haven’t pressured you. Stop pressuring yourself!”
She glanced at him and smiled weakly. “I’m trying. Actually I haven’t even thought about it since we got back from Hawaii. It’s just looking at Ava…..anyway, I must be tired.”
“Daddy, Tori, did you bring me this from Hawaii?” Ava brought their attention back to her as she held up the exquisitely carved and painted wooden doll in tradional Hawaiian dress.
“Yes.” Tori answered her. “We found it at the luau we went to and thought you might like it.”
“The artist’s son had a crush on Tori. He brought her a flower for her hair.” Richie added. Tori smiled at the memory.
“Really? What did you do?” Ava asked wide eyed.
“I gave him a kiss.” Tori admitted. At the surprised looks aimed at her, she explained. “He was about seven years old.”
There was a chorus of ‘oh’s’, then attention was returned to the unveiling of Ava’s loot. The sparkle in Tori’s eyes as she turned to her husband should have warned him to brace himself.
“Oh! I forgot to thank those divers properly for the lei!” She managed to look upset with herself.
He narrowed his eyes at her and grunted, then leaned closer to murmur in her ear. “Just remember what happens when you provoke the caveman.” Blue eyes locked with brown and he smirked when she shivered.
As the party broke up, they helped load the gifts into Heather’s car – except for the few Ava want to bring with her to her father’s house where she was spending the night so that she could spend some time the next day with her grandmother – piled into the Hummer and headed home.
Back at the house Tori watched Ava run up the stairs to put her bag in her room. Joan watched Tori.
“So when are you two going to make me a grandmother again?”
Richie grimaced at his mother behind Tori’s back. “Jeez Ma, we just got married!”
Tori just smiled weakly and walked into the living room. Joan would have followed, but Richie held her back, making sure that Tori was out of earshot before quickly filling her in on the situation and Tori’s fears.
Joan frowned. “But you’ve only been married for three weeks. She’s got to give it a fair try before worrying that something’s wrong!”
“I know Ma. Deep down I think she does too, but….” He shrugged.
Joan smiled. “But she’s a Bongiovi and wants things to happen when she wants them to.”
He nodded. “Exactly. We’re working on it, but only time will settle this one I’m afraid.”
“Well I’m sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure that it gets settled as quickly as possible.”
“Ma!” He might be closer to fifty years old than he’d really like to think about, but that didn’t mean he wanted to talk about his sex life – even remotely - with his mother!
Joan just chuckled and followed her daughter-in-law.
When they were all settled in the living room with drinks and popcorn – and in Richie’s case cookies, ignoring his mother’s pointed look at his stomach – Ava popped in a new movie that she gotten from Kate. Tori curled up beside Richie, resting her head on his shoulder. His kissed the top of her head and laced their fingers together.
Halfway through the movie, Joan got Richie’s attention and gestured towards Tori, and whispered. “She’s asleep.”
He nodded. “I know. It’s been a long few days for her, plus I think she’s probably still suffering from jet lag.” He glanced at Ava. “That reminds me. Don’t forget to call Aunt Dot and Uncle Jon tomorrow and thank them for your gift.”
“I know. Tori said we’d call after lunch. Do you want me to go up and pull back the covers so that you can carry her up to bed?”
Richie smiled. “Please.”
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chapter 211
Tori walked into the living room with a plate of freshly baked cookies. She’d heard the phone ring a few minutes ago and Richie was still talking when she entered the room. From his side of the conversation – and his tone and body language – she could tell it was Heather. She frowned as she heard him agree to go over there. Well if he thinks he’s going to leave me home this time, he’d better think again! Step 2: assess the opposition.
Richie hung up the phone and eyed his wife warily as she set the plate of cookies on the table in front of him. “Thanks angel.” He hesitated. “Heather wants to see me this afternoon.” He braced himself for her reaction.
Tori stared at him for a minute. “I’m going with you.” She held up a hand when he would have protested. “No. I’m a member of this family and she and I have to deal with each other. If you’re still worried about her having to face me after what happened….well millions of people all over the world have seen her mug shot. I’m the least of her problems. Besides, I haven’t seen Bean since the we dropped her off on our way to Hawaii. If you won’t bring her here, then I’ll go there.” Her look dared him to argue.
He studied her determined expression and knew if he tried to argue he’d be dealing with a Bongiovi in full temper. He was no fool. Besides, she was right. He sighed and nodded. He just hoped he didn’t have to play referee.
Tori was quiet on the drive to Heather’s. She stared out the window, deep in thought. A little kernel of an idea had popped into her mind and she was letting it develop into a full blown plan. If she was right about Heather, this would prove it…at least to Richie.
When they pulled to a stop in front of the door, she turned to her husband. “Will you do one thing for me?”
“I’ll do anything for you angel. What do you need?”
“Don’t let her ruin Ava’s day. The arrangements have been made at the restaurant, her friends will all be there, your mother’s coming in….this is how she wanted to celebrate her birthday….don’t let Heather try to ruin it.”
“You’re really convinced she’s playing games aren’t you?”
“Let’s just say I have a pretty strong hunch.”
“Daddy! Tori!” Ava came running out to meet them.
“There’s the birthday girl! How are you Bean?” Tori climbed out and hugged her step-daughter tightly. “Oooh, I’ve missed you!”
“I’m okay. I’ve missed you too. How come you didn’t come to see me?”
The shadows in the dark eyes so like her father’s nearly broke Tori’s heart. The look she gave Richie had him squirming uncomfortably. Yet another way he’d hurt her – both of them actually – without meaning to. He sighed heavily. So much for good intentions.
Tori covered for him. “Daddy and I thought that Mommy needed you. Do you remember last March and Daddy’s…” She hesitated, not sure how to word it.
“Act of stupidity?” Ava supplied.
Tori bit her lip against a smile and almost lost the battle when she glanced at Richie to see him staring at his daughter, a chagrined look on his face. “Yes, well when that happened Mommy let you stay with him to help him right?” Ava nodded. “So we thought it was only fair that we let you stay and help her.”
“But why didn’t you come here with Daddy to see me?”
“Well, we thought it best to wait until Mommy was feeling better.”
“But you’re here now and she’s not feeling better.” Ava frowned. “She doesn’t even get out of bed most days.”
“Of course I’m here today. It’s your birthday! I wouldn’t miss that for the world!” Tori assured her.
Ava’s face lit up. “So you’re coming to the Village with us tonight then? Oh, I can hardly wait! Nana’s coming and all my friends, and they have the best food, and the most wonderful cake, and it’s going to be so much fun!”
Tori smiled at the young girl’s excitement which just reinforced her determination to make sure that nothing spoil the party.
They found Jack inside, sitting in the living room watching T.V. He looked up when they walked in. “Hi. Heather’s upstairs.” He lowered his voice and muttered. “As usual.”
“Thanks.” Richie replied, glanced at Tori, and headed upstairs.
Tori sat on a couch. Ava sat beside her. “How are you Jack?”
“I’m good. How was the honeymoon?”
“Great while it lasted. Hawaii was beautiful.”
“Yeah, I’ve been there a couple times. It truly is paradise.”
“What did you do? Did you take pictures? Did you bring me anything?” Ava’s questions came fast and furious.
Tori chuckled. “You’ll just have to wait until the party tonight to find out.”
For the next hour, they talked about Hawaii, Tori’s new job, and Jack’s upcoming projects. When Julie came in to tell Ava that Kate was on the phone wanting to discuss what they were wearing to the party, Tori waited until she had left the room, then turned to Jack. “How is she really?”
He shrugged. “Some days better than others. Sometimes she seems to be almost her old self, talking about going to some event and then suddenly she relapses and can’t get out of bed.”
“Is that when she calls Richie?”
His lips twisted. “Generally, yeah.”
Tori considered him for a moment. “Do you remember what happened just before her last couple relapses?”
Jack frowned. “Well, this afternoon we were talking about Ava’s birthday party….Ava was excited that she was finally going to get to see you,... yesterday was just a bad day all round, and the day before…..she was fine until….oh, one of the entertainment news shows were talking about the year’s big rock tours, and mentioned Bon Jovi and showed pictures of them – and you.” Tori nodded. His eyes widened. “You think she’s faking don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say faking exactly. I think she really is clinically depressed, I just think that she’s….exaggerating how sick she is in order to get attention.” She frowned. “Specifically, Richie’s attention. Not that she wants him necessarily, I think it’s more of a signal to me to show how much power she still has over him.”
Jack considered that for a few moments then nodded. “You may be right.”
She waved a hand towards the stairs. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve had about enough of these little tete-a-tete’s.”
Jack snorted. “I had enough about a week ago.”
She nodded. “Then it’s time to put an end to them.”
“I hope you have better luck than I’ve had.”
Her lips pressed tightly together. “Oh count on it.” With that she rose and headed upstairs. She found them in Heather’s room, Richie in a chair beside the bed where Heather was laying. “Hi. Sorry to interrupt, but Rich, we need to get going. You’re mother’s plane will be landing soon and you know how she hates waiting around the airport. Plus, she’ll want to have some time to rest before the big birthday party tonight. How are you feeling Heather?”
“Not too bad thanks. But I don’t think I’m up to going out tonight. I think we should cancel the party and just have a family dinner here.”
Tori caught Richie’s eye. He knew that look and that if he didn’t step up, he’d pay later. Damn! How did she know Heather would pull something like this? “No. Ava’s been looking forward to this for weeks. The arrangements are made, her friends will all be there, I think we should go ahead with it. This is her day, she should get to celebrate the way she wants.”
Tori smiled approvingly at her husband, then turned a considering glance on Heather and assumed a sympathetic expression. Step 3:Put plan into action. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe Ava should come and stay with us for awhile – just until you’re feeling better. I know how active she is, and that way it would be quieter around here for you and might help your recovery.”
Heather narrowed her eyes and almost sneered. “Are you threatening to take my daughter away from me?”
Tori raised her brows at her tone and replied with seeming innocence, except that anyone who knew her – or Jon for that matter – and saw her eyes, would recognize the icy fury and determination in the blue depths. “I’m not threatening anything. I’m just suggesting, that since you need to focus your attention on looking after yourself, that it might be better for Ava to be with a parent who is able to make her well being their priority. I know that Julie does a wonderful job looking after her, but I think you’ll agree, that even the most caring nanny is no replacement for a parent. I understand that you’re still finding it difficult to get out of bed most days. I just thought by us taking Ava that it would be one less thing for you to worry about and you can concentrate on your recovery.”
Richie managed to hide his surprise at Tori’s suggestion, but watched Heather’s reaction carefully. Tori was forcing her hand. Either she was well enough to get up and look after their daughter – and attend the party – or she was truly ill and Ava would be better with them and out of that environment. Very clever angel!
The two women stared at each other for long seconds in silent communication, Heather trying to intimidate, Tori refusing to back down. Finally Heather sighed. “Let me think about it.”
Tori nodded. Richie stood. “We’ll talk about it tonight. We’d better get going. I don’t want to keep Ma waiting.”
“See you later Heather.” Tori smiled, although it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Uh huh. Would you send Jack up please?”
“Sure.” Richie nodded as they left the room.
Outside, Richie opened her door for her. “Nice job of calling her bluff.”
Tori waited until he had rounded the front of the Hummer and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Who was bluffing? If she continues to play games, we will be visiting your lawyer and we will be suing for full custody. That beautiful child doesn’t deserve this bullshit!”
Richie smiled at how fiercely she protected his daughter. No doubt about it, she’s going to make a wonderful mother! “Yes dear.”
Richie hung up the phone and eyed his wife warily as she set the plate of cookies on the table in front of him. “Thanks angel.” He hesitated. “Heather wants to see me this afternoon.” He braced himself for her reaction.
Tori stared at him for a minute. “I’m going with you.” She held up a hand when he would have protested. “No. I’m a member of this family and she and I have to deal with each other. If you’re still worried about her having to face me after what happened….well millions of people all over the world have seen her mug shot. I’m the least of her problems. Besides, I haven’t seen Bean since the we dropped her off on our way to Hawaii. If you won’t bring her here, then I’ll go there.” Her look dared him to argue.
He studied her determined expression and knew if he tried to argue he’d be dealing with a Bongiovi in full temper. He was no fool. Besides, she was right. He sighed and nodded. He just hoped he didn’t have to play referee.
Tori was quiet on the drive to Heather’s. She stared out the window, deep in thought. A little kernel of an idea had popped into her mind and she was letting it develop into a full blown plan. If she was right about Heather, this would prove it…at least to Richie.
When they pulled to a stop in front of the door, she turned to her husband. “Will you do one thing for me?”
“I’ll do anything for you angel. What do you need?”
“Don’t let her ruin Ava’s day. The arrangements have been made at the restaurant, her friends will all be there, your mother’s coming in….this is how she wanted to celebrate her birthday….don’t let Heather try to ruin it.”
“You’re really convinced she’s playing games aren’t you?”
“Let’s just say I have a pretty strong hunch.”
“Daddy! Tori!” Ava came running out to meet them.
“There’s the birthday girl! How are you Bean?” Tori climbed out and hugged her step-daughter tightly. “Oooh, I’ve missed you!”
“I’m okay. I’ve missed you too. How come you didn’t come to see me?”
The shadows in the dark eyes so like her father’s nearly broke Tori’s heart. The look she gave Richie had him squirming uncomfortably. Yet another way he’d hurt her – both of them actually – without meaning to. He sighed heavily. So much for good intentions.
Tori covered for him. “Daddy and I thought that Mommy needed you. Do you remember last March and Daddy’s…” She hesitated, not sure how to word it.
“Act of stupidity?” Ava supplied.
Tori bit her lip against a smile and almost lost the battle when she glanced at Richie to see him staring at his daughter, a chagrined look on his face. “Yes, well when that happened Mommy let you stay with him to help him right?” Ava nodded. “So we thought it was only fair that we let you stay and help her.”
“But why didn’t you come here with Daddy to see me?”
“Well, we thought it best to wait until Mommy was feeling better.”
“But you’re here now and she’s not feeling better.” Ava frowned. “She doesn’t even get out of bed most days.”
“Of course I’m here today. It’s your birthday! I wouldn’t miss that for the world!” Tori assured her.
Ava’s face lit up. “So you’re coming to the Village with us tonight then? Oh, I can hardly wait! Nana’s coming and all my friends, and they have the best food, and the most wonderful cake, and it’s going to be so much fun!”
Tori smiled at the young girl’s excitement which just reinforced her determination to make sure that nothing spoil the party.
They found Jack inside, sitting in the living room watching T.V. He looked up when they walked in. “Hi. Heather’s upstairs.” He lowered his voice and muttered. “As usual.”
“Thanks.” Richie replied, glanced at Tori, and headed upstairs.
Tori sat on a couch. Ava sat beside her. “How are you Jack?”
“I’m good. How was the honeymoon?”
“Great while it lasted. Hawaii was beautiful.”
“Yeah, I’ve been there a couple times. It truly is paradise.”
“What did you do? Did you take pictures? Did you bring me anything?” Ava’s questions came fast and furious.
Tori chuckled. “You’ll just have to wait until the party tonight to find out.”
For the next hour, they talked about Hawaii, Tori’s new job, and Jack’s upcoming projects. When Julie came in to tell Ava that Kate was on the phone wanting to discuss what they were wearing to the party, Tori waited until she had left the room, then turned to Jack. “How is she really?”
He shrugged. “Some days better than others. Sometimes she seems to be almost her old self, talking about going to some event and then suddenly she relapses and can’t get out of bed.”
“Is that when she calls Richie?”
His lips twisted. “Generally, yeah.”
Tori considered him for a moment. “Do you remember what happened just before her last couple relapses?”
Jack frowned. “Well, this afternoon we were talking about Ava’s birthday party….Ava was excited that she was finally going to get to see you,... yesterday was just a bad day all round, and the day before…..she was fine until….oh, one of the entertainment news shows were talking about the year’s big rock tours, and mentioned Bon Jovi and showed pictures of them – and you.” Tori nodded. His eyes widened. “You think she’s faking don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say faking exactly. I think she really is clinically depressed, I just think that she’s….exaggerating how sick she is in order to get attention.” She frowned. “Specifically, Richie’s attention. Not that she wants him necessarily, I think it’s more of a signal to me to show how much power she still has over him.”
Jack considered that for a few moments then nodded. “You may be right.”
She waved a hand towards the stairs. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve had about enough of these little tete-a-tete’s.”
Jack snorted. “I had enough about a week ago.”
She nodded. “Then it’s time to put an end to them.”
“I hope you have better luck than I’ve had.”
Her lips pressed tightly together. “Oh count on it.” With that she rose and headed upstairs. She found them in Heather’s room, Richie in a chair beside the bed where Heather was laying. “Hi. Sorry to interrupt, but Rich, we need to get going. You’re mother’s plane will be landing soon and you know how she hates waiting around the airport. Plus, she’ll want to have some time to rest before the big birthday party tonight. How are you feeling Heather?”
“Not too bad thanks. But I don’t think I’m up to going out tonight. I think we should cancel the party and just have a family dinner here.”
Tori caught Richie’s eye. He knew that look and that if he didn’t step up, he’d pay later. Damn! How did she know Heather would pull something like this? “No. Ava’s been looking forward to this for weeks. The arrangements are made, her friends will all be there, I think we should go ahead with it. This is her day, she should get to celebrate the way she wants.”
Tori smiled approvingly at her husband, then turned a considering glance on Heather and assumed a sympathetic expression. Step 3:Put plan into action. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe Ava should come and stay with us for awhile – just until you’re feeling better. I know how active she is, and that way it would be quieter around here for you and might help your recovery.”
Heather narrowed her eyes and almost sneered. “Are you threatening to take my daughter away from me?”
Tori raised her brows at her tone and replied with seeming innocence, except that anyone who knew her – or Jon for that matter – and saw her eyes, would recognize the icy fury and determination in the blue depths. “I’m not threatening anything. I’m just suggesting, that since you need to focus your attention on looking after yourself, that it might be better for Ava to be with a parent who is able to make her well being their priority. I know that Julie does a wonderful job looking after her, but I think you’ll agree, that even the most caring nanny is no replacement for a parent. I understand that you’re still finding it difficult to get out of bed most days. I just thought by us taking Ava that it would be one less thing for you to worry about and you can concentrate on your recovery.”
Richie managed to hide his surprise at Tori’s suggestion, but watched Heather’s reaction carefully. Tori was forcing her hand. Either she was well enough to get up and look after their daughter – and attend the party – or she was truly ill and Ava would be better with them and out of that environment. Very clever angel!
The two women stared at each other for long seconds in silent communication, Heather trying to intimidate, Tori refusing to back down. Finally Heather sighed. “Let me think about it.”
Tori nodded. Richie stood. “We’ll talk about it tonight. We’d better get going. I don’t want to keep Ma waiting.”
“See you later Heather.” Tori smiled, although it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Uh huh. Would you send Jack up please?”
“Sure.” Richie nodded as they left the room.
Outside, Richie opened her door for her. “Nice job of calling her bluff.”
Tori waited until he had rounded the front of the Hummer and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Who was bluffing? If she continues to play games, we will be visiting your lawyer and we will be suing for full custody. That beautiful child doesn’t deserve this bullshit!”
Richie smiled at how fiercely she protected his daughter. No doubt about it, she’s going to make a wonderful mother! “Yes dear.”
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Chapter 210
As Tori regained awareness the next morning she realized that she was in her husband’s arms before she was even fully awake. The warm skin covering hard muscle under her cheek told her that, as did his familiar scent that she inhaled with every breath. But beyond that, there was the sense of peace, and safety, and…..home….that she always felt when she was close to him like this. She’d never felt that with anyone else, and she didn’t want to lose it. Their conversation of the night before replayed in her mind. Nice control there Tori, it’s a wonder he didn’t call Heather’s doctor to see if he had room for another patient! She sighed. At least now he knew how she felt. She knew that he was sorry for hurting her and that he never meant to, but she wasn’t sure that he believed her about the extent of Heather’s illness. She needed to find a way to convince him. She had to. She couldn’t bear to think about her life without him in it. Dorothea’s words echoed in her head. If you want him you’re going to have to fight for him and knowing Heather, you’re going to have to fight dirty, it’s the only way she knows. Tori frowned. Hmmm…fight dirty huh? Her fingers toyed idly with the patch of hair on the far side of his chest as she tried to come up with a strategy. She opened her eyes and watched her fingers and saw his nipple harden as her fingers played. Her lips curved in a slow smile. Step 1: remind him who he belongs to.
She let her hand wander, caressing his chest and down over his stomach, smiling when his muscles contracted at her touch. Lifting her head slightly, she brought her lips and hair into play as she kissed and licked her way over his torso. She spent long minutes exploring every inch of skin until she had memorized every bump and hollow. Then she moved down, resting her head on his stomach while her fingers played with his already half hard shaft. She ran her fingers up and down his length, and watched it swell and harden more, amazed that it actually fit inside her body. Not only did it fit, but it never failed to bring her the most incredible pleasure. As his erection grew, so did her own arousal. It had been so long since they had been together, her body ached for him. But she didn’t want to end it that soon. First she wanted to tease him to the brink, to remind him of what she could make him feel, that this unique….connection…they felt went both ways, of the power she had over him. As she closed her hand around him as best she could and stroked his length, periodically squeezing very lightly, she forced her mind to think of Ava’s birthday party, Karin and Shirley….anything to distract herself from the effect her explorations were having on her. Every so often, her hand would leave his shaft to cup the sac beneath it, stretching the skin, then raking her nails lightly along the inside of his thighs. She smiled absently as some part of her mind noted the tensing of his thigh muscles and the arching of his back.
Richie had awakened at the first touch of her tongue on the hard kernel of his nipple, but had remained motionless, waiting to see what she would do. He was on the brink of losing her, and he knew he had to let her have her way, that this time must be the way she wanted it. But as time passed and she merely continued to play he found it harder and harder to remain passive. Sweat broke out on his skin and his breathing became laboured as he fought against his release. He wanted more than this. He ached to possess her. He just hoped she did too. Finally he couldn’t stand it any longer. His hand reached to stroke her hair.
“Are you going to do something with that or just tease me all morning?” His voice was a husky growl.
His voice brought her attention back to the matter at hand – or more precisely, in her hand. Her head lifted just enough to turn so that she could see his face, her lips twisting, a glint in her eyes. “Did you say that you wanted me to tease you? Okay.”
“No! That’s not what I –ooooh shit….” His voice trailed off as his breath hissed through his teeth at the feel of her hair and breath caressing his most sensitive skin.
She grinned to herself as she licked him from base to tip. Running her tongue around the ridge she flicked it along the slit in the tip and blew on it. Next she suck-kissed her way back down to the base and over his sac. He shuddered. She tortured him with her mouth for what seemed like hours, licking and kissing and taking him into her mouth to suckle on him, wringing moaning cries of pleasure from his throat. Finally, she couldn’t take anymore. Teasing him had brought her own arousal to flashpoint. Taking the swollen tip into her mouth one last time she sucked it like a lollipop, then backed off and rose to straddle him. Guiding him with one hand she sank excruciating slowly down on him.
His hands clenched into fists as he watched her body absorb his flesh. He almost lost control at the feel of her warm passage opening to let him in, then closing around him like warm honey. She fit him perfectly. Like they were made for each other. God he’d missed this in the last week or so! No one had ever made him feel what she did. Even his orgasms were different with her, more….intense. And it just kept getting better and better. He couldn’t lose her. It would be like losing a piece of himself.
When she was fully seated, she braced herself with her hands on his chest and started to rock against him, squeezing him lightly with her internal muscles, making him groan. She reached out to rub and pluck his nipples with her fingers. He groaned, his back arching and hips rocking in time with hers. His hands gripped her hips involuntarily, searching for an anchor is his rapidly dissolving world.
“Angel, you’re killing me! God, you feel so good!”
She just grinned and panted for breath and watched the expressions of passion and pleasure on his face, fighting to hang on to her control. Suddenly he arched his hips more, driving deeper into her and she lost it. With a cry she clamped down on his buried flesh, and felt him explode inside her before she collapsed on his chest.
They laid there like that for long minutes catching their breath, Richie’s hands stroking her back soothingly. Even though she hadn’t completely recovered from the last time yet, Tori wanted more. She tilted her head and ran her tongue up his neck to his ear where she nibbled on the lobe. At the same time she flexed her internal muscles around the masculine flesh that was still buried inside her.
With a grin he tightened his arms around her and rolled, bringing her beneath him. Rising up on his elbows, he smoothed her hair back from her face. Reverent fingers traced her features. “You are so beautiful. I love you so much. I love the feel of your skin.” He stroked her cheek with a fingertip. “I love your scent.” He nuzzled his spot under her ear, grinning when she shivered. “I love your taste.” He traced her lips with his finger, dipped the tip inside when they parted, then groaned softly as she circled it with her tongue and sucked on it reminding him of when she’d done the same to another of his appendages, resulting in a predictable bodily response He bent and replaced his finger with his tongue.
She purred deep in her throat at the feel of him filling her once again. As her tongue duelled with his her hips began undulating against him. He held still and let her. Raising his head he stared in to her glowing sapphire eyes, his own dark with emotion – passion...and regret. “Baby…Tori….you know I’d never knowingly hurt you right?” She nodded. “I’m so sorry.”
She placed her fingers over his mouth. “Rich?”
“Mmmm?”
“Less talking, more loving.”
He chuckled, kissed her fingers and obeyed. Her hands gripped his shoulders as he slid his mouth down her throat. Frustrated that he wasn’t moving, she braced her feet on the bed for leverage and lifted her hips towards him, driving him even deeper.
“Mmmmm….yes.” She sighed.
For long minutes he tasted her - her skin, her lips, the deep recesses of her mouth while he rubbed his chest over hers, feeling her nipples harden against him. Her hands slid down his back and settled low on his spine and pressed, trying to urge him on. Her breath shortened as her arousal grew by leaps and bounds. He lowered his weight onto her so that he could free his hands to stroke her sides. Shifting again, he cupped her breasts and massaged them gently.
“Mmmmm….” Her back arched, silently asking for more.
Taking her taut peaks between thumbs and forefingers he squeezed them firmly. Her eyes flew wide as she suddenly climaxed. His brows rose and he studied her face. “More?”
She panted and nodded. She was ravenous for him. It must be my recent abstinence after that marathon night in Hawaii. My body feels deprived.
He began to move, keeping his strokes unhurried and gentle, gauging the depth and speed of his rhythm by the strength of her hands gripping him and the cries he drew from her. Within minutes she peaked again. He kept moving. “More?” Again she nodded. He continued to ride her slowly, driving her to climax over and over, each time asking her if she wanted more. When she finally shook her head, her body shaking, her arms flung out to her sides, with no more strength to hold him to her, he put his lips to her ear. “My turn.”
She groaned as he lifted her legs to his shoulders, grasped her hips with his hands, lifted her towards him and started to thrust hard and fast. She gasped as her body responded to his demand. This time when she screamed and went over the edge, he let her take him with her.
Rolling off her, breathing like a race horse, he gathered her into his arms and waited to see if his heart was going to explode. If this was what their married life was going to be like, she was going to be the death of him. But at least I’ll die a happy man! He stroked her arm and back lightly. When he could speak again, he took a deep breath and faced his fear. “So where do we go from here?”
“Back to sleep.” She murmured, totally worn out.
He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Good idea. I love you angel. Only you.”
“Love you too Rich.” Step 1 complete.
She let her hand wander, caressing his chest and down over his stomach, smiling when his muscles contracted at her touch. Lifting her head slightly, she brought her lips and hair into play as she kissed and licked her way over his torso. She spent long minutes exploring every inch of skin until she had memorized every bump and hollow. Then she moved down, resting her head on his stomach while her fingers played with his already half hard shaft. She ran her fingers up and down his length, and watched it swell and harden more, amazed that it actually fit inside her body. Not only did it fit, but it never failed to bring her the most incredible pleasure. As his erection grew, so did her own arousal. It had been so long since they had been together, her body ached for him. But she didn’t want to end it that soon. First she wanted to tease him to the brink, to remind him of what she could make him feel, that this unique….connection…they felt went both ways, of the power she had over him. As she closed her hand around him as best she could and stroked his length, periodically squeezing very lightly, she forced her mind to think of Ava’s birthday party, Karin and Shirley….anything to distract herself from the effect her explorations were having on her. Every so often, her hand would leave his shaft to cup the sac beneath it, stretching the skin, then raking her nails lightly along the inside of his thighs. She smiled absently as some part of her mind noted the tensing of his thigh muscles and the arching of his back.
Richie had awakened at the first touch of her tongue on the hard kernel of his nipple, but had remained motionless, waiting to see what she would do. He was on the brink of losing her, and he knew he had to let her have her way, that this time must be the way she wanted it. But as time passed and she merely continued to play he found it harder and harder to remain passive. Sweat broke out on his skin and his breathing became laboured as he fought against his release. He wanted more than this. He ached to possess her. He just hoped she did too. Finally he couldn’t stand it any longer. His hand reached to stroke her hair.
“Are you going to do something with that or just tease me all morning?” His voice was a husky growl.
His voice brought her attention back to the matter at hand – or more precisely, in her hand. Her head lifted just enough to turn so that she could see his face, her lips twisting, a glint in her eyes. “Did you say that you wanted me to tease you? Okay.”
“No! That’s not what I –ooooh shit….” His voice trailed off as his breath hissed through his teeth at the feel of her hair and breath caressing his most sensitive skin.
She grinned to herself as she licked him from base to tip. Running her tongue around the ridge she flicked it along the slit in the tip and blew on it. Next she suck-kissed her way back down to the base and over his sac. He shuddered. She tortured him with her mouth for what seemed like hours, licking and kissing and taking him into her mouth to suckle on him, wringing moaning cries of pleasure from his throat. Finally, she couldn’t take anymore. Teasing him had brought her own arousal to flashpoint. Taking the swollen tip into her mouth one last time she sucked it like a lollipop, then backed off and rose to straddle him. Guiding him with one hand she sank excruciating slowly down on him.
His hands clenched into fists as he watched her body absorb his flesh. He almost lost control at the feel of her warm passage opening to let him in, then closing around him like warm honey. She fit him perfectly. Like they were made for each other. God he’d missed this in the last week or so! No one had ever made him feel what she did. Even his orgasms were different with her, more….intense. And it just kept getting better and better. He couldn’t lose her. It would be like losing a piece of himself.
When she was fully seated, she braced herself with her hands on his chest and started to rock against him, squeezing him lightly with her internal muscles, making him groan. She reached out to rub and pluck his nipples with her fingers. He groaned, his back arching and hips rocking in time with hers. His hands gripped her hips involuntarily, searching for an anchor is his rapidly dissolving world.
“Angel, you’re killing me! God, you feel so good!”
She just grinned and panted for breath and watched the expressions of passion and pleasure on his face, fighting to hang on to her control. Suddenly he arched his hips more, driving deeper into her and she lost it. With a cry she clamped down on his buried flesh, and felt him explode inside her before she collapsed on his chest.
They laid there like that for long minutes catching their breath, Richie’s hands stroking her back soothingly. Even though she hadn’t completely recovered from the last time yet, Tori wanted more. She tilted her head and ran her tongue up his neck to his ear where she nibbled on the lobe. At the same time she flexed her internal muscles around the masculine flesh that was still buried inside her.
With a grin he tightened his arms around her and rolled, bringing her beneath him. Rising up on his elbows, he smoothed her hair back from her face. Reverent fingers traced her features. “You are so beautiful. I love you so much. I love the feel of your skin.” He stroked her cheek with a fingertip. “I love your scent.” He nuzzled his spot under her ear, grinning when she shivered. “I love your taste.” He traced her lips with his finger, dipped the tip inside when they parted, then groaned softly as she circled it with her tongue and sucked on it reminding him of when she’d done the same to another of his appendages, resulting in a predictable bodily response He bent and replaced his finger with his tongue.
She purred deep in her throat at the feel of him filling her once again. As her tongue duelled with his her hips began undulating against him. He held still and let her. Raising his head he stared in to her glowing sapphire eyes, his own dark with emotion – passion...and regret. “Baby…Tori….you know I’d never knowingly hurt you right?” She nodded. “I’m so sorry.”
She placed her fingers over his mouth. “Rich?”
“Mmmm?”
“Less talking, more loving.”
He chuckled, kissed her fingers and obeyed. Her hands gripped his shoulders as he slid his mouth down her throat. Frustrated that he wasn’t moving, she braced her feet on the bed for leverage and lifted her hips towards him, driving him even deeper.
“Mmmmm….yes.” She sighed.
For long minutes he tasted her - her skin, her lips, the deep recesses of her mouth while he rubbed his chest over hers, feeling her nipples harden against him. Her hands slid down his back and settled low on his spine and pressed, trying to urge him on. Her breath shortened as her arousal grew by leaps and bounds. He lowered his weight onto her so that he could free his hands to stroke her sides. Shifting again, he cupped her breasts and massaged them gently.
“Mmmmm….” Her back arched, silently asking for more.
Taking her taut peaks between thumbs and forefingers he squeezed them firmly. Her eyes flew wide as she suddenly climaxed. His brows rose and he studied her face. “More?”
She panted and nodded. She was ravenous for him. It must be my recent abstinence after that marathon night in Hawaii. My body feels deprived.
He began to move, keeping his strokes unhurried and gentle, gauging the depth and speed of his rhythm by the strength of her hands gripping him and the cries he drew from her. Within minutes she peaked again. He kept moving. “More?” Again she nodded. He continued to ride her slowly, driving her to climax over and over, each time asking her if she wanted more. When she finally shook her head, her body shaking, her arms flung out to her sides, with no more strength to hold him to her, he put his lips to her ear. “My turn.”
She groaned as he lifted her legs to his shoulders, grasped her hips with his hands, lifted her towards him and started to thrust hard and fast. She gasped as her body responded to his demand. This time when she screamed and went over the edge, he let her take him with her.
Rolling off her, breathing like a race horse, he gathered her into his arms and waited to see if his heart was going to explode. If this was what their married life was going to be like, she was going to be the death of him. But at least I’ll die a happy man! He stroked her arm and back lightly. When he could speak again, he took a deep breath and faced his fear. “So where do we go from here?”
“Back to sleep.” She murmured, totally worn out.
He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Good idea. I love you angel. Only you.”
“Love you too Rich.” Step 1 complete.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Chapter 209
Tori took a seat on the couch and turned towards him. “So Jon, Dorothea and the kids all say hi. The meetings went well. We’ve come up with a few new items – not as many as I’d like, but it’s a good start. I think Neil hates me, although when he showed me some of the new t-shirts, he said ‘I know, I know, expand the colour pallet and have normal sizes as well as the ‘kiddie’ ones’. I guess he was listening to me that day in Jon’s den.”
Richie snorted. “Despite being men, we do listen to women on occasion. Besides, you were the boss’ sister…and now you’re the boss. It was in his best interest to listen.”
Her brow rose at his tone, but she didn’t respond to it. “Yeah, well, I’m not real sure about this whole boss thing. I hope I’m up to it.”
“Of course you are. Why would you think you aren’t? You’ve ordered for a whole store.”
“Yeah. One store in a small town where I know most of the people and what they want. This is for millions of people all over the world. Different cultures and different tastes.”
“Jon wouldn’t have put you in charge if he didn’t trust your ability to do the job.” He waved a hand. “But that’s not what I….”
“Jon wants to include me and make me feel a part of the family.” She cut him off. “I appreciate that and I don’t want to let him down.”
“You won’t.” He stared at her wondering why she kept avoiding the subject they really needed to discuss. Then Rosa entered the room with Tori’s tea and he understood.
“Here you go Mrs. Tori. You sure you no want something to eat? You a little pale.”
“I’m fine thanks Rosa, just tired.” Tori assured her.
At Rosa’s words Richie took a closer look at his wife. And frowned. “When did you eat last?”
Tori shrugged. “I had lunch with Jon and Dot before I left….then whatever the plane was feeding us.” Well, eating it might be a stretch….but I moved it around a bit. “I’m really not hungry.”
When Rosa left, Tori took a couple sips of her tea, set it down and looked at him expectantly. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“Gee, I don’t know. Sports? The weather? Hey, I know, how about my depressed ex-wife and the problems she’s causing in our marriage?”
“No need to be sarcastic. I know that we need to talk about it. I just wasn’t sure that you did.”
He sighed. “Contrary to what you obviously think, I’m not blind or insensitive to your feelings. I know you’re having a hard time understanding why it’s so important for me to try to help her in any way I can.”
You’re not blind? Oh honey, Stevie Wonder can see more than you can where she’s concerned. “You’re right. I don’t understand that at all.”
“When my marriage…first marriage…fell apart, Heather blamed me. She said that I didn’t pay enough attention to her, ignored her feelings, was too focused on my own career to help her deal with her problems with hers. I have to admit she wasn’t totally wrong. The band was experiencing a resurgence. Jon had us hopping. She was having trouble getting roles. I probably wasn’t giving her as much attention as I should have been. The worse things got between us, the more time I spent in the studio. She complained that I put the music first. She never understood.” He smiled slightly at her. “That’s one of the things that attracted me to you right from the start. You understand about the music. That it isn’t about being selfish. It’s something that I’m…..compelled to do. I can’t help it. It’s part of me, of who I am. It’s part of my soul.” She nodded. “Anyway, a part of me has always felt that I let her down, that I was to blame for the failure of our marriage – partially at least. Now I’m being given the opportunity to make up for that. To be there for her when she really needs me. I don’t want to fail her again.”
Tori was filled with so many emotions, she felt like she was going to explode. Anger, pain, fear, pride, some she couldn’t even identify, were all swirling around inside her. She understood what he was saying, and even at some level was proud that he was such a caring man, but… “Okay. I hear what you’re saying, but where does that leave me? Am I just supposed to sit by and watch you…my husband….go off on some fool’s errand every day? Because you feel…what? Guilty? Obligated?” She stood and started pacing, her eyes shooting blue flames. “You’re so concerned about her feelings, but what about mine? Do you have any idea what all of this says to me? What it does to me to see you leave here and know that you’d rather be with her? That you put her feelings ahead of mine?” She blinked away the tears and laughed derisively. “I agreed – no actually, I insisted that we cut short our honeymoon so that we could be here for your daughter, and I don’t even get to see her! I have to stay away so that Heather isn’t upset! What about me being upset? You shut me out and go running to her, and then have the nerve to get annoyed when I tell you that I’m going to Jersey for work? What did it matter to you whether I was here or there? At least there I knew I was wanted.”
“I want you here!”
“Really? How was I supposed to know that? You left me here alone all day while you went off to visit your ex-wife.”
“I was home every night.”
“Ah! So that was supposed to make up for everything was it? ‘Sorry angel, my ex-wife comes first and even though we just got married I need to spend my days with her, but I’m here for you at night.’ Are you doing me a favour or yourself? I guess I should take some comfort in that at least I seem to be satisfying you in bed, at least for now, since I don’t seem to be doing such a great job anywhere else.”
“That’s not true! You satisfy me in every way. I love you!” My God! I had no idea she would take my visits to Heather this way!
“Really? Then why is she coming first in your life? What about me? When do I come first? Me! Your wife! I’ve tried to be understanding. I’ve tried to take the high road and not be a selfish cold-hearted bitch in the face of her pain. But I’ve had enough. I can’t live like this – I won’t live like this anymore.” Suddenly the pain overtook her and she sobbed, unable to hold back the tears any longer.
He stared at her, his heart pounding, stomach clenching. He’d never seen her like this, alternating between tears and anger, pacing with her roiling emotions. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that you need to think long and hard about what you’re doing. Make sure that whatever you’re getting out of whatever’s going on over there is worth throwing away everything we’ve begun to build here.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Why can’t you understand? I’m just trying to help her! She’s sick! I can’t just turn my back on her!”
“So you turn your back on me instead?” The tears stopped as the anger returned. “Do you remember the conversation we had about this in Sarnia that day before I would agree to start planning the wedding? You promised me that you had sorted out your feelings and that you were sure that it was me you wanted. That you wouldn’t change your mind. YOU PROMISED! So, what? Now that we’re married you don’t have to live up that promise? You think you can have your cake and eat it too? Her during the day to talk to and me here at night, willing to give you what she won’t?” She snorted. “And the worst part is you can’t even see that she’s playing you. You’re so caught up in being the knight in shining armor swooping in to save the damsel in distress, that you can’t see that she’s the one pulling the strings.”
He frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Did it ever cross your mind that maybe she’s….exaggerating….her illness? I’m not saying that she’s not sick, just that she’s not as sick as she’s letting on. Don’t forget, she is a decent actress.”
“ You can’t be serious! Of course she’s not exaggerating! Why would she want to?”
“Gee, I don’t know, maybe to get attention? She certainly got yours.” It was Tori’s turn to lay on the sarcasm. “Think about it. She happens to ‘accidentally’ mess up her medication and go driving when we’re on our honeymoon? The timing seems a little suspicious to me. She knew that when it hit the press we’d come running home to make sure Ava was alright. Then, once she had you back here, she just has to see you every day?”
“I’ve explained all that. She needs to talk to me about stuff. It’s part of her therapy.”
“Oh? Then why is her doctor not there for these ‘therapy sessions’? I can understand the need to talk about her problems, I could even understand if you needed to be there for some of it, but how can the doctor help her deal with her issues if he isn’t there? If she could work through it herself, she wouldn’t be in this position in the first place!” She shook her head. “No. I’m not buying it. It’s just an excuse. To show us that she’s still in control. She’s jerking your leash.” Her eyes filled again. “And you’re letting her!”
When she looked at him again, he was stunned to see that the fire was gone from the sapphire depths, leaving only shadows. No life there, just pain and defeat. “I understand that you still have feelings for her at some level – if for no other reason than she’s Ava’s mother. You wouldn’t be the man I know you to be if you didn’t.” She closed her eyes briefly, exhaustion taking over. “Richie, I love you, but marriage isn’t built for three – at least not one I’m a part of. I need to know…to believe…to feel that you love me. That you want me! I need to come first in your life – aside from Ava of course.” She started to shake. “I thought we had something special, but I guess I was wrong.”
He jumped up and rushed to reach her before she collapsed. Scooping her up in his arms he resumed his seat on the couch, cradling her on his lap. “Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry! I never meant to hurt you like this! You’re right. I have been putting her feelings ahead of yours and I shouldn’t have. But baby, we do have something special! You have to believe me when I tell you that I do love you. I do want you. Only you. You are my life!” He rubbed her back.
She raised tear filled eyes to his, her lower lip quivering. “Then why Richie? Why are you doing this to me? To us?”
His heart broke at the naked devastation on her face. “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t even realize what I was doing. I never meant to make you feel second best.” He sighed. “You’re right. I wanted to be the one to help her. To show her that I’m not the selfish, insensitive, uncaring man that she said I was.” He snorted. “Looks like she was right. In my zeal to prove her wrong, I actually proved her right. I became all of those things to you. God, angel, I’m so sorry!” He held her closer, tipped her face up to his and brushed her lips with his, tasting her tears. “So sorry.”
Tori blew out a ragged breath, let him pull her even closer and laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat beneath her ear. They sat silently for a long time. When Richie finally glanced down at her to say something he found her asleep. He shifted his grip and stood, still cradling her in his arms.
Upstairs he laid her down on their bed, removed her clothing and pulled the blankets over her. Stripping off his own clothes, he slid in beside her, relieved when she rolled over to curl into his arms. Stroking the arm she draped across his chest, he kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry angel. I love you. Please don’t leave me.” He laid there for a long time, staring at the ceiling and thinking about what she’d said. He knew that they still had more talking to do, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. She was exhausted, and he needed to think.
Richie snorted. “Despite being men, we do listen to women on occasion. Besides, you were the boss’ sister…and now you’re the boss. It was in his best interest to listen.”
Her brow rose at his tone, but she didn’t respond to it. “Yeah, well, I’m not real sure about this whole boss thing. I hope I’m up to it.”
“Of course you are. Why would you think you aren’t? You’ve ordered for a whole store.”
“Yeah. One store in a small town where I know most of the people and what they want. This is for millions of people all over the world. Different cultures and different tastes.”
“Jon wouldn’t have put you in charge if he didn’t trust your ability to do the job.” He waved a hand. “But that’s not what I….”
“Jon wants to include me and make me feel a part of the family.” She cut him off. “I appreciate that and I don’t want to let him down.”
“You won’t.” He stared at her wondering why she kept avoiding the subject they really needed to discuss. Then Rosa entered the room with Tori’s tea and he understood.
“Here you go Mrs. Tori. You sure you no want something to eat? You a little pale.”
“I’m fine thanks Rosa, just tired.” Tori assured her.
At Rosa’s words Richie took a closer look at his wife. And frowned. “When did you eat last?”
Tori shrugged. “I had lunch with Jon and Dot before I left….then whatever the plane was feeding us.” Well, eating it might be a stretch….but I moved it around a bit. “I’m really not hungry.”
When Rosa left, Tori took a couple sips of her tea, set it down and looked at him expectantly. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“Gee, I don’t know. Sports? The weather? Hey, I know, how about my depressed ex-wife and the problems she’s causing in our marriage?”
“No need to be sarcastic. I know that we need to talk about it. I just wasn’t sure that you did.”
He sighed. “Contrary to what you obviously think, I’m not blind or insensitive to your feelings. I know you’re having a hard time understanding why it’s so important for me to try to help her in any way I can.”
You’re not blind? Oh honey, Stevie Wonder can see more than you can where she’s concerned. “You’re right. I don’t understand that at all.”
“When my marriage…first marriage…fell apart, Heather blamed me. She said that I didn’t pay enough attention to her, ignored her feelings, was too focused on my own career to help her deal with her problems with hers. I have to admit she wasn’t totally wrong. The band was experiencing a resurgence. Jon had us hopping. She was having trouble getting roles. I probably wasn’t giving her as much attention as I should have been. The worse things got between us, the more time I spent in the studio. She complained that I put the music first. She never understood.” He smiled slightly at her. “That’s one of the things that attracted me to you right from the start. You understand about the music. That it isn’t about being selfish. It’s something that I’m…..compelled to do. I can’t help it. It’s part of me, of who I am. It’s part of my soul.” She nodded. “Anyway, a part of me has always felt that I let her down, that I was to blame for the failure of our marriage – partially at least. Now I’m being given the opportunity to make up for that. To be there for her when she really needs me. I don’t want to fail her again.”
Tori was filled with so many emotions, she felt like she was going to explode. Anger, pain, fear, pride, some she couldn’t even identify, were all swirling around inside her. She understood what he was saying, and even at some level was proud that he was such a caring man, but… “Okay. I hear what you’re saying, but where does that leave me? Am I just supposed to sit by and watch you…my husband….go off on some fool’s errand every day? Because you feel…what? Guilty? Obligated?” She stood and started pacing, her eyes shooting blue flames. “You’re so concerned about her feelings, but what about mine? Do you have any idea what all of this says to me? What it does to me to see you leave here and know that you’d rather be with her? That you put her feelings ahead of mine?” She blinked away the tears and laughed derisively. “I agreed – no actually, I insisted that we cut short our honeymoon so that we could be here for your daughter, and I don’t even get to see her! I have to stay away so that Heather isn’t upset! What about me being upset? You shut me out and go running to her, and then have the nerve to get annoyed when I tell you that I’m going to Jersey for work? What did it matter to you whether I was here or there? At least there I knew I was wanted.”
“I want you here!”
“Really? How was I supposed to know that? You left me here alone all day while you went off to visit your ex-wife.”
“I was home every night.”
“Ah! So that was supposed to make up for everything was it? ‘Sorry angel, my ex-wife comes first and even though we just got married I need to spend my days with her, but I’m here for you at night.’ Are you doing me a favour or yourself? I guess I should take some comfort in that at least I seem to be satisfying you in bed, at least for now, since I don’t seem to be doing such a great job anywhere else.”
“That’s not true! You satisfy me in every way. I love you!” My God! I had no idea she would take my visits to Heather this way!
“Really? Then why is she coming first in your life? What about me? When do I come first? Me! Your wife! I’ve tried to be understanding. I’ve tried to take the high road and not be a selfish cold-hearted bitch in the face of her pain. But I’ve had enough. I can’t live like this – I won’t live like this anymore.” Suddenly the pain overtook her and she sobbed, unable to hold back the tears any longer.
He stared at her, his heart pounding, stomach clenching. He’d never seen her like this, alternating between tears and anger, pacing with her roiling emotions. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that you need to think long and hard about what you’re doing. Make sure that whatever you’re getting out of whatever’s going on over there is worth throwing away everything we’ve begun to build here.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Why can’t you understand? I’m just trying to help her! She’s sick! I can’t just turn my back on her!”
“So you turn your back on me instead?” The tears stopped as the anger returned. “Do you remember the conversation we had about this in Sarnia that day before I would agree to start planning the wedding? You promised me that you had sorted out your feelings and that you were sure that it was me you wanted. That you wouldn’t change your mind. YOU PROMISED! So, what? Now that we’re married you don’t have to live up that promise? You think you can have your cake and eat it too? Her during the day to talk to and me here at night, willing to give you what she won’t?” She snorted. “And the worst part is you can’t even see that she’s playing you. You’re so caught up in being the knight in shining armor swooping in to save the damsel in distress, that you can’t see that she’s the one pulling the strings.”
He frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Did it ever cross your mind that maybe she’s….exaggerating….her illness? I’m not saying that she’s not sick, just that she’s not as sick as she’s letting on. Don’t forget, she is a decent actress.”
“ You can’t be serious! Of course she’s not exaggerating! Why would she want to?”
“Gee, I don’t know, maybe to get attention? She certainly got yours.” It was Tori’s turn to lay on the sarcasm. “Think about it. She happens to ‘accidentally’ mess up her medication and go driving when we’re on our honeymoon? The timing seems a little suspicious to me. She knew that when it hit the press we’d come running home to make sure Ava was alright. Then, once she had you back here, she just has to see you every day?”
“I’ve explained all that. She needs to talk to me about stuff. It’s part of her therapy.”
“Oh? Then why is her doctor not there for these ‘therapy sessions’? I can understand the need to talk about her problems, I could even understand if you needed to be there for some of it, but how can the doctor help her deal with her issues if he isn’t there? If she could work through it herself, she wouldn’t be in this position in the first place!” She shook her head. “No. I’m not buying it. It’s just an excuse. To show us that she’s still in control. She’s jerking your leash.” Her eyes filled again. “And you’re letting her!”
When she looked at him again, he was stunned to see that the fire was gone from the sapphire depths, leaving only shadows. No life there, just pain and defeat. “I understand that you still have feelings for her at some level – if for no other reason than she’s Ava’s mother. You wouldn’t be the man I know you to be if you didn’t.” She closed her eyes briefly, exhaustion taking over. “Richie, I love you, but marriage isn’t built for three – at least not one I’m a part of. I need to know…to believe…to feel that you love me. That you want me! I need to come first in your life – aside from Ava of course.” She started to shake. “I thought we had something special, but I guess I was wrong.”
He jumped up and rushed to reach her before she collapsed. Scooping her up in his arms he resumed his seat on the couch, cradling her on his lap. “Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry! I never meant to hurt you like this! You’re right. I have been putting her feelings ahead of yours and I shouldn’t have. But baby, we do have something special! You have to believe me when I tell you that I do love you. I do want you. Only you. You are my life!” He rubbed her back.
She raised tear filled eyes to his, her lower lip quivering. “Then why Richie? Why are you doing this to me? To us?”
His heart broke at the naked devastation on her face. “I didn’t mean to. I didn’t even realize what I was doing. I never meant to make you feel second best.” He sighed. “You’re right. I wanted to be the one to help her. To show her that I’m not the selfish, insensitive, uncaring man that she said I was.” He snorted. “Looks like she was right. In my zeal to prove her wrong, I actually proved her right. I became all of those things to you. God, angel, I’m so sorry!” He held her closer, tipped her face up to his and brushed her lips with his, tasting her tears. “So sorry.”
Tori blew out a ragged breath, let him pull her even closer and laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat beneath her ear. They sat silently for a long time. When Richie finally glanced down at her to say something he found her asleep. He shifted his grip and stood, still cradling her in his arms.
Upstairs he laid her down on their bed, removed her clothing and pulled the blankets over her. Stripping off his own clothes, he slid in beside her, relieved when she rolled over to curl into his arms. Stroking the arm she draped across his chest, he kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry angel. I love you. Please don’t leave me.” He laid there for a long time, staring at the ceiling and thinking about what she’d said. He knew that they still had more talking to do, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. She was exhausted, and he needed to think.
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