Chapter 29

Tori stormed into the kitchen and began yanking vegetables out of the fridge and throwing them on the counter. Rosa took one look at her face and moved out of the way. Lettuce was quickly shredded between tearing fingers and a hapless carrot took the brunt of her anger.

Richie watched the flashing knife, noting the force with which it hit the cutting board, and winced. She was definitely pissed. Maybe confronting her in the kitchen, where there were any number of sharp weapons wasn’t the best idea.  What was the saying?  The best defence was a good offence? He figured it was worth a shot. “What have you got against dogs?”

“Nothing.” The word was bit out.

“So....then it’s the kids having a pet that you object to.”

The knife hit the counter with enough force to bounce several times before coming to a stop and Richie knew he was lucky she’d thrown it down and not at him.

“What I object to is having my wishes totally ignored! By my own husband!”

“But...”

“No ‘buts’ Richie! I told you I didn’t want a dog right now, and you went out and got one anyway. Without even talking to me!”

“Peanut asked for...”

“Peanut asks for a lot of things. He’s three. He has a thirty second attention span. This morning he asked for a shark and a spaceship. Are you going to buy him those too?”

“Every child deserves a pet.”

“I’m not disagreeing with that. My issue is with the timing. Animals take work. Who’s going to do it? You?”

“Yes.”

“Right.” She snorted. “And when you’re away? Do you expect Cathy or Rosa to do it? They have enough to do. No, it’ll all fall on me. I have a three year old, a one year old and soon a new baby. Those are my priorities. I don’t have time to look after a dog too!”

“There’s not that much to it. I can feed her and walk her.”

Tori bit back the urge to scream – or hit him over the head with something. “Did you get a crate or are you going to let her have free run of the house at night before she’s trained? Are you going to clean up the mess? And are you going to train her? Get up when she whines at all hours of the night and take her outside? Or do you figure since I’m going to be up with the baby anyway that I can do it? And what about vet appointments?”

Richie frowned. He hadn’t thought of all of that.

Seeing his expression and interpreting it correctly, Tori growled in frustration and grabbed a towel to wipe her hands. “Men! Why don’t you ever think things through?”

“I’ll take her back or find a new home for her.”

“And make me the meanest Mommy on the planet?  I don’t think so.” She rubbed her forehead, exhausted just at the thought of her new responsibilities. “Dammit Richie! Why didn’t you listen to me? I told you that we’d talk about a pet in a couple years, when the kids were older. But no. You had to be ‘Wonderful Daddy’ who brings them whatever they ask for without considering the ramifications! What’s it matter to you? You’re not the one who has to deal with them, I am!”

“Tori, that’s not fair!”

“Tell me about it!” On the verge of tears, she threw down the towel and turned on her heel to leave the room. She needed some space and some time before she said something she’d regret later.

Richie watched her leave and blew out a heavy breath.

“Aren’t you going to go after her?” Ava had overheard the last part of their argument – couldn’t avoid it really, with the volume of Tori’s voice.

“No.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’ll let her calm down first.” He’d seen the unshed tears and belated remembered her condition and the hormones running rampant through her. “Come on Bean, let’s get the puppy settled.”

“She needs a name.”

“We’ll talk to Peanut about that.”

“Ok, but don’t let him call her Dug.”

Richie chuckled. “Yeah, okay.”

Tori lay on a lounge by the pool, hoping the sounds of the waterfall would soothe her. She hated fighting with Richie, but the damn man really needed to think more before he acted.  That was nothing new and she usually anticipated it and dealt with it. But this time she was just too tired. Besides, she didn’t know how she could have made her feelings on the subject any clearer. Even the male mind can process the word ‘no’.

“Dinner’s ready.”

She looked up to see Ava standing beside her chair. “Okay.”

“Tori....I’m sorry about the puppy. If I’d known you didn’t want one I would never have encouraged Dad to buy her.”

“It’s okay Bean. It’s not your fault. Your father is a grown man capable of making his own decisions.”

“Yeah, but he’s not real good at it.”

Tori chuckled, but didn’t deny it.

“Except when he married you.”Ava continued. “That was the best decision he’s made in a long time....or since. He needs someone smart to help him.”

“Thank you.” Tori didn’t deny the last comment either.

“Mama, Bean, come eat!”

“Coming Peanut.” Standing, Tori slid her arm around Ava’s shoulders and squeezed. “It’ll be okay Bean. I just need to be mad at him for a bit.”

Ava looked unconvinced, but didn’t argue.

Dinner was a subdued hour. Although both Richie and Tori interacted with the kids, they barely spoke to each other, Tori because she was still mad, Richie because he figured she wouldn’t answer him anyway.

“Where’s the puppy?” Tori looked under the table and around the room.

“Her name’s Taffy.” Stevie informed her.

“Oh? Why Taffy?”

“Her look like Taffy.”

It took a minute to figure out what he was talking about. “Oh! You mean she’s the same colour as the taffy you ate yesterday?”

“Uh huh. Her seeping. Her tired.”  

“Aah.” She was curious to see where they’d put Taffy’s bed, but she’d be damned if she’d ask. This was Richie’s show and he’d have to look after it. Besides, she could always search for it when he wasn’t around.

After dinner, they settled into the livingroom. Tori was sitting on the floor working on a puzzle with Stevie, Lauren close by with her Elmo. Ava was in a chair texting to her friends and Richie was on the couch channel surfing, looking for anything decent to watch on TV. Suddenly, there was a high pitched whine, a soft yip and what sounded like a small pony coming down the hallway.

Taffy burst into the room and made a beeline for Stevie. Seeing Tori, she changed course slightly and picked up speed. Tori braced herself for impact. Seconds later she had a lap full of puppy and a wet tongue trying to reach every inch of her face.

“Taffy no!” Ava cried out.

“Taffy off!” Richie tried his stern Dad voice.

Neither worked, so they both started to move towards Tori to pull the puppy off before any damage was done.

Before either one of them reached her, the baby apparently didn’t like being crowded and pushed back.  At the movement, Taffy froze then sniffed Tori’s rounded stomach. They watched in amazement as she slid off Tori’s lap and laid beside her, resting her head on Tori’s leg.

Tori reached out to pet the soft head. “That’s a good girl. You can lay there, just don’t jump on me.” She got a snuffle in agreement.

Of course, being a puppy, Taffy couldn’t lie still for very long and was soon running around wanting to play. Richie helped Tori up, insisting she sit on the couch while he grabbed a ball and got down on the floor. For the next couple hours kids and puppy played.

Finally, it was bedtime for the little ones. Tori wasn’t sure who was more tired, the kids or the puppy. Leaving Richie and Ava to look after Taffy, she took Stevie and Lauren upstairs and tucked them in.  Even Lauren went right to sleep. Maybe having a dog won’t be so bad after all.

As she walked by her bedroom, she noticed the light on and stepped inside to turn it off. The scent of lavender tickled her nose and she looked around to find the source. A flickering light was visible underneath the closed bathroom door. With a slight frown, she went to investigate.

The door opened to reveal any tired and stressed woman’s nirvana, and hers in particular. Candles had been set on the countertop and around the wide ledge of the bathtub, which was full of steaming water and bubbles.

Somebody’s sucking up. She knew what he was doing....and she was quite content to let him. Stepping into the closet, she quickly undressed and returned to the bathroom where she grabbed a thick towel and sank into the scented foam. She leaned back, rested her head against the rim of the tub, closed her eyes and, with a contented sigh, allowed herself to relax.

Chapter 28

The days passed in relative calm. Lauren’s birthday party was a success. Family and friends enjoyed a barbeque and the pool and the birthday girl preferred the boxes her gifts came in to the gifts themselves....except for her Elmo. That she carried everywhere she went and wouldn’t sleep without it.

Richie tried not to be smug and managed to keep his ‘I told you so’ to himself.

Two weeks later, Tori was contemplating strangling the red muppet with a guitar string. It had been amusing to begin with, but now she just found it annoying. Unfortunately for her, her daughter loved it and couldn’t get enough of his antics, giggling hysterically every time he fell over. And if she turned it off, Lauren screamed until it was turned back on.

Gritting her teeth, she refocused on the guitar lesson Richie was giving.

“Like this Peanut. Put your fingers like Daddy’s.” The two dark heads were bent close together. “Now strum like I showed you. Good.”

It actually wasn’t bad....for a three year old.

Suddenly, Stevie’s head jerked up. “Me watch Dug now?”

Used to his short attention span, Tori chuckled. “Sure.”

Richie put away the guitars while Tori put on the Up dvd.

“Our house fly too?”

“No, our house is too heavy. There aren’t enough balloons to lift it.” Tori answered with a smile.

“Oh.” Stevie was silent for a few minutes. “Me have doggie? Pease?”

Tori found herself the focal point of attention – at least from the males in the room. Blue eyes looked at her with hope, brown ones with thoughtfulness.  She met the brown ones and shook her head slightly. “I think we should wait a few years until you and Lauren and the baby are a little older.”

“Why?”

“Because they’re a lot of work. They need to be fed and brushed and taken for walks.” She smoothed a hand over his hair. “I promise, in a couple years we’ll talk about getting you a pet.”

“Okay.” The sad acceptance in his voice was way beyond his years and made his mother feel like a big meany.

“Awww...Dad look!” Ava stopped to look into a store window. They were having a Daddy/Daughter day. Shopping, lunch and hanging out. “Let’s go in.”

Richie dutifully followed her in. As she grew older, she was less inclined to hang out with her old man, so he was happy to take what he could get, even if it meant trailing her through clothing stores and handing over his opinion (when asked) and his credit card.

He glanced around while Ava made a beeline for the pen that had caught her eye from the sidewalk.

“Awww. Aren’t they adorable Dad?”

Richie looked down into the pen to see five golden retriever puppies. Four were rolling around playing together, while the fifth was off to the side watching. His soft heart went out to the one left out of the fun.

“What do you think? Dad?”

“Umm...do you think your mother will go for it?”

“Not for her house, for yours. Peanut and Sweetpea would love one don’t you think?”

“Oh, I don’t know Bean.” But he couldn’t look away from the little wallflower. As if sensing his stare, the puppy ran over to him, stood on its hind legs and waved its little tail so hard it almost fell over. The dark eyes looked at him with such...hope, the result was inevitable. He was in big trouble.

“You can pick her up.”

He turned to see a young woman, obviously an employee, gesture towards the puppy.

“You can pick her up and pet her. The rest of the litter tend to ignore her. I don’t know why. She’s a little sweetheart. She’s eight and a half weeks old. She’s had all her shots and a clean bill of health from the vet. She loves to play, but she’s very gentle.”

Ava picked the puppy up and cuddled her, laughing when her face got washed. “Dad, you’ve got to take her!”

Richie took the squirming ball of fur and held her up in front of his face to look her in the eye. “Do you want to come home with me? I’ll warn you, there are two little toddlers there that will terrorize you.” Not to mention my wife who will terrorize me for this!

His answer was a face full of puppy breath and a wet tongue swiping across his lips.

“Ewww!” Ava laughed.

With a sigh, he gathered the puppy against his chest. “Okay, Bean, round up what we need.”

They exited the store, Richie carrying the puppy in a carrier, Ava several bags of supplies. The helpful store employee followed with a dog bed.

Richie grimaced as he placed the bed in the back of the Hummer. “I hope that’s comfortable.”

“Why?” Ava asked.

“Because I have a feeling when your stepmother sees what we’re bringing home it may be my bed.”

“You think she’ll be mad that you bought a puppy?”

“Oh, I think that’s a pretty safe bet.”

“Then why did you do it?”

“Because she was lonely and needed a home.”

“Aww, you’re a big softie.” She kissed his cheek. “You’d better hope that works with T-Mom.”

“So how are you feeling?”

“Like I swallowed a beach ball and it’s trying to get out.” Karin shifted position. “How am I going to make it another two months?”

“So I guess I shouldn’t tell you that you’re only going to get bigger then, huh?” Tori laughed. “But seriously, you’ll get through it. You’ll be surprised at how fast it goes.” Until the last month anyway.

“You’re going to be here, right?” Karin tried to keep the anxiety from her voice, but the bottom line was the thought of giving birth scared the crap out of her and she wanted, no needed Tori to be there. David was wonderfully supportive, but Tori had been with her through every major event of her adult life and she couldn’t imagine going through this without her.

“Of course I will. We’ll be in Jersey at least a week before your due date, just to be sure.” Tori assured her.

Karin blew out a relieved breath and changed the subject. “So what are you and Richie up to today?”

“I’m hanging out at home with the little ones. Richie and Ava are having a Daddy/daughter day.” A commotion at the door had her turning her head and listening. “Oh, sounds like they’re back.” She could hear Lauren’s happy squeal, Stevie’s excited chatter, and....barking.  Barking??? Oh no he didn’t!! “Karin I’ll have to call you back. I think I have to go kill my husband.”

“Why?”

“Because unless my ears are deceiving me, he’s gone against my express wishes and brought home a dog!”

“With a three year old, a one year old and a new baby on the way?  What is he thinking?”

“Apparently, he’s not. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay. Send me the funeral arrangements.”

Slamming the phone onto the table, Tori stood and made her way towards the foyer. She stopped in the doorway and surveyed the chaotic scene of children and puppy.

“Mama look! Daddy got doggie!” Stevie was almost dancing in his excitement.

“I see that.” The look she gave her husband sent a shiver down his spine.

Richie quickly scooped up the puppy and held her up to his bristling wife. “Could you resist this face?  She was being ostracized by her brothers and sisters. She was lonely and needed a home.” Her expression didn’t change. “She’s a Golden Retriever. They’re very good with children.” Still the icy glare. “I’ll build her a dog house. She can stay outside.”

“Make sure it’s a big one.”

“Why?” He was afraid he knew the answer.

“You’ll want to be comfortable.”

That’s what he thought.

As she walked away, Ava blew out a breath. “Now that’s a stink eye.”

Chapter 27

Richie stepped out of his car and sighed. This was the last item on his Honey-Do list. He’d been home over a week, but still felt like he could sleep for days. The older he got the longer it took to recover and get off the vampire schedule. But while his wife understood and let him relax the first few days, his youngest two children were not that accommodating. All they knew was that Daddy was home and they wanted his attention. Not that he minded – not at all – but he really could use some more sleep. When they got older they’d have to talk about having family vacation time right after a tour like Jon and Dot did.  He’d thought about doing it this time, but he figured with Tori being pregnant, and the baby being so sensitive to travelling, she’d rather stay home.  For right now...maybe if he was fast finishing up his errands he’d get back home while they were napping....and he could nap too!

Twenty minutes later, he exited the store, pleased with his day’s purchases. He’d gotten everything Tori had asked him to pick up...plus a few extras. She was probably going to kill him, but he really couldn’t resist.  Lauren’s birthday was the following week and Tori had decided on an Elmo theme. While he was searching through balloons, signs and candles, he heard giggling. Rounding the end of the aisle, he looked down the next one to see two young children and their mother looking at the floor and laughing. Another round of giggles had him looking down as well and he found the source of their amused attention. He couldn’t help but snicker as a furry red Elmo laughed and laughed and laughed....and fell over.  The longer he watched, his snickers turned into chuckles and then into outright laughter. He couldn’t help it. The muppet was contagious! So of course he had to buy one.

Then, in the music store where he was getting the guitar strings Tori had asked for, he saw an acoustic obviously made for a small child. Picking it up, he noted how small it looked and felt in his large hands. He strummed it experimentally for a few minutes, checking the tone and quality,  debating, before giving in and setting it on the counter beside the cash register. If Tori objected, he’d just point out that it would be less ear splitting for Peanut to learn the guitar, than the drums.

Approaching the Hummer, he noticed a piece of paper had been stuck under the driver side wiper. A quick glance around assured him he wasn’t illegally parked, so he figured it was probably just some ad.  He pushed the button on his key fob to unlock the doors, placed his latest purchases in the back seat and removed the white slip before climbing in. About to crumple it up and toss it, the writing caught his eye. It wasn’t a typed or printed ad. It was a handwritten note:

Do you know where your wife is? Or even more importantly, who she’s with?

Richie frowned, turning the page over and over in his hand, looking for some clue who it was from and what it was all about. It couldn’t be directed to him personally – he knew exactly where his wife was, namely at home...with their children. Of course, this being Hollywood, it could mean just about anything, including some clever advertising campaign that would get everyone talking until they decided the time was right to let the public in on whatever it was they were selling.

Shrugging, he tossed the note aside and headed for home.

“Angel? I’m back. Where are you?” Richie tossed his keys in the dish by the garage door and stowed his packages in a closet where little eyes wouldn’t think to look. “Angel?”

“I think she’s out by the pool.” Rosa suggested when he stuck his head in the kitchen.

“Thanks. And the kids?”

“Little ones are still napping and Miss Ava is at Miss Kate’s.”

The sight of his wife, stretched out on a lounge chair wide enough for two, eyes closed, face lifted to the sun, hair lifting slightly with the breeze, made the breath catch in his throat. She’s so beautiful. As he drew nearer, he noticed a set of headphones bracketing her swelling stomach.

Sitting on the chair beside her, he set a hand on the evidence of his growing child and bent his head to kiss her.

“Mmmm. Hi. You’re back.” Tori opened her eyes and raised a hand to caress his cheek. “Did you find everything?”

“Yep.” He adjusted a wire. “What’s on the playlist today?”

“Daddy of course.”

“And what does Cashew think of it?”

Before she could respond, the baby answered for him or herself with a kick – or a punch – in the centre of his palm.

His brows lifted. “That good huh?”

Her low chuckle warmed his blood. She tugged on his shoulder. “Come lay here with me and tell me what ‘extras’ you bought today.”

He stripped off his shirt, stretched out beside her and hedged. “What makes you think I bought anything other than what was on your list?”

Tori just looked at him.

Richie grimaced. “Okay, but it was only a couple small things. I saw this really funny stuffed Elmo that laughs and laughs until he falls over. It’s the most hysterical thing. Sweetpea will love it!” He paused. “And maybe it will give her something to talk to on her sleepless nights.”

“So we can listen to it all night too?”

That supposed-to-be-grumpy tone didn’t fool him. “It’ll make you laugh. You’ll see.”

“Uh huh.” She took a sip of her ice tea and set the glass back on the table beside her. “What else did you buy?” The rubbing of his hand over his chin had her bracing herself. “What did you buy Richie?”

“I was in the music store getting the guitar strings,” he began, “and I couldn’t resist it.”

“Resist what?”

“It’s the perfect size and I checked it over. It’s made well.”

“What is?”

“And it’s probably the best for him to start with, at least until he gets bigger.”

“Richie! What is it?”

“A little guitar for Peanut.” He closed his eyes and waited for her reaction.

She thought about it for a moment. Well, at least it’s quieter than drums. Music was so much a part of their life she didn’t question that their children would play an instrument at some point. “Please tell me that it’s acoustic.”

Blowing out a relieved breath, he nodded. “Yes.” He turned his head to see her face. “You’re okay with me buying it? Even though Peanut’s only three?”

Tori shrugged. “In this house it’s bound to happen sooner or later. Besides, if he picks it up as fast as you did, maybe he can serenade his sister to sleep.”

“Maybe I should write some music for that book.”

She chuckled and turned onto her side to curl up against him. “That would be some lullaby.”

“Yeah.” Richie chuckled, one hand caressing her arm. “So how many girls is Bean having over this weekend?”

“Three. Kate, Melissa and Sierra.” Delicate fingers toyed with a patch of chest hair. “Oh, by the way, Bean asked if you’d make chicken parmesan for them.”

“I suppose. What else does she have planned?”

“Oh just typical stuff for a teenage girls’ sleep over. Snacks, movies and gossip. And just so you know, they’d prefer it to be an evening free of parental harassment.”

Richie frowned. “I don’t harass them.”

“Okay. Let me put it this way. Adult’s are not invited.”

He pouted, then spoiled it with a yawn.

She tilted her head to study his face. Even with the sunglasses hiding his eyes he looked tired.  “I heard that yawn. Need a nap?”

“Uh huh. No, don’t get up.” He held her closer when she made as if to pull away. “Stay here and rest with me. Rosa will let us know when the kids wake up.”

“But you need to sleep.”

“I always sleep better when you’re beside me.”

A gentle smile curved her lips at that statement. She turned her head to press a kiss to his hard chest, shifted slightly into a more comfortable position, and closed her eyes. Within minutes they were both asleep.

Chapter 26

“So...you guys have been eating here for a couple days.” David noted while perusing the menu in the hotel restaurant. “What’s good?”

“The surf and turf is pretty tasty.” Tori answered, shifting in her chair in search of a more comfortable position.  Walking was okay, as long as she kept to a slow pace, but sitting was still a little uncomfortable.

“I thought the rice pudding was especially....flavourful.” Richie added, his dark gaze fixed on his wife.

Tori met his eyes and smirked.

Seeing the look that passed between the couple, David’s interest perked. “Yeah? What about the berries and vanilla? Was the temperature okay? Not too hot?”

Tori stared at him, then switched her gaze to her husband who shifted in his chair and appeared to be engrossed in his menu. And they say women are the only ones who share intimate details with their friends! She turned back to David. “It was fine.”

“So....do you think Karin would like it?”

Ah. That explained his interest. “Yes, but probably just a small bowl.”

“Gotcha.”

Jon cleared his throat and changed the subject. “I’d like to do something different tonight with Tori here. Anyone got any ideas?”

“I’ve been thinking about that.” Richie sipped his Diet Coke and sat back. “During the Jukebox, we could do a little acoustic thing, or she and Shirley could do something on the keys.”

Tori sat back and listened to them toss around song and arrangement ideas like she wasn’t even there. “I’m sitting right here you know.” At their surprised expressions, she continued. “Don’t you want to ask me what I like, or if I can even play those songs?”

Jon blinked. “Richie knows what you can play....and what you like.”

There was too much truth in that statement to argue....much. “So, because my husband - your wingman - knows me so well, you don’t feel it’s necessary to let me speak for myself?”

Tico looked under the table, trying to determine if he could fit. David winced and sat back hoping to get out of the line of fire. Richie eyed his wife warily and rushed to try to defuse the Bongiovi temper before it erupted.

“I’m sorry angel, we didn’t mean to ignore you.  Do you have any suggestions of what you’d like to do?”

“Well, I could do a little Heart or Amanda Marshall, or any of what you’ve discussed. My complaint isn’t with your choices,” she looked at her brother, “it’s with not being included in the conversation.”

“It’s my show.” Jon reminded her.

“And that gives you the final say.” Tori leaned towards him. “But it doesn’t give you the right to deny me common courtesy. I don’t work for you Jon, I’m performing as a guest. I would appreciate being treated as such.”

Jon grimaced. “I know. I’m sorry.” He looked at her in amazement. “You sure have that ‘I’m so disappointed in your behaviour’ voice down pat.”

“She’s female.” David muttered. Tico gave him an elbow in the ribs.

With a grateful glance at Tico, Tori directed her response to her brother. “It comes with being a mother.....and having to deal with you lot! You guys are the biggest kids of all!”

“Mama?  Me have chicken figners....pease?”

Tori smiled down at her son, then smugly at the men. “Since you asked so politely Peanut, yes you may.”

Leaving the restaurant, David blew out a breath. “So, what’s the plan?”

Jon’s blue eyes narrowed. “I think my sister needs a reminder of who the boss is. Come on.”

They walked towards the elevators...all except Richie, who hung back, uncertainty written all over his face. At Jon’s raised brow, he grimaced, but gave in. “Okay, but if this gets me in trouble with my wife, I’m not suffering alone.”

Tori watched the band members walking off together, but her attention was brought back to her children before she could ask where they were going.

“Mama! Gotta pee. And ‘Oren stinks.”

The show was going well. The roar of the crowd when Tori stepped onto the stage warmed her heart and dispelled the last of the nervous jitters. Accepting the acoustic guitar Takumi handed her, she sat gingerly, wincing slightly, on the stool Richie indicated. She waited for him to sit beside her and glanced at David for her cue her to start. They played an extended, intricate instrumental intro to Bad Medicine while Jon sucked back half a bottle of water.

Towards the end of the song, Jon went through his typical motions with arms and hips, testing to see if the rest were watching him.

“Gotta have some fun. We need to have some fun up here. Time to put another quarter in the jukebox!” Jon announced to the audience, who cheered, then quieted, eagerly awaiting whatever he had planned. “Tori, you got one for me?”

Tori played along, setting aside the guitar, climbing off the stool and joining the huddle in the middle of the stage. When the huddle broke, she took a spot between Jon and Richie’s positions and waited for the intro to Heart’s Alone that Jon had finally decided on.

Instead, completely different music came through her monitors. A quick glance at Richie – and seeing the apprehensive look in his eyes – assured her that she was hearing what she was supposed to hear. Turning in the other direction, she met Jon’s smug, taunting look. She stiffened her spine and accepted his unspoken challenge. Nice try bro, but I’m a fan of Stevie Nicks too!

Reaching the white mic stand, Tori turned her back on her brother and crooked a beckoning finger at her husband. You’re involved in this sweetheart, you can sing it with me!

Richie approached her almost warily, but knew he couldn’t get out of it. He just hoped he remembered the words!

Is love so fragile...
and the heart so hollow
Shatter with words...
impossible to follow
You're saying I'm fragile...I try not to be
I search only...for something I can't see

I have my own life...and I am stronger
Than you know
But I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walking out the door
Still I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won't be walking out the door

Lovers forever...face to face
My city, your mountains
Stay with me stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather...
Take from me...my lace

You in the moonlight
With your sleepy eyes
Could you ever love a man like me
And you were right
When I walked into your house
I knew I'd never want to leave
Sometimes I'm a strong man
Sometimes cold and scared
And sometimes I cry
But that time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I'd get by
First time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I would get by

Lovers forever...face to face
My city, your mountains
Stay with me stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me...my lace

Lovers forever...face to face
My city ,you mountains...stay with me stay
I need you to love me...I need you to stay
Give to me your leather
Take from me...my lace
Take from me...my lace
Take from me...my lace*

While the crowd cheered, Tori turned and smirked at Jon’s chagrined look. As he moved passed her, she stopped him with a hand on his arm and leaned close so that he could hear her. “Nice try.”

“Brat!” He muttered.  He wasn’t surprised that she knew the song – he wouldn’t have chosen it if he thought she would fall flat on her face and Richie had assured him she was familiar enough with it not to embarrass herself – but he hadn’t expected their performance to be that good! Although if he’d really thought about it, he probably should have.  He either had to come up with a better way to beat her....or just quit trying.

The rest of the show went smoothly, and just as he’d planned.

No, no, no, no! She slammed her laptop closed. Fucking YouTube! She may be all smiles now, but it won’t be for much longer. The tour’s almost over. Time to let Richie know that I’m here and available for him. We can finally be together. Finally be a family. Just like we were meant to be. She looked around at her small L.A. apartment. Won’t have to live in this shitbox much longer. Soon I’ll be living in Westwood. Or maybe I can convince him to buy a place in Malibu. I love to hear the water outside my window.


(*Leather & Lace by Stevie Nicks & Don Henley)

Chapter 25

Tori awoke when the bindings on her legs were tightened and groaned. Good God! Hasn’t the man had enough? How can he possibly have anything left? The weak light visible at the edges of her blindfold told her it was morning, but barely. Throughout the long hours of the night, Richie had possessed her body over and over until she was sure they were both raw. Her breasts ached and she was sure she’d never walk right again.

Slender fingers rubbed her nipples, then traced her cleft before sliding deep inside, spreading....something. She could smell....berries and....vanilla. What’s he got now? More pudding? Jam? No, it didn’t feel right for either of those. Lube? Despite her soreness, she was intrigued to see what he had planned.

Richie set aside the lubricant, leaned back and waited to see her reaction. It wasn’t long in coming. It started with the slight shifting of her shoulders and upper torso, then continued down until her hips were lifting and undulating.

“Mmmm. Richie? What is that?” Everywhere he’d spread...whatever it was...was feeling...well...hot. And changing positions didn’t help.  “Babe, you gotta do something. It’s hot.”

It certainly is! And the sight of her writhing beside him was making him hot too! Unable to resist any longer, he rolled over, positioned himself and slowly buried his throbbing erection in her heated depths. Both of them winced as already chafed flesh was abraded even more. He really should have stopped a few hours ago, but all those lonely nights in Europe  - and the rest of the tour for that matter – away from her had given him nothing but time to think up delicious ways to torture her. Even the phone sex sessions had only fuelled his fire. And the truth of the matter was that even after all their time together he still couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted her more today than he did the day they met. He was just happy – and amazed - that his body was able to keep up!

Bracing his weight on his elbows, he held himself so that his chest grazed her already taut nipples and began to move in a steady rhythm, not too slow, but not too fast either.

“Ooooh.” Tori groaned. “Are you trying to kill me?” But despite her protest, and to her great surprise, her body very quickly matched his rhythm. Jesus! How can my body want any more?

Richie smirked, then bent to capture her mouth with his.  Lips clung and teased, tongues licked and savoured, teeth nibbled and scraped. Even when Tori turned her head and broke the kiss to scream her pleasure, he didn’t stop. He just turned his attention to her ear and neck. His repetitive thrusts became harder and more intense.

“Oh! Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!” Her body started to convulse. “RICHIE!”

“Tori!” Her channel clamped down on him like a vice and dragged him over the edge with her. “Fuck!” He dropped his head to rest his forehead on the mattress above her shoulder.

“No more...please babe....no more.” Tori panted and pleaded.

Richie nodded his head and kissed her neck. “I’m done.” Easing from her body, he removed her restraints and rolled over onto his back beside her.

Tori pulled off the blindfold and curled up against him, stifling a groan as she moved. “Happy birthday honey. I hope you enjoyed your present.” And I’m glad it only comes around once a year!

“Thanks angel. It was a fantastic present.” He wondered if she realized that the real gift was her complete and total surrender to him and whatever he wanted to do to her, trusting him to bring her pleasure, not pain.

Several hours later, Tori rolled over, stretched and groaned. A large hand settled on her stomach and rubbed lightly.

“Morning..er..afternoon angel. Do you want food or a bath first? Or do you want to go back to sleep?”

“I think the baby probably needs some food first. Then I’ll have a good soak...and take a nap.” 

He handed her a menu. “If you will make your selections, milady, I’ll place your order and see that you – and the Chickpea - are served directly.”

Tori reached up to caress his cheek, a grin curving her lips at his nasal British accent. Sobering, she took the menu and sniffed haughtily. “See that you do Richard. And immediately afterwards I shall require a hot bath, followed by a massage with the lavender lotion, and the lotion Kiki sent to ease sore muscles.” A feminine brow rose. “I trust that you have that lotion.”

“Yes milady. I took the liberty of obtaining some prior to this trip.”

“Good. I like a man with brains as well as brawn.” She started to sit up and throw her legs over the side of the bed, but stopped and groaned again. Holding up her arms, she eyed him expectantly. “Carry me to the bathroom please.”

“Yes milady.” He scooped her into his arms. “Is this where the brawn comes in?”

“For starters.”

After a good meal – well, Tori thought it was a good meal, Richie just tried not to gag while he watched her put ketchup on her Greek salad and dip her chicken souvlaki in mustard – and a long soak in a hot tub, Tori was ready for a nap.

After Richie had set her on the bed, she laid back and he went to work with lotion on her sore muscles. He took his time, his fingers kneading her supple flesh and caressing her soft skin.

Something in the way he touched her had her looking at him with a mixture of shock and apprehension. “You can’t!”

It took him a minute to grasp her meaning. “Honestly?” He glanced down his body. “No. But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy touching you. The day that happens, call the undertaker.”

Tori chuckled, laid back and gave herself into his soothing care. When he was finished, she patted the mattress beside her. “Now come here and hold me while I sleep.”

“Yes milady.” Stretching out next to her, he got comfortable and held his arms open wide. When she cuddled close, he wrapped them around her and pulled her even closer.

“Mama! Daddy!”

As soon as the door opened, Stevie ran into the room and climbed onto the couch beside his mother.

“Hi Peanut!” Tori hugged him. “Did you have a good time at Aunt Dot’s?”

“Uh huh.” He nodded. “Me and Bean and Stephie and Jesse and Jakey and Romey went simming, and Rocco came and payed wif Romey’s Tansformers.”

Tori winked at Ava, then listened with rapt attention to her son’s recitation of everything that happened in Redbank since she’d left.

“You’re early.” Richie commented to Jon as he walked in, Lauren in his arms.

“Hoping to drop off Miss Chatters All Night here and grab a nap before the interviews.” Jon plunked his niece onto her mother’s lap and kissed Tori’s cheek. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Tori restrained the urge to point out that he couldn’t be all that annoyed with Lauren since he was the one carrying her instead of passing her off to Ava. She looked down at her daughter. “Did you keep Uncle Jon up all night?”

Lauren just giggled and held her arms out to her father, who, of course, immediately picked her up.

“Dey was seeping on the couch dis morning.” Stevie informed his mother.

At his sister’s knowing smirk, Jon grimaced and muttered. “Ratted out by a three year old.” He headed for the door. “See you guys later.” Knob in hand, he paused and glanced back at Tori. “Will you join us tonight?”

“I didn’t bring any stage clothes.”

“Wear that purple sundress you had on when you got here.” Richie suggested.

“You think that’ll work?” She looked at Ava for her opinion. Ava considered for a moment, then nodded.

“It sure worked for me.” Dark brows waggled.

Ava snickered. Jon just rolled his eyes. “Whatever. We’ll talk setlist at dinner.”

Chapter 24

Tori stretched her legs and listened to the murmur of her husband’s voice in the other room making arrangements for their dinner. At least, she hoped that’s what he was doing.  She was starving!  

She must have dozed off for a few minutes, because the next thing she was aware of was the sound of silverware clinking against china. Her stomach growled again in anticipation of tasting whatever was emitting the heavenly aromas that wafted nearby.

The bed beside her dipped as Richie joined her once again. The scents got stronger.

“Mmm. That smells delicious. What is it?”

In answer, Richie touched a piece of meat to her lips, sliding it in when they parted. The subtle flavours of the perfectly seasoned steak burst on her tongue. “Mmmmmm. That’s good. Needs a little sour cream though...or maybe some Ranch dressing.”

Cringing at such abuse to a good piece of meat, Richie nevertheless gave his pregnant wife what she wanted, dipping a chunk in sour cream, then one in Ranch dressing. He’d ordered both, as well as a selection of condiments, in anticipation of her cravings.

Tori realized he still wasn’t going to speak, so she’d have to tell him what she wanted. “I like the dressing the best. Could I have something to drink please?” Richie held a bendy straw to her mouth. “Thanks.”

Something else touched her lips and dripped down the side of her cheek. Richie quickly bent to catch the drip with his tongue. When Tori opened her mouth, she tasted butter...and...something sweet, tender and slightly fishy. Lobster? Swallowing a mouthful, she licked her lips. “Mmmmm. Surf and turf?”

Richie held his breath waiting to see what she’d do to the lobster. Luckily, for his appetite, she seemed satisfied with it without any stomach churning additions.

“What have you got for a vegetable?” The green bean that passed her lips was crisp and lightly seasoned. “Needs sour cream.”

They didn’t rush their meal, but they didn’t draw it out either. Richie fed Tori with his fingers, his body twitching as she sucked and nibbled them in the process of taking her food.

When they were finally finished, Tori sighed. “That was delicious.” She licked her lips. “So...what have you got for dessert?”

Her low purr hit him right in the groin.  But that wasn’t on the menu....at the moment. He reached for the bowl sitting on the trolley beside the bed.

Tori gasped as he dabbed the tips of her breasts with something cool....and fairly thick – it only ran down the sides a little bit. She sniffed, but couldn’t smell anything. What is it? Too heavy to be whipped cream.

Richie bent his head to remove the confection from her plump mounds. Starting on the sides, he licked towards her nipple, cleaning all sides before taking the tip into his mouth.  He suckled and finally scraped his teeth lightly along the hardening peak.

“Mmmmm.” Tori moaned softly, her back arching towards him, silently asking for more.

Grinning, Richie obliged, turning his attention to the other breast and resumed his cleaning. When he was finished, he reached for the bowl again and replaced his decorations. Next he tugged on her leg bindings, opening her wide once again, grabbed the bowl and filled her cleft as well.

“Don’t I get to taste some too?” She licked her lips and opened her mouth....wide.

What red-blooded man could resist that? He certainly couldn’t. Shifting his position, he covered the tip of his erection and accepted her invitation.

“Mmmmm.” Tori ran her tongue around his swollen crest. Rice pudding?! Well, that’s a new one.

Richie gripped the headboard, flexed his hips and watched his engorged flesh slide in and out of her mouth. As her suction increased, he almost lost himself in the sensations. He struggled to bring himself back from the brink. This wasn’t part of his plans. Easing away, he ignored her pout and took a few moments to shore up his control.

Blowing out a deep breath, he repositioned himself between her widespread thighs. He repeated his previous ministrations, torturing her nipples even more, then headed south towards even warmer climes.

“Oh!” Tori sucked in a sharp breath at the first swipe of his tongue along her cleft.

He lapped at her slowly, making sure to remove all the pudding from every nook and crevice of her swollen folds.

“Oh! Oh!” Her hips lifted towards him.

Richie took his time, savouring the mixture of tart woman and sweet pudding.

Tori moaned and started to pant. He was driving her crazy! The feel of his tongue circling and flicking her clit, but only lingering enough to tease and taunt, never enough to finish her was making her heart race and the blood pound in her ears. “Babe, stop teasing...please!”

His response was to slide his hands under her gyrating hips and hold her still while he devoured her. He stabbed his tongue deep in search of every last grain of rice, every last drop of cream and listened to her mewling cries of pleasure.  Over and over he speared her, making the occasional detour to swipe over her clit. The expressions of passion and pleasure that passed over her face assured him his instincts were good. When her cries rose in volume and her head began to thrash back and forth, he decided she’d had enough for this course, took her clit between his lips and suckled. Hard.

“Oh! Oh! Oh God! Yes! Yes..yes.....YES! RICHIE!” Tori’s body stiffened into a rigid arch, then went limp and she collapsed back onto the bed.

While she caught her breath, Richie released one of her legs, turned her over onto her stomach and retied her. Straddling her hips, he set his hands on her shoulders and massaged his way down to her waist.

“Mmmmm. That feels so good. Babe, you really do have the most incredibly talented hands.” Tori sighed and relaxed deeper into the mattress.

Those talented hands moved further down to cup her firm cheeks and massage them as well. Bending his head, he dropped kisses down the line of her spine. He paused, grinned and nipped the smooth skin under his fingers.

Tori jerked, but not from pain. His playful bite warned her that the next course was about to be served, and her body responded instantly, nerve endings firing up again.

Richie couldn’t wait any longer. Sitting back on his heels, he gripped her hips, pulled her up onto her knees, and with one long smooth thrust, buried his beyond aching erection to the hilt in her delectable body.

“Mmmmm.” Tori braced herself on her elbows and swivelled her hips in rhythm with his. As her arousal increased, she sped up her movements, trying to push the pace.

But Richie wouldn’t allow it. He kept to his slow beat, using his grip on her hips to slow her down.   Reaching around her, he cupped a breast in one palm, pinching and pulling on the hard tip. The other hand slid around her, holding her to him while he plunged deeper. When she groaned and shuddered, he bent further to kiss and nuzzle the sensitive spot under her ear.

Feeling her tighten around him, Richie changed to a circular, grinding motion. The pressure was too much for her already over stimulated senses to take. He bit her shoulder.

“Mmmmm....RICHIE!”

He switched back to a thrusting motion and rode out her climax. Not wanting to give her senses a chance to calm down, he reached for the Pink Rabbit on the bed beside him. He took a deep breath and hoped his control would hold out for this.

A low hum reverberated through the room. Tori’s brain registered the sound, but was too focused on pleasure to process what it signified. All her receptors went on high alert though, at the touch of the gyrating vibrator on her still pulsing clit.

“Oooooh shit!”

Richie continued to play with her throbbing nipples while he thrust slowly and rhythmically into her and let the toy do its thing.

The last coherent thought Tori had was that her husband was as devious as he was relentless when it came to sensual torture.

“Oh! Oh! Unnnngh!” The orgasm shook her body, taking her breath and her ability to speak.

But Richie didn’t stop. Instead, he turned up the speed  - both of the vibrator and his hips. Faster and faster, until he was pounding into her.

Drowning in sensation, Tori fought to suck in air, only to have it pushed from her lungs in the form of a scream as orgasm after orgasm wracked her body, overwhelming her senses, until finally it became too much and her world went black.

Richie felt her go limp and with a satisfied grunt, let go and found his own release. He loosened her leg bindings and turned her over into a more comfortable position. Lying back, he took the opportunity to rest a bit and congratulated himself. He’d fulfilled part of his promise and a glance at the clock assured him that there were still several hours before morning to accomplish the rest of it.  Damn I’m good!