This idea came from reading part of chapter one of 'Notorious Nineteen'. If you're spoiler free, you might wanna turn back now.
So, for those of you who haven't read said piece of the chapter we're told that Steph is back with Morelli. Ranger says he's in need of a date and to convince her says he'll pay her to bodyguard him. This is how I picture things turning out on that 'date'.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.
I stomped out of the elevator and towards my apartment. I slammed my front door closed, heading straight for my bedroom. A removed my T-shirt, tossed it in my halfway full laundry hamper before I stopped in my tracks.
A sexy black little piece of a dress was laid out on my bed. It came with heels and every accessory I could need. No doubt Ranger had Ella get it for me. This was good because now I didn't have to waste time to look for something to wear.
I showered in record speed and put on a black lace bra and panty set I'd bought last month, but hadn't had a chance to wear yet. I slipped the dress on, admiring the way the silky fabric smoothed down to about an inch or two above the knee.
I'd just finished doing my hair, leaving my neck and shoulders exposed, when I heard my front door open and close. There was a shift in the atmosphere and I knew without looking who it was. Ranger.
"Babe." His tone said 'very nice'.
"Almost done." I said over my shoulder, catching the spark in his gaze. I smiled to myself as I put on the earrings that came with the dress. I know I clean up well. Better than well.
"Don't forget your ID." Ranger said, barely a whisper when I turned around.
"Okay." I dug through my shoulder bag and came up with my driver's license. I passed it over to him. "I don't want to be keeping an eye on a purse and also have to watch your back." A corner of his mouth lifted up. I catalogued him as well. He was wearing a black suit and silky tie, looking good enough to eat. I had to fight myself not to rip his clothes off right then and there.
We went downstairs, crossed the lobby and parking lot to his car. I waited by the passenger side of the Cayenne. I suspect he was bringing up the rear to catch a better view of my back side.
The drive to Atlantic City started out in silence. I caught the way he kept sneaking glances my way and took advantage of the situation, crossing my legs and making the hem of the dress rise just a tiny bit more. I folded my arms under my breasts, pushing them up another little bit as well.
Ranger shifted in his seat.
Torture. I was torturing him and I didn't feel one ounce of remorse. Morelli and I had been on the on again phase of our relationship for a while now. Things weren't super exclusive or marriage proposal type, but I was trying to really compromise. Yesterday Ranger asked me to be his date. Well, more like hired me. Tonight it was supposed to be date night with Morelli, but he'd just about hit the roof when I told him I was Ranger's bodyguard for the night.
And yes, we had a fight.
And yeah, there was a shouting match.
And of course, Morelli and I are on the off again phase once more.
So, yeah, I'm torturing Ranger a little. It's not fair that I can't really get him out of my mind, let's not even talk about my heart, as hard as I may try.
S&R
I have to give it to Ranger. He survived the drive.
"I don't understand why you would need a bodyguard to this thing." I told Ranger as we walked side by side to the front entrance of the hotel where this black tie event was taking place.
"Most of the people here are ex-military."
"Oh." I frowned, thinking. Room full of men with power? I see what he means. "What about security?"
Ranger snorted. I guess he would know if things weren't necessarily safe for him.
"I don't see how much help I'll be to you if something goes down." I didn't even have a gun with me.
"As long as you don't hike up that dress during dinner, I think I'll live." Ranger breathed in my ear, banding an arm around my waist as we went inside.
We reached our table. Quick introductions were made as we sat down.
"What a lovely pair." A woman who could be anywhere between forty and sixty stated. "Your wife is gorgeous." She turned to Ranger. "Don't they make a hot couple?" The woman addressed the others at our table.
"Actually, we're not married." We're more like somewhere in the vicinity of friends with benefits.
"Aren't you smart, getting the good end of the deal, if you know what I mean." Laughter filled the table. Everyone understood what she meant. I felt my heart skip a beat, remembering the magic of Ranger in bed.
The night went on, chatter here and there. There was a small auction that took place before the end of the event.
"Well, you're still in one piece." I grinned at Ranger. "Guess my job is done." Just as Ranger began to smile his full wattage, the lights went out.
I stumbled back, bumping against Ranger in the darkness. My arms flailed at my sides as I tried to get a hold on something. Reason goes out the window and panic sets in real fast when you're in the dark.
"Ung." Ranger grunted against my ear and it hit me that my right hand was clutching a very intimate piece of his anatomy. I let go as he moved us to the side. "Keep close to the wall." Ranger instructed, placing a hand on my hip while he nudged me forward.
It felt like an eternity later when I finally reached the end of the wall. I figured we were near the entrance so I stepped forward. I miss calculated, tripped on a fallen chair and went down. I felt Ranger grip my dress in an attempt to keep me from falling, but it was too late. Amidst the confusion and chaos I heard the sound of fabric tearing.
I stayed on the floor, trying to catch my breath. The fall had knocked the wind out of me.
Emergency lights finally flickered on.
"Damn." Ranger stood beside me, a good chunk of my dress in his hand.
"No comment." I said, heaving myself up and avoiding eye contact with anyone who might be staring at me. At least I was wearing my lacy panties.
S&R
I draped Ranger's suit jacket over my lap. The gesture was more a formality than anything since Ranger has seen me in much less.
Ranger pulled into traffic, a permanent smile plastered on his face. "You know, things always turn… interesting whenever you're involved."
"Shut up." I grumbled without any heat.r