Disclaimer: They don't belong to me but the plot does.
AN: This story is almost complete already. It won't be real long but it's something that I got in my head and wouldn't leave. Let me know what you think. Thanks Margaret for the encouragement to write this after seeing my brief outline.
The very beginning is canon to the middle of book 8 but then turns AU.
Ranger's POV:
I had made a mistake spending the night with Stephanie last night. I made that deal with her but I never really intended to collect, especially now that she broke up with Morelli. I hoped that she would make a move to get into my bed. I wanted her to think of me as a man, not a super hero, a larger than life figure who does the impossible. I wanted her to see me as more than a friend. When I kissed her a few months back I knew I had felt lust like I had never felt before. I had been with plenty of women but seriously I was able to separate my feelings and after sex I couldn't wait to get away. With Stephanie, it wasn't that way. I never wanted to leave her bed. Good thing I had a meeting scheduled with the DEA or I would've stayed.
She had an eventful day after I left her bed. I had Hector install a simple security system so she would know if someone broke in. Hector had just finished completing the set-up of the system when I turned to her and crooked my finger. I explained the remote to her and how the system worked. I gave her the four digit code and showed her how to work the floor bolt. She asked me about her tab. I was sorry I ever used those words. I explained there was no tab, not anymore and there was no price for what we give each other. I mean we gave each other plenty of pleasure last night, how could anyone put a price on that? I would do anything for this woman; I wish she could see it. I told her I had to get back to work. She asked what I meant and I told her that it was the way it had to be. She asked about the job. I tried to explain it in simple terms.
At some point she grabbed my shirt and was about to say something when time stopped. A man dressed in a pair of grungy Diesel jeans and a grey t-shirt that said Diesel across it stood before me. He had long blonde hair hanging loose about his shoulders and a scruffy blonde beard and a chiseled face and physique. It was obvious that he worked out; he had an air of danger about him, like I did. I was stunned to see him suddenly before me.
He was taking in my appearance as I was taking in his. "My name is Diesel. I'm what's called an Unmentionable. Don't even try to kill me, it can't be done. I've been tasked with protecting Stephanie and making sure she gets with the right man to have a happily ever after. I'm here to show you the future if you send her back to Morelli. Not only is her life adversely affected by your words but yours is too."
I was skeptical. I mean really a man from the future but he did suddenly pop in and everything stopped. Stephanie was standing there and not moving or talking. "You really expect me to believe you?"
"You don't have a choice man, I'm taking you on a journey," the man calling himself Diesel said. He took my hand and I felt my stomach drop and everything went fuzzy.