Nothing left to lose
Chapter two: The water
Warnings: Spoilers and adult content ahead. I own nothing but I am okay with it now.
Ella chuckled and went back to work. Ella coated Stephanie's hair in another layer of baking soda and started to massage the chemical in. Stephanie leaned in to her touch, finally feeling her body relax, she had almost fallen asleep when Ella's hands left her head and she heard the door click. She felt warm hands on her shoulders. She turned around to find Ranger standing behind her.
"Don't Ranger you will hurt you arm. Where's your sling?" Surprisingly her heart seized and she swore it had traveled up and was now lodged in her throat.
"Shh babe." He continued to assault her tight muscles, his hot finger tips working her skin. To her relief her heart finally started to pick up, slipping back down her throat as his hands moved up and down her neck. She wanted to ask him about this room, the gym, and how he was feeling, but she was too wrapped up in the moment to get the words out and felt like she couldn't get enough air in to speak. Electricity coursed through her body as his fingers slipped into her damp hair, working at her scalp. She leaned into his hands soft sounds escaping her throat.
His hot lips started burning a trail on her neck moving down to settle right under her ear. His tongue flicked out and skimmed back up the curve of her ear before his hot breath whispered past "I'm glad you're enjoying this babe. Maybe I should have been the one cleaning you up all along," his voice rich and throaty. His hands left her body and she struggled to hold a groan of protest in.
She stilled, trying to catch her breath deeply wanting to turn and pull him in with her. The wait was agonizing; she was so close to breaking when she felt his hands on her once again. His hands slipped through her hair as he started to massage deep sensuous circles in her scalp. His fingers gently working through her damp locks, his nails lightly scraping her skin, she felt her body going limp under his touch. She was trying to convince herself there was nothing erotic about this, Mr. Alexander, her hairdresser washed her hair all the time and not once had she fought the need to pull his body to hers. With each touch her want intensified. Her whole body was an aching fire ball and she was convinced every drop of blood in her entire body had pooled in the junction of her thighs. She was convinced Ranger could make going to the dentist erotic.
A shiver racked down her spine when his hot breath caressed her ear, "Lean back." Breathlessly she followed his command, leaning her head back by arching her back. The warm water cascaded through her hair and down her back washing the soap from her locks. His fingers grazed over the exposed skin on her arched neck. Her body tightened and she started willing herself to calm down. 'Oh God I am not going to have an orgasm from him washing my hair.' Her body paid no mind to her pleas and continued to quiver underneath his touch. Just when she thought she was done for, his hands left her body and a soft pleading noise rumbled in her chest calling for him to return. She couldn't make out the sounds of his movement over the roar of her heartbeat in her ears. She tried desperately to get herself under control, to slow her heart, her breathing, but the need for his touch blazed inside her.
His hands returned and she gasped in delightful surprise. His hands moving down her hair in slow motions slightly pulling her locks down and apart, leaving her hair slick with conditioner. The sensations sent lightening bolts through her body. She moaned knowing it was too late for her. She was at the edge staring over and there was no way she was getting back.
When his hands left her again she was fighting between protesting and sighing in relief. Caught up in her thoughts, she didn't realize Ranger had moved until he was positioned beside her on the edge of the tub. Her breath hitched in surprise wondering what he was doing. Then recognition dawned, her eyes dilating as she took him in, he was armed with a shower puff and Bvlgari. 'Help me' screamed in her head as a squeak escaped her throat. Her breathing was short and staggered as she found his eyes, they were heavy lidded and gleaming as a wicked smile crossed his face. 'No, no, no he seriously is not going to wash me is he? Oh God, am I panting?'
"Tell me babe, do I clean you up better than Morelli?" He didn't really know why he asked her this; it just sort of slipped out.
She just stared at him. She was dumbstruck, for about a second she was angry with him, wondering why he would ask her this. But she had no idea what to say and the anticipation of what he was planning to do with that puff was killing her. She was battling inside, unsure whether she wanted him to touch her or if she wanted to run away screaming.
She was sure something inside her was going to explode as he lowered his hand in the water and pulled out her arm. Slow strokes started up her arm rubbing the skin clean as a gasp slipped past her lips. She tried to control her breathing as his fingers found her other arm, slowly stroking down, around and back up. Her skin was on fire, her body ached. His hand slid up her back lingering for a moment then smoothed over her neck and shoulders, the world was starting to tilt, she was lightheaded from need. His hand disappeared in the water and a soft moan whipped past her parted lips when his hand brushed up her back. He guided her spine into an arch uncovering her breasts from the water. He hungrily went for one, caressing and teasing her nipple through the course material of the puff. Her eyes glued to his mouth as he bent down sucking her aching tip between his lips. His mouth was maddening, his hand sliding down her stomach. Her arms snaking around him to hold him to her. She was dazed, smothered by the cloud of desire; all she could do was watch as he assaulted the other. His hand slid in the water and down the back of her thigh before exposing it to the cold air. Convinced that the water was boiling around her, she welcomed the cold that was soon replaced with his hot touch as he slowly torturously slid down the outside of her leg, then the back up. He was torturing her and he was enjoying it. He reached his hand in and rotated her leg out, placing her foot on the side of the tub. He started at her foot and worked his way up the inside of her thigh, leaving a burning trail.
She was quivering under his touch overwhelmed with need and just when she thought he was going to touch her in just the right place, he returned her leg to the water and reached for the other. She almost screamed, dipping her head back into the water further as he got closer and closer to her core. Her back was arched exposing her chest, she could see his smirk; he was enjoying the slow torture he was inflicting. His eyes were dark and full.
She tried to suck in air when she felt him brush over her hot center. It was hard to think, to breathe all she knew was that she needed him to keep touching her. The long slow strokes were torture, back and forth. She felt her hips involuntarily buck under his touch as a moan whispered past her lips. The strokes became shorter, harder and more intent, her body responding to every touch, electric pleasure coursing through her body. Her body tightened climbing up, up and she wanted to see his face, see the look in his eyes, but she felt her body break, his breath a ghost against her ear "Are you clean babe?"
His words sent her universe spinning, overwhelmed with pleasure, her body jerked against him giving her answer. She crumpled back into the water, dunking her head under letting the water overcome her. She tried to still her heart and her body. A strong hand slipped across the back of her neck and lightly pulled her up and out of the water. She gasped for air and found Ranger's mocha eyes. His eyes were mesmerizing and thick with desire. Ranger slowly stood offering her his hand. She hesitated trying to calm her body, but slowly stood following, hoping her knees wouldn't buckle and watched as his eyes took in her wet, flushed body.
She had a sudden urge to cover herself, but she couldn't move…she was paralyzed. Her heart hammering in her chest, her breath quick and ragged.
His eyes finished assaulting her body as she tried desperately to control it. His eyes found hers as he whispered, "God babe." His breath hitched at the site of her. Her skin was pale and pasty, her hips jetting out under her skin. She was so thin, dark circles under her eyes.
Her breath hitched in her chest as his hands descended on her body, they were everywhere. He pulled her to him. She could feel the contours of his hard muscles through his clothes. Another burning fire sparked across her skin; her mind clouded with the thought of him.
His mouth came down and sucked her lip in as he slowly started to devour her. He felt obsessed with trying to ease her pain. Knees buckling, her body quaking, she was grateful when Ranger's hands slid up her sides bracing her hips and pulling them against his body. He pushed her back, slowly guiding her backwards never breaking the kiss.
"You need to rinse off" he said huskily breaking the kiss and starting up the shower, his voice rich and thick.
He was right she had been sitting in the water she was cleaned with, besides she needed to cool down. She stepped under the shower head and started rinsing her hair and body, feeling Ranger's eyes watching her every move. Her body still burned under the cool water, her heart still fluttering in her chest. Her hands slid down her sides and brushed the top of her thighs. Unable to watch her any longer he reached around and shut the shower off, "That's enough."
On their own accord his hands jetted out to touch her skin, caressing her sides. Her head snapped back at the sensations from his mouth and he immediately seized the opportunity, descending on her neck. One thing she knew about Ranger from their one glorious night together was that Ranger made love. Ranger liked to kiss, he kissed everything, and he kissed everything a lot.
His hands skimmed across her stomach, his fingers spreading as the tips explored her scolding hot flesh. He whispered "You keep loosing weight and I won't be able to find you." He wondered if she realized how small she had gotten.
She struggled trying to sucking in air, "Well, I haven't really been hungry lately."
He turned her around so that she was facing him. "What's this, Stephanie Plum not hungry?"
She shook her head 'no' her heart was fluttering now, not wanted to talk about this, wanting to touch him…wanting him to touch her.
Ranger looked puzzled for a millisecond before a wicked grin found its way to his lips, "Not even for dessert?"
She smiled at him afraid he would catch on, "I'm always hungry for dessert." Ranger had once told her he was like her dessert. It was an analogy for their relationship really. He meant he could never be her foundation. His way of saying it would never work out between them.
She reached up and brushed her lips on his, not wanting to remember what he had said so many times before. He deepened the kiss and started guiding her body towards another part of the room. Her head was spinning, she was sure she would fall if his strong arms weren't holding her up.
When she felt something hard against the back of her leg she stared at his damp clothes, hungry to touch his skin, to feel it against hers. The kiss broke as they both gasped for air. Ranger immediately found her eyes searching them for something.
She had managed to get her hands under the rim of his shirt when he said, "Are you okay with this babe? I can't believe I am asking this, but what about Morelli?"
"A little late don't you think?" she smirked as her heart almost skidded to a stop.
"No," he smirked. "I was only doing what Morelli told me to do" he laughed a smirk gracing his hot lips.
"Well, it doesn't matter anyway we aren't together anymore." It's amazing how fast reality sets in. Bam, there it was like a brick to the face.
He stared at her blankly for what seemed like forever. Unable to take the silence she turned and grabbed the robe Ella had set out for her. She felt vulnerable and it didn't help she was naked or that Ranger was staring at her like a horrific accident. The sadness crept in to replace the fire that he had stirred inside her.
When she turned to leave he grabbed her arm and spun her into his chest. She gasped as her heart picked up in surprise.
"Where are you going babe?" His gaze intense and pinning her to her spot.
"Upstairs to get dressed and then to work" it felt like her heart was crushing inside her, she couldn't breath.
Ranger bent down and brushed his lips across hers. "I don't think the boss will mind if you missed today." Ranger's eyebrows lifted, waiting for her to challenge him.
"Well, then I guess I'll go after a few of my FTAs" through the huge lump lodged in her throat.
Ranger chuckled, "Come on babe, I have a plan for today, besides I haven't seen you in weeks."
Suddenly all the emotions that had deserted her for the past few weeks rushed back to her and she felt like she was drowning. She wanted to scream at him 'then why did you leave me?' Fighting back anger and tears, she turned to leave unable to face him, afraid he would see the emotions on her face.
"Babe?" his voice laced with concern. 'Damn he must have seen it on my face.'
"What? I'm fine" trying to escape, willing her voice to stay steady.
He was behind her pulling her body to his chest, his breath on her ear. "Please babe, spend the day with me. We can have dinner and catch up."
She was too exhausted from all the emotions she had been through and decided to just give in, not having enough energy to fight. "Sure. I never pass up a chance to have Ella's cooking."
She grabbed the duffle bag and they silently collected the things used in her cleaning and slipped them back into the bag.
Ranger grabbed the bag from her hand and placed his hand on the small of her back guiding her to the elevator. Their trip was quiet; it was like an elephant was in the room. Ranger kept his hand on her back and guided her into the apartment when the doors opened.
She grabbed the bag from his hand and hurried to the bathroom to put the contents away. Mostly she was trying to collect herself, berating herself a little over the whole ordeal as she fumbled with the contents in the bag. She wondered what she had been thinking. But she realized she hadn't been thinking at all, that it just felt so good to feel again. Feel something other than pain, sorrow and emptiness. She inhaled deeply as she placed the last item back in place, hoping the air would give her courage to continue, to not fall victim to the emptiness like she had for weeks now. When she finished she turned to get some clothes and found Ranger leaning against the door frame, arms crossed looking sexier then ever. She had calmed herself down and convinced herself that she needed to be playful with him. She needed to act normal
"You shouldn't sneak up on a girl like that. It's bad enough you make women walk into walls."
He full out laughed. "Babe I have nothing to do with that."
She grinned, "I've seen it happen, you know what kind of effect you have on women."
He stepped forward and leaned his head down to hers, their lips millimeters apart. "And what effect do I have on you Miss Plum."
She ducted under his arm and escaped to the bedroom, "None whatsoever."
He laughed and suddenly she found herself on his bed, on her back with him on top. She shook her head trying to cast away the delicious weight of his body against hers. He had her arms pinned over her head, the heat of his body radiating in waves over her. Her heart quickened as she felt desire flush through and seize her body.
He had a wicked grin on his face his eye lids heavy, "Really, maybe you should prove it to me."
Oh boy! What a mess she had gotten herself into again.
"Wow, you can really get around well. Are you feeling better?" she was trying to get her mind off the way his body molded against hers.
"Babe, you can't get out of this one" he said with a gleam of evil in his eye. She instantly felt empowered to prove him wrong.
"Oh, yeah?" she spat, her body going from a limp pool of desire to rigid board at his response.
He shook his head 'yeah.' She swung her foot around and pressed the intercom for Ella, who came right on, "Yes did you need me."
She never broke her eye contact with Ranger as she spoke to Ella, defiance lacing her words. "Ella would you mind bringing me up something to eat I am starving and I just can't eat the fruit and berries diet Ranger is on." She saw the muscles in Ranger's jaw tighten. She felt a whoosh of victory and it felt good.
Ella's chuckle resonated from the small speaker, "Of course dear I will be right up."
Ranger's eyes were big as he stared at her in disbelief. "See I can get out of it."
He smirked as he lowered his mouth to her neck. "You should have told me you were hungry. I could have satisfied you." She felt his tongue graze across her skin, his hand stretched out over her head still pinning her arms. She tried to fight at first but was soon overcome by the sensations Ranger was awaking in her body.
His tongue explored the skin of her soft neck leaving a hot trail in its wake. He blew on the path that was just explored, sending shivers racking through her body. She was squirming under his tongue, he knew her body well. Even though they only had one night together, Ranger seemed like he had taken notes that night. He knew how to get a reaction out of her from across the room. Her back arched as he continued to prove to her just how well he knew her body. His hand brushed over her aching mound, finding her nipple through the thick robe. His mouth moved to her ear when a knock on the door from Ella filled the room, "Too bad you can't have your desert first." Then he kissed her hard, showing her exactly what she would be missing. They heard Ella come in and he rolled off of her, her heart was pounding and she was panting. She immediately stood up and ran her fingers through her messed hair, straightened up the robe and hurried to meet Ella. 'Damn I hate being proven wrong.'
Ella was smiling when she entered the kitchen, no doubt taking in the blush that flushed her face and neck. "I brought you both a snack."
The blush deepened realizing Ella probably thought this was a post coital snack.
"Thanks" she mumbled in her embarrassment.
She smiled, "Can I bring you lunch later dear?"
Ranger strolled into the kitchen. He had changed into some khaki shorts and a light blue short sleeve dress shirt, "No thanks Ella. Stephanie and I are heading out after her snack."
Stephanie snapped her head in his direction, "We are?"
He smiled, "I figured we could go to the beach for the day. Besides you're all cleaned up, we should go somewhere" he grinned wickedly. She thought he was making a point of embarrassing her.
She saw Ella smile; Stephanie's blush spread across her chest. Ella nodded, saying goodbye and headed out the door.
Ranger was messing with his watch when he looked up and saw her staring at him. He walked over to her, his hands finding her hips and pulling her to him. "I should make you blush more often; it's very sexy on you."
She felt her breath go ragged again.
"Are you going to eat before we go?"
She shook her head, "I'm not hungry."
Ranger grimaced but decided not to press her, so he replaced it with a smirk, "Maybe I can help build up your appetite."
She shot him a 'drop dead' look and turned to get dressed. "Are we really going to the beach?"
"If you want to babe."
"Sure, sounds like fun." Besides it was a good diversion, she could escape the reality of her life, for at least a day.
She headed towards the bedroom to change. Ranger stayed in the kitchen going through the mail Ella had brought up with her, trying to think through how to handle Stephanie. She found some khaki shorts, sandals and a cute shirt Ella had picked up for her. Ella always seemed to keep a few things for her here. She had gotten in the habit when Stephanie used the apartment as a safe house awhile back. Then when she started working for Ranger Ella kept things here for her, just in case. She slipped on a pale yellow tank top and a pale yellow short sleeve blouse with little blue and white flowers on it. In the bathroom, she fingered some gel through her hair and worked some light makeup on her face then headed out.
Ranger was at the table reading through the mail when she entered the room. He looked up and took her appearance in, stood and walked over to her. "Ready?" He had to get her out of here in the next few minutes.
She smiled, "Sure lets go."
He gathered up some things in the apartment after sitting her down at the table and telling her to eat. A few minutes later, he came out with a duffel bag and grimaced at her. She hadn't even touched the food. But he didn't push her, instead they headed out.
They decided on the Porsche and piled in. A few minutes later they were cruising towards Point Pleasant. The passenger widow was down as she enjoyed the breeze ripple across her face and through her hair. It made her feel light, like she could float away. She glanced over to find Ranger had slipped into his driving mode. In actuality he was watching her out of the corner of his eye, pondering his next move, thinking about how she would react, what she had been through.
She looked over at him wanting to ask him so many things, but she was scared to open her mouth. She was scared where it might lead.
Ranger tilted his head toward her, "Babe?"
She sighed, she was caught. "When did you get back into town?" She could do this she assured herself.
"This morning. I had just checked in with Tank when Lester heard the call. We knew it was you."
Her face flushed with embarrassment as she turned her head to look out the window.
"I was talking to Morelli on the phone. I told him about it, but he was closer."
She turned back toward him, "Why?"
Ranger was concentrating on the road; he shrugged his shoulders.
Damn him. He made her so mad sometimes. She wondered why he wouldn't tell her what they had been talking about. The car went silent as her anger boiled under her skin. She was afraid to open her mouth again; afraid she would let him have it.
The ride was quiet after that, her afraid to talk and Ranger in his zone or at least she thought. She concentrated on the feeling the breeze caused and on the passing scenery. When they got to Point Pleasant Ranger pulled into a neighborhood and parked in the driveway of a bungalow. She wondered if Ranger had a house here. They got out of the car and Ranger knew the curiosity was killing her, he could see it on her face. He could always see what she was feeling on her face, in her body movements, that is until recently. Somewhere in between the last time he had seen her and today, Stephanie had managed to learn how to hide her emotions, that or either she was only experiencing a few, the few he had seen on her face recently.
He looked at her "This is one of our safe houses."
Realization dawned on her, now she knew where he stayed when he was a FTA. Ranger had been an FTA of hers too, well not really, she never took the case. Some newbie cop wrote him up for carrying concealed and then Ranger had become a major suspect in a murder. But they eventually uncovered the truth and Ranger's name was cleared. The cop even dropped the concealed charges. Everyone knew Ranger carried concealed, shit Ranger helped the Trenton PD all the time, not to mention the government.
She smiled back at him, "Perks."
He nodded and grabbed the bag out of the car. The house was right on the beach. It was a tan color with white trim. It had a garage off the driveway and a door in the back which they used to get inside. The door led to a small foyer then opened to a kitchen. It was a pretty nice kitchen for a beach house. Ranger quickly gave her the tour starting with the great room. It was beautiful. It was open with high ceilings and the whole wall facing the ocean was glass, creating a magnificent view. The room had two white leather sofas against each wall, beige carpet that looked like sand, light brown end tables and a coffee table with glass tops were situated around the furniture. Assorted beach pictures on the wall. There was a plasma TV mounted on the wall and an entertainment center underneath filled with all the latest technology. There was a hallway separating another room from the great room that had stairs leading to the second floor. The next room was a small office type room that overlooked the deck and had a sliding glass door. It was equipped with a computer and other essentials for Rangeman employees. The deck was without furniture right now, but it was early in the season. She assumed they didn't keep in out during the off season or perhaps when no one was here. Ranger sat the bag down on the bottom step before he led her upstairs.
She stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to take in the view, the wall had a huge window at the top. It was a beautiful site overlooking the ocean. Ranger grabbed her hand, "Come look at this."
He led her to the master suite that had a deck attached. They stepped outside and she was surprised to see two chaise lounges and a table between them on the deck.
"Wow, this is great Ranger."
He smiled, "This is nothing, wait until you see the Batcave babe." He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. He couldn't help it, her eyes were full of amazement, and it looked good to see an emotion on her face again.
She perked up; she had wanted to see the Batcave forever. Lula her friend and sometimes partner in crime called Ranger Batman, so they commonly referred to his residence as the Batcave. See Ranger is the man of mystery. His address is actually a vacant lot. When she had found his apartment purely through luck she thought she had found the Batcave, but it wasn't. She still had no idea where it was. But at least she now knew it is near water or overlooking something magnificent.
"Oh, does that mean someday is near?" she whispered over his lips.
He grinned, "Once you go into the Batcave it's forever babe." He licked her bottom lip and deepened the kiss. She slipped her hand up the side of his neck that was wound free, fisting her fingers in the hair at the base of his head.
They both came up for air and he rested his forehead on hers. "So what would you like to do" Ranger said breathlessly.
Naughty thoughts flooded her mind, but she managed to push out, "How about a walk on the beach?" 'I did say walk right?'
"How about we walk to the boardwalk?" Her heart slowed realizing she did say walk.
She smiled, "Sure" trying to calm herself down and abolish all the dirty thoughts clouding her mind
He took her hand in his and kissed her palm before he turned and led her down the stairs.
This is what she loved about Ranger. When they were together they were perfect. The problem was when they were apart or when it came time to face reality. It was like they could make their own fantasy world when they were together that would snap shut the moment it was over. He really knew how to treat a woman, make her feel like she was the only one in the world when he put his mind to it. Problem was his mind was usually full of work. Ranger was always passionate about his tasks, so whatever was on his mind took his full attention never leaving room for anything else. It was dreamy when it was you but it sucked when it wasn't. She started to wonder if there were other women he treated like this. But then she decided it wasn't such a great thing to ponder.
When she convinced herself it didn't matter that she was with him at this moment, they had reached the kitchen. Ranger grabbed two water bottles out of the fridge and told her to grab what she needed. She slipped her ID, debit card and some cash in her back pocket positioning her sunglasses back on her head. It was around twelve-thirty when they headed out and Stephanie couldn't believe what a long day it had been already. The events of this morning seemed like months ago. Ranger turned and locked the door and immediately took her hand in his. They walked for awhile in silence taking in their surroundings and enjoying the sound of the waves crashing into the shore and the cool ocean breeze. Ranger let her hand go and slipped his arm around her waist pulling her body flush to his.
She looked up at him, "So, how are you feeling, I haven't had a chance to ask you." She felt relaxed, the ocean air setting her emotions at ease.
"Feeling better each day. Everything is healing quickly. I can take my last bandage off tomorrow if it looks good and I don't have to use the sling anymore." He was glad; he hated recovering, felt helpless and vulnerable.
She smiled turning her head back to their path, "I'm glad. I was worried."
He stopped and twirled her body into his chest. He hooked her chin with his fingers and lifted it until they caught each others gaze. "We need to talk Babe." Even though he had no idea what to say to her.
She nodded in return. She knew this was going to happen.
"How are you doing? And don't bother lying about it either." He could see it in her face, her body, she was suffering.
"Ranger, can we talk about this when we get back to the house? I just want to enjoy the day with you. We can talk about this later." Trying desperately to put off this conversation, even if for a few hours.
He nodded and let her go. They continued their walk along the beach in silence. After a few minutes she boldly reached out for Ranger's hand. They continued their walk hand in hand in silence until they reached the boardwalk. It was nice, he made her felt safe and warm inside.
The boardwalk wasn't packed, but it was busy, full of people taking advantage of the weather. She stopped Ranger outside of an arcade and tried to persuade him to go in. He followed suit and soon they were absorbed in a game.
They were laughing and having a good time and she wondered if he felt as good as she did. She felt carefree and light, it was wonderful. She beat him at the game and she started jumping up and down in celebration. He plucked her out of the air and pulled her body to his. He smiled and whispered "Congratulations" across her lips before kissing them.
She felt grounded and almost moaned in protest when his lips left hers. A smile crossing his lips, "Don't forget this babe; it might be the only time you beat me."
She gave him her best 'whatever' look.
They played a few more games and Ranger won a cute stuffed duck he gave her. She immediately laughed, "Maybe we should give this to Vinnie." He joined in her amusement happy to see her carefree for a moment.
They walked together taking in the stores and people for awhile. When they approached the orange swirl cart she pulled him in line with her. "Would you like one? My treat" she smiled at him.
"No thanks babe. I'm saving room for desert later" he smirked looking down at her.
She raised her eyebrows at him feeling the heat wash over her body from his comment. Their intimacy was so easy. It was just there, sneaking up and pouncing at open opportunities. It was never forced or awkward, it was natural and it had never made her uncomfortable.
He watched her as she spoke with the vendor. He felt relief wash over him knowing she would at least drink something. He handed the man money giving her a look before she could even protest. He watched as she took a few sucks from the straw, hoping she would finish the whole thing.
They walked around awhile longer taking in the sites, stopping at the occasional store to browse. When she finished up her orange swirl, they had ventured into the fun house, haunted house zone of the boardwalk. She smiled up at Ranger, "Do you want to try one?"
He looked at her blankly, almost in disbelief.
She poked him in the chest, "Oh come on you're not scared are you, big boy?"
He grinned wickedly, 'uh oh' she thought. Grabbing her hand he led her into the "Elevator of Death" attraction. 'What did I get myself into?' like she didn't have enough scary things in her life. Let's see she had been stalked by a psycho boxer who liked to hurt women and who tied up a half dead Lula to her fire escape; a masturbating bunny who was obsessed with delivering her pain and terror; psycho funeral director who wanted to burry her alive; a gang that wanted to rape and murder her after they finished, and last but not least a sociopath who wanted to kill Ranger and assume his life making her his obsession just to mention a few. She thought she should have had her fill and now she was asking to be scared. 'What was I thinking?'
Before she knew it Ranger was practically dragging her in the building, her legs were shaking. He turned just as they entered and took in her face. She could see his eyes twitching back and forth as he took in her face, she had a look of terror, her eyes dilated, her face pale, her mouth grimacing and she was hyperventilating. She saw his lips move but she couldn't hear what he was saying. Then suddenly she felt her body crumple as Ranger's hands slipped around her…then the darkness swallowed her.
Thank you for reading please let me know what you think.
Thank you Amanda, Jenn and Dawn!