Thanks for the amazing response to the first chapter. It took me some time, but the next chap's finally done:D

Note: The rating's been bumped up to M.

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

After the explosion everything was somewhat of a blur. I tried warning him, but was a little too late. Being hurt didn't stop me. It took me a bit longer than it should have under normal circumstances, but I managed to find his unconscious form under a pile of rubble. Between the chaos, confusion and pain it was difficult to keep track of the distance.

And just when I thought we were away from the enemy, Mother Nature added a twist. The land was unstable from the recent rains. I lost my footing, we slid down a steep slope and that's when unconsciousness took a hold of me.

Multiple hands touched me everywhere and I cried out as a new flare of pain shook my entire body. My eyes snapped open, greeting me with the sight of a young beautiful woman offering me some type of herbal remedy. I was in too much pain and thirsty to care what it was, so I slurped greedily. Plus, I'm a sucker for a pretty face. When she moved aside an older man hovered over me, speaking a language I recognize very well. Spanish.

"Santos." I mumbled in response to his question. It's not a lie, because that's technically my name. It's my last name, but he doesn't need to know that. I scanned my eyes around the room and when the man moved aside I caught a glimpse of Ranger. He looked worse off than I felt, a sick paleness etching his features. Fuck. I have to get us out of here and get him to a doctor. Beautiful made us promise to come back in one piece and I'm not about to fail her. As soon as I made a move to sit up, the pain reached a new high and I was forced to tumble back down. Fuck!

S&R- Stephanie's POV

The unique mix of Bvlgari and Ranger invaded my senses, jolting me awake. I was greeted with the sight of perfectly toned mocha colored skin. When I shifted to better admire his muscular torso his erection graced my inner thigh, instantly igniting the fire of desire in me.

He stirred, but immediately relaxed when he felt my lips land open mouthed kisses over his pectoral muscles. "Babe." It was a husky murmur, but it told me he was awake.

By the time I reached his mouthwatering hardness I knew he was wide awake. I caressed his length with my lips and tongue as my breasts dragged across his thighs in the process. He groaned and it made me smile, because he only ever does that when he really, really likes what I'm doing.

The telltale humming of desire spread from my doodah to every last bit of my being, igniting my skin on fire. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to become one with him more than I needed my next breath. As I kissed back up his body I straddled his thighs, settling myself over the tip. "Ranger." I gave him a playful smile and a quick peck on the lips before straightening. His hair was tousled from sleep and the soft grin he shot me was the one he reserves for the bedroom.

It started off soft and slow, but we quickly picked up the pace until we settled on the perfect rhythm.

I was jolted out of the memory by the loud ringing of a phone. Half wishing, half praying I opened my eyes with the hopes that it had all been a mistake and that Ranger would be by my side. The last time we made love before he left was thoroughly imprinted in my mind, so much so that it seemed like it was real.

With a sigh I reached for my cell phone on the nightstand and answered without looking at the readout. "Yo?" I barked out, not feeling the need to engage in pleasantries.

"Stephanie?" A female voice asked, obviously taken aback my lack of phone etiquette.

"Rachel." I cringed, feeling remorse for taking it out on her. I apologized and asked why she was calling. Surely, she couldn't have found about things so soon. I'd just been told a mere two hours ago.

"It's okay." She didn't take my grouchiness personal. "Just wanted to let you know that Julie just boarded." She also reminded me of what time the flight would arrive at Newark.

"Shit." I groaned. I completely forgot that she was scheduled to fly out today. We were planning to surprise Ranger when he got back…

"What's going on?" Rachel knew something was up and wanted answers.

"Ranger and Lester…" I couldn't bring myself to finish the thought. I just couldn't. Denial reigned at the moment.

"Oh my…" Rachel was silent for a moment, before she blew out a sigh. "Julie's going to be devastated."

Father and daughter have gotten really close in the last several years. It's so unfair. "I-I know." I choked back a sob, unwilling to give in to the tears because I'm not going to stop once I start.

I told Rachel I would keep her in the loop before I hung up.

"Ranger." I whispered his name with the hope that this was all just a bad dream, a mistake. The bedroom turned a bit chilly, making me shiver in the process. When there was no response to my calling, I sat up in bed.

"You're awake." Ella was moving about the kitchen, fixing breakfast for me.

"That's what I'm told." I mumbled as I passed a hand over my face.

"Going somewhere?" Sadness lingered in her gaze. I probably had the same look on my face.

"Julie's flying in today."

"Oh no." She grimaced, already knowing how difficult it's going to be to have to break it to her. I'm so not looking forward to that. "But you're in no condition to drive." She said one of the guys should drive me.

"Yeah." I nodded, watching her shuffle out of the apartment to set up transportation.

S&R- Ranger's POV

When Babe was left alone in the apartment she sat on the couch and just stared ahead, completely lost in thought.

"Babe." I sat next to her and murmured soothingly into her ear.

"You promised." Babe blew out an angry sigh while she wiped her watery eyes.

"I know." We officially moved in together just days before I had to go on what I decided would be my last mission. I didn't tell her, because I wanted to surprise her when I returned. Guess that's out of the question now.

We sat in silence until Tank arrived, saying it was time to get Julie.

"Yeah." Babe nodded, following my second in command dutifully. I followed too.

The drive to Newark was spent in silence, everyone lost in their private thoughts.

Julie hugged Stephanie as soon as she spotted her. My daughter chatted the whole drive back, filling Babe in on every last bit of detail. Babe nodded the whole drive back, following the tale with a very well masked expression. She learned the blank face from me.

Once we were back at Rangeman Julie noticed something was wrong and asked, well, more like demanded some answers.

"You're never this quiet." She said to Babe before turning to Tank. "Did something happen to my dad?"

"Smart girl." I whispered, moving to stand next to her. She can't see me or hear me, but maybe deep down she can feel me close and know that her Dad's by her side. At least, I hoped.

"Julie…" Babe took the responsibility of telling her, but her voice broke. That hesitation gave it away.

"No." My daughter shook her head vigorously. "No, no, no." Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded Babe with her gaze to tell her it wasn't true.

I felt helpless and angry, wishing nothing more than to take their pain away.

The room started spinning, but it seemed I was the only one affected. Woozy and hazy, I was spun around and around at what felt faster than light speed. In a rush, I was transported out of Rangeman to some unknown place.

Moments later, when the spinning ended, I couldn't see a thing, but I felt like crap. Everything ached deep to the bone. I was cold and in pain.

Wait a minute? If I'm dead, then how can I feel pain?

"Don't worry, man." I heard a familiar voice say. Lester's I think. "I'm gonna get you home." Yeah, it was definitely Lester's!