Thanks for the amazing support on this one. RPOV was practically demanded, lol, so I decided to dedicate the entire chapter to it so Ranger could bring us up to speed;)

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

I've made enemies in my past. A handful of them have followed me into the present looking for revenge. I thought I'd cleared out most of the real threatening ones, but it seems I was mistaken. When Tank, my second in command and best friend, informed me that some of the Rangemen were acting out of line I left my post at the Miami branch and flew in. I figured it would only take a visit from me, the boss, and some strictly enforced changes to get the men back in line. If not, replacing them wouldn't be an issue.

Oh, but how wrong I was.

I've spent most of my time in the Miami branch of my security company, Rangeman, because my daughter lives in the Sunshine State. It's easier to spend time and bond with her if we live in the same city. I never worried much about the Trenton branch since the man I trust with my life has the reins. I don't doubt my friend and colleague's ability, but it seems things got way too out of hand in my prolonged absence.

And so, I decided to be on the field with the men in order to understand where their insubordination was coming from. When the break-in alert came in shortly after we began our shift I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to study the men's approach and skills. Once I had firsthand knowledge of how they operated, I'd be in a better position to implement changes. It occurred to me that perhaps all they needed was another round of vigorous training to remind them how they should do their job. I came here to help this branch get back on track, but I also came with a schedule. If the guys didn't improve by my set deadline, I wasn't going to hesitate when it came to replacing them.

But I was in for quite the surprise. In just a matter of minutes I realized that their rebellion was very organized. So organized that I was sure they had a leader. That leader revealed himself when the men I was patrolling with dropped me off at the supposed break-in location. I never would have guessed that Rodriguez, Tank's right-hand man, was behind it. Hell, even as he shot me I found it hard to believe.

And as I was on the floor gauging how fast I could get to the gun strapped to my ankle the strangest thing happened. This woman practically ran over Rodriguez with a scooter! I was extremely surprised, but grateful for the save. At that point I really didn't see any other option, so I did the only thing that came to mind: I hopped on the back of the scooter. I ordered her to drive, but she seemed to be out of it. Rodriguez stood, pointed a much deadlier weapon our way and I urged the woman to get a move on it.

Thankfully, she snapped out of it and sped off on the sidewalk. Rodriguez is a good shot, all my men are, but somehow missed us and shattered one of the mirrors. A fleet SUV came out of nowhere to pick up Rodriguez. That shouldn't have surprised me, really. I tried to reach for my gun, but Babe, any woman who saves my life is automatically categorized as being hot as hell, zigzagged through streets and cars like crazy. Pressing myself tighter against her back, I held on as I debated our options. Shit, if they catch us we're history.

I took out my phone, intent on calling for backup, when I realized Rodriguez might intercept the call. Without second thought, I tossed the phone against a passing wall.

Babe took an ally as a shortcut, drove onto a small parking lot for an apartment building and squeezed us between a large dumpster and a car. As soon as she killed the engine, Rodriguez and Co. sped past the lot.

"Come on." Babe said to me as she grabbed her bag. "Let's go inside before they realize their mistake and round back."

"Shit!" We were just inside the building when the sound of screeching tires told us they were close. Before I knew what was happening, Babe gripped the back of my T-shirt for me to follow her up the stairs.

Thankfully, her living room window overlooked part of the parking lot and I managed to catch a glimpse of them before they drove off the lot. "They're gone."

"We need to call the cops."

"No!" At this point I don't know how tainted the Rangeman workforce is or how much influence they have on the city. Until I know exactly who I can trust over there, I can't risk making myself public. Hell, for all I know the police could be in Rodriguez's pocket. Fuck, how could I not have seen this coming?

It seems Babe didn't like my order, because when she turned to face me she had that 'don't mess with me or I'll kick you in the balls' type of look my sisters used to get whenever I annoyed them growing up. "Listen, you…" Whatever she was about to say never left her lips for some unknown reason.

Perhaps pissing off the one person who can currently help me isn't such a smart move. "That came out wrong." I apologized as she absentmindedly flicked the light on. That's when I caught sight of the blood staining her thin pajama top. "You're bleeding."

"Wh-what?" My comment snapped her out of her thoughts. Babe twisted the back part of her top to the front, touched the damp fabric before she inspected the smooth alabaster skin beneath and quickly came to a conclusion. "It's not mine." Her gaze focused my way, giving me the perfect glimpse of her blue eyes. "It's yours."

I passed my right hand over my abdomen and even before I felt the dampness I flinched. Oh yeah, Rodriguez shot me. That asshole. "Got first aid?" I peeled off my shirt and used it to wipe away the blood on my skin. For a moment I got a glimpse of the wound before a little more blood oozed out.

"Yeah." Babe moved further into the apartment, so I followed her. "I only ever have to treat scrapes, so…" She trailed off as we entered the bathroom.

"That's all this is." I assured, telling her it was just a flesh wound. In his hurry to take me out of the picture Rodriguez turned into a horrible shot. Lucky for me, I guess.

"Sit." She ordered with a tone that said it was useless to argue as she washed her hands. Obeying, I sat my cheeks on the edge of the tub.

I watched silently, nearly whimpering when she cleaned the wound and applied some antibiotic ointment on the area. To finish off, Babe covered the wound with a gauze patch. Her fingers might have lingered a bit too long on my abs when she was done, but I didn't complain.

"All done." She cleared her throat a few times in an attempt to hide the blush creeping up from the neckline of her shirt up to her pretty face. Babe decided to keep busy by grabbing a feminine wipe and using it to wipe the remaining caked blood on my abs. At my raised eyebrow, she shrugged. "They're really good for that."

"Babe." I fought the battle and found myself smiling at her.

She returned the smile briefly before she put the kit away and washed her hands. "Are you going to tell me what all that's about or should I call the cops?"

The woman has me by the balls and she knows it.

I tossed my ruined shirt in the tiny trash can next to the toilet, stood and washed my hands. "Alright." Just as I decided I had no choice but to fill her in on the situation incessant knocking reached our ears. Automatically, I reached for my gun. "Expecting someone?" I want to trust her, because I've got no other choice. But nothing assures me that she's not one of them.

"No." Babe frowned even as she moved past me to exit the bathroom. My gut instinct told me she was telling the truth. Or maybe I just want to believe her, because it would be a real shame if she turns out to be one of the bad guys.

I followed close behind, listening as the knocking turned into full blown pounding.

"Cupcake!" The nickname was said on a growl. The man on the other side of the door sounded pissed as hell.

"Fuck me!" Babe muttered softly.

"Who is that?" I whispered.

"My ex."

Great. Now the ex joins the party.

"He's not going to give up." She said if she didn't talk to him, then he would eventually wake up the neighbors.

"Wait!" I gritted out when she headed for the door.

"What?!" There she goes again with that icy look.

"Your shirt has blood." If her ex gets a look at that, we're doomed. Okay, I'm doomed.

"Shit." Babe contemplated the situation for a few seconds, but made a decision when the pounding on the door grew louder. In one swift move she got rid of her top, leaving her in only a red cotton sports bra that made her breasts look round and soft, and opened the door.

"Cupcake, you ch-changed the locks?" Great. The ex was drunk. No doubt he showed up for some late night action.

"Yes, Joe." She answered with what sounded like little patience. "What are you doing here?" She reminded him that they were through, but the man was having none of it.

"The boys miss you." There was no mistaking the innuendo in his tone.

Oh, for the love of God! I decided to take action before Mr. Ex invited himself and the boys inside. "Babe, who is it?" I saddled up behind her, wrapping an arm around her middle. Holding her close, I made sure to keep my gun out of sight.

"Who the fuck is this, Cupcake?!" Joe obviously wasn't expecting to find her with company and the knowledge irked him.

"It's late." I told him it was no time for visits and closed the door in his face. I kept Babe pressed against me as I watched him through the peephole. Joe stared at the closed door for several beats until he eventually got the message and ambled away. "He's gone."

"Hmm…" Babe extricated herself from my hold, turned to face me and crossed her arms just below her breasts. "Before there's another interruption, what the heck is going on?"

She looked angry, but I didn't know if she was mad at me or her ex or both of us. I blew out a sigh. "From the start?"

Think he just met his match, hehehe.