CHAPTER TEN

SPOV

I looked down at my beautiful sleeping husband--his long silken black hair, soft mocha con leche skin, tantalizing physique, long thick eyelashes, soft pillow lips and handsome face. The only things missing were his heart-stopping smile and soul-touching brown eyes.

As strange as it may seem, I am thankful to Charles Westin for trying to kill me and putting me in a coma. When Ranger was also wounded and comatose we were somehow able to admit our true feelings for each other without all the confusion in our lives. All the people who were intent on changing or challenging us weren't in the way. We could admit our feelings and tell each other what we wanted in our relationship. This was a godsend for us. We were able to move forward as a couple, making our life what we needed.

To be honest I'm not sure we would have ever overcome our fears and stubborness to get to this place and the incredible relationship we have now.

Ranger, my friend, confidant, mentor and one-time lover was known to me as a bad-ass former Special Forces bounty hunter who owned his own security company. I got to know him first as the bounty hunter Ranger, then as Corporate Ranger and ultimately as Social Ranger; but I never met Carlos, the man, until our sojourn in unconsciousness.

I had already fallen hopelessly in love with all aspects of Ranger. When I met Carlos, there would be no other man for me--ever. He is the most loving, attentive, gentle, compassionate, romantic and protective man I've ever known. To say that I adore him doesn't approach how I feel. There are no words.

Ah, my mate is waking up judging by several parts of his body. There, his eyes are warm, his lips are smiling and a really large part is tenting the sheets near his lean waist. Gee, so many options. What's a girl to do?

I've decided to put a huge smile on his face by worshipping all of his drool-worthy body. What I love to do to this man!

RPOV

I opened my eyes to Stephanie scanning me from head to toe. Make that head to groin. My wife seems to want to have me for breakfast. It's never my intention to disappoint her. The day I have planned for us won't require leaving for another couple of hours. Somehow filling those hours and my Babe would be glorious. After all, that's what honeymoons are for. I think fifty years from now it will still be glorious.

Today is the day I want to show her Provence. I've made reservations for horseback riding in the Luberon Forest Parc and dinner at Le Clos de la Violette across from the Atetier Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence. I want to take her shopping in Arles. When we return to the villa in Cucuron, we can go swimming in Le Bassin de Amour. I cannot wait to introduce her to the boutiques, paintings, wineries and local cuisine. She is such a curious adventuress we are going to have so much fun.

But first I must pay special attention to my lady. Um, my breakfast is going to be so sweet.

Hector and Woody pulled up at the front of the villa in the stretch limo already loaded with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, fruit and petit fours. Ranger provided them the itinerary and maps. When they looked at the itinerary, they both grinned. Bombshell was going to be excited and asking a million questions. Ranger had pulled out all the stops for her.

Always curious, Steph asked Ranger where they were going. He just smiled his mysterious smile and said, "You'll see. Let me surprise you, querida. First, though, look out the window. Do you see the forest?"

She nodded and peered at all the luscious, dense forested area. They seemed to be headed toward it. Turning to Ranger, she asked, "Are we going there?"

"Yes, how does an early morning horseback ride sound to you? Have you ever ridden before?"

"No, not really, Dad used to take Valerie and me for pony rides when we were little. Mom and Val weren't too crazy about it so eventually it was just Dad and me. I'm probably going to need a few lessons. Since either the rider or the horse needs to know where they're going, this rider could use some training."

"Not a problem, Babe. Where we're heading, there are trainers for first-time riders, and I can always help you."

"Carlos, I would really like a trainer so I can develop some small skills. Maybe I can take more advanced lessons when we get home. I'll bet Mary Alice, my fantasy horse niece, would love to join me."

With a grin, Ranger pulled her hand to his lips. "Great idea, maybe we could discuss it with your sister when we get back. I know a couple of former Rangers who have horse farms near Trenton."

When they pulled into the riding academy and were escorted back to the stables, Stephanie's mouth dropped open and she began to shiver. Ranger looked at her and asked if she was all right. With a small shake of her head, she muttered, "I didn't know horses were so big! How do I get way up there?"

Their guide, Phillipe, tried to reassure her. "Madame, don't be afraid. These horses are very gentle. They've been doing this a long time. The only spirited horse is the black Andelusian over there. As you can see, he is a stallion and used for breeding purposes. Only the most experienced riders are allowed to mount him. Now, sir, what about your skill level in riding?"

"Phillipe, I've ridden extensively. I think I would like to try the Andelusian. What is his name?"

With a dubious expression, the guide responded, "His name is Diablo. Monsieur, can you give me some examples of your experience? This horse really is difficult to control even for an 'experienced' rider."

Smiling, Ranger nodded at Phillipe. "The last time I rode, not too long ago, was with Cossacks in Siberia. I've also spent some time with Native Americans, Apaches, in the Southwest."

The guide looked at Ranger with awe. "Sir, allow me to saddle Diablo for you."

Stephanie looked at Ranger wide-eyed. "Wow, I know what Apaches are because I saw Cochise, but what are Cossacks?"

Still smiling Ranger tousled her curly hair and whispered in her ear, "I'll tell you all about it on the trail."

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SPOV

Carlos told me that Diablo meant "devil" in Spanish. They weren't kidding when they named that horse. As Carlos mounted the beautiful animal, it wasn't too happy. Diablo reared and tried to buck him off. It took him a few scary minutes, but he finally got the horse under control. Diablo had wild eyes. I don't think this competition is over.

Phillipe was great. He knew riding challenged me and helped me up on a gentle horse named Marie. He showed me the basics of mounting and dismounting. Then he went over some of the steering, I guess you'd call it, with the reins and knees. The starting and stopping thing with the heels and stuff is still kind of scary. Thank God Carlos knows what he's doing.

I asked him about the Cossacks again and he explained their history--boy, were they into fighting--their warrior customs and their games on horseback. Whew, no wonder Phillipe was so shocked. My husband can do everything well. Can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve!

RPOV

This is a beautiful animal and he's black. He's also spirited, but not the worst I've ever ridden. Maybe we could breed these. I know they are really rare and usually only owned by the royals or the wealthy. I'll ask Woody to research them and check around Florida or Virginia for a horse farm for sale. All I know about them is they were originally bred in Andelusia in Spain. Also, they are born black but most often turn white or gray at adulthood. I wonder if Mary Alice would like to run a horse farm when she grows up. She could work there during her summer breaks from school. She's so much like Steph she might really enjoy that.

Next up is shopping with the world's expert. I'll bet Steph calls Mary Lou and Lula to tell them all about it. I cannot wait.

As Ranger handed Stephanie into the limousine, her stomach growled. Both Hector and Woody turned to her, grinning. "Bombshell, sounds like it's brunch time. We might have something on board to handle that."

Steph whined, "I can't help it, guys. This is not my fault. Geez, I've just been riding for hours and I have the Hungarian metabolism from hell!"

Carlos rubbed her belly with a gentle hand. "Hours, querida?"

Woody stepped back from the trunk with a huge picnic basket he placed on the bench seat across from Ranger. Stephanie dove toward the basket with excitement in her eyes. Carlos lightly spanked her hands and whispered, "Allow me, amante."

As Stephanie cheerfully sipped her champagne and munched on a delicious little cake, she asked Carlos, "Are we still in Provence?"

"Yes, Provence is quite large. It runs from the Alps to the sea."

"You mean the Swiss Alps? Like Sound of Music? I've heard about some music festival in the Alps, too. Is this where it is? And what kind of music do they play?"

Ranger chuckled. "No, these are the French Alps. The Swiss Alps are in Switzerland where they filmed most of Sound of Music. I think they also used some sites in Germany and Austria. The Salzburg Music Festival near Vienna happens in the Bavarian Alps every year, and it's classical music for the most part."

"You're so well traveled. Is Vienna where they have those funny boats with hooks on the end and a guy standing up holding a pole? Are there Italian Alps and is that where Tuscany is?"

"No, sweetheart, Venice, which is in Italy, is where the canals and gondolas are. Gondolas are the boats you mentioned. Vienna is in Austria. Yes, there are Italian Alps in Northern Italy. Tuscany is more in the center of the country. As a matter of fact, if you remember the old saying 'as the crow flies,' going due east from Nice it would reach Tuscany."

Stephanie again looked at her husband in awe. "Have you been to all these places? Do you know how to speak their languages, too?"

"I've had the pleasure of traveling around the world many times. Unfortunately, the reasons for the trips weren't very enjoyable; but to answer your questions, yes, I have been to all those countries before plus a few hundred more, and I can speak all their languages. While I'm fluent in all the Romance languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian I'm also fluent in Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic and Urdu. I can get by in German or Dutch but Germanic languages are harder for me, except English."

"This is just amazing. Okay, one more question and I'll shut up for a while and just watch the scenery. What are Mandarin and Urdu?"

"First of all, querida, you can always ask me anything you want. If it's classified by the government, I'll tell you I can't discuss it. That shouldn't be that often anymore since the General terminated my service. My guess is, though, they will still ask for my help with certain projects, but you and I will discuss those before I'll agree to accept. Now, Mandarin is a Chinese dialect and Urdu is spoken in Pakistan. Because I speak French I can get by in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia."

Stephanie looked at Carlos with her mouth hanging open and he closed it with a light touch. She appeared to be lost in thought then said, "Cool. One last question, I promise. Where are we going and what are we going to do there and do they have more food?"

Ranger threw his head back laughing, "Neat how you managed to ask three questions in one." Picking up her hand he began to kiss her fingertips. "We are going to Arles where they do have patisseries, sidewalk cafes that specialize in the more earthy Provencal fare, and you're going to give these small hands a real workout. Arles has a lot of boutiques for you to shop in."

CHAPTER TWELVE

Carlos saw the sign for Arles. He couldn't believe they had been talking for the last fifty kilometers. Plus, he was amazed that Stephanie hadn't fallen asleep until just a few minutes ago. After a meal she always dropped off especially when she was riding in a car. It was a shame he was going to have to wake her in about fifteen minutes.

Ranger told Woody to look into the Andalusian breed and horse farms in Florida or Virginia. Although stunned, Woody replied that he was somewhat familiar with the breed since he became fascinated back when he watched "Zorro" as a kid.

Hector and Woody exchanged glances and Ranger growled, "What?"

Woody took in a deep breath and responded, "Tank called just a little while ago and told me to let you know there may be another assassin."

"Who, and why didn't Tank call me himself?" Ranger was not a happy camper.

"Sir, Tank is really trying not to bother you too much, but he wanted to let you know. They think it's another European, but still need to verify with Interpol."

"Woody, when Tank calls back tell him the consideration is appreciated. I expect to be informed the minute he learns anything about this situation. I can't keep us safe if I'm not kept up to date. Stephanie will understand. Also I want to know whatever happened to the searches for Sylvio that she agreed to run."

It was now time to awaken Sleeping Beauty. They had just entered Arles. Carlos was looking forward to watching her shop most of the afternoon. Good thing a nice little café was right there. He asked Hector to park in front of it and turned to wake his Babe. "Steph, we're here. It's time for lunch." He leaned back quickly as Stephanie sat straight up, her stomach growling.

Stephanie was bouncing on her toes looking all around her in the quaint café. Since it was fall, they decided to sit outside. Ranger asked Hector and Woody to join them. Both Hector and Woody understood why. Later tonight Ranger would tell Steph about their new danger. He didn't want to spoil their day.

Ranger asked if she knew what she wanted. She answered with a question. "Pizza and a beer?"

Grinning, he asked, "Would Pissaladiere and wine do?

"What's that?"

"Pissaladiere is the local pizza. I suggest wine because we are in the most famous wine country in the world."

By the end of the afternoon Ranger, Hector and Woody were loaded down with packages and Stephanie was wiped out. She watched the guys wrangle all her purchases in the car. Good thing it was a stretch limo. They wouldn't have fit in anything else. Just before she fell asleep she mumbled, "Carlos, where are we going next?"

Smiling down at her Carlos ran his fingers through her curls. "We're heading for Aix en Provence. It's maybe an hour's drive. Along the way I can show you some of the wineries we might want to visit if you like. For dinner we'll be going to Pasta Cosy in the town of Aix. Does that sound good to you?" She was already out like a light.

Steph woke up before they entered the town. The east coast of the U.S. was like one big city, but here the towns were really far apart and the landscape was beautiful with mountains and forests. The guidebook even said there was a major river, the Rhone, which flowed to the sea through here. She couldn't imagine living here. The pace was slow and the people were warm and welcoming. Then Carlos' phone vibrated. He frowned at it, answered with his customary "Yo," listened a moment and disconnected.

The waiter approached, handing out the menus. Ranger asked Hector and Woody if they would like him to order for them. Both nodded as they tried to puzzle through the menu. Ranger gave the waiter the order and translated, "I ordered bouillabaisse, a fish soup that originated in Marseilles, salad Nicoise, a salad originating in Nice, Pan Bagne with aliole, the local bread and a dipping sauce made of olive oil, garlic and herbs. For you, Babe, there is Fondant de Poire or pear cake."

The smells from the kitchen made Stephanie's mouth water. Carlos said that the wine he ordered was called "something du Pape" which was from a city not too far from them. She tried not to moan through every bite. The fish soup was challenging because there were whole fishes in it. The bread and sauce were nice and garlicky. Carlos' salad was good but she never did care for anchovies. Then there was the cake. Who knew you could make something like that with pears?

Dinner was delicious but Stephanie couldn't relax enough to really enjoy it. Her instincts were screaming that something was terribly wrong. When she questioned Carlos, he took her hand and whispered that he wanted to enjoy their night out but would explain everything on the way back to the villa.

When they were settled in the limo, Ranger opened the privacy window so that Hector and Woody could hear him, too. "Tank called Woody this afternoon to say that there might be another assassin coming after us. Woody called him back with my instructions. Tank called me before dinner to say that Interpol ran two names through their database. One flew out of Paris and was scheduled to land in Nice tonight. Babe, he probably knows where we are and where we might be going."

Stephanie asked him with disappointment in her eyes, "Do you know this one, too?"

"Yes, I've dealt with him before. His name is Paul St. Claire and he specializes in knives, sniper rifles and drugs. This one can get to you up close, mid-range and from long distances. I'm so sorry, querida. Next time we're going to a small island off Tahiti where nobody can even get close. I promise.

"Woody, get the lead out. We need to get off the road just in case." Ranger's phone rang again and this time he put it on speaker.

"Ranger, according to Interpol he's on the ground. He didn't rent a car so either someone is helping him or he's using his own automobile. No reservations in Nice. We're checking to see if he owns property in the vicinity where he can hole up to get ready."

Just as Ranger settled back into the seat and reached for Stephanie, his and Stephanie's windows shattered. He yelled over the noise to Woody and Hector, "Get us out of here now!" After grabbing Stephanie and covering her body with his, Ranger spoke calmly into the phone. "Tell Interpol he's here."