Okay, since I didn't wake up to Ranger's team, hired to take me out, I figure you guys believe me. Yes, I am a babecake. This is, and will remain, a babe flick. I'm going to play with Ranger first, after that I might go play with Joe. That's okay if you don't want to join in our adventure, I'll take the sacrifice and play with Joe all by myself.
I just love the Merry Man, don't you? So I introduced my own. Hope you like him.

Oh...Angst Warning for this Chapter. Minor violence and smut...

I stood at Joe's sidewalk for a while, just staring after Ranger. I knew, in a way, what had happened. Ranger had just lost a lot of respect, both from himself and others. How can you promise clients you can keep them safe when you have dead guys showing up in your own office? This stunt was going to cause him a lot of money and a lot of reputation. I had faith in Ranger, I know he'd build it back up. He would just keep working until finally the whispers said, "That must have been some psycho to penetrate Rangeman," instead of, "What kind of Security company is Rangeman anyway? Can't even fend off one psycho." I just knew it'd take a while both for Ranger and the company. The company would build itself back up just by continuing to do spectacular work. Ranger had lost trust in himself and his abilities, mainly around me. That would take a lot longer to fix. So if I knew that this could be healed and it was about trust instead of me, why did it hurt so much?

I heard Joe's front door open and Joe joined me on the sidewalk, "Hey," he said softly.

I sighed, "I don't understand man."

"I know," Joe snickered, "You understand doughnuts. So, come inside and I've got a whole box of "understanding" on the kitchen counter"

I smiled. Joe and I may not have a commited relationship, or a healthy one, but he knew me better than I knew myself sometimes. Joe was a good guy. If only we could discontinue this unhealthy battle in our relationship. If only we could stay commited. I was starting to understand why we couldn't. Joe wanted me. Joe loved my body, my mind, and my personality. What Joe wanted though was me, without the disasters. He wanted to feel safe and secure with his girlfriend. He wanted to propose and know I'd quit my job and marry him. We were in our thirties, and we weren't settling down. Joe wanted some sense of a stable environment. A garuntee. Could I, Stephanie Plum, offer a garuntee? Yeah, I could. Just not right now. I wonder how long Joe would wait. He didn't deserve to have to wait.

I followed Joe into the house and grabbed a doughnut off the counter. Joe sat down beside me. He was extremely melancholy. I think we both were, he knew what was coming.

"We need to talk," I told Joe, he nodded, "See the problem is, Joe, that I think I've been unfair to you. You are an amazing person and with the bust buns in Trenton," Joe laughed and I continued, "But your life is stablizing. You got a house, a dog, a steady job. You're just missing one thing...a steady family."

"Somehow I don't think is leading up to a proposal," Joe said.

I shook my head, "Joe? I want you to have that. I want you to have that tomorrow. I want to offer that to you,but I can't," Joe lowered his head, defeated and I started to cry, "I've been holding things from you. You've been worried about my relationship with Ranger and I've been getting exsasperated because you didn't trust me. I'm a hypocrite. That night, we broke up? I had sex with him," I felt Joe grimace, that had hurt, "And I have never cheated on you, Ranger takes every advantage to kiss me and touch me, but we've never had an affair. I know why I hate it so much that you don't trust me with him..." I paused and Joe and my eye's met, "Because I don't trust me with him."

"Do you..." Joe's voice cracked and he cleared his throat, "Do you love him?"

I didn't speak for several beats, but Joe deserved the truth, "Yes. Him and you."

Joe's heart was breaking. The worst part was I couldn't fix it because I had caused it. If I took him back to fix it, I would put our relationship on shaky legs. Joe knew everything know, he would never take me back again. The thing is, I understood that and I wasn't angry. I had decided to be honest with him and Joe had finally understood the part of me he got so frustrated with. No more frustration, but the end of a lifetime. With that single word, 'yes,' I had forever crossed Joe and my name off the list of 'Star-Crossed lovers.' He wasn't the only with a broken heart. It hurt and it hurt something fierce. I wanted Joe to gather me in his arms just to comfort me, but I knew he wouldn't. Maybe one day, but not right now. He was hurting to much to touch me. I knew what was going through his head because it was going through mine. He wanted to stop hurting and he was hurting because he was losing me. Therefore, he wanted to take me back. He knew now though, that it wouldn't solve anything. He knew, it wasn't meant to be. So he had to hurt for him and for me, but, oh, if he could just stop the hurt. Why did the right descions always hurt so much?

Joe nodded and got up from the couch. He didn't even look at me and he walked out the front door. I wanted to chase after him, but I knew it wouldn't make a difference anymore. All the times we kind of "broke up" and now we really were over. I knew he had left me alone to pack up the few things I had here. He couldn't watch me leave, and I was glad because I couldn't have left with him here. I pushed the curtains aside and I started at Joe's Jeep. He was sitting behind the wheel, and the car was running, but he wasn't going anywhere. He had his head lowered and his shoulders were shaking. Oh my God, he was really crying. I turned my back to the wall and I slid down as my own tears started to fall.

I was fighting the overwhelming desire to run to him and hold him. I wanted him to stop crying and I wanted to rejoice with the news that I was ready and I could have a family. I couldn't. I couldn't move. So I laid down on the bare carpet and I cried and I cried. When I stopped crying there was nothing left to do. So I got up...and I left Joe.

Stage One: Isoltaion

I laid in my bed until two in the afternoon. I ignored phone calls from Connie, Lula, Vinnie, and my mother. Joe never called. Yesterday, he would have called. I was sure Connie probably called Joe to see if I was okay. It hurt to know that he hadn't came to see me. I knew he couldn't though. There was nothing he could do to solve this problem. I closed my eyes and ignored it as my cellphone started to ring again.

At three thirty I felt someone hovering over my bed. Yeesh, even the psycho's couldn't leave me alone.

"Wake up," this psycho was annoyed and angry. In fact, this psycho sounded a lot like an annoyed and angry Ranger-psycho.

"Oh, it is you," I said in agitation and turned over, "Leave me alone. I'm taking the day off."

Ranger snorted, "Good. Take a day off, but get up and shower you stink."

I threw the pillow at him and he dodged it laughing, "Not from work," I whined, "I'm taking the day off from the world."

"Get up," Ranger had no laughter in his voice now.

"Oh get real," I shouted at him, "It's easy for Mr. I-feel-no-emotion to not stay in bed when he hurts. I'm different. I want to stay in bed. I hurt..."

My voice cracked at the hurt part and I turned my head away from Ranger. Ranger's body language softened and he laid his hand on my shoulder, "I heard about Joe, babe. I'm sorry."

I don't know what I was waiting for, but it never came. Ranger stopped at the sorry part and said nothing else. He didn't make one sexual comment, he didn't kiss my head, he didn't grab my ass or dump me in the shower. He made no sexual move towards me at all. In fact, I started to feel a little bit like I was whining to my big brother. I gagged at that thought and ran to the bathroom to throw my guts up. Ranger stepped into the doorway with a raised eyebrow. I slammed the door in his face.

I took a long and hot shower. I changed into some black sweats and a white turtle-neck top, I brushed my hair and my teeth. I wore no make-up. I didn't feel sexy. I felt used and dirty. I felt discouraged. I was hoping if I closed my eyes and taped my red shoes, I'd wake up in a new life.

I tried it, but nothing happened. I sighed and grabbed my car keys and headed to my parking lot. I got in my car and I drove to the bakery and I purchesed a bakers dozen boston creams and three round, eight serving cakes with the truck load of sugar and big colorful icing flowers.

I ate a doughnut on my way to the office. When I got out my car with my three cakes and bagful of doughnuts in my hands Connie and Lula looked up suprised. When I entered the door no one said anything. I ripped the lid off one cake and I started enhaling the cake. Lula grabbed a plastic spoon from the office coffee station and she dug in without a word. Three minutes later, Connie dug in too. When the first cake was gone and everyone had stole one more doughnut we sat back and burped. I undid the button on my pants.

"That was a lot of cake," Lula said.

"So," I challenged, "You want to make something of it?"

Lula snorted, "No, not me. I know what a women with a broken heart looks like. I'm not saying shit. You want to eat three cakes you go right ahead. Heck, I'll even help you eat another one, but not the third. I have a figure to watch here on account of I'm not single."

Connie shot Lula a look and Lula suddenly remembered she left her toaster on. Connie and I sat alone in the office.

"Probably it's not so bad," Connie said, "Probably Joe and you will make up."

I didn't have a chance to respond. Ranger walked in and grabbed my hand. Without a second word he lead me to the back alley and pushed me against the wall.

"I need you," Ranger said, my breath stopped, "To do some minor survellience for me. With a new guy on my team."

I nodded my head trying not to show my disappointment. "When?" I asked.

"He'll pick you up at ten," and Ranger left.

No kiss? Wow, my life really had changed.

I went back into my office and grabbed my other two cakes, I left the doughnuts for connie and Lula. "I'm taking the day off," I told Connie. I went back home and I fell back asleep in my bed until ten.

Stage Two: Anger

I woke up ten to a male standing in my bedroom and grinning. I had no idea who he was and his grinning was a little unnerving.

I smiled uneasily, "Can I help you?" What else do you say to some random guy in your bedroom?

"I'm Niko," random male told me, "I'm a Rangeman employee."

Oh. That explained a lot. Come to think of it, that explained the sexual testosterone he radiated. I let myself get lost in his sexual apperance as I gathered my belongings and stumbled into the bathroom to get dressed and made up. Niko had black shoulder length whispy hair, with a hint of golden brown at the tops. His complextetion was golden and his eyes were a golden carmel. He had thick eyelashes, and a light goatee that connected from a light mustache to the underside of his chin. He definatly held a six-pack and his arms and legs were chizled perfection. I wish I could get a peek at that package. If this was Ranger's way of cheering me up, I owed him my life.

I walked out the door and almost hit Niko in the forehead. I stumbled to the side in an attempt to save him from my destruction. I wound up falling backwards towards the ground. Niko caught me and leaned me back into his arms, gracefully I might add.

He leaned into my ear and whispered softly, "Don' τ ανησυχία, εσείς είναι ασφαλής στο μου όπλα."

I had no idea what language he just spoke. I smiled softly and lifted myself up and headed out to the truck.

Niko helped me into the SUV and went around to the other side before speaking again, "Do you know what are mission is today?"

"Survellience," I said with a shrug. Some of these Merry Man took themselves way to seriously.

Niko smiled, "We are to watch a guy named Ivan Molchanov, he's Russain. We are attempting to connect him to the murder in Rangeman. Ranger and Tank are following him, Lester and Cal are observing his business, and you and I will be watching his home for activity."

I looked at Niko, "Why does Ranger suspect him?"

"Ivan was connected to gun running, rape, and four first degree murders with the help of Ranger. Unfortunatlly, all the witnesses disappeared. There wasn't enough evidence to jail him. Suprisingly, he made it out of the system. We think he might be trying to get revenge," Niko explained, "When he was heading to the cell he told Ranger he had a nine month old girl that needed a liver transplant they needed money for. Ranger said it wasn't his problem."

I tried not to think of Ranger in that light. A nine month old who needed a liver transplant and Ranger hadn't seemed to care. I knew Ranger wasn't always a nice guy, but that seemed cruel.

Niko glanced at me again, "Darling, they always have a sob story. There was no proof of this alleged child."

That made sense, I think. I was starting to like Niko. He was sexy, kind, and serious about his job. I knew he must be new to Rangeman. I wonder if Ranger had a phsyical apperance quota to be enlisted at Rangeman because, damn, another sexy merry man. Niko and I pulled up at the house and parked. Ivan's house was huge. It had white siding with baby blue trim, a gorgeous rose garden below the windows, and a glass balcony. Seemed far fetched that he was low on money.

"When did he purchase this house?" I asked Niko.

He smiled, "About two months after he was cleared."

I nodded. We waited for activity for thirty minutes. My butt was going numb and I was tired of the silence.

"Where are you from?" I asked Niko.

"Agrinio," Niko said, "In West Greece."

I smiled, "So, that's the language you spoke in my apartment. What'd you say?"

Niko's eyes turned black, "I said, 'Don't worry, you are safe in my arms.'"

I felt myself blush and Niko leaned closer to me. This probably wasn't a good time to find someone else to get tangled in, but Niko was sexy. I was thinking one little kiss wouldn't hurt anyone. Good thing too because at that moment Niko grabbed me by the back of my head and pushed his tounge into my mouth. Hot damn, could he kiss! I felt heat travel down to my doodah.

He pulled apart and kept my face close to his as he looked into my eyes, "Still feeling fidgety?"

"Uh-huh," I mumbled incoherently.

Niko grinned, "I know something that could pass the time."

I jumped away from him and swung my door open. I am refusing to get involved with another male right now. Being in the SUV with Niko was obviously dangerous.

Niko had approached my side again, "Sorry, that was out of line. Where are we going?"

"I thought we might speed things up a little," I told him, "Let's go check out the house."

Niko looked like he was going to argue but thought better of it. We entered the house through the back door and started searching the house. We found nothing in the bathroom, nothing in the kitchen, nothing in the bedroom. When I found the phone I scratched a number and a message that said, 'meeting at 2pm' onto a scrap piece of paper I had in my purse. Ranger could check into that. I was walking back up the stairs to meet up with Niko when I felt a hand wrap around my mouth and pull me against a heavy chest. I was going to scream but the hand muffled my grunts and moans. I was lifted off my feet and carried outside. Outside stood Niko and...the merry man. God damnit! My capture was Ranger.

Ranger flipped me around in his arms and held a firm grasp on my shoulders, "Are you completely retarded? Do you know who's house you just broke into? You have no gloves on, you didn't black out security cameras, and to top it off...you have no idea how to handle a high class break and enter. Not everyone has their house protected with just a dead bolt."

"I'm sorry," I wasn't really, but this seemed appropriate, "I was trying to speed things up for you."

Ranger laughed, unimpressed, "Speed things up? Babe, you just caused me a mountain of work. I have to send men to erase tapes, but they can't look messed with; I have to remove finger prints from the entire house; and possibly, just possibly, I might have to shoot Niko for being such an idiot and allowing you to break in! He was turning out to be an asset to the company. I hate shooting employees."

Scary thing was, he didn't sound like he was joking. I figured I better save Niko's ass fast, "It wasn't Niko's fault. I told him I was going in if he liked it or not. He tried to stop me, I...stunned him."

Niko looked slightly suprised at my lie, but when Ranger glanced at him, Niko just nodded his head.

"I don't care if you poisoned him," Ranger continued, "He could have came back from the dead and kicked your ass into the SUV. In fact, that sounds like a good idea. I'm going to handcuff your ass to a Rangeman building until I know things are safe..."

Ranger went silent and I knew we were thinking the same thing. Rangeman didn't feel as safe anymore. Ranger didn't know what to do to protect me anymore.

"Ranger," I laid my hand on his hand, "It'll be okay."

Ranger shrugged me off, "It would have been. You should have stayed with Morelli, Babe. He could have kept you safe."

He walked away from me, I was completely shocked. I looked around me and noticed all the Merry Man staring. When they caught me looking they all pretended to be wrapped up in work. I was pissed! I ignored the Merry Man and started walking down the street. I didn't talk to anyone, I didn't look at anyone, and I didn't drive. I just walked and everybody let me. I walked until I found myself back at my apartment fourty five minutes later, and then I took the elevator back to my apartment. The walking had controlled my emotion. I was completely pissed still! I grabbed my phone off the hook and dialed Morelli's number.

"Cupcake?" Morelli sounded pained. I think what he meant was, 'why'd you call? Please, don't call.'

I wanted to say sorry and hang up but I was pissed. Why did all the men in my life suddenly become insecure assholes? I wanted my old life back, I wanted things to return to normal. So instead of hanging up I said, "You insufferable jerk of a man! How dare you let me do this! How could you just let me walk out of your life? Do you care so little of me that it doesn't matter to you? I wanted to be with you, and I couldn't do it, but you could have changed. You could have loved me for me! I was, I am, completely in love with you. It hurts without you, it hurts with you...it just hurts. I just want the hurt to go away. I hate you! I hate Ranger! I hate myself! God damn it, Morelli. You said you'd protect me..."

I realized suddenly what a bitch I was being and with a small squeek I hung up the phone. How horrible was I? Morelli had let me go and gave me the chance to be with the man I loved and I had called him to call him an asshole. Then I had hung up on him! I wanted to take it back, but I was so angry. I wanted to rip my apartment to shreads. I did just that. I threw my coffee pot against the wall, I tossed my couch, I kicked my door, and then I started crying. Five minutes into my cry fest I felt strong arms lift me up and Morelli hugged me tightly. We cried together for the first time, and it helped. When we were both done crying, Morelli left without a word.

Stage Three: Bargaining

I woke up in the morning with no anger left. I still didn't feel right. I was thinking of a pot of coffee but I remembered I had broken my pot. I got showered and dressed and headed to the Bonds Office.

Connie was filing her nails when I walked in, "Hey gorgeous, you're looking better."

"Thanks," I smiled at her, "What's in today?"

Connie handed me two files and explained as I read them, "Jacob Mercer and Tyler Valentine. Mercer is wanted on Grand Theft Auto, fraud, and attempted murder. In simpler terms, Mercer pretended to be a cop, stole a cop car, and attempted to run over his ex-fiance. He's not dangerous. He wanted her to sign a prenump, she got mad and burnt down his house."

I smiled, "I'd run her over too."

"Dear," Connie laughed, "Morelli just wam-bammed you and you ran him over."

I looked up suprised and Connie snapped her mouth closed. It would take a while for us to adjust to that.

I flipped open the other file, Valentine. Valentine was wanted on Theft under five thousand, "What'd Valentine steal?"

"Guess he got sick of his roommate's yappy dog. So he sold him to someone else."

I laughed. People were great some days. I headed to Valentine's address and approached the door. I hoped he would be an easy bust, and due to the charges I didn't expect much trouble.

I knocked on the door.

"Yes?" Valetine answered.

"Tyler Valentine?" I confirmed, he nodded his head, "I represent Vincent Bail Bond's. You missed your court date and I would like you to reschedule."

He looked suprised, "Really? Am I getting like hunted by a bounty hunter?"

"I guess," I shrugged my shoulders.

"Sweet," Valentine jumped up and down and started running around the house collecting things, "I can't wait to tell the guys this. A real bounty hunter, come to find me! Tyler Valentine! I got to take a picture. Mind if I take a picture?"

I faked a smile and let him take a picture of me handcuffing him. He hadn't needed to be handcuffed but it made him feel better. I transported him back to the jail and Vinnie met us there and bonded him out again. I was shuffling my body reciepty when I heard a throat clear beside me.

"Cupcake?" Morelli sounded better today too.

I smiled, "Hey Joe. Good to see you."

"Yeah," Joe shuffled his feet a little, "So look, I'm not trying to insult you, but I was thinking that maybe if we started dating other people it wouldn't be so bad, right? I mean..."

Morelli was embarrassed, "Did you meet someone?" I asked

Morelli nodded, "I don't want to hurt you anymore Steph. It's just, I met her in Pino's. She's from Point Pleasent. I am not ready to go steady yet, but I wanted to take her for dinner. And..." Joe stumbled over some words, "I want you to go with Ranger... Please, Steph. You're to beautiful to hurt over me."

I smiled, "Thanks Joe and that's awesome about the date. Um, Ranger isn't really...I mean, he's not really...interested."

I felt like a damn fool to say those words.

"So are you okay about the dating thing then?" Joe asked, "If not I'll wait?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. I don't think I'll ever be okay with it, but I don't want you to put off your life because of me. Oh God, I just keep thinking, 'what if?' You know? If only I hadn't started bounty hunting, I never would have met Ranger. But then... Oh, I'd give anything just for one more day like things were."

I was babbling my feelings, so I shut up. Joe smiled in understanding. He pulled me to his chest and brushed a friendly kiss on my forehead. Then he grabbed my hand and lead me to the door.

"You take care of yourself," Joe told me.

I nodded numbly and walked to my car. Why couldn't we fix this?

Stage four: Depression

I wasn't ever leaving this bed. Joe had moved on and Ranger didn't want me. I was a hideous beast. I had attracted to magnificent men and now neither of them wanted me. Ranger had come to his senses, he was never going to take me back again! Joe had met some bimbo from the beach and was probably banging her as we spoke!

I hated my life.

Morelli's POV

I loved her. God, did I love her. I knew a long time ago she was interested romantically in Ranger. I had hoped if she denied it, I could too. It was time for us both to face the facts. She would recover. I knew she was a wreck now, but I also knew that she would recover. She would move on and although we'd never be romantically involved again, I would always be there for her. Unfortunatlly, the other dumbass had left her. I didn't want our break-up in vain. She deserved her happiness and even if I didn't want to admit it, Ranger was able to offer that.

I had approached Rangeman thirty minutes ago and was sitting in a conference room now, waiting for Ranger. I was going to shoot the dumb fuck in the toe! Better yet, in the dick. How could he be so stupid? Steph was waiting for his support. Yes, she mourned our loss but she loved him before he wasn't rebound. He had completely pushed her away! I was about to clue him in.

Ranger opened the door, "What can I do for you Morelli?"

I glared at him, "You stupid dumb prick! How dare you treat Steph like this. Pushing her to the side because you don't want to mess with your company and your bittersweet apperance. I oughta kick your ass. Personally, I think she deserves better than some fucking mercenary pansy, but she's willing to take that chance...with you. She left me...for you!"

"It's none of your concern," Ranger told me calmly.

I grabbed Ranger by the shoulder and threw him against the wall. My gun was trained on his temple, "Listen here, asshole. This is my business. This is the woman I love! I lied to her today about moving on so that she could move on to you. But let me tell you something, you fuck up with her and I'll take her back. You turn your back on her and I will marry her by the end of the year. I garuntee it. So take your choice tough guy, are you willing to risk everything for your soulless persona?"

I released Ranger and walked out of the building.

Stage Five: Acceptance

I woke up to Ranger at my bedside. I groanded and flopped back over.

"No running today Ranger," I told him.

Ranger laughed, "No, Babe. No running. Look, we need to talk..."

I sat up in my bed and hugged my pillow to my chest. Was this a goodbye speech?

"I think I made a mistake that day in my office. I want to protect you. The problem is, you just scared me..."

I was mad at that sentence so I raised my voice at him, "You don't think I was scared you stupid ass?"

"Well yes," Ranger stumbled, "But..."

"You insensitive prick," I rambled on, "I thought you were going to leave me. I thought this asshole was going to ruin us. And I hated you for it! And then I tried to understand and you pushed me away. You sent me to another man like a common whore."

Ranger's eyes glared at me, "Like a common whore? Get it through your head, Babe, you are not a common whore."

"So," I challenged, "What do you got to say for yourself?"

Ranger smirked angerly, "You're mine."

I went to leap at him. To chew off his arm, to kick him in the head...something. I jumped off the bed at him. Ranger slipped his hands around my waist and slipped me to the bedroom floor.

"Get off me," I yelled at Ranger.

"No," Ranger growled, "You're mine."

I tried to shove him off but he slammed his mouth into mine. I was angry that he wasn't listening to me. Okay, honestly, I wanted it just as much as he wanted me and I knew he knew that but I wasn't giving in. I was mad and if this was how he wanted to solve our aggression, so be it. Ranger ripped my jeans to my ankles and started kissing my calfs and working his way up the inside of my thigh. His soft kisses trailed to the tip of my underwear on my hip bone. He jumped over and trailed kisses up my belly and then without warning he ripped off my shirt and my bra. He struggled with the underwear for a moment and those flew across the room too. He was just as mad as me. He slammed his mouth back on mine, hard and slipped two fingers inside me. I was pounding into me ferouscly with his fingers and taking my breath with his mouth.

He took his fingers out and slide himself into me. He was huge and I waited to adjust to his size, but Ranger just pushed past the vaginal tension. He slammed into me hard. I dug my finger nails into his shoulder. The selfish pig of a man! I wanted to kick his ass, I wanted to make love to him...I wanted to kill him well having sex with him. I was so pissed off that I started slamming him harder into me. We rolled around on the floor attempting to gain domenisence over the other and take top. Ranger one out as I found myself burning on the edge of an orgasm.

Ranger stopped, "Admit it Steph."

"Admit what?"

"Admit I own you and you can have your release."

What a jerk! I slammed my hips back into him harder and dug my nails deeper into his shoulder. I saw a gasp in his face as he almost ejaculated and then he regained control. He met my thrusts. I was bouncing a foot off the floor every time he thrust into me. I was burning again and I was going to explode...Ranger pulled out.

"please, no," I whimpered.

Ranger leaned into my ear, "Say it Steph. Your mine. I own your body and your soul. You love me as much as I love you. I own you as much as you own me. We posess each other."

Well, when you put it that way, "I'm yours Ranger! My body is souly yours, Carlos."

He growled low in his throat and pushed my hips back into him. I met his second thrust and exploded on impact. As the black dots appeared in my eyes, Ranger exclaimed and half collapsed on top of me.

Without a word Ranger lifted me up on the bed and curled in next to me. I fell asleep feeling safe and secure for the first time in days.

When I woke up at five it was to Ranger leaving to go to work. He kissed me deeply without a word and left my apartment. I was smiling in the dark when my phone rang. Morelli's number appeared on the caller ID.

"Late night?" I heard Morelli ask, not without a hint of pain.

I felt guilt sweep through me, "Joe, I'm sorry."

"Don't be!" Joe told me, "Steph?"

"Mhm?" I asked sleeply.

Joe's smile was evident, "You'll be okay."

For the exact carbon copy image of who inspired Niko go here: /wallpapers/data/media/34/HrithikRoshan3.jpg
Or search for "Hrithik Roshan" just make sure you get him with the long hair.