Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything recognizable belongs to Janet Evanovich. Story title comes from Carrie Underwood's song 'Dirty Laundry' chapter title comes from Daughtry's 'It's Not Over'

I was used to control. I liked having control over my life and to a lesser level the lives of those around me. So why was it that one little curly haired brunette could make me lose control of myself? My life used to be neat and orderly until the bombshell that was Stephanie Plum dropped into my life. That little girl had torn into my life like a tornado and flipped my world upside down. A woman who was barely five foot four and weighed a hundred and thirty pounds soaking wet, maybe had completely changed my life. Mine, Ricardo Carlos Manoso, the bad ass known as Ranger was completely wrapped around the fingers of Stephanie the 'Bombshell Bounty Hunter' Plum's capable fingers.

She hated the nickname 'Bombshell Bounty Hunter' but that's exactly what she was, and not just because she had a habit of getting her cars blown up and apartments firebombed. She was absolutely gorgeous, but she didn't see it. She was fragile but could put on a brave face with the best of them, and often times could back it up. I'd never be able to thank her enough for saving Julie, or for helping me clear my name with the Ramos fiasco.

I had told her time and again there was no price for her, and it was true. There was no limit to the lengths I would go for her. I'd gladly set the world on fire and watch it burn if it meant she would be happy at the end of it all. She had belonged to another man, but I was selfish. I wanted her. I wanted to drink her in and consume her, I wanted her to douse the fire she had lit in my soul, and I wanted to crawl inside her and never leave. She was better than any drug, and far more addictive. I'd foolishly thought that one night would be enough. That twelve hours with her between the sheets would get her out of my system.

When I left the next morning and sent her back to Morelli I felt like a damn fool. I knew after having her that twelve hours wasn't enough. Twelve life times wouldn't have been enough for me. She made me crazy with want and need and worry. She could make me smile like no other, but she could also set forth a hot volcano of fury before she turned around and settled it with one touch. It was one of the many reasons I would steal kisses from her lips every chance I got, regardless of who was watching. The reason I let the people on the street say she was my woman, even when she wasn't.

She called me Batman, said I was her dark knight always coming in to save the day. I thought she was crazy, because at least Batman got to keep the girl. My stupid ass had sent her right back into the arms of another man, telling her my lifestyle didn't lend itself to relationships. Those words were coming back to bite me now. I slammed my hand against the steering wheel and cursed. She wanted to be just friends, and I knew she would refuse any favors I tried to give her. That made my heart drop and my blood run cold. Didn't she realize how much danger she could be in?

I knew I shouldn't have kissed her like that. Like I was saying goodbye. I knew no matter what I would never be able to fully let her go. She could tell me to leave and although she wouldn't see me, I'd still be around. I'd still try my damnedest to keep her safe. I knew she attracted danger like a flame did a moth. But did she realize the danger she was constantly in? Would constantly be in if I gave in and acknowledged we had more than just a friends with benefits thing going on.

Of course not. She never thought about the danger she could be in, just went in blind, feet first and hoped she'd be able to touch bottom. I cursed again. I needed to let off some steam so I drove towards Haywood. I intended to spend a few hours in the gym with a punching bag, but I'd also be willing to take on a sparring partner if any of my men were dumb enough to cross me in this mood. I knew they'd know something was up between me and Stephanie as soon as I walked in the door. She was the only woman who could make me lose my control like this.

I rode the elevator to six where the gym was and started punching the heavy bag bare handed. I needed to feel the sting, I needed to feel something other than the complete sense of loss because she had finally made up her mind. I stood there for what might have been hours hitting the bag repeatedly. It was soothing in its own way. I knew I was drenched in sweat but I didn't care. Finally my arms felt too heavy to lift anymore and I decided to call it a night. Maybe I could try calling and talking to my Babe tomorrow.

RM&SP*RM&SP*RM&SP*RM&SP*

I woke up the next morning bright and early. I headed back down to the gym and decided to run on the treadmill. I kept my breathing steady and measured as I ran. Tank came in as I was entering mile eight and started running next to me. He didn't say anything just started up the treadmill next to me and started going through the paces. The next two miles were run in silence and as I entered my cool down period I was only slightly surprised to see Tank start his as well. Looks like he has something to say after all.

"Boss, I don't enjoy this anymore than you, but I drew the short straw. Wanna tell me what's up between you and Bomber?" He spoke, his deep timbre reverberated against the wall. I honestly didn't want to say what Stephanie had told me out loud. Especially without talking to her first.

I glared at him hoping he'd get the point and leave. No such luck. It was on of the cons of knowing each other for so long. Tank was no longer intimidated by me the same way the other guys were. As such he had no problem calling me on my bullshit. I was tempted to roll my eyes but years of self control prevented it.

"She wants to be friends." I nearly growled, "Just. Friends."

He'd stopped the treadmill and turned to me raising an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "And you're fine with that? With being just her friend? Cause from where I'm standing you don't look fine."

I glared at him and stopped my treadmill. "No, I'm not okay with it. I'm working on a plan to change her mind. But we both know how stubborn she is, it could take some time." I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. My babe had a stubborn streak a mile wide, and I knew from experience that trying to push her wouldn't get any worthwhile results. I looked at my watch and sighed. 7:15 am, I needed to shower and eat. Then I had a meeting at eight. As much as I enjoyed talking about my personal life with Tank I needed to continue my day.

I grinned at him then headed up to seven. I showered and ate a light breakfast of egg white omelette, mixed berries and whole grain toast. Twigs and bark as Babe liked to say. I allowed my face to become stoic and headed down to the conference room for my first meeting of the day.

I sat in the conference room for hours, facing one meeting after another. Disgruntled high profile clients. New security plans that needed to be implemented. And a few employees that needed to request time off for special contracts. By the time I was through it was nearing two a clock in the evening. Standing up I stretched and headed down to check on the monitor room. Imagine my surprise when I heard Santos on the phone.

"Santos" I heard. I stopped outside and listened. It was unusual for Santos to answer his phone during the work day, so I hoped for his sake this was important.

"Sure thing, Beautiful. I'll schedule you for my next class Wednesday night at six pm. Don't be late." He hung up chuckling. I felt my anger start to rise. There was only one woman Lester called Beautiful like that and it was my Babe.

"Santos! Report!" I barked. I felt a burning need to take him to the mats but couldn't until he gave me an actual reason to. And frankly I was hoping he'd give me a reason.

"All's clear on the monitors boss." Lester told me still grinning from his phone call.

"Then do you want to explain to me why you answered your phone just then?" I almost snarled. I knew Lester had a thing for my Babe. Half the guys in my workforce did. They saw what I did, that she was strong, resilient, and drop dead gorgeous.

"Just setting up an appointment for a self defense class at the Y. You know the one you told me I had to go teach to help Rangeman's reputation." The fucker was smiling at me. I knew all about that class. The question was why was my Babe going there instead of coming to me. Then it hit me; she really did mean no favors of any kind.

I stormed away from Santos and headed towards the gym. I couldn't hit the bags per Bobby's request, but I could lift weights. As I stood there letting my mind fall into the rhythm of using the free weights I started to plan. Maybe I should be the one to take over Lester's class Wednesday night. I knew my Babe, and I knew she'd try to put as much space as possible between us. I wasn't going to let that happen. Grinning I dropped the weights and headed to seven. I needed to refine my plan. Maybe if I played my cards right I could get my Babe to forget all about being just friends.

A/N: I just want to say thank you for all of the amazing reviews. As some requested, and because I couldn't get the thought out of my head there was Ranger's POV. Please be honest if I messed anything up. I feel like he might loosen up a bit more around the guys at Rangeman while still keeping his thoughts to himself. As always thanks so much for the feedback and support and as long as people show interest I will take this story as far as I can.