Nocturne for Stephanie

Chapter 7

For tonight I can pretend that this is real. My heart be dammed, my body wants Ranger and nothing will step in the way. No Morelli guilt, no disapproving neighbourhood. Ranger and I are married and I'm taking advantage!

The Porsche skidded into the valet spot in front of the hotel. Ranger jumped out and he threw the keys to the startled valet waiting at his desk.

He yanked open my door and I was lifted up on to my feet. He hurried me through the hotel lobby in to the elevator to the penthouse suite.

The door was pushed open and we fell into the room clinging on to each other. Without letting me go far he turned to the sound system and a soft latin beat began to fill the air. "Dance with me Babe? Every wedding needs the first dance." He removes his jacket and tie. The top buttons on the shirt are opened revealing more of his edible skin. I'm nearly undone as his rolls up his sleeves and held out his hands for me. I step into his reach and we begin to sway. Our bodies touch at every point possible and I feel his heat through his luxurious shirt. He inserts his thigh between my legs and our hips start to rotate together. His experience with the style of music far outweighs mine, but I'm more than content to be led by a master.

Running his fingers in my hair he pauses and his lips crash down to mine. Hips still moving in time with the music. I'm lost and don't ever want to be found. Ranger moves his hands down my body and moves them along my legs, lifting and lowering each one in turn. As much as I love my dress, it has to go. The skirt has plenty of fabric to allow movement but it is preventing me feel his magical touch.

"Ranger?" I pant

"Babe, call me Carlos. I want to hear my name on your lips."

"Carlos" I breathe and I have to say nothing more. The music has no power to hold us in this room. My dress was a puddle on the floor and we continued the dance that Ranger knows best as he carried me bridal style into the bedroom.

I whispered, screamed and yelled his name many times over the course of the night. And he mine.

We finally collapsed into each other's arms and slept just as dawn crept over the horizon.

I was surprised when I woke a few short hours later to not still be tangled in the strong limbs of my husband. Husband. That word should scare me far more than it does. The part about it not being real was what I found terrified me. He held the entirety of my heart and didn't know.

I wrapped the sheet around me and held it tight. I can do this, he needs me. My hand brushed my hair away from my face and my ring caught in a wayward curl. I stared at it again. I would never be able to look at it without thinking of Ranger no, Carlos.

It was Carlos I married, it was Carlos last night. In the day he may be business Ranger but I'll always remember the one night he was Carlos and vowed to love me.

I became aware of the breathing of another person in the room and rolled over to see Ranger stood by the window facing out.

The sunlight glistened over his broad, strong shoulders. Wearing only a pair of sweat pants hanging low from his hips he was resting his hands on the window and head hung low between them.

I heard him take another deep breath and suddenly I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. This felt way more personal than when he sits in my room at night. It's expressive, not hidden behind a blank mask. It's so rare to see emotion from him I don't know how to read him. Is this regret? Sadness? I know he never intended to marry again. Is this situation causing him physical anguish?

I want to give him his privacy and rolled back over as quietly as I can manage. Clearly not quietly enough and I hear him push off from the window and move back towards me.

"Morning Babe" he pulled the sheet off me as he walked past. "I'm heading to the shower, want to join me? I'm good in the shower" I moan, not sure that I have the bones in my body to move from this position. But it's an offer I can't refuse.

After a long hot shower, we emerge completely relaxed and clean. I wrapped my glowing body in the hotel robe. The softness appreciated by my over stimulated skin.

Through the open bedroom door, I saw that several domed plates that had been delivered to the dining area and my stomach woke up with a rumble. "Come on Babe, lets feed the beast."

As I walked over to the table he drew out one chair and pulled me onto his lap. "Let me feed you?" I can't help but nod in agreement.

We took turns to feed each other bites, I don't think either of us noticed what we ate, but it evoked moans and groan from both participants.

It's far too easy to get used to this I mused. I mustn't get attached, well anymore attached. It's make believe. My own fairy tale, but more Grimm Brothers than Disney.

Following breakfast, we were content to just sit in each other's arms for a moment. My head rested on his shoulder absorbing his presence. I could feel him peppering my hair with kisses.

"Babe, I'm sorry we can't stay like this longer. We have to meet with my lawyer back in Trenton in two hours to set up all the paperwork."

And just like that the honeymoon was over. Business Ranger has returned.

The phenomenon that was Ella had packed me a change of clothes for this morning and I felt appropriately corporately casual as I dressed in pink 7/8 trousers, white sleeveless linen shirt and navy cashmere crew cut cropped cardigan. Another pair of FMPs had appeared in the closet, this time navy 2.5 inch sling backs. My old shoulder bag had been replaced with a Mulberry Bayswater leather bag in a slightly lighter deep sea blue. Once I was reassured that my purse and phone made it inside, I was good to go.

Phone! "Oh, no!" I called out. Ranger appeared at the doorway. "Babe, what's wrong?" He was magnificent in corporate Ranger black trousers and black formal shirt open at the neck and sleeves rolled to the elbow. I love weekend corporate Ranger.

"Ranger, no one knows I'm ok. I haven't spoken to my mother since the shooting. This Burg will be going crazy and my Mom knows nothing to tell them. She'll be out of her mind. Lula, Connie! What will I do?"

"Babe." He held me tight "Babe, its ok. Lester and Tank had to go collect some files from the bonds office this morning. They were planning on letting the ladies know that you were fine but spending time with Rangeman to investigate the stalking. My guys know better than to question my whereabouts, nothing will come out from them.

"Your Dad was at the wedding, he knows you're safe. He was happy to pass on the message to you Mom that you called his cell phone and spoke to him but you were working all weekend to resolve the stalker. Yes, your mother will probably want to talk with you, but that's no different to normal.

"The guys have a plan to resolve the stalker once I've leave on Monday. This time Tank is in charge so no more flights of Lester's fantasy. We've got plenty to keep us busy until then."

I don't think he was talking about staying naked all day. I succeeded to hold in everything but the smallest of sighs which got me a grin in return.

"Let's get on the road Babe."

I've never enjoyed paperwork. Mostly it relates to grownup things that I've managed to avoid. Even working as a lingerie buyer reading the contracts was my least favourite activity. A hundred words to say what could be done in ten. I suppose that's why the lawyers make the big bucks. It does make it even more amazing that I actually thought that Dickie and I would ever work.

We arrived back at Haywood and headed straight to a conference room before we could be accosted by the guys to ask after the stalker. It was a smaller room that most of the conference spaces in the building and clearly designed to impress clients. It worked for me.

Ranger indicated to a chair and sat down in the seat next to me.

Ranger dialled the control room and spoke to Tank. "Cut the feeds to this room both audio and video until I say otherwise." Still no phone manners.

The lawyer arrived shortly after and was led into the room by Hal. I gave him a finger wave hoping to convey that all was well.

He introduced himself and lifted two sizeable piles of files and papers from his briefcase to the conference table.

"Mr Manoso, Ms Plum, congratulations. I was surprised that you wanted to meet so quickly after your wedding. I assumed you would be heading out on your honeymoon but when Mr Manoso explained the situation I was more than happy to meet with you. I have divided the paperwork in to his and hers piles." He gave a little chortle, pleased with his humour. Well there won't be any his and hers monogramed towels so we'll make do with paperwork.

"Mr Manoso, these are yours." He placed a hand on the larger of the two piles, phew. "Please read, however, they should be in line with the changes you requested." Ranger took the pile and began opening files and scanning the mass of paper in front of him.

"Ms Plum, these are yours. The first section covers the standard military requirements as Mr Manosos' spouse; insurances, pensions and other benefits. The second cover the personal contract Mr Manoso has with the Army naming you as his dependant and next of kin. The third, cover the personal finances of Mr Manoso and access to your joint accounts, safe deposit boxes and…" My head starts spinning and I drop the pen I was gripping in my hand.

"Babe?" Ranger looked over and reached out to touch my arm.

"Ranger, what is all this?" I shake him off. Before I can continue Ranger turns to the lawyer "Could we have a few minutes. As you can imagine it's been an emotional few days and I think Stephanie would benefit from taking a moment."

"Of course." And the lawyer steps out the door to stand with Hal who had apparently remained on guard outside.

I stand from my seat feeling confused and heading towards anger. "Ranger, this looks like personal stuff. I thought it would all be related to the mission. Why do we need a joint account?" I wave at all the tabs on papers indicating where I should sign. "None of this makes sense. Is it all fake?"

"Stephanie," my full name "I explained that we needed to be married and being married means having shared lives. I can talk you through anything you want to understand. However, as my wife I would want you to have access to everything that I can share with you. Do you trust me?"

I nod "You know I do, but this seems beyond anything I was expecting."

"I know Babe, thank you for bearing with me. It means a lot to me that you are doing this. I can explain a couple of the additional forms I have to complete if you would like?" He pulls a single page document from the file. "This one instructs a payment of $10,000 dollars a month from our now joint account into your current personal account. While I am away, I know you'll keep working for Vinnie but you're also technically with me. I'd like you to avoid taking any unnecessary risks just to pay the rent so I'm asking if you would please stick with the low-level, easy skips to maintain your normal routine until this is over."

"Ranger! I've never earned that much money on a skip since I brought in Morelli. That's far too much." I feel myself heading towards rhino mode and begin to step away from the table. "Babe, for me please. Chances are you will need to incur additional costs when the marriage becomes public. I already know you need a new car and as much I want to see you drive something newer and safe, you wouldn't be able to explain a new car without causing suspicion. Saying that, you are always welcome to use a Rangeman vehicle or any of mine, just ask Tank.

"Most of the banking cards and documents will be kept the safe in the apartment. You will have access to it once needed, but on a day-to day basis you will only be able to use your current cards. Hence you will need to actually have money in it." I shrug, it does make sense.

"Ranger, you know I can't say no to you." I see a flash of desire in his grin but chose to ignore him and roll my eyes in return. "But it does feel far too much." He sits in silence. After a moment, I sigh in defeat. "I suppose I will talk to Vinnie on Monday and think of a reason I need to cut back." I see him relax and flick back through his pile of paperwork.

"This form" He lift another "is my authorising you as a joint holder of my airmiles account, see just regular things married people share. Are you ok to continue; can I invite the lawyer back in?"

I conceded with a nod. While it does sound logical, this feels far too in depth for a simple mission.

Ranger reopened the door and invited the lawyer to return into the room. Ranger leans his head back out the door and talked to Hal. I didn't hear what he said but fifteen minutes later Ella knocked on the door with trays of sandwiches and fruit. Guess this is a working lunch.

Four very long hours later I finally push the final piece of paper away. Everything is signed and done.

I stretch my arms above my head and roll my neck. "Satisfied, Ranger?" he turned to me, eyes dilated black, "Not yet, Babe."

The lawyer fumbled the papers in his hand and stuttered "Mr Manoso, Ms Plum, this all looks to be in order, thank you." He coughed and regained his composure. "As agreed the majority of these will be held in escrow at my office until I receive your release letter as you depart overseas."

Ranger shook his hand. "Thank you, we do appreciate your assistance and confidentiality at this happy, but difficult time. Hal will escort you to your car." And he opened the door to allow him to leave. I went to follow but was held back and the door reclosed.

"Babe, thank you. I know this was uncomfortable for you today. I'm sorry to have one more thing to ask of you today. Your hand." he reached out and took my left hand. "The diamonds suit you, but it needs to come off. We were lucky that Hal didn't notice it." He pulled the ring box from his pocket. It will go in the safe with the banking details. Once this is over, it is yours. Tank knows the codes to the safe and we'll make sure you know them too."

I felt a tug to my heart as I wiggled the ring from my finger. I tool a last look at the only tangible evidence of our marriage as I place it carefully in the box. Ranger closed the lid and it was gone from my view.

I found myself daydreaming of what it could be like to wear the ring in public with Ranger on my arm then frowned as I realised that was a futile thought.

Ranger must have seen the frown and taken it to be a sign of discomfort. "Babe, I need to go over some details with Tank before I leave on Monday, I wanted to make a start on it now. I can see that today has been draining on you but I'd like you to stay for dinner with me in the apartment. Why don't you head upstairs and take a rest? Or a shower? I'll be upstairs for 7.

"I know Ella has been shopping for you, she wanted you to feel welcome in the apartment anytime. I'm sure you'll find something comfortable to wear. I think she's trying to tempt you move in. Although she knows that you have to stay at your place for appearances, don't be surprised if she applies a little pressure."

I nod "Thank you Ranger, you're right, I would appreciate some time to rest." Plus, who would turn down 1000 thread count sheets and Bulgari shower gel. Ranger laughed. Oops, I thought I'd said that in my head.

Virtually the next thing I was aware of was the bed dipping as Ranger sat down next to me and softly stroked my hair. "Babe, I hope you had a good rest, Ella has just delivered the food and I didn't want you to miss out." My stomach rumbled my reply. I noticed Ranger has changed into sweat pants and a t-shirt so I figured my leggings and one of Rangers oversized t-shirts would fit the dress code for dinner.

The aroma from the pot on the table was divine. I inhale the mix of spices. Ranger opened the lid and also leant in to smell. I was astounded, it's not often Ranger makes any reaction to food.

"It's Ropa Vieja, from the Spanish term for 'old clothes', this is one of Cuba's most popular dishes." He explained. "Shredded beef and vegetables. Ella has my Abuelas recipe, don't ask me how she managed to get it. It's as close to being back at my grandparents' house as I can get. Ella likes to spoil me when she knows I'm heading out of town and this is my particular favourite. Come sit down and enjoy." He pulled out a chair and seated me at the table. Surprisingly he took the chair next to me rather than opposite.

I looked around and realised that Ella had done more than make Rangers' favourite food. There were candles and flowers on the table, a general air of romance. Was it only yesterday we got married? It felt a lifetime ago, or at least a parallel universe.

"Ranger, this is delicious" I cried out as I took my first bite. On my second and each subsequent bite I couldn't hold back the moans.

Once I'm finally done Ranger takes my plate and returns with a small silver dome. "Babe, there's wedding cake for dessert. I don't know what Ella is planning on doing with the rest of it, she can't serve it to the men so you may find that there is plenty for you to enjoy."

I smile, the more the merrier, plus I know Ranger doesn't mind a little cake. A flash from the previous night warms my cheeks. Carlos, I correct myself, Carlos enjoyed the cake.

Unconsciously, I reach out and place my left hand on Rangers right thigh and sighed as I forked the cake into my mouth. He placed his right arm around my shoulder and I leaned my head into him. He began to draw circles on my upper arm with his right hand as I stroked his leg. This felt nice, this felt comfortable. This is what marriage should be. I could do quiet evenings together enjoying each other's company. I already know the physical side is mind-blowing between us, but this is more emotional, the stuff of relationships.

I swallowed my bite whole nearly chocking myself and jumped up, this was wrong, don't get used to this. Don't make more of this than it is. I started pacing the room backwards and forwards internally berating myself for being so stupid. Stephanie, he doesn't love you, it's just pretend, remember he lied.

"Stephanie, what's wrong, who lied?" Damn that ESP, I must have let something slip.

I spun to face him, "You lied!" I shouted at him, more angry at my own actions than at him. I gasped and covered my mouth with my hand. Why did I say that? I ran into the hallway mortified. Shit, I yelled at Batman. No one yells at him and lives.

Ranger followed and stepped into my personal space. His voice calm but intense. "When Babe? When did I lie to you?" I wasn't going to get out of this easily. Need to find my bag and then I can go home. He leaves on Monday, I'd only have to avoid him for the next day and a bit. Ah-ha, the bedroom, the bag is in there. I ducked under his arm and made it to the bedroom and back into the hallway to find Ranger still stood there blocking my exit, arms wide.

"Babe" he said softly, "when did I lie to you?" He tried to wrap me in his arms.

"No, no, no!" I wanted to push past him "Let me go home."

He succeeds in trapping me with one arm and with the other tucks a loose curl behind my ear. "No Babe, I want to understand." He tilts my chin up to look him back in the eye. "I've asked a lot of you in the past few days, probably too much. But I haven't lied to you. I couldn't do that to you." He purposely lets his arms drop and I squeeze past and make it to the door.

Before I can open it, his hands reach over my head and hold the door shut. Despite my pulling on the handle it doesn't budge.

"Babe, neither of us are going anywhere until I know you're ok." I feel my flight tendencies taking hold and I'm trapped. I huff and puff and finally turn around to face my captor. He towers over me, so close I can feel his breath.

"Last night, Ranger" I jab my finger repeatedly into his chest and he stepped backwards further into the hallway. "You remember that whole wedding charade? You stood there looked me in the eye and lied in front of everyone."

His blank face descended rapidly and his voice fell deep and clear. He enunciated every syllable. "Babe, I wasn't the one lying." I was gobsmacked and fell back hard against the door. Not only was he denying his lie but accused me of the same deception. He stood his ground and crossed his arms across his chest. A smarter person would have stopped at this point.

I stepped forward meeting his glare with my own. "Me? You think I lied?" He gave a single, slight nod. "Ranger, you know nothing. You think I would allow my father to stand there and witness me marry a man I did not love?" My arms are waving left and right trying to emphasise my thoughts. I point both hands at him "You, Ranger! You, on the other hand lied. You don't love me. This is just business to you. I did it for you, you needed me to do this and I agreed, but let me be clear I meant every word of my vows to you." I started my move for freedom again. "Now let me go, the sooner we can get this mission of yours behind us, we can go our separate ways." With that I turned back to door. This time I was able to open it and walk through.

"Babe" he spoke softly. I stopped. Ranger has several ways of speaking with a quieter voice. Most are scary as hell and you don't want to be on the receiving end. This didn't sound like that. I didn't know if I should turn around or keep walking "Babe, I didn't lie." I stood still, continuing to face away from him. Did I imagine his words? "Ranger, say it again?" I whispered.

"Stephanie, come back inside, please?" I turned around to see his left hand outstretched to me. The other holds back the door. His blank face gone and eyes as deep as the ocean showed me more emotion than I've ever seen before. Tenderness, affection and dare I think it? Love?

I accepted his hand and moved back into the apartment. He led me into the living room where he rested against the back of the nearest armchair and pulled me into his arms. I buried my head into his chest, my arms by my side. My bag had been dropped somewhere along the way.

"Babe, can you look me, please?" he reached under my chin and raised it so I looked up to meet his gaze. We stood there in silence for a minute or two, slowly my arms crept up around his waist to match his around me. My legs rested between his and I gave in and melted into him.

Finally, Ranger took a breath and began "Stephanie, you are the most frustrating woman I know" I start to pull away. "It's true, nothing ever goes to plan when you're involved." I pull further back and glare at him, but he continues to hold me tight. "Shit, why can't this be easy." He takes another slow breath. "It is one of your most adorable features." He places a kiss on my nose "It keeps me on my toes. I don't know when it started but by the time Scrog happened I knew I was walking into your apartment to save someone I loved. When you fell into the Delaware I knew I was falling literally head over heels for you. And when you dragged me through the Magic Kingdom it truly was the happiest place on earth for me to have you by my side smiling."

He looks like he's reliving a painful memory and holds the bridge of his nose between his thumb and finger. "I may be responsible for Lester's' Snow-White obsession." He continued dropping his head down to mine "I asked Ella to purchase some Disney movies and toys as a gift for my nieces after our visit. But Lester saw them in the apartment and sat down to watch while I was working on some files in my office. When he left I noticed that one was missing. Babe, he's a grown man." I can't help but giggle as Ranger sighs. An actual real sigh.

"Ranger what are you trying to tell me?" I need to hear him say it.

"Babe, I didn't lie to you. I spoke with Judge Griffin and chose to use those vows on purpose. I wanted to find a way to tell you, but I couldn't lead you on. I told you the truth when I said my life doesn't lend itself to relationships. Look at me, I have to leave in" he glances at his watch "in 33 hours. I have no control over my life." He raised his arms and hung them behind his head. "It would not be reasonable to expect that of you but here we are married anyway. The reasons for asking you to marry me are still valid, but had I known your heart was involved I wouldn't have done this to you. I hope you can forgive me one day." I shake my head unclear what is happening. He loses contact with my eyes as he stares off into the distance over my shoulder.

"Ranger, please." I beg. "Tell me." I take his face in my hands and plead with him through my eyes.

He finally says the words I've been longing to hear "Babe, I love you, I'm in love with you. You are my world, mi querida, my darling."

Something exploded inside, a physical reaction in my chest to his declaration. My throat constricted and I can only breathe out in short bursts "I never thought I'd hear those words."

He wraps his arms around me and rests his forehead back on mine but drops his eyes. "I'm sorry I can't offer you more. We need to talk."

"Ranger" I find the strength to talk. "Carlos" I correct myself "I love you too. I'm in love with you." My breath is fast and shallow. My heart is beating through my chest. He looks up, his eyes suddenly black onyx. "Babe, say it again." He begins to kiss and lick down the side of my neck. "Carlos" I repeat "I'm in love with you."

I feel him pounce like the predator that he is. Suddenly he is everywhere, my nerves are on fire. Kissing, biting grabbing "Talk tomorrow." Kiss "Tonight," Kiss "Tonight, I show you how much I love you." I find my feet leave the floor as I'm swept into his arms and into the bedroom. Lucky me.

A/N – Awww, so he loves her and she loves him. Don't get too comfortable yet. I've got plans for this couple. (insert wicked laugh here).