OMG It's been three months since I updated and I apologise for leaving you hanging and wondering. I did say one more chapter to go. I had originally started as a one shot, then three and it just grew. And then came some requests to continue.
Between an extremely frenetic workload with end of semester, an overseas holiday to warmer climes, back to work, dealing with my own Helen, computer issues threefold (including a brand new dead lemon!) phone issues and just generally RL and heavy workload … my Muse has hidden under the pile of marking and guilt. She's come out to play and I hope you will forgive me.
Not mine. Not making any money. Just borrowing JE's characters.
My hair … eyes... I blushed, trying to explain.
He smiled. One finger tilted my chin up to look into his eyes. "You look beautiful, Babe," he whispered, stroking my jaw. "Absolutely … *kiss* … beautiful … and …*kiss* …totally edible," as he nipped my earlobe, turned and left the bathroom swiftly. I blushed and sighed, took a deep replenishing breath and went about refreshing and luxuriating myself when my stomach promptly alerted me to its greater need, again. How did I get so lucky?
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CHAPTER 7
Ranger's POV
Smiling, I quickly left the bedroom after hearing her shut off the shower, a happy shower I might add as she was humming and singing contentedly. I laughed to myself that I looked like and felt like a horny teenager. But what is a man to do? I know, I'm a sick bastard but I couldn't help myself. I was having lustful thoughts with such wonderful visuals of a wet and naked Stephanie in my bathroom. Man, have I got it bad!
Of course, the first time I saw her in a bathroom, her bathroom, she was totally naked like a present for my eyes that I had rein in all my emotions and I had to control my immediate lust and desires. She trusted me. Did I just sigh? Of all the people, she had called me, me to rescue her from her (luscious) predicament. Yes I did hang up on her when she called me in the middle of the night. That night is forever, indelibly and irrevocably imprinted on my brain. Now that was what wet dreams are made of and it certainly gave me many a restless night, to say the least. Yes, naked and handcuffed to the shower rail. Oh, man. But, I am just that, a man and she calls me Batman.
Since I first set eyes on her in that diner as a reluctant favour to Connie, I had not expected the novice bounty hunter to be a woman, let alone one so feisty and spirited with those captivating blue eyes and in that cute little office suit with the white silk blouse, certainly not suitable for bounty hunting, more like a job interview. Just like that memorable night with the naked handcuffs thing, she had a myriad of emotions cross her visage beginning with doubt, then a touch of fear, a dash of embarrassment, that flicker of desperation but then a firm set to determination and resolve to state her case. She wasn't going to be brushed off easily then either. Her persistent phone calls proved that. Batman to the rescue and to think I nearly sent Santos! Now that would have been an entirely different chain of events and fortunately for me and for Stephanie big time. It has brought us to this moment in time, Stephanie, in my arms, in my bed, safe and warm but now in my shower, all by herself, sadly. Ah, fuck! I just sighed and rolled my eyes! She has had such an impact on me already.
Initially I thought she was one of those chicks who wanted to experience the rush and the adrenalin of the illustrious bounty hunter as it seems to be glamorised and portrayed so dramatically on television and movies. Go figure. They have no idea. However, Stephanie was different, very different. She was one of the few women who on first glance saw me as just a man and it was refreshing to be looked at and not objectified. She was so determined and focused driven primarily by her desperate situation with no money, her car recently repossessed, her rent overdue as she was struggling to make ends meet when her job with that lingerie (Mmmm…) company was shut down by the Feds, and, to make matters worse, the impending humiliation of having to live with her parents as a last resort. I could have been a real ass and made her an alternative offer but I had an inclination that boat was not gonna float. Dios. Having sent Lester would have been so wrong and we would all have heard every lusty, delicious detail. No. This woman had guts and grit despite her dire predicament, she had an uncanny degree of resilience and spirit. Between that and those flashing blue eyes I have found myself so drawn to her like a moth to a flame and this was why I always made myself available to her needs. She was Eliza to my Professor Higgins. I kept more than a cursory watch over her. Having local knowledge like insider information and that insane curiosity made her a formidable tracker, a true hunter using all her wiles but what she lacked in physical skills she clearly made up for with that Plum Persistence and dogged determination. Uncanny. There's no other word. She was able to bring in her first FTA, Morelli, in that chiller meat truck. He was not a happy chappy being brought in by Stephanie even though she simultaneously cleared his name. She has a big heart and a genuine concern for her FTA's welfare.
As I was quickly plating up our late lunch afternoon snack she came down the stairs and around the door frame moaning deliciously. Now that's a sound I could listen to endlessly and would relish the opportunity to be responsible for making her moan to my ministrations. Ooh yeah.
"Mmmmm! Is that b -b - ba … connnn…? Oh. My. God."
Stephanie stood there wide-eyed and her face got that cute blush as her eyes glazed over with her pouty lips open to a sweet oh. I smiled my killer smile and knew I had her. Her slow assessing look was making me aroused again as her eyes darkened and she slowly gave me a full body scan while unwittingly licking her lips. I closed in on her and lightly brushed my lips over hers as I brought my thumb gently over her sweet pouty bottom lip before taking her lips in a chaste kiss.
"Babe."
"You're cheating, Batman." She smiled back at me obviously aroused and a little breathless.
"With bacon?" I asked with a raised eye brow, knowing exactly what she implied.
"That, too. You're not wearing a shirt," and she sighed wistfully.
Stephanie looked a bit bedazzled and muttered softly, " Hmm … bare chested oh so yummy topless Ranger. No fair. First in the bedroom … now the full show … in daylight." And then she moaned again eyeing my torso hungrily. I know. I was playing with her. TMI, Babe. Self-inflicted objectification.
I chuckled as I lifted her reluctant chin with one finger to get her to focus her attention on my face although I was thoroughly enjoying her reaction. I gave her my 100 watt grin and whispered in her ear.
"Like what you see, Babe?" and I waggled my eye brows and winked at her.
"Hmmm..? Yes," she replied with a sexy husky voice. I kissed her again with a little more desire thrown in. Such a sweet taste …
"Hey, Dad! I smell bacon! Did you make us a bacon wedge? Hey guys! Afternoon wedge in the kitchen! BLTs all round! Come and get it!" The call came from above the stairwell.
I rested my forehead to Stephanie's and sighed. She giggled knowing too well that I am not known for sighing. Trust Lester to break the spell and he knew it too as he bounded into the kitchen, leaned against the counter with a shit-eating grin nodding his head approvingly and giving a knowing wink to Stephanie. He grabbed the large platters of BLTs which I had stacked for the team taking it round to the breakfast bar. I put my arm around Stephanie's waist and Lester grinned even broader at me. I gently propelled her to the large refrigerator for water bottles. She looked a bit puzzled but hid it quickly. I kissed her again, lightly, as the thunder of running footfalls leaping down the stairs neared the dining area and poured into the kitchen.
"Dad and Mom were in the kitchen, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" There was a roar of approval and cheers and back slapping, so I did what any red-blooded male would do. I dipped her and kissed her, kissed her real good with just a bit of tongue and then slowly lifted her from the dip with a dazed expression on her face. Whistles and catcalls echoed round the kitchen as she buried her face in my chest. I chuckled.
"You are so dead, Ranger!" She glared at me with a mischievous smirk. I laughed at her threat and kissed her again, more chastely this time. I can't seem to keep my lips or my hands off her so why fight it?
"I know," I grinned and kissed her on the tip of her nose.
"About time," remarked Tank which was endorsed with a smiling and rousing "Hoohar!" from the rest of the team.
"Come on, Babe. Grab a BLT before the scavenging children devour them all." I donned my shirt which I'd slung over the back of one of the breakfast stools but left it unbuttoned. Stephanie looked a tad disappointed which made Lester laugh. Tank gave him upside serve to the back of his head.
So amid the happy munching of our afternoon wedge and Stephanie's delicious moans, the pile of BLTs was soon demolished. This woman is going to be the death of me. All the guys looked a little affected as well as they fidgeted on their stools with Stephanie sweetly oblivious to our plight. It's so good to see a woman really enjoy her food rather than pick at it and eat like a bird. But, oh, sweet Jesus. Dios! Her sweet moans go straight to my cock.
"Oh, I love bacon," she said with relish.
Lester was about to respond but Tank swiftly intercepted his predictable sausage offer with another sharp tap to the back of his head. While Hector, Zip, Cal and Hal cleaned up we all walked over to the small conference room and sat around the oval table. I gently shepherded Stephanie inside to sit beside me and waited until the whole team was seated.
"How are you feeling, Stephanie?" Bobby gently asked as the clean-up crew joined us.
"I'm okay. Yesterday was, you know, shitty. Yeah, just shit, a real crappy shit of a day. I'm good, now. Thank you all for being there. You really are my brave and honourable Merry Men, my noble knights in shining armour, my super heroes," she added quietly. "And Batman, you were right there when I needed you most. Thank you. I really appreciate it, all of you." She placed her hand on my cheek and her eyes glistened with emotion but she wouldn't relinquish a tear although she sniffed with a shudder to compose herself as she placed her small hand on mine. I clasped her hand noting the difference in size and colour. It felt so right.
Tank cleared his throat bringing all our attention back to the meeting. Around the table the men sat with readiness and stoic expressions. Each team member recounted their observations and reports. Zero, Vince, Manny and Ram went back this morning and raked the streets for information. It seems they're all abuzz with Stephanie's encounter with Morelli. The 'Burg grapevine was ablaze with her brilliant retaliation of Morelli's put downs. Having her dirty laundry aired so publicly was taking its toll on her and she blushed furiously. She regrouped and sat more upright and listened intently to each account of events. She gasped momentarily at the injuries report of the smoking blades all swift and mysteriously unseen.
"Ignacia. Chica? Morelli. He disrespect you. Many times. He lucky I let him live. He is OK but he not happy hombre. He not do to you ever again. I punish him, for you."
"Hoohar!" went the call around the table with a fist thump confirming their unanimous support.
At this confession, Stephanie stood up with tears in her eyes and hugged Hector. She kissed his forehead and said, "Gracias Hector. Gracias. Usted es un buen hombre."
Hector grinned and blushed a little, looking at me proudly. "En Español."
I nodded and we were all amazed at this display. Hector is a very scary man never to be trifled with yet she had totally disarmed him and won his heart. Hector is loyal and I trust him implicitly. He is the only non-military man amongst us and the smallest in stature which is deceptive. He uses this to cunning advantage. He was visibly humbled by her display of appreciation.
Cal reported: "Morelli is being monitored although he is copping a high degree of backlash from his colleagues who were there to witness his vitriolic diatribe. That didn't win him any favours. Stephanie is well-liked and apparently, seeing both sides in action and Stephanie so empowered in retaliation, must have endeared her even more to her cop buddies. Morelli's been asking questions, trying to locate Stephanie, so he is still a problem. Perhaps he needs another reminder?"
Hector grinned malevolently.
"Ramirez is another issue and he still wants to take her to God. Fucking psycho freak stalker!"
How does she attract these weirdos?
"Stephanie? How is it that you have encountered Ramirez?" Tank asked quietly.
She groaned. "When I was looking for Morelli, you know. I mean, when he was FTA, I came across him at the gym. I had no idea who he was. Morelli actually saved me from him the first time and since then he has a sick desire to take me to God all the while talking in the third person. He is so scary and creepy and makes my skin crawl."
"Yeah, well. He likes to … toy with them before he plays with the girls. You were lucky, Stephanie. He has started playing his game with you. It's all a preamble, a sick kind of foreplay for him. We know some have mysteriously disappeared but it's not part of our area of concern. That's a police issue unless they call us in for assistance," added Tank carefully.
Stephanie looked confused for a moment until the realisation of their disappearances hit her. She went pale and slowly slid off her chair. Bobby caught her before she hit the floor. He sat her up and then gently put her head down between her legs. Hal grabbed a tea towel and dampened it to put on her forehead while Cal grabbed a fresh bottle of water for her from the tray. Once she was compos mentis again I pulled Stephanie into my lap.
"Beautiful? We won't let anything happen to you. You know that. We will keep you safe with us. Let us deal with them. That's why we are here," Lester gently implored. The team at Rangeman are working on it and we have men on the streets. All your friends and even your past and regular FTAs are helping.
"Did you see him yesterday morning after our morning run, Babe? Ramirez?"
"Oh, my God. Yes. He just appeared out of nowhere without a sound when I was walking back to my apartment. He… he kept dancing around me asking questions, taunting in that awful sing song voice. He kept talking about God. But he disappeared suddenly and then you rocked up behind me, Ranger. If you …" And she made a whimpering sound and passed out.
I placed her on the sofa on her side by the coffee table with her head in my lap. "What else?" I asked as I gently stroked her hair off her face. All their countenances were stony faced. Dios, Babe.
"Her mother is not helping the situation either and is making matters worse. She doesn't appear to be very supportive of her own daughter. I can't figure that out." Hal was confused. "She still talks about Stephanie and Morelli getting together. I don't get it."
"Where is your phone, Babe?" I asked her as she came back to us. "Just stay there, Babe, relax," I crooned still stroking her hair, her arms.
She said it was in her bag, switched off. Ah, yes. I remember that. Yesterday she groaned after a number of repeat calls just as her adrenalin spiked but she didn't answer any of them and in frustration switched her phone off and tossed it in her bag.
"Do you mind if Hector checks your phone?" She shook her head keeping her eyes closed.
Within minutes he was back muttering in Spanish furiously to Santos. Santos listened to the message bank and his expression instantly changed. "Dios. That woman is a piece of work! What a b- … cow!"
Just then her phone rang. Stephanie sat up holding her hand out insistently for her phone. We all watched with bated breath as she answered. At first she couldn't even get a word in. But not for long. Her back stiffened and her face hardened. She stood up and paced the room, stopping every now and then when she did get a chance to speak.
"Well. Hello mother. Nice to know you care. Thank you for asking, not!" She said sarcastically. There was a long pause and it was so quiet in the room that we could tell by the tone of voice coming through that her mother was ranting loudly.
"No. I have not been kidnapped by thugs! … No! How dare you talk about Ranger and his men like that! I am being cared for and protected by honourable and brave men. … How dare you!" Another pause and then with blazing eyes, Stephanie launched her own attack.
"NO! You do NOT get to talk about my friends like that nor to me. Ranger saved me yesterday and he and his men have protected me. You ask your nephew, Mother! He was there. He heard everything that Morelli said. … NO! Morelli. Is. NOT! My. Boyfriend! Will you get it out of your stupid head that he is not for me! After he molested me and took my virginity … you know … as in raped me, Mother. Yes! I said the word rape. Oh, for Christ's sake. Stop crossing yourself! You've been in the cupboard again, haven't you? And did you protect me then? Noo. You punished me, when I was six years old and again when I was sixteen. You should have protected me! You call yourself a mother!? … Well, I don't care what you think. I don't give a damn what the neighbours think! They can all go fuck themselves for all I care! Yes! I said fuck! Fuck fuck FUCK! Fuck them all. Oh! You and your painful "Why me" s all the time. And it's not even about you."
Then her voice took on a quiet edge.
"You know what, Mother?! I'm done. Done with all your nagging. Done with all your manipulation and total lack of support. Done and dusted! You are no longer a mother to me. You haven't been for a while. So nothing has changed. You don't even listen. You don't even defend me. Ever! I'm done. "
Wow! She threw the phone against the wall and then calmly sat down with her eyes closed, breathing deeply through her nostrils, willing herself to calm down, and her bodily vibrations calming as she breathed. She rested her elbows on her knees with her fingertips to her temples, composing herself. We all sat there quite stunned. Humbled. And, dare I say, aroused. She was on fire!
"Hmph. That feels better," she said quietly. "In fact, that's been long overdue. I should have done that long ago."
She looked at our stunned visages and giggled and then laughed a cathartic laugh until tears streamed down her face. "It's okay. Happy, sad but good tears. Good cleansing tears." There's a difference?
Then the realisation. "Oops. Sorry about that wall, Ranger… er … I think I have a headache." Bobby gave her some Tylenol with a bottle of water and she yawned. She snuggled onto my lap with her head on my chest and her nose nuzzling my chin and jawline. She hummed and sighed and her breathing relaxed. She was out for the count. I kissed her temple and held her close to me.
Tank's expression was stoic as he answered his phone. Stoic, impassive and now stony faced. I know that look. I lifted my chin, indicating silently for him to spit it out.
"Jimmy Alpha has placed a bounty on Stephanie's head."
"Fuck!" We all said it in unison. Fortunately, Stephanie had fallen asleep.
"His Cash Cow is not able to compete. Word is out that Jimmy has some major gambling debts and he's in deep. He needed Ramirez to get him out. Ramirez was his golden boy, his retirement fund. Between some match fixing and turning a blind eye to his girly indiscretions, Jimmy Alpha is now a desperate man."
