Chapter 8
I continued to hold his hand against my abdomen while I stared into his eyes. I felt his hand instinctively move around my growing bump,. His eyes were dilated, showing off his uneasiness and vulnerability.
"You sure you wanna go that route babe." Ranger said, sounding unstable. He swallowed hard, while his soft eyes lingered on my belly. Fury crept through my veins; I threw his arm out from my shirt.
"What the hell is that suppose to mean!" I shouted
"Are you sure it's mine?" Ranger asked avoiding my eyes, his suddenly voice was unexpectedly soft.
"I'm about ten weeks along" I acknowledged, hoping he would recall about our night together.
"You look further then ten weeks their babe, you sure it's not Morelli's?" Ranger asked. I gave him a small sly smile while trying to control myself from turning to hostility.
"Oh you just wait, this gets even better here bucko! This "it" you're referring to is actually a pluralized it. Meaning I'm…were having twins, yup that's right twins! This means I'm going to be twice the size, I'll consume twice the amount of food …oh and give birth to twice the numbers of babies." I concluded. Ranger just remained motionless and gave me a dense intent look. I wasn't sure if he thought that I was losing my sanity or that he just didn't get what I was trying to get through to him. I thought I saw a little eye twitch develop, but maybe not…this is Ranger after all, and he never loses control. He just continued to stay immobilized and speechless, and I think I was the one who was beginning to get an eye twitch. God this man drove me insane, why couldn't he just say something…hell anything at this point!
"You are impossible! Look I know this is hard to accept, trust me, it took me weeks to come out of my denial, but sometimes you just gotta step up to the plate!" I stressed while throwing my hands in the air in relief to finally get it out. It must have finally clicked with Ranger because suddenly he grabbed a hold my arm and headed out the door.
"You have no idea what your getting into here babe." Ranger grumbled as he continued out the door.
"Oh, and did I mention their will be twice the frustration and twice the problems and…." I carried on as Ranger continued to pull me through my apartment door.
"Ok enough of the manhandling already….geesh!" I uttered as Ranger lightly maneuvered me through Rangeman's seventh floor apartment. It was the first time that Ranger had released my wrist since we walked out of my apartment. I walked strait towards the kitchen to fetch something to drink…or eat. Eating has always been a big comfort for me, and it soothed my mood drastically. I heard the front door being slammed shut as I made my way to the promise land…I mean kitchen. I didn't even bother to look back at him, as I knew what face was in place. It was the same face he kept all the way to the drive here, the blank, expressionless, show-no-emotion face. I opened the fridge only to find it being slammed closed before I could reach in. I looked up to see Ranger standing there, his eyes watching mine intently. He was deadly silent, and that was a sign that he was deathly pissed.
"Ranger?" I questioned with a slight shake in my voice. More silence. This was starting to get irritating, now isn't the time for the silent treatment! This was starting to get irritating, now isn't the time for the silent treatment!
"Jesus, just let me have it already!" I snapped. Ranger remained motionless, and of course his face was still expressionless. He inhaled sharply through his nostrils, and placed his hand against the wall, leaning in towards me.
"I thought I could trust you Stephanie." He said very calmly, finally verbalizing his frustration. I took a small step back as he began to speak again. "You lied strait to my face" he paused while walking towards me as I backed away. "….Christ! I thought I could trust you!" Ranger said, showing anger for the fist time since we left the premises of the apartment. Though I was happy he was finally speaking up, I didn't like this tone he was portraying; anger. Ok, wow. Now I'm really confused. Why was he the one mad here? I'm the one he got pregnant. He is the one being all macho and arrogant about it!
"Ok first off, lying to you is like impossible to do; second of all…someone couldn't pay me enough to lie to you. You know were my loyalties are Ranger. And thirdly…what the hell are you talking about!" I spat sounding a bit breathless and spastic all at once. I thought I saw his eyes flicker with an actual emotion, but hey I'm the so called "deceitful" one here…or so that's what Ranger believes. I mean come on, me lie to him? Puuhlease…why that is just absorbed! I never lie to him, hell he'd see right through me. On top of that I wouldn't want to. That's one of the best things I love about our relationship. We are always able to be up front with one another, and at the same time don't find it offensive towards each other. I loved his opinions, and input….they were always precise, and never made me feel inferior to myself. I always learned from him, rather it was about life itself, or becoming someone of my own, or about bounty hunting. So how could he think I would deceit him in that way? Ranger must have realized the same assumptions as I did, and I could sense he was feeling a bit guilty. He took a deep inhale of air, and exhaled.
"Look babe, I know you would never lie to me, just to lie to me. I know that you would have a good reason to. But babe, you shouldn't have kept that a secret from me." Ranger said in a soft tone. I looked up into his guilty gaze, and our eyes clashed. Good god, I didn't even realize that I could have hurt him by not telling him! Of course he wouldn't admit that I hurt him, instead he'd make it seem as if he was really just concerned with safety. But I realized that not telling him, was just as bad as lying to him. I walked over to him and cupped his cheek with my hand. He leaned into it and kissed my palm. I had to admit that the man looked emotionally drained. Damn him! Could I ever just stay mad at him, and allow him to stay guilty all at once? He always turned the tables and made me feel like the guilty one in the end. Ranger turned my hand over and rested it at my side. He seemed to compose of himself and got back to the matter at hand.
"Babe, why did you?" Ranger asked with a even tone. Ok, so were back to business.
"Ranger, I didn't want you to feel obligated to me, and have to be a gentlemen and commit just because of duty and obligation. I don't want you to feel trapped into this." I replied walking toward the living room. I plopped down onto the couch, and Ranger followed pursuit in the opposite chair.
"Babe, it's not your nature to cheat someone like that, you would never trap someone into something. Besides, this is just as much my fault as yours, so don't feel responsible." Ranger said. I looked over at him, and he gave me a reassuring nod. I smiled back at him.
"So, have you told your parents yet?" Ranger asked jumping right into his next series of questions. Now here is what really had me up at night. How was I ever going to tell my mother this? Thinking of her reminds me of all my other worries; worries that she would certainly bring up while I listened to her lecture. I sighed.
"No, I haven't" I sighed. I let my head fall into my hands, as I leaned on my knees. I could sense Ranger's gaze on me, as he was assessing what to do. I waited for him to continue, while trying to conjugate on what my next move was going to be. I didn't have to think long before Ranger spoke up:
"Who does know about this…who have you told?" Ranger asked. I toke a moment to gather my thoughts, and to soothe my nerves. This is getting too much for me to handle. I mean being pregnant should be a happy experience to share, not one to hide. It's pretty sad when I walk outside and the fist thing I do is clutch my stomach as an instinct of protection. I shook my head and came back to reality.
"Well there is Tank, he found out along with Morelli. Oh and I believe that Ella knows as well, she has been taking care of me. And yes, I've seen a doctor, but out of Trenton…and let me tell ya that it took everything I had not to shoot that doctor, and it was not my hormones in over-drive either." I said recalling Dr. Showmaz and her good-for-nothing pager! Ranger lip quirked up in a smirk.
"Babe" Was all Ranger said while shaking his head. The smirk now grew to a full on 200 watt smile. "You never disappoint." I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide the smile I gave him. His eyes seem to hold this affection that I couldn't place, it was different then the usual way he would tease me. We continued to stare at one another before Ranger spoke again.
"So what does Morelli have to say to all this?" Ranger asked completely changing the tone of the earlier mood. It became once again serious, and I was back to feeling tension.
"He thinks that I'm being stupid by not telling you, which of course I did so I guess I'm not stupid anymore. And he has agreed to keep things on the down-low, so long as I don't get into any trouble or danger. I said. Ranger nodded then rose to his feet.
"And were do you stand with him?" Ranger asked. I new he was implying whether or not Morelli and I were together or not. I didn't know how to answer that but chugged on anyway.
"We eh, well I want us to be friends, and he has agreed to accept my situation and wants to be more then just friends." I replied. So in other words, we were still in limbo. I new I was made-up in my mind, but that door was still open between Morelli and I. It wouldn't be closed until Morelli accepted that I was ready for us to move on, but he would have to move on as well. Ranger had his blank face in place and spoke in a even voice.
"Maybe you should consider his offer" Ranger answered showing no emotion or expression. I don't know if I was hurt or angry at that comment and I found I was momentarily speechless. Was he trying to send me off to Morelli again? I know that Ranger isn't very domestic, but hell I'm no better.
"You know your something else. I know that your not "father" material per se, but do I seem like someone who is "mother" material? I have enemies that I've created for myself as well. I have stalkers on a regular basis, and on top of that I can barley take care of Rex. And now I'm going to have to take care of two new humane lives. Trust me, I don't think that I'll ever become super mom, but nor do I want to be. And don't think that I don't see through this, you're afraid and you think that I'm trying to con you into this huge commitment and flip the coin and turn you into Mr. Domestic. No, all I ask is for your support; I can do this on my own. You need to decide rather or not you want to be involved…you, not Joe." I finished with a surprisingly smooth tone. And with that said, I stood up and walked out on him for a change.
Of course I didn't get that far before Ranger had me pinned up against the wall with his face just mere inches away from mine. His lips were teasing my ear as he began to speak with a soft but demanding voice.
"All I meant was that I think it would be wise to look at what he is offering. He can give you a life I cannot. You know that me being in the position I'm in can bring danger to those who are close to me. I also have to devote my time to what I do; it would be hard for me to allow other distractions especially ones I'm emotionally involved with. And you know that I am the job; it's all I've known as an adult." Ranger concluded. Of course this all made sense. I mean I understand that his job is dangerous, and he would have to leave to dedicate his time and energy into it. But in my mind I really think he could multitask with a personal life. It would be hard yes, but not impossible. Just look at my life. I have made plenty of enemies over the years, and I'm still going to continue to do my job. Well after the babies are born. I don't want to give up who I am; I'll just become more complex. And who's to say Ranger couldn't offer me anything? He has already given me so much.
"Did you ever think there is something you can offer me that he cannot?" I asked. He pulled back and studied me.
"In order for me to submit to anything more then what I already have, Morelli would have to be out of the picture. You would also have to give me your whole self and their would be no turning back. You would be mine." Ranger said in a blunt manner while stepping away from me. This time I was the one to grab his writs.
"Oh and one more thing. About this whole "you brining danger upon me" thing, well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but even without you I would still have half of New Jersey's psycho's after me. I pointed out. Ranger stood in place as I let go of his wrist and walked off. I about made it to the door when I heard Ranger call out.
"Where do you think your going?"
"Out" I replied.
"Out where?" Ranger gritted as his control started to slip.
"Oh I don't know, just anywhere that's not here. But don't worry though; I'll stay captive in your building." I answered as I walked out of the 7th floor apartment.
As I walked on, it occurred to me that Ranger never did explain to me why I was being held captive or under such a watchful eye. Well I knew why, that being I was once again being stalked, but why I was being stalked, that is the question. I wasn't able to get much into thought before I found I was being bombarded with Merry-Men. I shooed them away, and preceded on my way to…well I really don't know, just away. I was just about to enter into some room when I was stopped by Bobby.
"Whoa there bomber, where ya headed off to?" Bobby asked.
"Oh hey Bobby, uh I'm just walking around. I needed to get out." I answered
"Already huh? Well I was headed to the lounge; I could use a donut, would you like to join me?" Bobby asked. I gave him a look.
"Bobby, have I ever, ever refused a donut?"
"Well I'll take that as a yes." Bobby said with a smile. He offered me his arm and we made our way to the lounge.
Once there I found that a pot of Coffee had been brewed and doughnuts were spread out on the table. If I didn't know any better I would have guessed it to be morning, but you have to remember that Rangeman is a 24-hour business. That being said, men are on duty all parts of the day, and they all have shifts. I guess that left Bobby on night shift. Poor guy. We found some seats that over-looked the city. We had quite a view so I guessed we were on a higher floor.
"What floor are we on?" I asked. I knew we took a elevator, but I didn't bother to see what floor we landed on. I know, I need to be more aware of my surroundings, or so I'm told.
"We are on the sixth floor. This is where Rangeman has meetings with their clients. We like to keep the upper floors for the actual work and such, and we meet with cliental here." Bobby explained. I never new that. Ranger never did explain to me what the other floors were for. I new that the lower floor was the gym and gun range. Then their were the apartments on the fourth, and seventh, and of course the garage, which was underground as well. I always just assumed the other floors were rented out to another company, or they were more offices and apartments. I guess that's something I could ask Ranger about, that is when were not arguing.
We continued to chat and scuff down more doughnuts and I found I really enjoyed Bobby's company. He was funny, and intelligent. What an odd combination. Bobby was in the middle of telling me a joke, and I was practically on the floor balling my eyes out in laughter. I was completely unaware of the other's who strolled in, and they found me in all me glory, sprawled out on the floor. Bobby was helping me to my feet, and I looked over to see a row of Merry-Men staring at us. I didn't recognize any of them, so I wasn't too embarrassed about the situation.
"Do you have a problem?" I asked. Simultaneously they all hustled to look busy and looked away. I dusted myself off and noticed that Bobby was studying me. I gave him a "what" look and he smiled.
"Well, I guess I better get to work, it's obviously my shift seeing how all these goons are here." Bobby said eyeing the supposed off duty Merry-Men. I nodded, and he led me out of the Lobby.
"Well thanks for the company Bobby, I appreciate it." I said
"Sure thing Bomber, I enjoyed yours as well." Bobby replied. We parted ways and I decided I better head back up to the seventh floor. I was tired and just felt like soaking in the bath then crawling into bed. Yes, that's the plan; I wasn't even going to think about what to say to Ranger. At this point it was his move next.
I started to fill the tub when a thought occurred to me. Does Bobby suspect I'm carrying? I mean, he did have to help me up, maybe he noticed the incline on my abdomen. That's why he was staring at me so intently! He didn't even ask why I was here at Rangeman; did he think maybe that's why I'm here? Oh god…he is going to point it out to the other Rangeman employee's, then what am I going to say to them? Ok…enough! Bobby wouldn't do that. He is loyal to Ranger; he would go to him first. But then what would Ranger say? I mean Ranger still hasn't really accepted the babies as his, so would he just deny it? That had me back to wondering what I was going to do about my situation. I knew that I couldn't go out of Rangeman, at least not with out a Merry-Man for protection, so getting a job would be hard. So what is a knocked-up, single gal like myself suppose to-do must have fallen asleep because I felt myself being lifted up and carried. I squinted my eyes to see Ranger carrying me to the bed. I started mumbling nonsense of protest, and Ranger just shushed me.
"Shh, babe…just go back to sleep. We'll talk some more in the morning." Ranger spoke.
"Mmmkay" I said while snuggling into his neck. Ranger made a small groan, and softly laid me onto his bed. He pulled back the covers and placed me under them. He started to walk away, but I pulled him back to me. He wasn't expecting me to be so hasty and it resulted in him falling on top of me. I immediately sprang up from my dream like consciousness.
"Oh gosh Ranger, I'm so sorry! Did I hurt…uh Ranger, is that your hand?" I said as I felt his hand reach under me.
"Mmmm" Was all he said as he began to kiss my neck. I was still a little hazy from just waking up, so I wasn't able to move, or protest. I highly doubt that even if I was fully awake that I would protest. I mean, who would ever refuse a Ranger educed orgasm…surely not me! Ranger had just about reached my belly-button while kissing his way down, when their was a knock at the bedroom door. We both froze in place.
"Ranger, uh we have a situation here." I heard Tank proclaim. My eyes grow in horror at the thought of Tank opening the door to see Ranger half naked (and me completely) on top of me, devouring my body. I started to push him off me, thinking to grab and pull the sheet over me but Ranger pinned me beneath him.
"Don't move" He whispered into my ear. I nodded in response.
"I'm a little busy here Tank, come back later" Ranger growled through gritted teeth. I felt a sigh of relief go through me, but before it could fully fluctuate Tank barged through the door.
"Look man, I know you need sleep but we seemed to have misplaced bomber and…oh, Jesus!" Tank said stopping in place when he saw how Ranger was situated. Ranger had covered me with himself so I wouldn't be shown, but I could still see Tank through a small gap. I saw Tanks jaw clench and it looked like he was going to shred something to pieces. I started to feel uneasy, and hoped to God Ranger wouldn't let him see me.
"Christ…Tank, get the fuck out of here!" Ranger yelled.
"Man, I can not believe you. How could you do this to Stephanie? You had a chance with her, but instead you get into an argument and pick up the first whore you see. Bro, I'm done with helping you out, you don't deserve Bombshell." Tank said while his anger stared to surface. I wasn't sure rather to be touched with Tank's concern for me, or scared shitless over Tank's wrath.
"Will you just get out of here!" Ranger stressed sounding desperate. Tank just flashed him a smug smile and crossed his arms.
"Oh, I'm I interrupting something? Please do continue, wouldn't want your fuck buddy not to give their money's worth." Tank sneered. I felt Ranger tense up, and I slipped from under him. I was able to cover my body with a sheet, and made my way to the bathroom. Luckily it was too dark for Tank to see my profile, so I don't think he noticed me. I had about made it to the bathroom when I felt the sheet being tugged on. I knew it was Tank, and tried to continue on wards.
"Hey, you're being paid for this, and I think the sheet really isn't necessary." Tank prohibited. He sounded so furious, and seemed so determined to push Ranger's last button. I felt my heart rate increase, and I held in my breath. Tank had just about pulled the cover off me when he was slammed into the wall. I looked over to see Ranger hovelling over Tank.
"Don't mess with her Tank; you don't know what's going on here." Ranger hassled.
"It's what she's paid to do, and get your hands off me." Tank ordered. They reached for each other's throats and I could see where this was going to end up. This was not going to be pretty and someone was going to get hurt, or worse. I refused to let a girl, even if that girl was me, get in between them (figuratively speaking of course). So I marched up over to them and slapped them atop the head, causing them to cease with their quarrel. They both looked at me still clasping on to each other's throats. I gave them my best grow-up look, and they released each other.
"Jesus, she even looks like Steph." Tank spat. Guess he still didn't recognize me. I cleared my throat.
"Tank, it's me" I said. Their was a moment of silence before Tank spoke up again.
"She even sounds like Bomber." Tank said. I looked over at Ranger, and saw him shake his head.
"Let me put it this way for ya Tank, he didn't have to pay me to…"I began, but stopped myself before I could finished. I felt my cheeks flush red and thanked the lord for the lights being off so no one would notice. Ranger cleared his throat, and went over and flicked the lights on. Guess I spoke to soon. I clutched the sheet tighter around me and noticed Tank was looking at me with an amused look on his face.
"Well, looks like I found Bomber. Looks like I saved her just in time though boss, she was about to be ruined here. I guess I should let the guys know that she is alright." Tank teased, while I gave him a glare, and grabbed on to his sleeve.
"Oh not so fast their buddy. Not a word of this or you'll be ruined. Get the picture?" I revealed.
"Is that a threat?" Tank taunted.
"No, it's a promise" I declared.
"Oh, like I'm so scared. What are you going to sick your granny on me?" Tank teased. Yeah yeah, very funny. Guess he thinks he's Mr. Hot shot with that comment. Though I did see him flinch when he said granny.
"You know, people like you are the reason we have the middle finger." I replied.
"Oh what can I say, it comes with my charm." Tank said.
"Charm this!" I said as I flicked him off. I looked over Ranger and saw that he didn't find any of this funny. I let my eyes slide down from his face and saw why. He seemed to be a little occupied with his state of arousal. I bet he was deciding who to nail first, Tank with his fist, or me with his…
"Payback is a bitch." Ranger said indicating to Tank.
"Oh come on man, like you've never walked in on me before. I don't know how many times I could have scored, but got intercepted by you." Tank whined. Ranger just smiled and he grabbed onto the back of Tank's neck.
"Here, I'll even give you a head start" Ranger said as he shoved Tank towards the door. I let out a sigh. Oh boy was that embarrassing. I hope to god that little incident doesn't get around; the guys would never let me live it down!
Ok well I hope you're all enjoying this. Thanks for your comments, and feedback, I really do encourage it. Feel free to share ideas and such...more to come soon!
