Disclaimer: The characters you recognize as J.E. are hers. The rest belong to me. Thanks to Knitter (Sandy) for the basic idea for the story.

Spoilers: Anything from the first 18 books.

This is probably more AU than canon. Although there may be material from any of the 18 books, I have changed the reality of Stephanie and the rest of the characters from the Plum series.

I would like to thank all of you that have reviewed. I try to respond to all reviews, so for those of you that reviewed as guests or have your PM turned to off, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your reviews. Special thanks to mandyh for her help with it's and its for future reference.

Chapter 10: Rules Are Not To Be Broken

Stephanie's POV:

Ranger stopped before me, "What did you do to my car?"

"Nothing."

"Like hell! It's destroyed! And it's still attached to that piece of junk you drive."

I glared at him and said, "Oh yeah? Well seems to me you're the one with a piece of junk because it's trash. There's not a scratch on my car."

Ranger lowered his face so we were inches apart and said, "That's because you drive a tank."

Ever notice how things catch your attention at the weirdest times? Like right now for instance. Here I was arguing with Ranger and what goes through my mind? Man this guy is hot and I'd like to do the horizontal tango with him. Suddenly his eyes darken and he lowers his head another fraction of an inch. Just when it looks like our lips are going to meet I hear Bobby's voice asking, "Bomber, what did you do to the boss's car?"

Ranger's eyes iced over and I pulled back. I glanced behind me at my purse and the Tastykake sitting there waiting to be devoured as Bobby stepped around the partition and came to a sudden stop. "Oops. Sorry boss."

Ranger gave Bobby a stiff nod, "Brown."

Bobby sighed and motioned to Ranger's injured foot, "Mission?"

Ranger shook his head no, "I came through the mission just fine. I went to make a purchase offer and ended up being attacked." The last was said as his eyes met mine.

Bobby eyes widened, "So you were the second call. Sorry boss, but Steph here called and needed me to check her hand out. Did you tell the person on the phone that you were injured? They made no mention of it when I got back."

"No. It's done now. I'm fine. Much better than my car in fact."

I could feel tingling in the back of my neck which was surprising as I'd never felt that kind of electricity before. Along with that I felt like I usually did when I hadn't had any sugar for breakfast. I needed that Tastykake and I needed it now. Bobby was talking with Ranger and I decided for everyone's protection I needed to get that Tastykake. I reached in my purse and unwrapped the treat only to have Ranger's voice scare the crap out of me and I dropped the damn thing! I turned around and glared, "Damn it! You made me drop my Tastykake."

Before I could say anything more there were more than a dozen boxes of Tastykakes staring me in the face. Ranger's eyes hardened and he spoke in a deadly soft voice that was all the more frightening because of the quietness of the tone. Even so, Tank heard and in seconds was standing in front of Ranger. "You called?"

Ranger gave a minute nod, his eyes were like looking into shards of glass, "What happened to my ban on sweets?"

My eyes widened when Tank paled. He straightened up and met Ranger's gaze, "Little Girl is the exception boss. She needs the sugar in those Tastykakes to make it safe for the guys. Brown thought we should all carry an emergency stash just in case."

Ranger shook his head, "No sugar. No sweets. No exceptions."

Bobby spoke up, "It's a medical necessity that she have the sugar. As a matter of fact, she has a paper in her file that states she needs to be allowed to eat whatever food she chooses to maintain her weight."

Ranger's eyes went to Bobby and I made a dive for my other Tastykake. I managed to get the wrapper off and as Ranger was lecturing the guys on following rules, I bit into the Butterscotch Krimpet and moaned. Ranger stopped midsentence and turned to me. Once again his eyes darkened with desire and our gazes locked. He watched me eat the rest of my treat without saying a word. When I finished the last bite I looked around at all the boxes and zeroed in on the one I wanted. I accepted one from the box Hal was holding and devoured the treat in no time. I felt so much better. I gave a contented sigh and turned back to Ranger and Bobby.

Ranger's gaze was on me as he said, "Although I can appreciate the sound effects, the no sweets rule applies to all employees." His eyes took on a feral look as our gazes locked, "You've had your last Tastykake in this building Babe. Back to healthy eating and exercise."

I bit my lip, "You won't hold anything I might do against me will you?"

Ranger looked like he wanted to laugh, "I think I can handle one little girl."

I didn't say anything because I could see Tank shaking his head no, but I felt guilty for not warning Ranger that without my Tastykakes, I get a little cranky. I sat at my desk and got to work. I was doing pretty good and the sandwich I had for lunch was tolerable. It was chicken salad on rye bread. By quitting time I had most of the searches done in my in basket. Bobby called to me before I left for the day and said he wanted to weigh me. He looked a little frustrated when he weighed me, and I wondered why because I had actually gained another pound.

Bobby shook his head, "I'm sorry that all our progress is going to go down the drain because Ranger insists on his rules. How about if you stuff yourself with junk food at nights when you're home and eat healthy here for lunch?"

I grinned, "I'll try not to take it out on you again."

Bobby gave me a wan smile. "If you do, I'll understand it's not your fault. We're thinking of asking Ranger for combat pay though."

I could tell he was teasing with the last little bit. I smiled and said, "I dare you."

Bobby raised an eyebrow. "Don't forget the morning meeting tomorrow."

I nodded, "I'll be there and I'll try not to be too crabby."

I went down to the garage and just as I was ready to get into Big Blue, a woman I had never seen came walking into the garage from the street. She stood 5'10" tall and was model slim, with an exotic beauty about her. She looked extremely upset and I asked her what was wrong. A tear fell from her eye and she told me about her fiancé being gone on a long mission and he just got back into town. She was devastated because he was hurt and didn't want her to see him like that so he wasn't allowing her to see him. I asked who her fiancé was but I had a clue. I didn't understand the intense pain in my chest as I realized she was talking about Ranger. After listening to her story I decided to let her in his apartment so she could see for herself he was okay. Besides, maybe this would go towards making up for smashing his little toy. I walked with her over to the elevator and rode up to 7 with her and let her in the apartment. She thanked me profusely and I headed back towards the garage.

I made my way home and that night at dinner I told grandma and Lula that the boss was back and I was back to the healthy eating and no Tastykakes. Grandma and Lula looked at each other and then they looked at me. Lula shook her head. "You go after granny or me and I'm gonna shoot me some Batman."

I grimaced, hoping I didn't alienate all my friends. I went on to tell them about my first meeting with my boss. Lula was grinning ear to ear. By the time I got done with the story of the second meeting, grandma was also grinning ear to ear. For everyone's safety I told them I'd go straight to my room when I got home to minimize the damage I might do. I headed upstairs to my rooms and had an early night.

Grandma Mazur's POV:

The minute Stephanie went upstairs I turned to Lula and smiled. "You willing to make a little wager?"

Lula's eyes lit up. "What you got in mind granny?"

"I got $50 bucks that says Ranger doesn't last four days."

Lula nodded, "Okay. I'll take that bet because Batman is the shit an I know he'll last a week."

We shook. Watch out Mister Ranger-Batman because you're in for an experience of a lifetime.

Unknown POV:

I put the finishing touches on the music box. It was the most exquisite piece I'd ever created. It was a shame that it would be destroyed, but I was pleased that it would also take her out of his life so he could finally love me. I never understood why mother gave me away but kept her. What was so great about her? They never even gave me a chance! I was just a baby. They couldn't know what I might be one day. How can a parent do that? Just decide to throw away a child? What did I do that was so wrong?

I felt myself getting out of control. I knew I needed to focus on the task at hand so I could accomplish my goal. Once I had taken her out, I was going after the other two. Big Sister, Aka the original Little Miss Perfect, and dear, dear mother. Then he would be all mine. I know he will love me. Every time I talk to him I feel so happy inside. He's so kind to me. I'm sure he will understand once I explain everything to him. My eyes narrow, because if he refuses me, then I'll be forced to have him join them.

Binkie's POV:

I couldn't believe it when I watched Stephanie drive right into Ranger's Porsche. Man what a sight! Then when the boss said no sweets, no exceptions…I knew I had to get the betting going. A lot of the guys were giving Ranger the better part of a week before he caved and changed his no sweets rule for her. I mean after all, let's face it…he's Ranger. I was surprised when Tank bet three weeks. I know that surprised a lot of the guys. We were all thinking no way could even Ranger deal with her for three weeks! Man did we have a lot to learn. I'll have to say this for Steph though, she had staying power. We all avoided her like the plague. Any time we saw her going in one direction, we were suddenly needed ASAP in the opposite direction.

There were some benefits to Steph being off sweets. For those of us fortunate enough to be in the gym with her while she was exercising, we got quite a show. I'd never seen someone put so much effort into working out. Too bad the equipment was faulty. But that didn't stop Steph from moving onto the next piece of equipment and trying again. Like the day after Ranger said the no sweets rule applied to everyone, no exceptions; she stepped on the treadmill and couldn't get the belt going no matter what she tried. Lester told her what to do from across the gym. When the machine still wouldn't go Steph glared at Les and said, "Why don't you come over here and show me?" Les's reply was he still had 10 miles on his to go and he didn't want to get docked on his score because he stopped mid-stream. When we gave him a puzzled look wondering what he was talking about he sent each of us a glare and the bell went off. I never thought I'd see the day Lester Santos was afraid of a woman.

Anyway, no matter what she tried, Stephanie just couldn't get the treadmill to work. She grabbed the wires sticking out of the machine and ripped them out before grinning and saying, "No wonder you wouldn't work. You're broken." And she nonchalantly walked over to the next treadmill. When that one wouldn't work for her several of the guys ran for cover. I figured I was far enough away to be out of reach, or at least I'd have a decent running start. By the time she stepped on the last treadmill; (the one Les was using but after a look from her he gladly stepped down and walked at a killer pace to the other side of the room) Ranger was entering the room for his workout. He was still really pissed from the night before when someone, who shall remain nameless, let Vanessa into his apartment and she trashed the place. Lucky for Steph we erased the video.

Ranger watched her on the treadmill and the anger dissipated and his eyes took on a glint. I was glad I hadn't run when the others made tracks because this would be worth any pain to watch. Ranger went to one of the damaged treadmills and gave it the once over. He made his way to each of them and seeing the damage he went on to the last one where Stephanie was currently trying to get the machine to work. Ranger stood there with a half-smile as he watched her struggle. When she grabbed the wires to yank them out of commission Ranger put his hand over hers and said, "Don't you think you should turn the machine on before you try destroying it for not working right?"

She looked at the machine and frowned, then looked at Ranger standing there smugly and she stomped on his good foot before storming out of the gym. Ranger had a death grip on the treadmill as he tried to favor his broken ankle and check out his newly injured foot as well. When Bobby went over to help him, I heard Ranger growl but didn't hear what he said. Then to add insult to injury when Ranger said he was going up to rest his foot, Bobby told him he couldn't because Bomber used his apartment to shower and change for work.

Over the next few weeks, as I marked all the guys off once the time for their pick of a date had passed, I noticed that there were only three names remaining. Apparently Tank wasn't the only one that thought Ranger had a load of staying power. The three names that remained when we headed into that third week were Bobby, Hector and Tank. Even funnier still was that they had all picked 25 days so we had to run it down to the hours. We were all anxiously waiting to see if they were right or if all three were wrong.

Stephanie's POV:

I went into work the next day determined to outlast Ranger. When I arrived at the gym I was already feeling the effects because I'd turned down pineapple upside down cake the night before. I went into the gym and got on the first treadmill but had no luck in getting the damn thing to go. Lester called out directions from across the gym but none of them worked. When I told him to come here and tell me, he gave me some excuse about not wanting to get docked for interrupting his workout. I couldn't take it anymore and grabbed the wires and yanked them out. At least the machine had a reason for not working now. I was thoroughly frustrated when none of the treadmills worked. Finally, I went over and commandeered Les's. He flipped the machine off and I sent him a glare. Fine! Be that way for all I care. Les beat a hasty retreat to a machine on the other side of the gym and I got on the treadmill. Nothing! I was beyond frustrated when Ranger walked in and started inspecting the treadmills. By the time he reached where I was, I was ready to rip the wires out of this one as well.

Ranger stood there with a half-smile as he watched me struggle. When I grabbed the wires to yank them out of commission Ranger put his hand over mine and said, "Don't you think you should turn the machine on before you try destroying it for not working right?"

I looked at the machine and frowned, then looked at Ranger standing there smugly and I stomped on his good foot before storming out of the gym. I headed up to 7 to shower and change. I never gave a thought with checking with Tank to see if other arrangements needed to be made since Ranger was definitely back. I showered and dressed for the day. I pulled on a pair of black jeans, socks, my Doc Martins, and a black tank top. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and added makeup. Three coats of mascara didn't seem like enough so I added a fourth. I grabbed my gear and on my way out of the apartment I noticed that someone had definitely trashed the place. I smiled wryly and wondered if the love birds had a fight last night. I stowed my bag at my desk and then headed into the conference room. I grabbed a couple of bagels and the container of strawberry cream cheese as well as a cup of coffee and made my way to the cushy chair. I sat down and proceeded to eat my breakfast. I had just enough strawberry cream cheese for both my bagels and threw the empty container into the trash.

I was looking through the file we would be going over this morning and deciding on the important points I wanted the guys to focus on. After all, I'd done the search on Tarrance Weatherly and I also had the inside scoop since Tarrance lived in the Burg. I glanced up from time to time as the guys all entered and noticed they started smiling when they saw me seated at the table. What was up with that I wondered? Anyway, Tank and Ranger walked into the room and made their way to where I was sitting. Tank sat down beside me and winked and I got a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach as my eyes were drawn to Ranger.

Ranger lifted an eyebrow and commented, "You're in my chair Babe."

I frowned, "This is Tank's chair and he's been letting me use it."

"It's Tank's chair when I'm not here. I'm here now so it's my chair."

I narrowed my eyes and folded my arms across my chest as I lifted my chin. "Possession is nine-tenths of the law."

He narrowed his eyes on me and leaned forward till our foreheads were nearly touching. His voice was whisper soft, dark and deadly as he spoke, "Don't tangle with me Babe. You won't win. Now move your cute little ass before I move it for you."

I raised an eyebrow and said, "You don't scare me Batman. I've lived with grandma Mazur for the better part of 30 years. If I can survive that, I can survive anything."

Ranger paused for a moment and then he had that look that Tank got when he made me walk down all those steps and then back up again. He growled and lifted me in the air. The motion reminded me of Jorgio Lubnick attacking me and I swung my foot with all my might, connecting with Ranger's groin. He dropped me and bent over double in pain. Of course, all that movement without his crutches and he would have landed on the floor except I pushed him into the chair that had started everything. Ranger growled low and threatening and my eyes widened and I took off out of the room.

Sorry I haven't been able to answer my reviews yet. I was very disappointed not to be able to get into my emails, but apparently there is something wrong somewhere because my computer freezes every time I get to yahoomail. I will answer them as soon as I can. Hopefully I will be able to load this on the BCRU site as well but not sure if I can get in. Keep your fingers crossed they get it working soon. Thanks to all of you wonderful people.