Disclaimer: I own nothing, Everything recognizable belongs to the lovely Janet Evanovich. Story title comes from Carrie Underwood's song 'Dirty Laundry' chapter title comes from JoJo's song 'Too little Too late'

I woke early the next morning and got ready to start my new life. Sure, I wasn't changing much, but a new place and a boost of training might as well had made me a pod person. I drove to my new apartment and met with Angie to pick up my keys. She handed them over along with a welcome packet. I smiled at her and called Carl to see if he would meet me here so I could borrow his truck, or if he wanted to meet me at his house.

"Hey, Carl. I was just calling about borrowing your truck." I told him as I slid behind the wheel of my Cherokee. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel and caught a glance of myself in my rear view mirror. I couldn't help but notice I looked different. Not in any majorly life changing way, but there was something shining in my eyes, and for once it wasn't tears. Huh.

"Shit! I'm sorry Steph. I totally forgot, I took the wife and kids out to Point Pleasant today. We won't be back til Sunday. Spending the weekend up here, ya know?" He told me. I could here the regret in his voice and let out a sigh. It wasn't his fault really, I probably should've called earlier and asked.

"No problem Carl. I'll figure something out. Thanks though." I told him hanging up the phone. I wasn't able to get my furniture yet today, but I could go ahead and start unloading the boxes in the back of my Cherokee. I pulled up to the gate and used my key fob to drive through. I smiled at the people milling about walking their dogs and playing with their kids.

This place was nice and normal, just what I needed in my life. I loved my job, most of the time, but after years of dealing with crazies I needed a safe place that was mine alone. I didn't plan on letting anyone know where I had moved to except for a select few. Which meant that unfortunately I wouldn't be able to invite Lula over.

I loved her to death but I knew she wouldn't be able to keep quiet about where I lived. The gate had an access code, but I knew it wouldn't take much to get in. And any determined stalker could wait it out. I blew out a heavy breath, this place was safer than my old apartment but nowhere near as safe as the Rangeman building. I frowned at thought, I hated that I couldn't do anything without Ranger crossing my mind.

I probably never crossed his mind. Except when he did his taxes and had to report all of the cars I had gotten blown up. Someday I'd figure out how to pay him pack for it. For all of it. He had said no price, and at the time I had believed him. But I had also thought he had felt something for me other than mild amusement and pity. Growling I shook my head. I wasn't going to think about him any more today.

Today I was going to move as many of my things into the new apartment as possible, then I was going to see if the thrift store would hold my furniture until Monday. I pulled into my assigned parking space and shut my car off. I opened the hatch to the Cherokee and pulled out a box containing some clothes. I hefted it onto my hip and walked up the flight of stairs to my apartment. Unlocking the door I walked in surprised to see Alexander Ramos leaning against the counter.

"Ah, Stephanie! So good to see you've finally arrived. Imagine my surprise when my niece called and said that you were interested in an apartment here. I told her to give you the friend's and family discount." He told me smiling so that the corners of his eyes crinkled.

I dropped the box by the front door and eyed him warily. I didn't see any guards, but that didn't mean they weren't around. "Mr. Ramos, what a surprise to to see you here. If I knew to be expecting company I would've dressed nicer." I told him walking further into the room.

His laugh filled the room, "Glykó korítsi, there is no need for such formalities between us. You look as radiant as ever. Now, I want you to know that you are under my umbrella of protection, as well as that of your Godfather's and I believe that of Ricardo's as well. You have a way of stealing kardiés without realizing it. Many are loyal to you." His hand came up to caress my face gently.

Sighing he shook his head, "As much as I would love to have had you as my wife, I realize you belong to another. Even if you both haven't recognized what is there. So instead I will settle for having you as my kóri, my daughter. Not through blood or marriage, but in spirit. Lord knows I wouldn't wish my sons on any woman, much less one as lovely as you. I just wanted to wish you well and congratulate you on this new step. I'll show myself to the door." And with that he walked out of the apartment, closing the door quietly behind him.

I felt myself blink at this new revelation. I had somehow gotten Alexander Ramos's protection, and I wasn't quite sure how to feel about that. I'd would still be leery of him for now, after all men like him could change on a dime if you did something to warrant it. I sighed and went back downstairs to retrieve another box, best to get the Cherokee unloaded now, then maybe I could order some pizza.

Around my sixth trip back to the apartment my phone rang. I almost dropped the box in my hands trying to answer it.

"Hello?" I asked not bothering to look at the caller ID. You'd figure I'd know better than that by now.

"Hey, Beautiful. Me and a few of the guys were about to head your way." Lester told me.

"Shit! I totally forgot Lester. Thanks for agreeing to help, but I don't have my furniture here. I probably won't be able to get it until Monday cause Carl is out of town with his truck." I told him running a hand through my hair. I knew I had forgotten something, but I was so caught up in unloading boxes I forgot to call Lester and cancel his help.

"No problem, Beautiful. Where do I need to go to pick up the furniture?" He asked me and I felt my heart swell with appreciation for him.

"Les, you really don't have to do that. Go enjoy your day off." I sighed as I started scooting boxes towards the bedroom with my foot. I really loved this place, I thought as I glanced at the hardwood flooring.

"Now, Beautiful. I said I would help, and that's exactly what I plan to do. Plus don't act like you weren't planning on paying the guys and me with Pino's and beer." He laughed into the phone. I snorted at that, all of the guys at Rangeman knew I couldn't cook, so when it came to food in return for favors Pino's was my go-to.

"Fine. It's at the thrift store down across from the old movie theater. You know, the one they open up on Halloween for the Rocky Horror Picture Show showing." I said as I pushed the boxes holding my clothes into my room.

He told me he knew where I was talking about and hung up before I could say anything else. Damn Rangeman and their lack of phone manners. Sighing I rolled my eyes and figured I'd save that fight for another day. I picked up the box containing my shoes and got to work organizing them into my closet. I had them sorted by heels, sneakers, and boots. Then they were sorted by heel size and color.

I sighed wistfully looking at them in their new home. Man I really loved my shoes. I walked back out and opened the box with my clothes and set about sorting them out to be placed on hangers and put away. I had just finished the third box of clothes when my phone rang.

"We're here Beautiful. Think you can let us in the gate?" Lester asked and I smiled. Glad that they hadn't just broken through the gate or figured out a way to manually override my gate code. I rambled off the number for him to press so I could buzz him through. Before I could get another word in edgewise he had hung up. I huffed and set my phone down. Would it kill them to say goodbye?

It was another five minutes before there was a knock on my door. I opened it and felt myself start to scowl. Standing there in all his glory was Ranger. Damn. Just who I didn't want to see today. Lester stood behind him slightly with Hal, Ram, and Hector. I turned my glare on Lester and hissed, "You didn't inform me that he was invited."

Lester held up his hands in surrender, "Sorry Beautiful, but we had to use his truck. Once we told him why he refused to stay at Rangeman."

I glowered at him and felt a bit of satisfaction when he gulped. I moved aside and opened the door wider for them to enter. "Whatever. Probably wanted to make sure I wouldn't cause his truck to be blown up." Then I turned away from them letting my hair swirl around me.

I studiously ignored Ranger and went back to my bedroom. I had clothes that needed to be placed on hangers. I sat down in the middle of my piles of clothes when the door to my bedroom shut. I didn't even bother to look up. I knew it would be Ranger standing there with his blank face in place, and quite frankly I didn't have the strength or patience to deal with him today.

"Babe." He called. That did it! I was so sick and tired of all of the mixed signals. One minute he was pushing me away, and the next he was calling me Babe and acting like I meant something to him. I was through with it.

"No! You don't get to call me Babe. Never again. Stephanie. Ste-pha-nie! That's my name and it's about time you started using it instead of your pet name for me. I get that I offer you entertainment and that's why you keep me around, but I'll be damned if you keep ca-" I was cut off from finishing my thoughts aloud by his warm lips pressing against mine.

When had he crossed the room? I tried to put up a fight but his lips just felt too damn good. He was warm and hard and he smelt like Bvlgari. His hands were in my hair tugging lightly while he nipped at my bottom lip gently. I heard a moan from somewhere and my hands clenching in his t-shirt. When he pulled away I was panting and slightly dazed. What was that?

"You are Mine. My Babe, my Stephanie. I know your name Ste-pha-nie, but you normally like hearing it from me when I've got you underneath me in bed." He whispered in my ear. I felt myself shiver at his words. The way he drew out my name was incredibly sexy and I was sure I had ruined the panties I was wearing.

I tried to glare up at him, but I could tell from the slight smirk on his face that it hadn't worked. Damn him! This wasn't fair. Just once I wish I could control my actions around him. Then maybe I wouldn't be distracted so easily by his kiss. I brought my foot up intent on stomping on his, but before I could follow through, he had me turned away tucked closely against his chest.

"Easy there Babe. I don't mind playing rough, but I'd prefer to have a bed to take you on when I win my prize." He told me nuzzling my neck.

I felt myself stiffen. That's what I was to him. All I would ever be. A prize. Something to be won and put up on a shelf to be forgotten about while others looked on in envy. Or until someone else came along and stole me.

"Get. Out." I growled. I wanted him gone, far away from me so I could wallow in peace. I realized then that nothing would ever come of me and Ranger. Not unless one of us made drastic changes.

"Babe?" He questioned loosening his hold slightly. That was all I needed. I was out of his arms and across the room in my closest faster than ever. I reached for the nearest shoe and chucked it at his head.

"I said get out! Get out! Get out! Get out!" I screamed throwing shoe after shoe at him. He managed to avoid most of them but I was satisfied to see a few of them hit their mark. He backed up and Lester opened my bed room door looking around frantically.

Lester reached in and grabbed Ranger pulling him out of the room to safety before taking his place and slamming the door shut. He eased over to me where I had hit my knees crying. Carefully he settled beside me and drew me into his arms.

"Shh, Beautiful. Shh. It's alright now, he's gone. I'm here now, we'll get this whole thing figured out. I promise. Just please don't cry anymore Beautiful. Please?" He whispered in my ear while he stroked my hair. I felt myself calming in his arms, and soon I was asleep. Content knowing for now that Ranger wouldn't be bothering me anymore tonight.

When I awoke I was surprised to feel a soft surface under me. That was strange, I could've sworn I had fallen asleep in Lester's arms on the floor. I felt myself blush. I must've looked like a mad woman screaming at Ranger that way and then falling asleep on Lester. I pried my eyes open carefully surprised to see it was still dark. But even in the darkness of the room I could make out the vase holding at least two dozen roses and a note attached to the bottom.

I could barely make out the writing but when I did I felt the tears start anew. Because there written as plain as day were the words I'd always wanted to hear him say.

Babe,

I'm sorry, I love you.

Always, Ranger.

Greek Translation

Glykó korítsi- Sweet Girl

kardiés- Hearts

kóri- Daughter

A/N: So Sorry for the late update! But from now on I think I'm going to update once a week, most likely on Thursday's or Friday's. As always thank you so much for all of the wonderful reviews and feedback. I really appreciate it. As always as long as I have support for this story I will continue it.

PS: What did ya'll think of Stephanie's little break down?