I don't own anything. Sorry it took me so long to post this Chapter. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review and to everyone reading and following a long. Here's Chapter 10 I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 10
RPOV
After the conference room cleared out and the girls were on their way to the mall with Hector, I left RangeMan and headed to Morelli's. I had a pretty good idea what Morelli wanted to discuss but I seriously hoped his temper had cooled since the night before.
When I pulled up five minutes early, Morelli was already waiting outside. Taking a deep breath and hoping we can both control our tempers; I got out of my truck and headed for Morelli.
"Manoso," Morelli said with a nod as I approached him.
"Morelli," I replied with the same nod as he opened the door and gestured me inside.
Once we were both inside he led the way to the kitchen; "can I get you something to drink?"
"No."
He took a seat at a small table and I followed sitting directly across from him.
"I'm just going to get to the point," he said once I was seated. I nodded and he continued. "I want to know why you were with Stephanie in Point Pleasant?"
"Not that it's any of your business what Stephanie and I do now that you two are no longer together but I was trying to keep her from coming over to pick up Rex's while Ally was here." I could see a hint of anger flash through his eyes but it passed quickly.
"I want you to stay out of my business with Ally."
"I can't, not until someone tells Stephanie. Ally works for me now and so does Stephanie. I need to the two of them to be able to trust each other."
"And if we don't want to tell her?"
"There's no we involved. I've already spoken with Ally and she's in favor of explaining everything to Steph but she won't do it against your will."
"I don't think this is anyone's business."
"I understand you're embarrassed but…"
"I'm not embarrassed," he growled interrupting me.
I blew out a sigh and rolled my eyes. This was not a conversation I wanted to have with Morelli. I didn't want to discuss feelings and emotions with a man I was in constant competition with and who didn't always think very highly of me but deep down I knew Morelli was a good man and I could sympathize with him. I'm not sure I would still be in one piece if something ever happened to Stephanie because of me.
"I would be," I practically whispered. "If someone I cared for deeply was hurt like Aliyana was because of me; I would blame myself and be embarrassed that I couldn't protect my family." He sat in shock staring blankly at me. "But none of this was your fault. Ally knows that and so do you. It's just hard to forgive yourself. Stephanie would know it wasn't your fault too." His head dropped with a sigh. "Ally and I have talked over the past couple of days and it's very apparent that she doesn't want to be a victim anymore and to help her with that you need to forgive yourself."
He nodded as if in agreement; "You're right but why is it so important to you for me to tell Stephanie?"
"I don't want Stephanie to somehow find out on her own. It would hurt her that you weren't honest with her and I don't want to see anyone get hurt. Plus, with Ally and Stephanie working together I don't want any hardships between them." He sat quietly and I continued. "If you are absolutely against telling her then that's your choice. It's not my place but if she runs into you two again I won't protect you again."
We sat quietly for a long moment before he final spoke up. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. I do need to tell Stephanie. I'm meeting Ally for dinner tonight and we'll figure out a time and way to tell her everything."
"I think that's a good idea," I said standing to leave. I shook his hand and headed for the door but before I made it I stopped turning back around to face where Morelli was still sitting at the table face in hands. "Morelli," I said and he turned. "Find a way to forgive yourself. Ally's not dead. You didn't lose her forever and she still loves you. Don't let your embarrassment consume you to the point where you do lose her forever." He nodded and I left.
I felt relief wash over me on the ride back to RangeMan. Even though Stephanie didn't know yet she would soon and we could put all this behind us.
SPOV
Ally and I spent several hours at the mall trying to find the perfect distraction bathing suit and shoes. Once everything was bought and we'd put a small dent in Ranger's credit card we headed back to RangeMan exhausted.
On the drive back I'd considered questioning Ally some more but I was too exhausted and decided to ask more later. We pulled into the RangeMan parking garage behind Ranger. By the time we were parked and climbing out of the SUV Ranger was standing behind the SUV waiting on us.
"Did you find what you needed," Ranger asked as we approached him.
"Yes, I don't think the brothers will be able to control themselves," I replied with a flirty smile. He returned the smile but his smile looked sexual dangerous and I was intrigued.
"Ally you can go for the day. We'll see you in the morning."
"I haven't finished going over everything with her for the distraction," I said quickly before she left.
"It's okay. You will have time tomorrow."
Ranger instructed Hector to walk Ally to her car and then to help in the control room tonight. Once Ally and Hector were gone he grabbed my hand and led me to the elevators. As the elevator doors opened I could help but feel a strong electric pull between Ranger and me. It was stronger than normal.
"Is everything okay, Ranger?"
"Yes. It's been a long day and I want to spend the rest of my night with you."
That made me smile as we stepped on to the elevator he hit seven. When the doors closed he jerked me fast and hard to him. He devoured me in a kiss that left me wondering exactly what he had planned for the night. We broke from the kiss but he still had me pulled tight against him when the doors opened on seven.
"I've been thinking about that all day," he said giving that same smile he'd had earlier.
"Have you now? What else have you been thinking about all day?"
"Let's get something to eat and I'll show you," he replied leading me off the elevator and into his apartment.
APOV
As I pulled away from RangeMan I called Joe and asked him if he wanted to have dinner a little earlier than planned. When he agreed I suggest that we have dinner at my place and that I would cook and told him to head over whenever he was ready.
As soon as I was home I hit the ground running. I knew I didn't have time for a shower so I fixed my hair and reapplied my makeup and changed my clothes to something sexy but simple all while starting dinner at the same time. I barely had my pants on when the buzzer sounded that someone was waiting down stair for me to let them in.
Moments later I was opening the door to let Joe into my apartment. He gave me a kiss on the cheek as he passed and I could feel the flutter start in my stomach.
"What's for dinner," he asked following me into the kitchen.
"How does lasagna sound," I asked knowing he liked my lasagna.
"Sounds great!"
"Want to help?"
He smiled; "yeah I do."
We spent the next hour cooking together and flirting heavily. His hand would brush mine or we'd end up dancing around each other trying to move from one side to the other. It all felt so intimate; every touch, every bump, every smile, and every laugh.
When the timer sounded on the oven Joe pulled out the lasagna and I grabbed a bottle of red wine and two glasses and we took a seat at the dining room table. I knew as soon as we sat down the conversation would probably change and I hoped it wouldn't turn into a fight.
Once we had our food and wine I decided to start the conversation while mentally crossing my fingers. "So what did you want to talk about?"
"About us, about Stephanie, about the other night," he replied taking a sip of wine. "Everything I guess."
"Okay, so where should we start," I asked taking a sip of my own wine.
"I want to apologize first. Everything you said was true. I do love Stephanie but I don't think either of us have been in love with each other for a long time and it's probably time to let it go and for both of us to find our own happy." I nodded giving him a pleased smile. "I shouldn't have acted so stubborn about explaining everything to Stephanie. It's your story and if you are ready to tell it then I am too and I want to be there for you."
My mouth hung open in shock. "We can tell Stephanie then?"
"Yes, I was hoping we could do it together as long as you're comfortable with it."
I flew out of the chair and to him. He stood and I threw my arms around his neck. "Yes, I would feel more comfortable with her knowing." His arms tightened around me and we stayed that way for what seemed like forever. Although I didn't want to let go I loosened my grip around his neck and his loosened around my waist but as we looked at each other an electric surge passed through me and I couldn't control myself anymore and I guessed he felt the same. Our mouths crashed hard against each others, his gripped tightened back around my waist pulling me tight against him.
I felt myself lifted on to the kitchen table, knocking plates and glasses onto the hardwood floor but he didn't allow my mouth to separate from his. His mouth moved down my jaw line to my neck and I pulled my shirt off separating his mouth from me for only seconds. He slid me tight to him entangling my limbs around him as he lifted me from the table and carried me to my bedroom.
He laid me down on the bed as he hovered over me kissing from my mouth and moving down and removing the rest of my clothing as he did. I was completely naked and so ready for him as he undressed and climbed on top of me. His mouth crashed down hard on mine and I moaned loudly into him begging but we were both distracted by my phone ringing by the bed.
RPOV
After spending my afternoon with Morelli, the only thing I wanted to do was spending the evening with Stephanie. Hopefully naked Stephanie but I'll take her however I can get her. Ella had dinner ready for us when we made it to seven. I thought we'd enjoy some good food, a hot shower, and then spend the rest of the night making love but it didn't quite work out like that. We managed to sit down at the table to start eating but before either of us took our first bite we were all over each other like wild animals.
Even though it wasn't the way I'd planned I didn't care. I wanted her so bad it hurt. When we'd sat down at the table and she'd given me that all too familiar flirty gaze I lost all control, moving so quickly the table flipped over and I had Stephanie pinned underneath me on the kitchen floor. I hadn't intended to be so rough getting her there but I couldn't control myself. I was scared I'd hurt her until I realized she was ripping my clothes off, literally shredding them to pieces. My mouth devoured hers hungrily as I plunged my tongue into her mouth that was all too willing. My mouth slid down to her neck and down to her breast taking her nipple into my mouth. When her back arched and a moaning cry escaped her mouth I couldn't wait anymore. I ripped off her pants and positioned myself over her when my phone sounded and by the ring tone I knew it was Tank. FUCK!
"Let it go to voicemail," she pleaded.
"I can't it's Tank," I replied looking down at her and very tempted to say fuck it but I already knew it was important. I'd told Tank I was offline for the evening except for emergencies. "I have to get it, Babe," I said apologetically. I stood up and walked out of the kitchen to find my phone.
"This better be important," I growled.
"Sorry boss but it is."
"Talk to me then."
"We've just been informed that the Franco brother's are leaving for Italy tomorrow afternoon."
"Shit. How do you know?"
"Inside source says they booked their flights and they don't intend on coming back."
"Where are they now?"
"They're at the beach club on the Jersey Shore. Is Stephanie and Ally ready?"
"They'll have to be. I'll update Stephanie and contacted Ally." And I disconnected.
When I walked back into the kitchen I noticed Stephanie was gone but it didn't take me long to find her in the shower and I really wanted to join her but I knew we didn't have time.
"Babe," I said walking into the bathroom. The heat of the shower had the glass door steamed up but I knew exactly what was behind it and it made me hard as a rock just thinking about it.
"Yeah," she replied in a seductive voice.
"Franco brother's are on the move tomorrow," I said trying to control myself. "We need to get them tonight."
She opened the shower door giving me full view of what I already knew was there. FUCK! "What do you mean on the move?"
"They are leaving for Italy tomorrow. Can you be ready in forty-five minutes?"
"Yes."
"I'm going to get dressed and call Ally to meet us here. I'll have Tank and Lester bring Ally up so make sure you're dressed when you come out."
She smiled then closed the glass door.
I decided to contact Ally before I got dressed knowing that I needed her here asap.
When she answered she was as out of breath as I was and I wondered if she was still with Morelli.
"Ally I need you here as fast as you can get here. The Franco brother's are on the move and we can't wait until tomorrow to take them down."
"Can you give me about an hour and a half?"
"No I need you here in like ten minutes with your bathing suit."
She sighed heavily and I knew she was in the same situation I was; "Okay. I'm on my way."
JPOV
I couldn't believe where the night had led. Ally was naked and in her bed practically begging me to make love to her and then her phone rings. I listen to her talking and I knew it has to do with work and I instantly hate her job again. When she disconnected and turned to me with a sad smile I knew our night was over.
"I'm sorry, Joe," she said sadly. "I have to go to work."
"Now?"
"Yeah, Ranger and Stephanie need my help on a distraction."
"What? Who?"
"Alexander and Leonardo Franco."
My heart sank when she said those names. I personally helped bring in the Franco brothers and I knew how dangerous they were. I seen personally what hell they'd put all those young girls threw and I felt a sense of panic for both Stephanie and Aliyana. "Ally, those guys are serious business and extremely dangerous."
"Don't worry, Joe. I'll be fine. Stephanie will be with me and so will Ranger and all of his men."
"Where?"
"Some beach club on the Jersey Shore." There was only one beach club on the Jersey Shore and I knew it was a mad house at all times. I had serious doubts Ranger would be able to keep them safe in there.
I watched as she got dressed and kissed her goodbye as she left. She asked me to stay over and wait for her to get home so we could hopefully pick up where we left off and I'd agreed. I paced her living room for a few minutes before I decided I wasn't going to sit here while she was out there with the Franco brothers. I'll go to keep an eye on them just in case they need police back up.
Thank you so much to those of you who are taking the time to review. Hopefully Chapter 11 won't take me as long to put together. Please let me know what you think. R&R..