WARNING: There's a lot of cussing in this chapter...not that there wasn't already cussing in the previous chapters since Alyssa's a bit of a potty mouth but there's much more in this one.

Previous Chapter: I turned and ran towards my apartment and left Dickie standing there speechless.

I tore through my apartment like a mad woman, tossed my purse on the couch, walked into the bedroom, slammed the door, flung my shoes to the ground fell into bed and cried myself to sleep.

I jerked awake in a pool of saliva collecting on my now make-up stained pillow. I looked at my clock — 6:50AM.

Shit! I told Ranger I'd meet up with him at seven. The aroma of coffee seeped through the bottom of my door. I sat up in a panic. Someone was in my apartment. And he or she is making coffee? I scanned my room quickly for a possible weapon and saw my stilettos strewn on the ground.

I carefully lowered myself to the floor and picked up one shoe. If all else fails I can use the heel as a weapon.

I tiptoed to the door and held my breath as I slowly opened the door hoping it wouldn't creak. I crept towards the corner of the kitchen. Took a deep breath, squeezed my eyes shut, jumped into the door frame. I let out a bloodcurdling yelp as I hurled my shoe towards the intruder.

I threw open my eyes and screamed holding up the other shoe in front of me like a gun, "I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it!"

My eyes focused in on a large figure standing my kitchen counter. Ranger was standing there holding my shoe in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, "Babe."

"Wha—how'd you get in here," I stuttered. "How'd you know where I lived? You can't just walk into someone's apartment and just start making yourself at home!"

He looked down at my dress and ran his finger down the strap causing my nipples to stand at attention. "Nice," he smiled and handed me my shoe.

I stood there with my mouth open. The jerk doesn't respond to any of my questions and has the nerve to flirt?

"Prick," I muttered.

He raised an eyebrow at me and quickly turned serious, "Go get ready. We're going to the shooting range today." He put his hand on the small of my back and steered me towards the bathroom and shut the door.

What the hell just happened? And do I feel comfortable taking a shower with him in my apartment. Who is this guy? Is he some psychopath? And how did he get into my apartment?

I looked up and jumped back a bit startled at the wild crazy person staring back at me from the mirror. I looked critically scary. My hair was sticking out all over the place, my eyes were blood shot from crying all night and I had eyeliner and mascara smeared all down my face. I looked like a clown who just had her face melted off.

On second thought, he probably thought that I was the psychopath.

I took a quick shower and dried myself off. I had no clothes in the bathroom with me, so I wrapped the towel tightly around me. Cracked open the door and peeked out to make sure he wasn't standing in the living room, dashed into my bedroom and slammed the door shut.

I rummaged through my drawers for something to wear. I'm going to need to do laundry sometime soon, I thought to myself. I settled on a floral ruffled skirt, a loose white tunic tank top, and laced on a pair of brown leather boots with a short wedge heel.

I stepped out of the bedroom and there was a sudden knock on the front door. I opened the door as Misty busted through the door.

"I can't believe you!" she shouted, arms flailing wildly over her head.

"Good morning to you too, Mis," I rolled my eyes. It's too early in the morning for Misty melodrama. "What did I do this time?"

"You're fucking that rat's ass, Dickie Orr!"

My mouth dropped open, "I'm not fucking anyone! And I am most certainly not fucking Dickie!"

"Everyone knows! And I'm the last person, your best friend, to know! Everyone saw you two groping each other in front of Jumpin' Java last night. When I told you to go get yourself laid, I didn't mean for you to go crawling back to that horse's ass!"

"Ok, Mis. First, you need to dial it back a notch. You're giving me a splitting headache. It's way too early for all of this melodrama. Secondly, we were not groping each other. It was just a kiss. Thirdly, it's none of your business," I crossed my arms.

"Excuse me for caring about you and your well-being! For three years you've been acting a like a born again virgin. And I know it's because of that Dick-less Orr. I just want you to find yourself again."

"I am not acting like a born again virgin! And I don't need a man to find myself. I'm perfectly fine with myself the way I am!" my voice started climbing to a hysterical screech.

"Oh yeah? Have you even been laid in the past three years since Dickie and your split?" she challenged.

"That's none of your business! I've been busy."

"Too busy to fuck?" she raised her voice shrilly. "Who the hell is ever too busy to fuck?"

My jaw dropped but I didn't know how to respond.

"Why are you punishing yourself when you should be punishing him? He FUCKED Joyce Barnhardt on your dining room table! Who knows where and who else he did in the years you two were together."

The words stung and it wasn't because I didn't have that same notion either sometimes just hearing it from someone else's mouth just stings more. But instead of feeling hurt, my blood boiled. "Why don't you fucking say that a little louder, Mis? I don't think they heard you all the way down in Antarctica!" I sneered. "Nothing happened," I gave her a pointed look. "He gave me a ride home and we shared a kiss. It was a misguided drunken moment. He said he missed me and still loved me. I got lost in the moment for a bit. It's not going to happen again."

"Alyssa, please don't tell me that you've been holding out because something inside of you believes that you and Pencil Dick are going to get back together."

"No, Misty. I don't believe that we're going to get back together. But I can't help if I'm loyal. I was supposed to marry the man! I was supposed to finally be a part of a real family! He promised to give me what I didn't have. I loved him, Misty. Is that so wrong?" I cried hysterically.

Misty took a step towards me but I backed up and continued, "Besides, I didn't even want to fucking go last night! I told you I wasn't interested in going dancing last night. And I was definitely not in the mood to go on a man hunt, either!"

"I'm just trying to help you! It's time for you to move past this. It's been three years already!"

"What did you expect to happen last night? You'd slut me up, drunk me up, and leave me as unsuspecting prey at a bar alone? I was lucky that I was picked up by Dickie and not some crazed serial rapist!" an angry burst of tears sprung from my eyes.

"Alys—" Misty's emotions toned down.

I wish I could've said the same for myself but instead I charged at her like a rampaging bull that saw nothing but red.

"—I'm sorry that you think that I'm flawed, but I am perfectly happy with the life I have and who I am. I guarantee you, there is nothing going on between me and Dickie and nothing ever will. I love you, Mis, but I don't need this. In fact, I don't need anyone! I am perfectly happy being alone with no one in my life. People just complicate things. And most of all I'm perfectly happy not having you in my life! I want you to leave!" I cried.

Misty whimpered, "Alyssa, you don't mean that! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"GET OUT!" I pushed her through the door, slammed it and threw the dead bolt. I slammed my head on the door and held my breath trying to control my emotions with no luck.

I grabbed the decorative glass bowl off the side table and chucked it across the room. The bowl shattered against the wall as I let out an angry scream.

"Babe, temper," Ranger said stepping out from the kitchen. I had forgotten he was here in the first place.

I spun around still raw with emotions, "You! I don't know how you knew where I lived or how the fuck you got into my apartment, but you don't just go fucking breaking in and helping yourself to a person's coffee."

I know that at this point I was just babbling about idiotic stuff but I couldn't seem to get a hold of myself.

"Babe."

"My name is Alyssa! Not Babe. You fucking sexist prick! I don't need you either! I can figure out how to do this job on my own," I screamed like a banshee.

"I'm not in the mood for this and I'm not in the mood for you. I want you out of my apartment now!" I slammed the bedroom door and threw myself onto the bed. I tried muffling my sobs in the pillow.

Ranger had slipped into the bedroom quietly and gently pulled me into his lap. "Babe. You need to learn to control your temper."

"I like my temper," I said stubbornly.

"Babe," he said softer kissing the top of my head.

I sobbed. He was right; I don't know what came over me.

I sniffled trying to control my breathing, "You don't even know me. Why do you fucking care anyways?"

He shrugged, "I don't."

I shot him an incredulous look.

"I'm bored and you keep me entertained."

I punched him in the chest and settled back down into his arms, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I know you're just trying to help."

"Get cleaned up. We're running behind schedule."

"Ranger, I'm not sure it's the right time to do this."

"Babe, this is the best time."

I couldn't tell what he was he was thinking from his face. But, if he didn't think I was a psycho earlier, I'm sure he was thinking it now. I pressed my head into his chest for a little longer and took deep breaths. It felt good wrapped up in his arms.

I looked at him and wiped my eyes with my arm and made my way to the bathroom. I stepped out of the bathroom and Ranger handed me a cup of coffee. I took it and gulped it down and grabbed my bag ready to leave.

Ranger grabbed my neck as I started for the door and pulled me back against him. "Where's your gun?"

I scrunched my nose trying to think. I made my way into the kitchen and removed the gun from the cookie jar on the counter. "Ok, I'm ready."

He raised an eyebrow at me.

"It's safe there. And it'll stay nice and fresh, then when you take it out, it smells yum," I forced a smile.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ranger paid the fee for me and equipped me with noise reducing earmuffs and two boxes of shells. He set us up in a stall at the far end of the indoor range.

Ranger showed me once again how to load the bullets into the gun. My palms started getting sweaty. I've never even held a gun up until yesterday in the gun shop and now I'm going to be firing one! The thought scared the crap out of me.

Ranger slipped the gun into my hands and told me to give it a shot. I went to grip the gun and it slid out of my hands and fell to the ground. I yelped and hopped onto the loading table.

He picked up the gun as I slid off the table and placed it securely into my hands. "You ok?"

I nodded my head although I thought I might faint in about two-point-one seconds. I lifted the gun, aimed at the target, sucked in a deep breath, and squeezed the trigger. The trigger didn't budge. Nothing happened. I tried squeezing harder. Still nothing.

"I think the gun's defective," I shouted handing him the gun.

I felt Ranger pull the earmuff off one of my ears and place his lips closely to my ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine. "It helps if you turn off the safety."

I blushed as he flipped the safety off. I turned back to the target and squeezed the trigger until it emptied. Ranger removed my earmuffs and pushed a button that moved the target closer towards us.

I was pleasantly surprised that all five of my bullets had hit the target — two in the left shoulder, one in the chest, one in the head and one where the crotch should be.

"Nice, Babe. But you could do much better if you breathed and kept your eyes open while you're shooting so you can see your target."

I just nodded like a bobble head as he spoke to me.

Ranger reached towards my face and pushed a strand of hair away from my face and tucked it behind my ear. "You should also try to refrain from whimpering each time you pull the trigger. You want your target to believe you're in control."

I blushed.

"Ready for another round?"

I bobbled my head and fumbled as I loaded the bullets into my gun and Ranger changed the target. Once I finished loading, he turned me towards the target and stepped behind me and removed my earmuffs setting it on the table.

I lifted the gun and aimed at the target. He wrapped his arms around me, pressing his body up against mine as he enclosed his hands around mine and adjusted my aim.

"Remember to breath," he instructed with his soft lips up against my ear.

"Mmm…hmmm…"I breathed.

"Fix your sights on your target and focus on what your goal is, take a deep breath and squeeze the trigger as you exhale."

Ranger's lips brushed up against my ears as he continued to give me instructions. I took a deep breath and inhaled and let out a slight moan. Ranger smelled great.

"Babe."

Shit. Did I moan out loud?

"S-sorry, I was trying to relax," I focused back on the target.

"Relaxing is good but remember to remain focused."

I nodded. I set my eyes on the target, relaxed into Ranger's warm body, and thought about Dickie. I thought about the kiss we shared and his words. I hated him for what he did to me, and I hate him even more for trying to get back into my life.

I squeezed the trigger and shot off my rounds. This time I got one in the chest and four in crotch. Ranger grimaced as he looked at my target.

I smiled in great satisfaction admiring my progress. "I'm a natural. I'm going to name him Dickie."

We continued for an hour until, the muscles in my arms were aching. Shooting a gun is exhausting. I've never realized how heavy they were before, and holding it up for an hour combined with the recoil made it even more tiresome.

Once I was comfortable, Ranger took his place in the stall next to mine. He was still practicing after I finished. I stood and watched him in action. His face was unwavering and expressionless, calm, cool and collected. He was in his zone. Each time the gun kicked back I could see a slight ripple in his bicep.

"Earth to, Alyssa." I saw a hand waving in front of my face.

I got startled and let out a yelp punching the person in the gut.

"Oof! God, Alyssa, what did I ever do to you?" I came to and realized that Carl was keeled over in front of me.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Carl!" I helped him up. "You shouldn't sneak up on a person like that."

"I'll keep that in mind the next time," he smiled straightening up. "You looked like you were about to club him and drag him back into your love cave," he waved his finger in Ranger's direction.

I blushed and quickly grew impatient, "What are you doing here?"

He waved at the other stalls, "If you haven't noticed this is a cop hangout. This is where we come for target practice."

I looked around now realizing the place was swarming with men with badges.

"Anyway, I should be asking you that question. You with Ranger?"

I nodded my head, "You know him?"

"Most law enforcement does. You should be careful associating with him. He's dangerous. We don't know much about him except that he was Special Ops, and his registered address is an empty lot. All I know is that he doesn't always operate within the confines of the law. The guy's like Batman."

I glanced over at Ranger, still in his zone. Batman? I could see that. Batman, too, is a man of mystery. I scrunched my nose. I don't know much about him. He confuses me. One minute I'm terrified of him and the next I feel a sense of security and comfort around him.

"Here let me get that for you," Costanza wiped his thumb on the corner of my mouth.

"What the fuck, Carl!" I swatted his hand away.

"Sorry, but you had a little drool there," he grinned.

I slugged him in the arm he dodged my blow and grabbed my arm pinning it behind me. "Oooh not fast enough, Slugger," he teased releasing me. "So, what's your business with him anyways?"

"He's kind of mentoring me in the ways of Bounty Hunting," I replied rubbing my wrists.

"Well, I guess you are learning from the best."

"Babe."

I jumped. When did he sneak up on us? "Oh, Ranger this is my friend Carl. Carl, Ranger," I introduced the two.

Carl and Ranger gave each other a little head nod.

"Well, I best be going. See you around, Alyssa. Stay out of trouble," he winked and smacked me on the ass as he turned to walk away.

My face grew hot. I balled up my right fist and drew it up to fly after Carl when Ranger wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me back into him. I glared at him holding my breath to keep from shouting obscenities in his direction.

"Careful you might pop a blood vessel in your eye."

I eased my glare and looked up at him and saw a hint of a smile on his face. He'd packed up our stuff and leaned over as he slipped my gun into my purse and whispered in my ear, "He's right. I am dangerous."

How did he hear what Carl and I were talking about? He had his noise reduction earmuffs on. I swear there was no way he could've heard us over all that noise.

"Always be aware of your surroundings, Babe."

Shit. Does he have ESP or something?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

We pulled into the parking lot of my apartment.

"Thanks for the shooting lesson today, Sensei," I replied wholeheartedly. "And thanks for paying," I blushed. "I promise I'll pay you back with interest."

"Not necessary. My treat, but I'll take you up on the interest," he replied with a smile.

I started to move towards the door. He clutched my wrist and pulled me towards him. He leaned down and murmured in my ear, "Call me if you need any help, Babe." His lips brushed my ear as he released me from his grasp.

I think I would have been declared dead for about thirty seconds, as my heart stopped beating. I tried to keep my cool; I tumbled out of the door.

Yeah, real cool. I gave him a quick wave good-bye and ran towards my car and fumbled in as he drove off.

"Real smooth, Alyssa." Sigh. I yanked out my cell phone.

"Hello," the sound of a strong Jersey-accented woman's voice came from the other line.

"Connie, it's me, Alyssa. I was thinking I would go check out Smits' place of employment first thing today. Is there anything new that I need to pick up?"

"Nothing new today, hun, but Vinnie's bitching about the Stratton bond."

"I'm working on it."

"By the way, how was your meeting with, Ranger?"

"It went well. I just got finished at the shooting range with him. You were right, Connie. He knows his stuff."

"Didn't I tell you he was the best? He's really nice to look at too," she giggled like a schoolgirl over the phone.

"I hadn't noticed," I replied. Liar. "Well, I should get going. Call me if anything new comes in. Otherwise, I'll be out doing some legwork all day."

"Sure thing, hun. Good luck." Click.

I pulled out of my lot, and headed towards Willy's Exotic Pet Shop.

Thank you for your kind reviews and comments. I hope you enjoyed these last two chapters. My heart was pumping as I wrote the fight scene between Misty and Alyssa. Please continue to send me reviews and comments. They really do brighten up my day! =)