Breaking The Rules

by katherineaw

Stephanie Plum has had a challenging time since we last saw her. No longer can she rely on those around her, but has had to become independent and strong. With the return of the men from her past, will she survive the many different threats to her life?

10. Chapter Nine

Breaking The Rules

Chapter Nine

By Katherine

Tate picked me up in his cherry red sports car. He had knocked on my door, offered me his arm, and escorted me to the car. He opened the door and ushered me into the passenger seat"I can't drive" I pouted.

"What do you take me for" he looked disgusted"I've heard about your recent history with cars."

I scowled"I'm not that bad"

"You're worse with other peoples than your own" he continued"this is my baby and I will not have her exploding on me."

I shook my head"it's not like I do it on purpose" I sniffed.

He threw a glance my way and I just happened to catch his eye and we both burst into laughter. He drove straight out of town towards D.C. and I looked at him"where are we going" I asked.

"A house I have in the area" he said"trust me, you're safe."

"That's not the issue." And it wasn't. Tate was as bad as I was when it came to personal security, and I trusted him with my life - I knew I was safe with him. I had thought we were going out for lunch and then something relaxed in Trenton this afternoon, before meeting at the club tonight. Clearly I was wrong.

"You'll have plenty of time to get slutted up" he said, throwing an amused glance my way"never fear."

I rolled my eyes"what have you been up to lately" I queried"I've heard interesting rumors about you over the years."

He grimaced"well, I got married, and divorced" he pre-empted my next words with a "don't ask. And I took over the family business about eight years ago when Father became ill. It was touch-and-go for a while but everything is firmly in hand now, which is pleasant and relaxing. But really, my life is very predictable. Yours sounds much more interesting, what have you been doing lately"

"Staying alive" a bitter tone crept into my voice, as much as I tried to keep it out. I shook my head"well, that's the last two years" I grinned a faint smile"after I left the Dick, I worked as a lingerie buyer until I got laid off, then I had a stressful period of unemployment which was solved when I blackmailed the pervert into my current job;" I paused"I've had more than a few interesting moments since then, but most of those made the national media, so I figure you'll already know about them."

"And your recent situation" he queried, looking at me"I understand the basics, but I would like to hear your story."

"One of my skips about eighteen months back was known to have ties to the Slayers. There was a power vacuum which was to be filled when a new guy in town earnt his stars by killing several key players in law enforcement. I was to be the last on the list. It culminated, at that point, with an attempted gang rape in a playground, when I was rescued by a gun-wielding transvestite called Sally. The Slayers regrouped and put a hit out on me. My usual support team had abandoned Trenton at that point, but I was helped by the RangeMan guys and trained. I was really lucky during the first six months, I took a few bullets and a few wounds, but nothing fatal.

"Since then, I've stopped letting them walk all over me and have become competent at my job. I'm not great, but I'm no longer the pushover I used to be." I shrugged"It looks like the hit's off, though, which is a good thing because I was developing a serious case of paranoid insomnia or something similar."

He smiled as we pulled into a small cottage. A single white vehicle was waiting in the garage"interesting story" he said"we're meeting someone here and I need you to trust me. It's important that you do so. Will you promise me"

I looked at him and saw how serious he was"who is it"

"I can't tell you until you promise me. But they have sworn they will not harm you and they will allow you to hold them at gun point for the whole meeting."

"Are they alone"

He nodded.

"Alright" I sighed"I'll ask questions before I shoot, how's that"

He shook his head"it'll have to do."

"So who am I meeting"

"Ernesto Gianni, the"

"Head of the Slayer Organisation" I stared at him"what the hell are you playing at" I demanded"he's trying to kill me"

"That's why we are meeting, so you can talk to him."

"Oh." I rolled my eyes, "duh!" I muttered sarcastically.

"Ms. Plum" the man in front of me was nothing like what I'd imagined Ernesto Gianni to be like. I had imagined a portly old man with bald patches and wrinkly skin. What I got was a handsome thirty-something year old with tanned, firm skin and golden blond hair that flopped around his face. "It is a pleasure to meet you finally."

"Always nice to meet the man who wants to kill you" I returned emotionlessly.
"Indeed, that is why we are meeting today" he said with a smirk"you have caused many problems for my organisation, and it is time that it ended."

I looked at him sceptically"If you think killing me will end those problems then I can guarantee you're sorely mistaken."

"I am aware of the retribution that would result from killing you" he admitted"which is why I have arranged to speak to you here, with your friend. I understand you are aware of the decision made at our General Meeting"

"I have only heard shaky details" I said after a moments thought.

"Yet you planned a celebration" He sounded surprised.

"I don't get a chance to let my hair down much" I said"metaphorically speaking, of course."

He looked at my long tresses hanging down my back and agreed"metaphorically speaking." He shook his head"We have decided that if you have survived this long, raising the bounty upon your head will do little good. As such, from this day forth you will be free from the threat of Slayer violence" he smiled slightly"and as a gesture of goodwill I would like to suggest an alliance between us."

"Alliance" I was confused, although I forced my voice to remain even and controlled.

"Yes" he nodded"you will consult us before taking in anybody tied to our organisation, and in return you shall be compensated should an issue arise which disallows the return of said person to prison."

"I see" I nodded slightly.

"We would also offer access to our information sources and any other assistance that could be provided by our organisation, should you agree to this."

I took a deep breath and glanced at Tate, who's face was blank. I looked back at Gianni"Are you saying, Mr. Gianni, that if I request your permission to take in any Slayers who forget their court date, you will offer me the resources of the Slayers"

He nodded.

"and should you decide that they do not need to return to prison, for whatever reason, you will compensate me... monetarily"

He nodded again.

I thought about it for a moment and then said quietly"With one condition, I will agree."

"Your condition" his voice had turned frosty, but I ignored it.

"If a skip is ... personal..." I said, for lack of a better word"I would expect an exception."

He frowned"And what of those in our organisation with personal issues with you" he asked"will they be exempt from the other terms"

I glanced at him"Anton Ward" I said after a moment.
He nodded.

"Ward has a personal issue with me and deserves the chance to take it up with me" I shrugged"he must be prepared for the consequences of his actions, however."

Ernesto nodded"if there is a personal issue between yourself and any member of the organisation, the terms of this agreement do not apply; however I would request that you alert me to the situation before taking any action."

I dipped my head"of course."

"We are agreed" He asked.

"We are agreed." I confirmed.

"Congratulations, Ms. Plum, You are a free woman."

"Please" I purred"call me Stephanie."

He grinned"and I am Ernie."

Tate stepped forwards"glad that's sorted out. Ernie you should have told me you were after Stephanie and I would have set you straight years ago."

"You two are good friends, I gather" Gianni said looking between us.

I gave a small nod"we are."

"You have known each other long"

"Long enough" clearly Tate didn't trust him that much.

Tate and I ate lunch with Gianni before we left him in the small house and drove back to Trenton where he wanted to spend the afternoon with me at the Ramos mansion.

I shrugged mentally, Alexander was a very dear friend of mine and although I would prefer some solid time alone with Tate to catch up, I was not upset at the thought of time with Alexander. We drove straight into the secure parking at a different entrance to that which was used by the general public, I was amused at Tate's liberties in Trenton, but followed him into the living room where I greeted Alexander with a kiss on the cheek, and Hannibal with one on the forehead. He was sitting with a woman in his arms and she smiled at me;

"You must be Stephanie" she beamed"I owe you a debt of gratitude"
I must have looked confused because she continued with a laugh"You keep me secure from the other factions by pretending to date Hannibal" she said"they think I'm just a cleaning lady, or something."

Realization dawned and I grinned"you don't owe me anything" I laughed"I get some awesome clothes out of it! I must apologize, however, that I don't know your name..."

"I'm Maria" she said"Maria Ramos."

I quirked my eyebrow at Hannibal who shrugged sheepishly at me. "It's a pleasure to meet you" I said finally.

"Alexander, do you mind if we borrow the pool" Tate asked"I promised Steph we'd catch up, and this is the safest place I can think of."

"Of course" Alex waved his hand"feel free. By the way, congratulations Cara - I hear you are now allied with the Slayers."

I nodded, slightly amazed at how fast the… mob-vine… worked"loosely" I agreed"but they're no longer after my blood, which is always a good thing."

Tate and I spent hours swimming and relaxing beside the pool, working on our tans (me more than him) as we caught up during the afternoon. Hannibal and Maria joined us for a period, but then retired to their own home.

Alexander ended up inviting us for dinner, and the three of us spent a pleasant hour conversing over everything from the local situation to movies. Alexander pried my background with Tate from us, and teased us lightly about my flying incident.

I just smirked and said"You've just not seen me in my Wonder Woman costume yet."

He laughed"Oh, Cara you are good for me! One day you must show me this costume! I had never heard of Wonder Woman until I met you."

My jaw dropped in outrage; how could he not have heard of her! She was only idolized by every girl under fifteen (and in my case, forty) and all men over fifteen!

Tate smirked, and put a finger under my jaw, lifting it back to its rightful position"careful, Steph" he said"you'll catch flies."

"Extra protein" I smirked at him.

"Now that you no longer have to fear the Slayers" Alexander said"what will you do with your extra time"

"I don't know" I shrugged"there's still the Grizolli issue to sort out. I think, however, that I will visit my parents."

"A good idea" he said, ambiguously, considering he'd heard me rant about them numerous times and had told me that they weren't worth the tears I cried over them.

I smiled"I'm not sure about that" I said"I'm liable to shoot them if they say the wrong thing. Or even if they say the right thing." I shook my head"I'm lost" I admitted after a moment. "I don't know what to do"

Tate took my hand and said firmly"You are going to come with me" he said"to Hell's Kitchen. We've got a party planned and everybody there loves you and will be happy to celebrate your freedom with you. I can't wait to meet your friends."

"Thanks" I said"I needed that."

"I know" he was serious"but if you get like that again, I'll revert to my old methods of ... " he coughed"lifting your mood."

"You wouldn't" I hissed.

"Do you really want to test me" he asked with a smirk.
I snorted and then burst into laughter as Alexander started to snigger"Damnit, Tate" I exclaimed when I'd calmed down"you make me act like a child again"

"Since when did you ever not act like a child" he asked with a snort.

I shook my head"So, what brought you back to Trenton" I asked finally"You swore once that you'd never return..." And he had, in a loud horrifying argument between us, he'd promised that nothing could bring him back to Trenton short of the Apocalypse. It had been the third worst argument in Burg history (the first being my breakup with the Dick, the second being when my friends told me they didn't want to see me again).

"Well, I heard about a problem that a friend of mine was having" he threw her an amused glance"and thought I'd help out."

"No, really" I snorted"why"

"Sienna" he said shortly"she has nightmares. Because of him." His face took on a look of unparalleled fury"that godforsaken bastard! Alexander offered to help me... take care of the issue."

I nodded"Apart from the nightmares, how is Sienna, anyway? I've not spoken to y'all for a while..."

"She's alright" he said after a moment"She's still studying. Told me very politely to fuck off when I asked her if she was going to start thinking about getting a job any time soon."

I grinned, that was so typically Sienna"she still at Stamford" I asked.
He shook his head"she was, but arranged a transfer after Bertini got in the road. She's studying from home for the moment but may return to campus next semester."

Tate got changed in Alexander's room, while I used Maria's. I had chosen a tan halter-top that stopped just above my waist, and moulded to my skin. I paired it with a butter-soft, black pair of leather hipsters. My hair I left long and wavy (Mr. Alexander had suggested that growing it out to give it some weight would make it more manageable, and he'd been right), hanging down to my waist. I put on minimal makeup, merely a few swipes of mascara and some lip gloss, and then started to strap on my artillery for the night. Because my clothes were skin hugging, I chose to limit myself to two ankle holsters for the guns as the would not be quite as evident under the flare of the pants, and slipped a knife into the back holster, as well as one on either side of my waist.

I stepped out of Maria's room to find Tate waiting for me. He looked me over, a faint smile present upon his face"Shall we" he asked, offering me his arm.

"We shall" I placed my arm upon his and delivered a chaste kiss to both Alexander and Hannibal, then we departed.

At the door, I recognized the two security men as part of Tate's personal troupe and nodded to them. They opened the door with a brief"come on in, Mr. Angelus, Ms. Plum."

All the RangeMen and their dates were being frisked as they entered, I noticed, and looked none-too-happy about it. I shrugged, that was part of the deal. Tate led me inside with a hand on the small of my back"would you like a drink" he asked.

I nodded and ordered a Tequila and Lemonade, I figured it was pretty simple and I would know exactly what I was drinking.

Hells Kitchen was the classiest club in Trenton. It had a large dance floor, with amazing lighting and DJ box, all of which had already attracted some dancers. The music was largely Latin based, and I knew that most of the RangeMen had a pretty thorough background in it. It was destined to be a good night! Around the edge of the club there were booths of red leather, while up one end there were some stool-type tables where people were standing and chatting. The bar stretched the length of one side of the club and was manned by almost twenty bartenders; drinks were coming hard and fast.

Someone placed their hand upon my shoulder and I turned to find Ranger standing there"you look stunning" he said simply.

"Thanks" I smiled, then looked him over. He was well dressed and I gulped mentally at the sight of him as I felt a tingle run through my body. He was wearing black combat pants, sculpted around his ass, a black silk shirt with three open buttons exposing just enough of his tanned and ripped chest to make breathing a bit of a challenge (for me, not him). His hair hung in long silky rivulets down to his shoulders, framing his stunningly handsome face. I smirked"you're not too bad, you know" I said"you clean up rather nicely."

"Thanks" he said amused"I'd like to... introduce you to my family" he said"will you come with me"

"Tate's just gone to get me a drink" I said"when he comes back I'll come with you."

"No need, Angel" Tate appeared at my back, handing me a drink"Manoso" he greeted Ranger.

I rolled my eyes at the frosty looks they exchanged. Neither blinked for a few minutes, until finally I snapped"Cut it out, both of you." I said snootily"you're both well versed in mind-control techniques; how to do it and how to avoid it, so you could stand here for the whole night staring at each other and I will not let you ruin my celebrations! Finish this tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am" They said instantaneously, spinning to face me and saluting.

"Everyone's a fucking comedian" I muttered"come on, lets go meet the family."

Ranger led me over to a booth in the back corner and I could make out two dark shadows. I sat down and Tate shuffled in beside me, forcing Ranger around to the other side to sit next to the woman I assumed was Mara Manoso. He smiled across the table at me when I poked Tate.

"Stephanie, this is Mara, my sister, and Diego, my brother" he introduced them both, pointing first to the woman beside him, and then to the man on my left.

I shook hands with both of them, and said with a laugh"and the man beside me is Tate"

"Angelus" Diego said, eyeing him warily.

"Manoso" Tate replied doing the same.

Once more, I rolled my eyes and then began thumping my head on the table"There's a fucking history between you all isn't there" I demanded, then shook my head"no, wait, I don't want to know. Tell me tomorrow. Tonight's about celebrating. Any bullets that leave your weapons will be returned to your bodies care of me" I said scowling"tonight's about having fun so don't get into any of your macho shit."

Mara snorted with laughter and I eyeballed her, wondering what the hell was so funny. She grinned up at me"I've been trying to explain to Ick and D that they don't need to prove their dominance over everybody." She shook her head"maybe I'll just threaten to shoot them, next time."

"I've found bullets do wonderful things to increase your authority." I said airily.

"Babe, you don't seriously think you could pull a gun on one of us do you" Ranger looked mightily amused.

"Do you really want to test me" I said softly, my eyes hooded and watchful.

He didn't respond.

Eventually the silence irritated me so I pushed Tate out of the seat"I'm going to dance" I said. I ignored the stunned looks as I pushed the head of LA out of his seat, and his mutterings about revenge, and made my way out onto the dance floor.

Bobby and Lester were in the centre with some poor girl who couldn't work out what she was doing. From her flushed face, however, I could tell exactly what she'd be doing soon and it was going to leave her with a rosy blush and a BIG smile. Clearly she wasn't used to such large quantities of testosterone at one time - someone should have warned her about the risk of overdose. I walked confidently to Lester, and whispered in his ear"when she's done, you owe me a dance."

He grinned and winked at me, and then turned his attentions back to the girl, Bobby throwing me an amused glance. I turned and grasped Kevin who was dancing with his new woman and winked at her"I'll return him in just a minute" I promised.

She laughed huskily and started dancing with Eric. She was a pretty little thing, dainty and petite. I said as much to Kevin who smiled"she makes me feel protective" he admitted, then his eyes widened"are Lester and Bobby doing what I think they're doing to that poor girl" he asked.

I laughed, and nodded"it's pretty obvious, isn't it"

He shook his head"rather cruel, though." He looked conflicted at that.

I put my hand on his shoulder"trust me, she might be slightly embarrassed, but it's not hurting her and she's enjoying herself. They're good looking men and they know exactly how to please women" I shrugged"there are few men who treat women properly, but those in this room do. They won't hurt her, nor will they make fun of her for it."

He nodded slowly and relaxed"you're right."

Lester pulled me into his arms a few minutes later and I leaned back against him, his hands on my waist guiding my movements. He pulled me closer to his groin until I felt his hard member pushing into me. I shifted slightly and felt him jerk in reaction"Do you feel what you do to me" he whispered into my ear, his breath coming in short gasps.

I turned and wrapped my arms around his, responding huskily"you know I do."

We moved together, grinding our hips in a semi-circular motion, until finally he recovered his breath and began to guide our movements. His hands held me close to him, firm but not imprisoning, and he leaned forwards and I leaned back, arching my back as far as I could. One hand ran from my neck, barely touching me, down past my cleavage and over my belly-button, to my crotch where he rubbed gently as his face followed the path of his hand, gradually pulling me upright as his face reached lower and lower.

We were moving, him on his knees, his face at my groin, while I was standing. Slowly he made his way back up my body, his eyes glinting. "Smells delicious" he whispered into my ear, causing shivers to race through my body at the thought of him tasting me.

He laughed a deep gutteral sound that kept the shivers coming"you're hot" he said"and wet."

I pulled his face to mine and kissed him, my tongue slipping into his mouth without opposition. He returned the favour a moment later, his hands moving so that one cupped my ass and the other my breasts, both kneading at my body. I ran my hands through his hair around his face and over his hard, muscular chest.

Eventually we pulled back, and I flashed him a smile"you kiss as well as you dance" I said with a grin. Not that it was news to me.

I danced with Diego once, as I'd promised him, and discovered that he was brilliant! Neither of us were as comfortable together as I was with Lester or any of the other guys, but still we moved as one (mostly, in this case, because I let him lead). He didn't dance with such close contact as the others, but each of his movements was graceful and erotic.

Tate pulled me into his arms at the end of the song, and I flashed Diego an apologetic look as I danced with Tate. Tate didn't dance nearly as well, I discovered, but was still passable he was talking to me, however, and I forced myself to pay attention"I'm going to have to go" he said"I promised Sienna I'd be home tomorrow, and you know she worries."

I nodded, brushing a kiss onto his cheek"Give her my love" I said"and if she needs a break, she might come to Trenton, sometime."

"I'm sure both of us will be back" he agreed"I can't believe how long it's been." He brought my lips into a searing kiss and then broke away, leaving me a little stunned, as he spoke again"I missed that" he said thoughtfully"but I really do have to go."

I rolled my eyes and suppressed my sudden desire to stamp my foot childishly - maybe he couldn't dance very well, but he certainly knew what to do with his mouth. I wondered briefly if he was as good with his mouth in other places and then shook my head, he and I had briefly tried dating before the Dick, but ended it when we realized how different we truly were.

I walked him to the door and waved him, with promises to call or email him soon. He promised he'd get Sienna to call as well. I slipped back inside, to find both my hands restrained as I was pulled into a dark corner. A muffled yell escaped as I pulled away and spun around to find myself facing Eric.

"What are you doing" I demanded.

His lips crashed onto mine and his tongue sought entry into my mouth. I let him in and then bit down hard on his tongue. He hissed and took a step away"what the fuck was that for" he demanded.

"Kissing me with out permission" I snapped and wrestled my arms from his, slapping him"That was for manhandling me."

"I thought you liked that" he snapped"you've had enough men around you tonight to prove it! Why? Am I not good enough for you" he sneered.

"I don't want you kissing me" I said stubbornly.

"Everyone else does" he commented blandly.

"Guess what" I hissed"That's between me and them. If you come anywhere near me again, I will pin you to that wall with a knife in your balls" His hands had reached for me again, but I slapped them away blindly"don't TOUCH me" I shouted.

I turned to run, but found myself facing a large brick wall. I looked up to discover Eric's partner standing there looking smugly at me"I don't think Eric has finished talking to you" he sneered, taking a step forwards and forcing me backwards into Eric's arms.

I shivered and Eric laughed evilly"yeah, that's how you like it, isn't it? You want us to be a bit rough, huh"

The man in front of me stepped up, one leg on either side of mine a hand reaching under my top. I lifted my knee straight into his balls as hard as I could and knocked my head back, slamming Eric's into the wall. I pushed free of both of them and ran out of the supply closed they'd pulled me into.

I made my way up to the bar and ordered a drink, massaging my sore head and wincing in pain. Someone slid into the seat next to me and took over massaging for me. I looked over to see Ranger, looking worried.

"What happened" he asked.

I shrugged"nothing I didn't deserve."

He raised an eyebrow and I shrugged"don't worry about it" I said"it's not worth it."

"Where did Angelus go" he asked, thankfully changing the subject.

"He had to go home."

Ranger nodded, and watched as I took a sip of my drink (water)"how much have you had" he asked.

I thought about it and shrugged"maybe half of a tequila/lemonade."

"You're holding back" he looked at me"worried you'll lose control"

"Worried I won't be able to take care of myself" I said quietly.

He pulled me close"you don't have to" he murmured"I'll do it for you. I've got your back."