The primary characters in the story are not mine, they belong to author Janet Evanovich. There are some secondary characters in this story that do belong to me.

I do not have a beta and all errors will be mine alone.

Chapter 10

Paying my Dues

It seemed like I waited forever for Brace. I was wet and cold, with my legs still crossed, and impatiently shivering. When I finally did hear someone at my door, I was shaking because I was nervous. The sound of footsteps echoed in my hallway and I was about to open my mouth and say something when a dark head appeared in the doorway. OH, NO, NO, NO!

The rest of the man followed and a grin began to spread across his face as he slowly continued in and leaned against the sink, lazily crossing his arms and legs, like he was getting comfortable to enjoy the show. And this, would be the reason that I hadn't called the ass.

"Would it trouble you much to help me and unlock these cuffs?" He slowly moved his head up and down, while still grinning. "Ranger, don't be such an ass. I'm not kidding. I've been here a while and I'm getting numb, I'm cold and I have to use the toilet."

Ranger just continued to stare at me, his eyes smoldering as they lazily moved down my body. Goosebumps were popping out everywhere they traveled like he was lasering me and leaving a trail.

The front door opened and closed and then Brace called out. "I'm here, but your front door was already unlocked. Must have been left open. You ready for me in there? Take a breath, I'm coming in."

Fuck me standing in handcuffs, could he have not said those last words. Judging by the change in Ranger's eyes and the cocky smile disappearing off his face, he definitely had the wrong idea about this scene and I would never hear the end of it. Ever.

Brace walked in and looked at Ranger first, because there was no way you couldn't see him first. His dark and imposing figure took up nearly the whole small room. Confusion at first crossed Brace's face and then he turned to me standing there with my legs crossed and shivering. His expression then changed showing he was clearly amused at the situation. Gah! Men!

He glanced back at Ranger before he said with a bit of sarcasm, "I'm sorry that you're still in the cuffs and uncomfortable." He pulled a key out of his pocket and stepped up to me. "I have to say, you don't disappoint, sweetheart. You are a beauty. Guess that's why your sexy sidekick is just standing here admiring the view."

I knew that I was blushing a fiery red from head to toe. Brace quickly uncuffed me and I threw the nastiest 'burg glare I could muster at Ranger. "Exactly the reason that I called you and not him."

Brace chuckled. "You gotta admit this is quite the amusing situation. Don't be embarrassed, just laugh it off. Would it make you feel better if we were both naked too?"

"NO!" I screeched and grabbed my towel still laying on the toilet. "Stop playing with me, Brace. I was sure that calling you would be better than the ass here. I figured since you see naked women all the time you wouldn't ogle and you're ogling. Don't make me sorry I chose you."

He burst out laughing. "Baby, I'm still a man and appreciate and ogle beauty when I see it."

After wrapping the towel around me, I rubbed my numb wrists, sighing with relief as the feeling slowly returned. "Thank you so much. I definitely owe you one. Now would you both please vacate the room so I can do my business."

First Ranger and then Brace walked out. Brace winked at me before shutting the door behind him. No doubt they heard my aaah when I sat down on the toilet and let go.

After, I headed to my bedroom to grab my robe. Ranger was there sitting on my bed. "Did you have a date with a customer that went bad tonight, babe?"

"Screw you, Ranger. It was Morelli. He wanted his Jeep and when I wouldn't give it back, he cuffed me, ripped my shower curtain down, and left me that way. If you're finished insulting me, you can leave."

I ignored him, grabbed my robe out of my closet, and went back to the bathroom to finish the rest of my business. Calling out to Brace, I said, "Grab a beer from the fridge. I'll be out in a few minutes."

When I got to the living room, Brace was sipping a beer and Ranger hadn't gotten the hint. He was still here, lounging in in my chair. No big surprise there. I rolled my eyes at him and forced my 'burg manners to kick in and smiled. "Would you like a beer too, Ranger?"

"Yeah, babe. I can stay a while."

Brace chuckled, probably at the scowl on my face. "I can't wait to hear how you got in this situation, Stephanie. Call me giddy with anticipation."

Ranger threw him a look and smirked. "I'll second that."

Oy. I grabbed two beers and headed back to the living room, handed Ranger one and plopped down on the couch next to Brace. He grinned and put his arm around me and squeezed, then took a long pull of his beer. I had to stifle a giggle after glancing at Ranger. I was pretty sure that Brace was intentionally pushing Ranger's buttons. "So let's hear it, sugar."

"My skip broke in while I was in the shower and handcuffed me to the rod."

Brace asked, "What's a skip?"

I smiled politely and said, "If we're going to be friends you have to learn the lingo. A skip is the fugitive who is FTA or failed to appear in court, skipped bail. My job as a bounty hunter is to find the fugitives and take them back to jail where they're scheduled a new court date."

"Okay. Got it. This was the guy you told me about before? You two haven't been able to capture him?" He glanced at Ranger, looking a little more serious. "Were you worried he would try to harm you?"

"No. Joe's Italian, has a temper, and yells a lot, but he wouldn't hurt me. Well, he can be a jerk too. He did leave me on the floor crying behind a cannoli case when I was sixteen and then further humiliated me."

"Ah, yeah that guy. Why did he come in and handcuff you? Was he being naughty again?"

"Yes and no. I borrowed his Jeep without asking him and I refused to give him the distributor cap back so he could take it."

He guffawed and kissed me on the cheek. "Good thinking. What have you found out about his crime? Anything? Or does that even matter from a bounty hunter prospective ?"

I glanced at Ranger. "I guess it doesn't normally. He's a vice cop and accused of shooting a guy. I don't think he did it though and I'm actually now trying to help him clear his name."

He raised an eyebrow like Ranger frequently did. "Really? Do you have feelings for him or something?"

I made a yuck face. "Oh hell, no! I've just been told what happens to a cop in prison and although the thought of him having a boyfriend named Big Bubba is fun, I don't think he deserves to be dead. Joe is just not a killer. Word is, and even on the street, he's a good cop. He thinks he knows who set him up."

Brace asked, "Who?"

"Benito Ramirez"

His face changed. "The boxer? I know that guy and he's bad news, sweetheart. I cut him loose as a client after he knocked around one of my girls pretty bad."

I thought for a minute. "Was it that girl you lost by any chance?"

"Yeah, it was as a matter of fact. Why do you ask?"

"Brace, Joe was working on a case. Someone is murdering prostitutes and he was getting close. Evidently too close, and Ramirez set him up. He may even be responsible for the death of the detective that had the case before Joe. All the girls were full of drugs when they were found. Your girl? I don't think that's a coincidence."

He said, "You could be right. From what I know of him, he's mean and after talking to him, maybe a little psycho too. Definitely a narcissist." He glanced again at Ranger. "This sounds really too dangerous for you to be involved in."

Ranger then interjected. "She doesn't realize how dangerous. You're withholding from me, babe, and I don't like it."

I thought, no. You're trying to make sure that you win your deal and end up in my bed getting your kinky on. That's why I can't trust you.

Sighing, I said, "Brace, I have no choice. I have to do this. I need a job and I need money and I have a deal with my cousin, and Joe. If I help clear his name, he lets me take him in, I get paid, and I win the job as bounty hunter." I looked at Ranger. "Why are you even here tonight?"

He said stoically, "I paid a visit to the gym where Ramirez trains and spoke to him."

My eyes were blazing at him now. "You went there without me? We are supposed to be partners in this! You can't leave me out! Morelli is my skip!"

"My issue exactly."

I snapped, "It would be easier if I felt that I could trust you. You're only helping me because you owe Connie a favor and so you can make sure you get your end of that dirty deal you offered up."

Braced asked, "What kind of dirty deal?"

I stared icily at Ranger. "Instead of half the apprehension fee, he wants to get his freaky on in my bed or some bed for a night."

"How much is that night worth exactly?"

Still staring at Ranger, I didn't say anything. He responded to Brace. "Five grand."

"Damn, doll. Wish I had brokered that deal. Did you accept?"

I nodded. "I'm green and needed help. However, so far, I haven't learned much and we haven't worked together well enough for him to even teach me the ropes. His attitude has been more like a viper, tracking and trying to sniff out my mouse-hole. Literally."

Brace burst out laughing and Ranger even cracked a small smile.

"Babe, I didn't think you were ready to be fully immersed yet, though you're slowly learning on your own that this work has the potential to be hazardous to your health. You don't get emotional and go running into dangerous situations. You said today when you were upset that you were just going to go walking into Ramirez's lair and confront him. You need to calm down and think before you act. That gym was no place for a woman. Going in there alone would be like pricking your finger and throwing yourself into a shark tank." That was a lot of words for Ranger.

Brace said, "Sweetheart, he's probably right. That is not your scene."

I looked between the two of them. "I don't have a choice in this, do I? I have to accept your help, Ranger. If I want a job, and a fucking livelihood, I have to sell my body to you. No offense, Brace. I just wasn't raised that way and I resent being forced to do it."

Ranger scoffed, "I'm sure you've serviced men more loathsome than me, babe. What's the big deal?"

Bastard. He'll never think of me any different than the woman he's made up in his head and I've been out there catching wind and eyeballs already tonight. I'll play his game and call him on it. I got up and walked over to him letting my robe fall open and stood with my hands on my hips pulling it open further. I made a motion with my finger between us. "You. Me. We, are obviously not going to work. We don't talk to each other. We don't share information and we don't even trust each other. That is not what I want in a partner. You've been insulting, condescending, and rude to me from the first time we met. I'm afraid that you just wanted to carry out that deal thing to insult me in a more private and personal way and I don't deserve that! So, this..." I ran my hand down the front of my body and then bent over and touched a single finger to his rapidly growing bulge as I continued to speak. "And that." I pointed to his groin. "Are never going to happen. I don't need you."

I closed my robe and headed down the hall to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I felt like crying, but instead, found my nosy 'burg side listening to the conversation between the men through the door.

Brace said sarcastically, "Way to go, brother. Seriously? You're supposed to be mentoring and helping her? You stink at it, man. By the way, what were your plans for that five grand? Pain or pleasure?"

Ranger's voice. "Both."

Brace said in a tone I'd never heard before, "Listen to my words. Not sure what your problem is, but I don't think you're dense. You will not hurt her. She's an innocent. She doesn't work for me nor has she ever. She's not a prostitute and we have never been together. Do you understand me?"

Ranger made a snort noise and said, "Do you expect me to buy that? You did see how she left the room?"

Brace laughed. "That woman's got fire and you pissed her off. Here's the truth, hermano. You don't fool me. You wouldn't be still hanging around unless you were interested. So, I'm going to set you straight about her. She was a lingerie buyer with that E.E. Martin in Newark that the feds raided that day we all met. She showed up at the bar alone and was upset. I picked up on her vibe and bought her a drink and talked to her. We had dinner one night since and she told me a lot about herself. The woman has only had sex with three men in her life and one was when she was sixteen. Her skip. One was in college and one was a cheating ex, named Dickie. She has never had a true pleasurable experience with a man and you really want to punish her? For what? For being dicked over by every man that she's ever half put any trust in? In my business, I deal with women like her every single day. None of them deserve it, and I've spent a good part of my career liberating them from the bad baggage their own Dickie's left them with."

Wow. I was surprised and touched that Brace would speak on my behalf that way when he didn't know me that well. They continued talking and I sat on the bed. Not long after, Brace knocked on the bedroom door and poked his head in. "He's gone. You okay?"

I nodded. "I just want this job over, preferably without his help."

"You want to know what I think about that guy?"

I rolled my eyes. "I can't hardly wait to hear it."

"He's attracted to you and you get under his skin. That's what I think. You have wit and spunk and you're brave. You're not like most women when it comes to handsome men. When most women first take a look at me, they see sex. What women call a piece of beef. They don't look me in the eyes and they don't even see me as a person right away. When you looked at me that day in the bar, you looked me over, but your eyes came back to my face and that is where they mostly stayed. You looked at me and talked to me as just a man, a person. You're unique and special. That guy is fucking pretty and used to women seeing him in the same way." He laughed. "Ranger doesn't know what to do with you. Bet he's thinking that if he fucks you, he can get you out of his system. I think the opposite will happen. I think he'll find that he's met his match."

Flushing from his candor, I said, "Well, I don't know about all that and I don't want to find out."

He just smiled and sat on the bed next to me. "You want to know what else I think?"

I snorted. "Do I really get a choice?"

He laughed, grabbing me and hugging me to him. "I think that based on your current relationship that when you two do come to together, it's going to be explosive. You're going to give each other unbelievable pleasure."

That would be doubtful, considering it wasn't happening. "Thanks Dr. Ruth, for that relationship analysis. I still think that he's an ass and wants to hurt me."

"Then spank his ass! Pain and pleasure, baby, are good together. We'll try it sometime."

Eek! Probably couldn't even scrub this blush off.