Chapter 13

Hector's POV

Gabe was resting against my side, his arm around my waist, his bare feet stretched on the other end of the couch. He'd brought us back to my apartment where we got comfortable quickly, chatting about Steph and Dickie's affair for a little while before we settled into a companionable silence. Our bodies curved into each other, our hands never stopped touching and caressing and I realized that it was in these moments that I was truly relaxed something I hadn't been in a very long time, if ever.

"You know, you've never so much as mentioned a mother or a father in the weeks that we've known each other." He was right, of course, I tried not to think of my parents let alone ever talk about them or my childhood. "Tell me about your parents." Gabe's voice was whisper soft as he sat up and urged me to put my head in his lap.

I followed his lead and stretched out; my head on his lap. I tried looking up at him but found my self looking to the side wanting to avoid his gaze. Talking about my parents or my childhood wasn't something I ever did and despite how much I loved Gabe I wasn't sure I could share those painful memories with him.

His fingers caressed my forehead and teardrops before sliding across my lips. He leaned down, tilting my face back in his direction before kissing me and sitting up again. "You can tell me, whatever it is I want to know. I don't want you to hide anything from me, I want to know everything and whatever's left after that too*."

A small smile escaped my lips as I sighed and relaxed into his embrace. "My mother and father brought us from Ecuador to New Jersey when I was just four. I don't remember much about those early years." A deep part of me wished I could remember those years because they were probably the happiest. Gabe's fingers continued to touch my face, the fingers on his other hand entwined with me and rested on my chest, directly over my heart.

"Things must have been difficult. I'm sure it was for them, they didn't speak much English and my father didn't have many skills. My dad started committing petty crimes and getting into trouble. He was in and out of jail most of my life. My mother never left him though, she always stayed devoted to their marriage, even when he started turning her out, selling her to rich business men who wanted to slum it with Hispanic women, to make ends meet."

Gabe's eyes were so compassionate and as usual completely focused on every word that came out of my mouth. "It's no wonder that you're so very protective of Stephanie."

"I don't think my dad hit my mother but he certainly didn't protect or care for her the way a husband should either. I think her customers hit her occasionally." The memories of her bruises were hazy but I was sure they were real. "She started doing drugs, I'm sure as a coping mechanism." Listening to my mother throw up or slur her words after shooting up in our bathroom was a nightly ritual of my pre-teen years. "My dad went to prison when I was 13. I joined the gang when I was 14. My mother continued to do drugs and prostitute until she died of a drug overdose when I was 16." A tear escaped my eyes as I thought of losing her. Despite the less than ideal childhood, I knew that my mother loved me. I loved her too but never really had the opportunity to prove that to her.

Gabe wiped the moisture from my cheek. "I'm so sorry, love."

"I haven't seen my father since I was about 15. I used to visit him in prison but stopped when my mother died. He should be out of prison by now but we haven't had any contact in a long time. I've been on my own since my mother died. I lived with gang members, got into trouble, and did a lot of ugly things but I never touched drugs. I used violence as my way of coping, drugs held little draw for me, I guess that was a blessing." I turned my eyes away from him ashamed of the things I did when I was young and full of rage. There was so much more but I couldn't find my voice to speak of it all.

His fingers traced my jawline. "Don't be ashamed, it was because of all that you learned then that makes you so wonderful now. Nothing you could tell me would push me away. I know you're glossing over a lot of the gory details, I won't force you to tell me, but if you ever want to share that burden with me you can." His eyes were so full of tenderness as he spoke and called me out for being so secretive.

Leaning into his touch, I found comfort and forgiveness for deeds done long ago. "I met Ranger when I was 19. I broke into one of his warehouses, he caught me inside. He could have easily turned me in or killed me for that matter." I chuckled remembering Ranger's face mostly devoid of emotion as he decided what to do with me. "I'm still not sure why but he gave me a second chance, took me into RangeMan and gave me discipline and purpose. I owe him my life."

"I owe him mine too, I suppose, for allowing me the chance to know and love you." Gabe's brown eyes shone at me, his face relaxed and content. There was no judgment or horror over my past, only acceptance of the man I was now. Once again Gabe left me humbled and filled with pride at the same time.

Raising myself up, I leaned my chest into his. His arms wrapped my back, keeping me there our lips inches apart the delicious moment building before our mouths touched. The kiss was gentle and soft as his soul took on my pain and absolved me of my wrongs; his tongue reaching inside and spreading a balm for all the wounds still open in my heart.

He pulled back just centimeters. "Thank you for sharing all that with me. I love you, Hector and hate that you had to endure all that but at the same time I'm glad it all happened and led you to me."

"I've never told anyone before. I don't think I could have bared if it has pushed you away. The love I feel for you is unlike anything I've ever known." His dimples appeared as his face lit up with his smile causing my heart to swell.

We stayed on the couch for a long time, just holding and kissing one another until it was apparent that we needed to sleep. Again we climbed into bed together, our hormones raging but deciding wait on that physical connection. As usual, he held me against his chest as my eyes closed, my body and mind completely at rest because of his amazing aura.

Ranger's POV

Steph took an extremely long shower when we got back from Bobby's. I figured she was trying to get clean of the thoughts that were no doubt filling her mind. If Dickie gave her some kind of disease I'd make sure his last hours were agonizing. Bobby had reminded her that since she didn't have any other symptoms she was most likely okay, though we all knew some things didn't make themselves known for years after being infected. I tried to push my own concerns for her health aside in favor of just comforting and reassuring her sweet soul.

Ella had delivered dinner while she was showering. I'd asked for some comfort food for Steph and as usual Ella came through with shining stars. We had some fresh bread and broccoli cheese soup with chocolate cake for dessert. It was a meal I wouldn't indulge in often but I hoped it would lift Steph's spirits.

When she came out of the bedroom dressed in my t-shirt and sweats my heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying which tore at my soul, but the idea that my clothes gave her something she needed made my heart swell. "Ella brought dinner." I reached for her hand but she flinched from my touch and wouldn't latch onto me. It was unusual for her to flinch when she knew I was reaching for her but I assumed she was feeling a bit raw and tried not to show my hurt at her reaction.

Following me into the kitchen, she took a seat at the counter with me. She picked at her food, the lack of meal enthusiasm and her silence was unnerving. "Babe, what's going on inside the beautiful head of yours?"

She gave me a sad smile. "The first time Dickie hit me..." Her eyes welled up with tears as she put her fork down and turned her face from me.

Dropping my own fork, I moved quickly and pulled her onto the couch with me. Sitting down on the couch I tried to pull her into my lap but she tried to move from my embrace. "Babe, why don't you want to sit on my lap? You've been there lots of times, you know I won't hurt you."

"How can you want to touch me? It's not bad enough that I'm some kind of weak woman who let her husband hit her but now he could have given me some disease too. Why aren't you repulsed by me?" Her breath was coming in sobs as the tears flowed freely from her beautiful blue eyes.

Fury filled me and I knew that I would have to make Dickie Orr pay for this and everything else he had done to her. We let him off to easily the last time. "Stephanie, please sit on my lap. I like having you there. I am not repulsed by you, could never be."

I held my arms open for her. She chewed on her lip for a few seconds before accepting the invitation, her head immediately gravitating to and nuzzling in my neck. I rubbed her back and kissed her forehead holding her close to me. "Babe you aren't weak; you're strong and resilient. You didn't let Dickie beat you, he abused you plain and simple. I will not let you blame yourself for what he did to you."

"The first time he beat me it was because I questioned his friendship with a woman at work. I suspected an affair, he beat me for questioning him and reminded me that if I kept him interested he wouldn't have to stray." She took a shuddering breath against my neck as my fingers clenched into a fist around her. "I should have left him, but when he apologized I believed him and I knew that my mother would blame me so I stayed. I was so stupid."

God help me and her mother if we were ever left alone in room together. I've never hit a woman before, but she could easily be the first. "You are not stupid, just trusting and that's not a bad thing Steph. Your husband is one of those people you should be able to trust and believe."

She was watching me, her eyes tormented but also extremely attentive as she hung on my every word. My thumbs wiped the tears from her cheeks as I leaned into kiss her but she tensed and pulled away just slightly. I furrowed my eyebrows as I tried to read what was wrong. "What if I'm not well?" She chewed on her lip after the words crossed it.

"If something's wrong, we'll get you the medical care you need. You can't give me anything through a simple kiss, Steph." I continued to rub her cheeks and felt her body relax into mine.

"I'm afraid of being sick, Carlos." She looked down at my hands in her lap and squeezed them.

Lifting her chin, I leaned in again and kissed her lips gently before pulling back and keeping her gaze. "I know you are Steph, and that's okay but let's just see what the blood tests say before we get too upset. The chances are better than good that you're just fine."

Wrapping her arms around me she hugged me tightly. I loved feeling her soft body against mine and whenever her tiny arms held me I had to fight the urge to let out a long, decidedly unmasculine sigh. "Thank you." Her warm breath tickled my ear before she placed a small kiss just underneath my earlobe. I swallowed the growl that wanted to escape as her affections overwhelmed my body and brain.

She sat in my lap for a long time, the two of us simply touching and sharing gentle soft kisses. We didn't talk much, she seemed to be processing the days events and I was happy to let her do that or anything else for that matter as long as she stayed pressed up against my body. I felt her yawn against my neck as her muscles went slack. Her breathing evened out and my heart swelled knowing that despite everything from the day she trusted me enough to fall asleep in my arms.

Slipping my arm under her knees, I stood up and carried her into my bedroom. I had to block out the reality of what I was doing, lest other parts of my body decide to stand up too. Someday I would carry her into my bedroom and make love to her but I knew that it would have to wait until she could trust me implicitly.

I laid behind her, running my fingers through her hair for a long time watching her sleep. She was so beautiful and peaceful in her sleep, the feel and sight of her in my bed relaxed me in a way I didn't experience much in life. Before I let my eyes close I promised her and myself many more nights of this serenity.

Steph's POV

Gabe called this morning and asked if I'd be willing to meet in his office this afternoon. He had a plan and while it was a good one, I found myself extremely nervous. The plan involved me sitting down with Gabe and Dickie and his father. Bobby and Hector were going to come along with me, but I was still terrified of sitting in a small conference room and having to face Dickie.

I got changed in Carlos' apartment and waited for Ella to bring lunch. Ranger couldn't join me today and while I could eat with the guys in the break room, I needed some time to get my nerves under control. Just the thought of seeing Dickie and his dad made my hands shake, sitting in a room with them was likely to shake something loose.

Ella came in with lunch, her bright smile always set me at ease. She had such a tender way about her and I could tell all the guys adored her. She mothered everyone in this building, giving love and care freely through food and kind words. I know she did a lot for RangeMan and most of it behind the scenes, but I could tell that she was a key team member in how well the business functioned though people on the outside would never know that. "By yourself today, dear?"

"Yeah, I am." I nodded and looked at her, realizing that I never talked to her much. "Have you eaten yet, Ella? Can you join me?"

She grinned, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'd love too."

We sat at the counter eating and talking for an entire hour. I was surprised to learn that she didn't have any children of her own. She seemed like the kind of woman who would have a large family, but said it just wasn't in the cards for her. In the end she believed it to be a blessing because it allowed her to be a mother to all the men inside RangeMan. It was obvious that she loved them all like they were her children. I felt like I was included in her family of adopted children and knew that I was grateful to have her motherly ways supporting me.

Before we parted ways, Ella helped me choose which shoes to wear with my outfit and gave me a reassuring hug. "Keep your head up. It's okay to be afraid, but don't you be ashamed. He's the one who should hang his head."

It wouldn't be easy advice to follow, but I knew I should try. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand one last time before going to the garage to meet Bobby and Hector.

Carlos had another meeting scheduled for this afternoon. He offered to change it, to come along but I told him that it was unnecessary. I knew I would be safe in Gabe's office especially with Hector and Bobby along, but I also didn't want to be that clingy. I wanted to try and face Dickie a bit more on my own.

Hector stayed inside Gabe's office as Bobby, Gabe, and I made our way to a conference room where Dickie and his father were already waiting. Gabe and Hector felt like Hector's presence in the meeting would only escalate the tension, so I went in without him. I knew it was unlikely that Dickie or his dad would try anything here but I was still glad that Bobby would be with me and that Hector would be just few steps away.

Dickie and his dad stood up when we entered the room. I assumed this was probably just for politeness sake but I still jumped and took a step back. Bobby's hand exerted a little pressure where it rested on the small of my back before he leaned into whisper in my ear. "I won't let them hurt you."

I nodded and took a deep breath trying to rein in my nerves and shaking hands. I took a seat across the table from the Orrs and in between Gabe and Bobby. Gabe handed over the photos of Dickie and Joyce Barnhardt. "I believe these change our negotiations quite a bit." Gabe's back was rod straight, his voice extremely confident as he made eye contact with Dickie Senior.

Dickie's face got red, his breathing more rapid as his anger over the photos increased. This anger was what I feared most of all, I knew what usually followed and I didn't want a repeat. Gabe's hand rested on my shaking knee under the table, reminding me that I had nothing to fear here, that I wasn't alone with an angry Dickie this time.

"You had me followed?" Dickie was pissed and while I was still terrified of what he could do to me, I felt strong today. He was losing his power over me. Knowing that the Merry Men had my back gave me the courage to know that I was keeping that power this time, that I'd never allow him to have it again.

Dickie slapped the table bringing me back to the present as I jumped and slid my chair back. "Answer me, Stephanie!"

Bobby was on his feet instantly, his palms pressed on the table as he stood in front of me and leaned towards Dickie. "You won't raise your voice or try to intimidate her, understand me? You can't scare me so you better just settle down."

I wanted to giggle from nervousness and from glee as Dickie's face went pale. Knowing that for a minute or two Dickie felt fear like he instilled in me filled my heart with a sense of satisfaction that was hard to name. Dickie nodded and Bobby took his seat and pulling my chair back between him and Gabe.

"We've adjusted the divorce settlement to include a clause for medical care in case Stephanie was exposed to any health concerns because of your infidelity." Gabe remained calm and professional, not letting the outburst break his stride.

Dickie and his dad blew out breaths through pursed lips in an effort to calm themselves. "I was tested because of her cheating ways, though we didn't catch her in the act." Dickie's voice was sarcastic as he tried to prove that all of our problems were still my fault. "I'm clean."

I let out a huge sigh of relief, all the fears from the last day or so leaving my body in that breath. Bobby squeezed my hand but his face remained the typical RangeMan blank. Gabe nodded, but wasn't deterred from his mission. "Still, we'll leave the clause in place. Stephanie didn't cheat no matter what you suspected and until her test results come back clean you're on the hook to take care of her health. We haven't given these photos to the judge, but will if you continue to make demands."

"We'll drop all of our demands and sign the papers as you've presented them." Dickie Senior looked at his hands before making eye contact with me then Gabe. "I got the restraining order and notice of ethics violations as well. I apologize for letting my emotions run away with me."

Gabe didn't acknowledge his apology but just kept plowing through the business at hand. "We'll deliver the signed papers to the judge. I got us scheduled to appear tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 to finalize the divorce with the judge. The restraining orders will remain in place for nine months at a minimum."

They nodded and stood to leave. As I watched the conference room empty my mind reeled with everything that had just happened and the possibilities that my future held. I'd be a single woman by the weekend and free from Dickie at least in name once and for all. The road ahead wouldn't be easy as I shook off my shackles, but I found myself excited and not fearful for the future for the first time in a long while.