Ranger steps into his apartment and quietly locks the door behind him. He drops his keys onto the silver plate and casts a casual glance at Stephanie's bags and Rex's cage before coming over to sit down beside her. He cups Stephanie's face with both his hands and looks straight into her teary eyes. He knows Stephanie will feel guilty and frightened. He knows she will want to run away. And he loves her even more for wanting to keep him safe. He remembers too well the fear and guilt on her pale white face when they first ran into each other in the bonds office after Abruzzi's suicide. And now he can clearly see all her fear, worries and doubt and the unspoken question she dares not ask:
Just how many times can a man kill for the woman he loves before finally getting bored?
Ricardo Carlos Manoso doesn't give a damn how Stephanie Plum manages to attract the weirdest and worst kinds of stalkers all the time. He will take care of them like he always does. Now that he has finally started a serious relationship with the woman he loves, he won't let go that easily. There is always a price for love, and he is willing to pay for it. "Trust me, Babe." He whispers softly and tenderly kisses Stephanie.
One-third of Stephanie's fear, doubt and worries evaporate the moment Ranger's warm hands cup her face. Another one-third disappears as she looks into his beautiful dark brown eyes and sees his love. And she has absolutely no idea what happens to the rest of them when his lips meet hers.
-END of Punch 25: The Volcano Always Wins-