Chapter 37-Blood
I woke up with a headache and I was very sore in all of the right places. I closed my eyes and visions of last night filled my brain and I smiled. "Mmm" I moaned
"Don't do that Babe. I have a meeting and I can't be late." I heard Ranger's voice as I opened my eyes. He was standing next to the bed holding fries, coke and aspirin. Of course he was wearing his usual black cargos with his black shirt tight against his chiseled body,
"I love you." I slowly sat up.
"Are you talking to me or the fries?" he had his straight face.
"Both" I stretched my arms above my head before I reached out for the aspirin. I washed them down with the coke and started going to work on the fries.
He sat down beside me. "So about this Cowboy..." he raised one eyebrow "And the sailor."
I rolled my eyes and leaned my head back and smacked it into the headboard. "Ouch"
He leaned over and put his hand behind my head and rubbed it gently. "I should ask you where you learned those moves." I made a face at him
"Babe" he smiled
"It's not fair you had men to report to you everything I did, but I don't have anyone to report what you did." I pouted.
"I am sure Lester or one of the guys would tell you if you asked." he patted my leg. "It sounds like your night was a lot more exciting than mine."
"You asked for a full report?" I shoved more french fries into my mouth.
"Cal wouldn't tell me a thing. Even when I threatened him with monitor duty and being my sparring partner." he shook his head. "I am starting to worry about his loyalty." he winked.
"Hal?" I asked
"He would only answer direct questions." he admitted
"Are you aware Tank ordered them to watch what I drank and keep slipping me water?" I tried to look aggravated
"Because he cares Babe. By the way that damn Cowboy did ask Cal for your number when he was guarding the room we were in." he raised both eyebrows
I just laughed "He also approached Lula and told her he had no problem giving a free private dance to the bride to be." Ranger tilted his head and I let out a bigger laugh. "Should I be worried?"
"Ranger you have nothing to worry about." I finished my fries and worked on drinking the last of the coke.
"Don't worry the guys are running a background check on him as we speak." I rolled my eyes. He moved his hand to my cheek and gently rubbed it. "I wasn't trying to test you at all last night. I will say though it did boost my ego a bit when you refused to get into it and talked about me."
"You expected anything different?" I asked
"Of course not, I know who you are. It's just nice to have it confirmed." He took the plate and the cup and stood up. "I heard Joyce made an appearance."
"Yeah and your sisters really backed me up. Seriously, they were ready to go toe to toe with her just to defend me." I smiled
"Of course Babe. They love you." He started to walk out of the room and turned around. "Apparently that cowboy does too. I will admit I am happy he stepped in and defended your honor while he put Joyce in her place."
I rolled my eyes as he left the room. I got out of the bed to do my business in the bathroom. When I stepped out I ran right into Ranger's chest. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. "I have meetings with clients and a few potential ones today." he explained as I pulled away and looked up at him with a pout.
"You should know I not only have a headache, but I can barely walk after what you did to me last night." I tried to look upset.
"I'm sorry but someone kept yelling harder, faster and don't stop." he smiled as he leaned in and kissed the pulse point on my neck.
"Mmm" I moaned
He stepped back and shook his head slightly like he was trying to regain his focus. "You have to go with Angel to the florist and check on that stuff. She also wants to go by the bakery and make sure everything is going fine with the cake. She is excited to spend the day with you." he smiled as he cupped the side of my face in his hand.
"When will she be here?" I asked him as he looked down at his watch.
"About an hour." he kissed me and turned around to leave the room. He quickly turned back and closed the distance between us. He cupped my face in both of his hands. "I want to take you out tonight. Just me and you. Dinner and dancing. How does that sound?"
"Perfect." I smiled as he leaned in and gave me a soft gentle kiss before turning around.
"Meet you back here at six. Oh and dress warm, it's cold out today." he told me as he headed for the door.
"Have a good day." I told him.
I went to the nightstand to retrieve my phone and called down to the control room. "Yo." Vince answered
"Is Lester around?" I asked him
"Hold on Bomber"he answered
"Yo" came Lester's voice
"Good morning sexy." I kept my lips tight hiding a laugh
"Good morning beautiful." I could hear his smile through the phone.
"Can you please come up here in a half an hour?" my voice was dripping with sweetness
"Sure thing beautiful." he said before disconnecting.
I dropped my clothes and threw them in the hamper before jumping into the shower. As soon as I stepped out I ran to the closet to get dressed. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweater. Ran back to the bathroom and threw my hair into a ponytail before swiping on some mascara. I slipped on my sneakers and moved swiftly to the kitchen and grabbed some cereal. This was close to running right? This counted as exercise right? I laughed to myself.
Just as I finished my last bite I heard a knock at the door before Lester let himself in. "You decent beautiful?" he called out
"Yes." I hollered back
"Damn." he sounded disappointed as he stepped into the kitchen.
"So..." I carried my bowl to the sink
"Yes?" he smiled
"How did it go last night?" I turned to face him
"Amazing." He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Really?" I gave my best innocent face "So what did you guys do?"
"We went to Domino's" He grinned
"The strip club?" I tried to put on the stone face.
"Oh yes!" he exclaimed
"And? What are the great stories? Any Hangover kind of moments?" I pushed
"Well, Brett must have gotten at least five lap dances. Vince got so drunk he puked all over the bathroom floor." he chuckled.
"Wow! What else?" I grinned as I moved closer and sat on the stool close to him.
"The women were crazy for Woody, asking him if he lived up to his name." he laughed "Raphael got up and danced on the table. " he kept laughing as he spoke. "Oh my God and Ram...Ram he spent the whole night doing body shots off of the ladies."
I forced a laugh "Sounds like a fun night. What about Miquel and the other guys?"
"Miquel?" he couldn't stop laughing again "Miquel was king of the private lap dance room. He went in and I don't think he ever left. Bobby was Bobby...he spent the whole night talking to the bartender. I am pretty sure he will see her again. "
"And you? I bet you left there with ever girl's number." I tried to flatter him.
"You know it beautiful!" he wiggled his eyebrows "Well, anyone else you are curious about?"
"Just wondered what kind of fun things Ranger and Tank were doing. I bet the girls were all over them." I forced a smile.
"I never really saw them once we got in. They headed straight to the private rooms." he gave a throaty laugh
"Oh." my face fell
He didn't speak for a minute and then finally shook his head "Oh Steph, I can't tease you beautiful. They sat together talking about old war stories and barely got buzzed."
"And their lap dances?" I couldn't help myself
He laughed again "We pulled Ranger up onto the stage once and he got a lap dance. He went along with it and gave her a big tip before the song was even over. After that any women who approached them got a big tip and a smile. I don't think any woman got more than a forced hug from either one of them. If you ask me, sitting and bullshitting with my friend all night and ignoring the hot women all around you is insane." he shook his head.
"He loves me." I beamed as he reached out for me and pulled me into a hug
"Yeah beautiful he loves you." he pulled away and gave me a big smile. "He could have still enjoyed himself a little."
"Well, yes I wish he could have relaxed a little more." I admitted
"Beautiful, until we find Jeanne Ellen he won't spend any long period of time without you." he explained
"Speaking of Jeanne Ellen, any word on her?" I asked
"No, I know Boss has every contact we have on the look out for her." he pulled me back into a hug. "We will find her."
Just then there was a knock on the door before we heard Angel's voice call out. "Steph?"
"In here." I shouted
Lester pulled away and kissed the top of my head. "Don't worry." he told me before stepping away to greet Angel
"Hey Lester." she smiled as he pulled her into a hug.
"Nice to see you Angel." he pulled back and headed for the door. "Have fun today ladies."
Twenty minutes later Angel and I were at the florist. We were glancing around when the owner finally came out to talk to us. "Hello how can I help you two ladies?"
"We're just checking in for the Plum-Manoso wedding Making sure the order is right and the bouquets are going to be made as we have specified." Angel told him
"Sure let me go get the order." He walked away and came back with a clipboard. "Yes, the black and white wedding. General flowers for various decoration include black dahlia and white dahlia. The bouquets will include Black Calla lily and white roses. The brides bouquet is to have black roses and white Peony, black and white dahlia and two red carnations."
"Exactly." I smiled
"Fantastic." They will be delivered at 9:00am on Saturday." he read from his paper.
"Yes, the wedding starts at 11:00. Please do not be late because our wedding planner has a team coming in to decorate and we want to be punctual." Angel ordered
"Yes ma'am. I understand." he nodded "Don't be nervous about the flowers. We know it's your special day."
We shook hands and thanked him as we headed out the door. I turned to Angel as we walked towards her car. "Thank you so much for coming with me today. It's nice to have someone else to make sure I don't forget any of the details."
"It's my pleasure. I enjoy it and I enjoy the time with you." she smiled as we waved to Brett and Vince before we got into the car. They were our escorts for the day, and I was glad at least they weren't following us into every place we had to go in today. "What's with the two red carnations?"
"Two hearts" I shrugged
"That's perfect." she smiled at me as she pulled the car away from the curb.
I directed her to the Italian People's Bakery. As soon as we walked in the smell of fresh bread hit my nose and I was in heaven. I looked at Angel and she nodded. I ordered two buttered rolls before we asked to speak to the baker. He assured us the cake would be delivered at 10:00am. His people would carry it in and assemble it in the reception hall. It was to have six layers. Yellow cake with white frosting and black flowers around the edges. We agreed and he let us taste a couple of cakes just to be sure.
"Finally a Manoso who loves food! " I said as we left the bakery
"We all do except Ranger. He is the family health freak." she laughed "Hey it's lunch time and that roll didn't fill me up. I am in the mood for pizza, where's the best place to go here?" she asked as we stood outside of the bakery.
My smile slipped away as I looked at her. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Well, the best place is Pino's but it's a cop hang out." I explained
"You're worried about the ex?" she asked
"A little I guess." I admitted.
She reached out for my hand. "I got your back and it's a public place. We'll invite Brett and Vince in." She winked at me and I couldn't help but smile.
When we got into the car I called the monitor room at Rangeman. "Hey beautiful." Lester answered "Looking for more stories?"
"No. Just a heads up Angel and I are going to Pino's for lunch. Can you let Brett and Vince know they can come in?" I asked
"How about Raphael and Ram?" he asked as I heard the smile on his face.
"They're out there too?" I was surprised
"Yes Bombshell. Always be aware of your surroundings." then in true Rangeman fashion he hung up.
We pulled into the Pino's lot and there wasn't a car I recognized as Morelli's. A black SUV pulled in next to us and then another on the other side. "Hi guys." I said as we all stood at the back of Angel's car.
"Hey Steph. Do you want one big table or do you two want some alone time?" Ram asked me
"We can talk girl stuff and you guys can do your thing." I told him as we made our way through the lot.
"Got ya" Vince winked
As soon as we got in the door I did a quick scan and no Morelli. I heaved out a giant sigh of relief and Angel patted my shoulder. I looked up at her and she smiled, it was contagious. I led her to a booth and surprise she took the side where her back was to the wall. Definitely a true Manoso. The guys sat at the booth behind us. The waitress came over and we ordered a large pizza with nearly everything on it. I heard the door and looked up to see Carl and Big Dog come in. I waved and they came over to our table.
"Hey Steph." Carl reached out and I stood up for a hug.
"You cut off my extra income." Big Dog smiled. "You haven't blown up anything in forever."
"Sorry to disappoint." I looked over at Angel. "This is my sister-in-law Angel."
"Nice to meet you." both men said at the same time as everyone shook hands.
"We gotta grab lunch before our break is over." Carl explained as he hugged me again "Great to see you."
"Great to see you both." I smiled before sliding back into the booth.
"The cops want you to blow things up?" Angel asked
"They take bets." I shrugged my shoulders
"Wow." she smirked.
Every time the door opened I whipped my head around to check. "Relax. I will tell you when someone is approaching." she assured me as the waitress dropped off our drinks.
"I am going to step outside and call Mauricio to check on the kids okay?" she asked me
"Of course. Don't worry about me. I have the guys here." I smiled
"I know just Ranger would kill me if anything happened to you." she worried
"Angel, please you are his sister. He would never kill you." I laughed
"Maybe not, but he would never forgive me." She gave me a serious look. "Please even if you have to go to the bathroom wait for me. I won't be too long. Wait, do you want me to just call from the table?"
"No, go outside. Do the Facetime thing and talk to Rafael, Roberto and Maria." I patted her hand.
"Thanks." she got up and it wasn't long until Ram slid into her seat.
"Don't you trust me?" I asked him
"It's not you Bomber. The wedding is so close and Ranger is putting a lot of pressure on us not to let you out of sight for even a minute. I don't now how he even agreed to allow you to go in stores with Angel alone." he looked nervous.
"It's going to be okay." I assured him. "Anyway I bet you and Raphael were by the back door while Vince and Brett were at the front." he cracked a smile and then suddenly it dropped.
I looked over my shoulder to see Jimmy Lewis waking in with Morelli. Jimmy smiled when our eyes met and Morelli glared. Ram put his hand below the table. "No guns" I warned him
"Only if I need it." he nodded to me. "They're ordering." He informed me before adding "The partner is coming."
"Hey Steph." Lewis appeared at my side.
"How's it going Officer Lewis? Getting used to Burg life?" I asked
"Please call me Jimmy and yes I am slowly learning the ropes." he grinned bigger.
"That's great." I smiled back
"Uhm well I hate being messenger boy." he rolled his eyes. "Personally I don't think he deserves anything from you. As a matter of fact I put in for a new partner and I am only stuck with him for another week. But anyway Morelli wants to know if you will come outside and talk to him." he shuffled his feet.
I thought for a second and then shook my head as our waitress set down our pizza. "No thanks. I am about to eat lunch." I told him
"No problem." He smiled as he took a step away and then turned back around. "Hey, in case no one told you today you have beautiful eyes." he smiled
"Thank you." I blushed It was a nice compliment even if he was only trying to get into my pants.
Ram rolled his eyes before he slid out of the booth. Angel slid back in. Ram gave me a nod before he went back to his table. "Everything okay?" I asked Angel
"Yes, the kids were driving Mauricio crazy. i told him he should take them to the park so they can work out their energy." she explained as she grabbed herself a slice.
"So what do you think?" I asked her about the pizza as I was polishing off my first slice and anxious for the next,
"Yum. It's amazing." she took another bite and we both smiled. She looked up "That guy at the counter keeps looking over here."
I didn't even bother to look back. "It's either my ex Morelli or his partner who thinks he can woo me away from Ranger."
She laughed "That's pretty funny."
We kept eating and exchanging small talk. I was just finishing my third slice of pizza when I noticed Angel's eyes turn dark and she placed the piece she had been eating on her plate. I knew it was Morelli. I figured he was approaching us.
"Hey Cupcake." he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. I ignored him. He waited a beat and then figured it out. "Sorry, how are you Stephanie."
"I'm fantastic."I smiled as I turned to face him.
"That's good." he shuffled his foot. "So, why wouldn't you come outside to talk to me?"
"I am here with my family and I didn't want to be rude." I explained
"Family?" he was confused and I just nodded.
"So I hear the big thing is this Saturday." he breathed out
"The wedding? Yes it's Saturday. Invite only." I explained as I forced a smile.
He whipped his head up. "I guess mine got lost in the mail." When I glanced at him he glared at me.
"This is my sister-in-law Angel. Angel, this is Detective Morelli." I introduced them.
She nodded to him and he smiled and gave her a nod before he looked back at me. "It's Officer now." he frowned
"Sorry to hear that." I shrugged.
"I'm sure you are." he glared "By the way, she's not your sister-in-law until Saturday."
"Whatever I'm not going to fight or argue with you." I forced my mouth shut
"What's up with the thugs behind you?" he asked
"I told you I was here with family." I sighed
"What if I begged you not to do it?" he raised an eyebrow
"Do what?" I was staring at my food.
"The wedding. Not to do it. Not to marry Manoso." he held his breath and then continued. "You've been through a lot in the past few months. I worry you're not thinking straight. I worry you are jumping into this too fast."
"I'm sorry you feel that way." I forced a smile and Angel nodded at me
"What if I told you I still love you?" he sighed
"Thank you Morelli. It's nice to express your feelings." I returned to my pizza and finished up my slice.
"You don't love me?" he sounded sad
"We went over this. I will always love you , but I can not be friends with you." I rolled my eyes
He bent slightly and lowered his voice. "Cupcake, it kills me to see you with him. There is no man that will ever love you like I do and there never will be."
I inhaled a deep breath. "I am sorry my happiness makes you uncomfortable."
"What the hell?" he raised his voice. "This isn't you. What does he have you on some Valium or something to control you? What happened to strong Stephanie?"
"I am as strong as I ever was." I continued to stay calm.
"You have no emotions. You lost your spunk." he argued
"It's just not worth it." I spoke quietly.
He was quiet for a moment before he spat out "He is a psycho, he kills people. Manoso is a loose cannon and he could explode any day. I have told you before, mark my words he will use you and dump you in the trash."
"Okay, that's enough." Angel jumped in. "I am not going to sit here while you lie about my brother. I am sorry you lost Stephanie. I am sorry you lost the best thing that ever happened to you. We all know you will never find anyone as amazing as her."
"I..." Joe tried to interrupt but she held up her finger
"You didn't appreciate her when you had her. It's not Ranger's fault that you lost her, it's your own." she sighed
Joe was angry now. He was holding his breath and looking back and forth between me and Angel. Then he stopped at Angel and started pointing. "You can just shut your mouth. You're speaking about things you know absolutely nothing about."
"and you." Now both hands were out and on his hips. "you..." he was clenching his jaw and breathing heavy. "you just...damn it Stephanie." he shook his head. "It's supposed to be you and me. Everyone knows that."
"Or you and Terry or you and Joyce. Don't worry you have a lot of options." I smiled
"I want you. You and only you." he sighed
"Sorry you feel that way." I continued to stay calm.
"I screwed up. I am human. I am only a man. I know now the man I want to be and the only woman I want to be with." he spoke calmly
"I am happy that you are figuring yourself out and I wish you the best Joe." I looked up at him
"You are the best, and I want the best. I want you back Cupcake." he pleaded
"It's over. That will never change. There is nothing you could ever say or do that would change my decision." I was trying to breath deeply because I was getting aggravated.
"I'm still worried about you. Even if there is no future for us, you shouldn't marry him." he breathed out a sigh
"I love him and I can't wait to be his wife." I looked up at him and saw his eyes flash with anger
He stood there rubbing his chin with his hands he thought about what to say next. "It's because of the men right?"
"What?" I was confused
"All of the men that constantly follow you around. I guess Ranger is not man enough for you so everyone pitches in to make sure you are satisfied. It takes what six? eight guys to please you? I did it alone with no problems. Ranger is a criminal, he's garbage. His men? Criminals, thugs, losers and low lifes. The longer you spend with him the more he drags you down. He's not a real man." he was in rhino mode.
He barely finished the last word as I jumped to my feet and we were nose to nose. "Listen, you need to just walk away and leave me alone. Putting down my fiancee doesn't make you look better. Calling my family names does not make you look better." I tilted my head and kept my lips tight. Angel was on her feet and I could see her calming the guys with her face. Letting them know it wasn't time to get up.
Morelli rubbed his head like he had a headache. "But he's..."
"Give it up Morelli you are like a broken record. It's over. We are done. You ruined our friendship. I have nothing left for you. I never want to see you again. My life is so much better without you in it. I don't even hate you because I don't want to bother even giving you that much emotion." I stood there emulating Ranger's stone face.
"YOU BITCH." Morelli screamed as he pulled back a hand.
I flinched and tried to duck my head to the side. I heard a loud cracking noise and opened my eyes to see Morelli going down holding his nose. Blood was pouring out. I looked over to the guys, but Angel was the only one standing and she was rubbing her hand. I smiled at her and she nodded at me. I looked down at the pathetic man he had become. I had once thought he was so amazing but I never truly knew him.
"Hello Officer Morelli." Chief Petrisino stepped towards us and Joe rose to his feet. He turned to us "Ladies" he smiled before turning back to Morelli. He pushed his hand out towards Joe. "Badge and gun"
Morelli looked down at the empty hand for a second still clutching his hand to his nose. He pulled out his badge and gun. He looked at them and hesitated before handing them over. "But.." he tried to speak but the Chief shook his head
"You are on suspension. I will be pushing through the paperwork for your dismissal. I will also have you evaluated by a therapist and get you enrolled in anger management classes." he informed Morelli
"I didn't do anything." he whined
"I saw the whole thing. If this beautiful young lady had not stepped in to protect Ms. Plum I would be arresting you for assault." he informed Morelli
"What about her? I think she broke my nose." he was seething with anger.
"Clear self-defense." the Chief rolled his eyes.
He looked at me and I felt his glare burning through my body. "You'll be begging me back. Tomorrow or next week or next month or even next year. When he's done with you I know you will come crawling back to me."
"Never going to happen. Move on." I told him
He took a deep breath and then exploded. I couldn't even make sense of half of the things he was yelling about. I heard words here and there.
"Whore"
"Bitch"
"Thug"
"Rangeman whore."
That was the last thing I made out before he crossed the line. He spit in my face. The blood that had gathered in his mouth from his nose was spurted all over my face and shirt. It was gross and I gagged. Blood and phlem dripping down my face. I was stunned and looked back up as the Chief spun him around. My merry men were suddenly surrounding me. Morelli was still screaming and was now kicking and punching anyone around him. Lewis and Eddie appeared out of no where. They helped cuff him, but Morelli was still ranting and raving and trying to fight. Suddenly he froze and dropped to the ground. I looked up and the chief had a stun gun in his hand and a smile on his face.
"I never get to use that." his smile grew
"Take him in?" Lewis asked
"Yes, he is suspended and I am filing the paperwork to have him removed from the force." Lewis and Eddie nodded. Eddie looked over at me and gave a questioning look as I gave him a thumbs up.
Vince had a napkin in his hand and began wiping my face. I just stood there and then Angel grabbed my hand and squeezed it to get my attention.
"Want to go to the bathroom?" Angel asked
"I feel gross but honestly I just want to get back." I shook my head
"Okay no problem." she led the way out and I followed along with the guys
We were on our way back to Rangeman when she turned off the radio and looked at me. "What's wrong? Thinking about what the idiot said?"
I took a deep breath. I was trying to be calm so I wouldn't just start crying when I spoke. I shook my head and finally answered "I want to go out. I want to visit my family and friends. I want to go shopping."
"Sure we can go." she shrugged her shoulders.
"No, you don't understand. I want to do all of these things without being afraid. Without looking over my shoulder." I took a deep breath. "I thought I was fine."
"Steph, you will be. Just hang in there and you will be." she reached over and patted my leg.
"I'm afraid of him. I am really and truly afraid of him. I cowered like some weak pathetic person when he raised his hand. All training went out the window." I was angry now
"I can understand that after all that he has done." she nodded
"He haunts my freaking nightmares. I just..." I shook my head
"It's normal. You will get over it." she sighed
"But..." I shook my head
"Damn, do you always beat yourself up for no real reason?" she asked
"It's not normal to be petrified by someone you used to love." I was frustrated
"Abused women? People hurt or murdered by family or exes. It's normal and you will get over it." she assured me
I nodded and looked out the window as we continued to make our way to Rangeman. I don't want to focus anymore on the past. I want to move forward and build my future. I felt sorry for Joe. This was a man I didn't know. The Joe I knew would have a new woman in his bed right now or he would be trying to get me back with meatball subs and beer. My old Joe would never lay a hand on me and would never speak so nasty. What happened to him?
"He's going to kill us." Vince worried as we walked through the garage, having just parked
"I will take full responsibility. Besides Stephanie didn't get hurt." Angel shrugged.
"Yeah except for getting covered in blood." Ram said nervously.
The elevator doors opened and Ranger stepped out and pulled me into his arms. "Are you okay? Where are you bleeding? What happened? Who was it?" he spoke quickly
"Relax. She's not hurt." Angel explained as she motioned for the guys to get in to the elevator while she stayed in the garage with Ranger and I.
"Someone tell me what happened." he demanded as he looked around. He suddenly realized it was just Angel and I.
"It's no big deal." I whispered
He looked at Angel and she raised her hands up in front of her. "Easy. That idiot cop was being rude and..."
"Morelli? Morelli did this?" Ranger asked as he started to pull away from me. I grabbed him and pulled him back in.
"No. Well, yes" she smiled
He glared at her. "Give me the details or I will go ask him myself." Ranger threatened
"Calm down Carlos." She warned him.
He took a deep breath. "Sorry Angel." he told her as he wrapped his arm around me.
"Thank you. We were enjoying pizza and he came over to our table. He was just talking stupid crap and Steph was staying calm." she began
"You calm?" he pulled away and looked at my face.
"I tried" I nodded
"Then he just went too far. She was defending you and the guys. Then he raised his hand..."
"His hand?" Ranger's mouth dropped open
"Relax." she put her hand on his chest. "I hit him."
"You hit him?" Ranger was confused
"If the guys hit him it would have been a big mess. Stephanie can't because...so anyone yeah I punched him in the nose." she smiled.
"Nice." Ranger smiled. He looked back and forth between us. "How come you don't have any blood on you?" he asked Angel
She took a deep breath and stepped closer to him. She put both hands on his chest and looked up at him. "What is happening this Saturday?"
His forehead wrinkled with a look of confusion. "Getting married to the woman I love?" he asked suspiciously.
"Right. It will be the best day of your life." she smiled at him
"What are you hiding?" he was getting frustrated
"I just wanted to remind you why you must stay calm and not make quick decisions. You can't marry her if you are in jail." she kept her hands on his chest
"Okay, I'm calm." he nodded quickly
"You're not, but I think between us we can keep your mind focused on the prize." she smiled
"Will you tell me about the blood?" he closed his eyes for a second
"He spit at her." she told him. His body gave a jump and she pressed her arms firmly against him and I grabbed his hand and held it firmly.
"Spit?" he was nearly shaking
"I broke his nose and the Chief of Police saw it all. He took his badge and gun. He is on suspension and they will file charges to get him kicked off the force." Angel smiled at her brother.
"Great." he was impatient "The spit?" he turned to me.
"It was no big deal. Just the blood that was in his mouth." I spoke softly
"Where the hell where were the guys?" he spoke through clenched teeth.
"We handled it, as I said it would have been a mess. They would be in jail instead of that idiot being suspended." she told him as he relaxed a bit.
"I understand." he spoke after taking a deep breath.
"Take her upstairs so she can get cleaned and changed. I need to get home to have dinner with the kids." she explained.
"I will." he agreed
I moved forward and pulled her into a hug "Thank you."
"No problem. Fun day!" she wiggled her eyebrows and smiled
"See you soon." I told her
"Call if you need anything." she grabbed her brother for a hug before heading to her car.
We waved her off and then headed to the elevator holding hands. We didn't speak as we rode up to the seventh floor. Stay calm Stephanie. Don't allow him to see you upset because then he will be upset and do something stupid. Control yourself. Take a shower and then take a nap. You will go out tonight and everything will be perfect. Everything will be fine. Just stay calm.
"You okay Babe?" Ranger asked as I snapped back to reality and realized we were in the living room.
"Yeah, just grossed out. I want to take a shower." I explained
"I understand." he smiled as I moved towards the bedroom
"Ranger?" I turned around
"Babe?" he tilted his head
"Don't leave me. Be here when I come out." I pleaded
"I'm not going anywhere." he crossed the room to kiss my forehead.
I took off my shirt and handed it to him "Burn this."
"No problem Babe." he assured me as he took the shirt.
I went into the bedroom and quickly undressed. I ran the water until it was as hot as I could bear and climbed in. I washed my hair and scrubbed my face a little too hard. It was sore and I quickly left it alone. I felt myself crying but I wouldn't allow myself to sob.I rinsed and added conditioner as I washed my body and got control of myself. When I stepped out of the shower Ranger was there holding out a towel. I gave him a half-hearted smile as he wrapped me up in the towel and guided me to sit down on the bed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked as he kneeled down in front of me.
I shook my head and breathed deeply through my nose and pushed it out of my mouth.
"Your face is all red." he reached up and ran his hand along my cheek. I turned my head away from him. "You scrubbed too hard." he guessed and I nodded
"You're all blotchy. You were crying. Tel me what it is." he demanded with a gentle voice.
I shook my head.
"Please?" he spoke softly
"I'm mad." I explained
"At me?" he asked
I shook my head.
"Morelli?" he asked
I shook my head as his eyes flickered with concern.
"Myself." I admitted with a hoarse voice.
"Why are you mad at yourself?" he asked as he got to his feet and sat down beside me.
"I let him get to me." I jumped to my feet. "I was afraid of him. "
"Babe." he reached a hand out but I moved away
"I am pissed off." I yelled as I began to pace. "Who the hell does he think he is? He can just talk to me anyway he wants? Yes! Yes he can because I taught him that he could. When I was with him I rewarded all of his yelling and bad attitude by staying with him."
"Babe."he sighed
"No Ranger." I stopped and shook my head. "I am an asshole! I allowed him to treat me like shit. I continue to allow it." I was back to pacing "I disrespected you and our relationship because I felt sorry for him."
He jumped to his feet and blocked my path. He grabbed my shoulders and bent down to catch my eyes. "You are not an asshole."
"I am! I am an asshole!" I shouted
He laughed. "I wouldn't marry an asshole." he assured me as I found myself laughing.
"I'm mad jerk I don't want to laugh." I shook my head.
"Too bad. My future wife is not an asshole. What did he say today?" he asked me
"Same old stuff. You are all thugs. All of your men screw me. etc etc." I rolled my eyes
"And Angel sad you were staying calm." he smile at me with tight lips
"I was and then I couldn't take all of his lies about you and the guys." I shook my head.
"See? You stood up for us." he pulled me into a hug.
"I'm trying. It's like baby steps." I whined
"It's fine." he moved us towards the bed and brought me up to lay my head on the pillow. "You need a nap."
"Am I a selfish asshole if I ask you to lay with me for a little while?" I asked him as he pulled the sheet over me.
He laughed. "You are not an asshole. Of course I will lay with you."
He took off everything but pulled on a pair of sweat pants before climbing into the bed. He pulled me close to his warm body and moved his arm underneath my head. "Thank you." I whispered as he kissed my head.