Chapter 47

I watched as his finger came to his lips basically telling me to be quiet. I wasn't sure if it was because we were still linked in with Ranger through the mic or there was something else going on. I jumped when a pounding came from the door and as the handle started turning. I watched as Hector brought out a gun and pointed it toward the door. The door must have been locked but the banging continued growing louder and more insistent.

I was so busy watching the door that Hector pulling me by my hand took me by surprise and I was more than willing to follow him, surprised when we ended up in the large opulent bathroom with the door locked behind us. It was then that I realized that Hector was talking in Spanish, and not to me. He stood on the toilet and pushed against the ceiling where a tile easily began to move. Pushing it to one side he held out his hand to me.

I hesitated for a moment because I was sure his intention was for me to somehow climb up and through the gap. It was the sound of wood splintering from where we'd been that had me taking his hand and stepping up on the toilet with him. As he wrapped his arms around my knees and lifted me, I wasn't too sure how this was going to work. Hell, I'd struggle to hoist myself up with two good arms so knew my shoulder was going to hinder any movement.

"Reach up with your good arm"

Was what Hector shouted up so that's what I did wondering how that was going to help. I gasped out loud when a hand enveloped mine and was then being pulled up through the gap with Hector below pushing me up by my feet. I wasn't too sure who it was above as there was very little light but was aware of being sat down with my feet dangling down. Hands on my waist lifted me to my feet and turned me around to gently guide me along a thick plank of wood. Looking back, I was sure that the ceiling tile had been replaced.

"Hector, where is he?"

"He'll be fine. Just keep walking but stay low"

I didn't recognize whose voice it was because I was so focused on where I was walking. As I came to what seemed like a wall, I turned around to ask what to do next almost blinded by the beam from a flashlight. It was a narrow beam and was directed on the wall at my feet where I could see a ledge.

"You want me to walk along that?"

I whispered loudly hoping that I was wrong.

"I'm right behind you"

Sheesh, that filled me with confidence. One hand stayed on my hip while he shone the light where I needed to walk. Stooping while walking was hard going and as the muscles in my legs began to shake, I was ready to just sit down and wait. That's when I noticed light coming from further ahead of me and that's when I stopped being afraid of who might be there waiting for us.

"Beautiful, get a move on, you're almost here"

"I'm moving"

Because hearing that Les was there gave me the impetus to walk toward where he was. As I sat on the edge of another opening, I felt Les grip me around my knees. Thank goodness whoever was behind me had the foresight to hold the wrist of my good arm before Les slowly lowered me down his body until I was stood in front of him with his arms holding me tightly.

"You okay Beautiful?"

"I am now. What the hell is going on?"

Les literally lifted me in his arms as he stepped down onto the floor. I have to say that I still felt a bit shaky especially the muscles in my legs.

"There were men who came into the hotel as Charnley left so we decided to get you out"

"Ranger?"

"He's fine, he walked out and got into a car and drove away as though he had no concerns"

That had me feeling relieved but then I remembered that we'd left Hector behind in that suite.

"Hector?"

"He called hotel security and made out that he'd been in the shower. He's good Beautiful. Hotel security called the police and they arrested two men"

As we'd spoken, we were walking out of a closet into another hotel suite and it was then that I noticed the man behind us and recognized him as Arlo.

"What now Les?"

"We get out of here"

I could go with that and had enough confidence in Les not to ask any more questions. Yes, I was curious, but kept my silence as I followed Les out of the suite and onto a corridor. We ended up in what seemed like a service elevator that seemed to go lower than just one floor. When it opened and we'd walked through a door I found myself stood outside on what looked like a loading platform with a large van parked up with the back doors open. That's where we ended up sat on the floor as someone drove away from the area.

My thoughts kept going back to Ranger and the fear of where he was and if he was okay. I tried to tamp down the idea of losing him as previous feelings rose to the surface. Closing my eyes, I had to believe that he knew what he was doing, after all he was the best at this type of work. As I ran that through my mind, I felt myself beginning to calm down. I was glad of Les's arm around to stop me from being jostled by the motion of the truck and even more pleased as we seemed to slow down and came to a stop. I'd gotten used to the darkness inside the van so when the doors opened, I squinted against the bright sunlight that assaulted my vision but was aware of Les lifting me to my feet.

As I came to the doors I was lifted down and suddenly felt my world right itself. From the feel of the arms around me I knew that Ranger had been worried, worried about me, from how his hand came to my head and pulled it onto his chest

As I heard the doors to the van slam shut, I turned with my arm still around Ranger to watch as it drove away. The view in front of me had me turning to look at Ranger and that's when I really noticed what he was wearing. I was speechless, opening my mouth to say something and then closing it.

"We're hitching a lift home Babe. This seemed like the safest option"

As he started to walk forward all I could do was gawk at the scene around me. Yeah, there were planes and also helicopters but it looked to me as though we were on an air force base with fighter jets stood in a line and large carrier planes beyond. There was the occasional Jeep driving around with men in uniform and the sound of engines starting up. I ducked when one plane seemed to come out of nowhere to eventually drop down onto a runway in the distance.

A helicopter. Was what went through my mind as we came to a stop in front of a green painted one. I just stood there as I felt a jacket being draped across my shoulders and numbly pushed my good arm through the sleeve. Ranger came to stand in front of me as he zipped it up which brought me out of my stupor, especially as I could see the smile that was threatening to break out across his face. He was amused at my reaction. Me, I decided to pull up my big girl panties and brazen it out.

As I looked down at the jacket that I was now wearing I noticed it as being similar to one that Ranger was wearing though I would have preferred to have been wearing combat trousers and boots rather than a dress and heeled boots, because I wasn't too sure just how I was going to get inside the helicopter without showing myself up.

That thought soon disappeared as I felt arms under my thighs and around my shoulder as I was lifted up and inside the cabin. Ranger sat me down on a bench seat that was facing the front and pulled straps over my shoulder to buckle with a lap belt. He finished by placing a headset over my ears and a kiss that had me swearing at how tightly I was strapped down.

"I have to go up front. The headphones have an inbuilt mic so if you need me just talk to me, okay?"

I nodded my head as Ranger stood up and slid the large doors closed before heading up to the front. I hadn't noticed until now that there was someone else sat there as well and watched fascinated as he began to flick switches and turn knobs. I could feel the drum of the engine rise before we very slowly began to rise away from the ground. Whilst I was gripping tightly hold of the belt with one hand, I actually kept my eyes open.

I was fascinated with how the helicopter tilted and turned before levelling out and the view was amazing. It felt so different to being inside of a plane. I jumped slightly at the sound of a voice close to my ear but recognized it straight away.

"Babe, are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, I am"

I replied as I looked forward to see him looking back at me. To be honest the flight didn't last long enough for me and it seemed that we were soon starting to turn and descend. I was sure that we weren't anywhere near to Trenton not having seen any landmarks. When another army base seemed to be coming closer, I could swear there was water ahead of us and Hector's words came back to me when we'd walked from the house. Fort Dix was close by to it, so I hoped that was where we were heading for.

Once landed and the engine slowed, I was soon being unbuckled from my seat. Walking to the edge of the cabin I waited as Ranger slid the door open and jumped down before he then held me around my hips and lowered me to the ground. Maybe it was the shit eating grin across my face, but Ranger smiled, yeah, a 200-watt smile, before he kissed the top of my head.

"You never fail to amaze me Babe"

Getting back to the house was easier than I thought it would be. Okay, so I was a bit curious as to how that would happen, stupid really because I knew Ranger would have planned it out. I instantly recognized the blue SUV by the gates with Bobby stood next to it. As I sat in the back seat on our short journey to the house my head was clear enough now to start to go through what had happened at that hotel. The fact that there were men waiting and watching didn't sit well with me and my immediate idea was that maybe Charnley had been the one responsible for that happening. I mean how many people knew that Ranger was meeting him there this morning.

Taking the jacket off I looked down at the dress I was wearing, mortified at the dust and cobwebs mow adorning it. No doubt my hair would be in the same state, so I immediately headed upstairs to shower a slight shake of my head at the idea of spiders taking up residence there. Once in the bedroom I quickly removed my boots, stockings, sling and dress before walking into the bathroom and turning on the water. It was as I was stood under the heat of the water that I heard the door slide open behind me. Not what I was expecting but I wasn't going to complain. I felt hands on my shoulders and neck gently washing my skin, the fragrance of Bulgari mingling with the steam to tantalize me.

The feel as Ranger's hands came over my shoulders had me stepping back into him loving the feel of his mouth as he caressed my neck and shoulders. If he used the excuse of my shoulder, then I swore that I'd attack him at the first opportunity that I got, because the feelings around my breasts and over my stomach were sending me crazy.

My first climax rolled through with the ministrations of his hands rubbing against me before his fingers entered me coaxing me with exquisite movements. As my body calmed, I could feel how hard he was against my back so did something that I had never dared to do before. I knelt down with my good arm under my head and rested it on the small shelf at the end of the shower, basically offering myself for Ranger. I thought I felt some hesitation before he was kneeling behind me and felt his chest lean down along my back with his face next to mine.

"Babe, are you sure. I don't want to hurt you"

"Never surer"

I have to say, him moving away from me wasn't what I expected until I felt his tongue against me. This man was poetry in motion as he licked and sucked and once again, I was shouting out his name. All I wanted now was the feel of him inside me and wasn't disappointed as he nudged my legs apart and slowly started to edge his way inside. One of his hands was supporting under my chest while the other was below my hips. His movement was fluid and lazy to start with going deeper with each stroke lighting a fire within me that reached my core. When his arm moved from under me I never gave it a second thought until I felt pressure at my other opening.

"Babe, if you're uncomfortable with this then tell me to stop"

Surprisingly I wasn't, it felt weird to start with but as the rhythm of his movement deepened and synched with the movement of him inside of me, I felt sensations that I'd never had before. At his final thrust I don't know what he did but the climax that came felt like an earthquake sweeping through my body.

When the shaking had calmed, and my senses came back to me I was wrapped in a towel curled up on Ranger's knee. I looked around to find that we were now out of the shower with Ranger leant against a wall, his hand gently caressing my face.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No. Maybe we need to that again because I feel so relaxed even my shoulder isn't aching anymore"

Boneless was an understatement but the peace and happiness that surged through me had tears come to my eyes.

"Babe?"

"I feel so contented and relaxed and happy. I love you Carlos with every breath I take and heart beat I make"

"Te amo querida"

I was lifted from the floor and carried through to the bedroom where the bed seemed like our final destination. It was hours later when I just couldn't fight the exhaustion that came over me from our lovemaking and allowed myself to succumb to the sleep.

When I woke, I was surprised that it was still light and lazily turned over onto my back. I ached in places other than my shoulder but couldn't regret anything that happened between Ranger and me. I had never really considered just how many positions were possible especially as Ranger was adamant that no pressure was put on me. I felt almost embarrassed just thinking about it and am sure I went red as I saw the door open and Ranger walk in carrying a tray. He was only wearing his silk boxers, low on his hips, but it had the effect of my hormones surging to life. Ranger just looked at me and shook his head.

"Babe, you need food. You were exhausted and slept the rest of the night"

"I did?"

"Yes. When did you become such a wild cat in bed?"

"Since I met you"

Was my honest response. Hell, I'd never had so many orgasms in one session with anyone else. Dickie was wham bang and only interested in his own release and Joe? Okay he was good with the foreplay but definitely didn't have the stamina to go for hours. Maybe that's why I never really trusted them to explore my body further because I was never too sure if it was only for their own enjoyment. With Ranger he always ensured that anything that he did was for me to benefit from. Plus, I trusted him. Trusted that he would never do anything to hurt me, always talking to me, encouraging me and making sure that I was comfortable with what he wanted to do. He had everything that I could give. My heart, soul and body.

I pulled myself up the bed to lean against the pillows, okay I made sure the sheet covered my breasts. Hey, eating while baring all just didn't seem right. As I started to eat the hot bagels and cream cheese, I realized that I still didn't know what had happened yesterday, but Ranger's next query totally threw me.

"Babe, in the past we've always used condoms. I have to admit, the thought of you being pregnant isn't something that worries me, but I wasn't sure if that's what you wanted"

I had to roll what he'd said around in my head before I spoke and to be honest the thought of being pregnant with Ranger didn't send me into a panic as it would have done with Joe. No, the idea actually sent a warm fuzzy feeling through me.

"It wouldn't worry me either, in fact the idea feels right but it's not going to happen. I had an IUD fitted several months ago. I was hopeless at taking the pill, but I always ensured that Joe wore a condom"

That slipped out, about Joe I mean so I rushed to explain my reasoning.

"I never quite trusted Joe, especially with Terry. You're the only man that I've allowed near me without one"

"You trust me"

It was more of a statement rather than a question and I rushed to emphasize why.

"With my heart, body and soul"

I couldn't get away with looking down at my plate because his mouth was over mine, his hands holding my head as he kissed me. It was deep passionate gentle and full of love.

"You already hold mine Steph. El guardián de mi corazón, cuerpo y alma"

Okay I wasn't sure of what he had said but it sounded full of promise. Breakfast turned to us feeding each other until the plates were empty and then I had other ideas of what I wanted to do.

It was late afternoon and I'd just dried myself and dressed having soaked in a bubble bath. Dressed in joggers and a T-shirt I went to investigate what Ranger was up to. It was weird really because when we were intimate, I used the name, Carlos, but once up and dressed I just seemed to revert to Ranger. I found him in the kitchen just removing a large dish from the oven and followed him as he placed it in the center of the table.

"That smells amazing"

"Spiced chicken, spinach & sweet potato stew"

I wasn't sure if it was one preprepared by Ella or if Ranger had made it himself and I wasn't going to ask. It tasted as delicious as it smelt making me curious just how easy it would be for me to make. I shook that thought from my head, deciding to try the recipes that I'd done with Hector first. Once finished we both collected the dirty plates together Ranger washed them while I dried both of us quiet, lost in our thoughts.

I was still concerned with the events from the day before but for some reason I was thinking of my family. My parents would be worried after the incident at the train station and I felt that I hadn't seen my Grandmother for an age. My closest friends had probably heard what had happened with the FBI taking me away, but I owed some sort of explanation especially for seeming to disappear again. It made me wonder what Joe knew or if he was still trying to get an in with the FBI.

"I see smoke burning Babe"

I hadn't even realized that I was sat down on one of the couches as Ranger said that and ended up sighing out loud.

"I've got so many things rattling around in my head I don't know where to start"

"You're going to have to give me a clue"

"Yesterday. What happened?"

"I had men keeping surveillance of the building and they spotted that Charnley had a tail. One man to start with, that grew to four. When Charnley left two followed him and two started to come into the hotel. I left hoping that they'd follow me"

"They didn't"

As Ranger shook his head, I knew that these were the man that had followed Hector and me up to the hotel suite and that was why we made such an unconventional escape.

"Hector followed the plan that we'd set up just in case that happened"

That had me rethinking my original thought of Charnley being the one to bring men with him and actually had me worried as to what had happened to him.

"Charnley?"

"I called him and let him know. He was worried, well panicked really. He said that he was going to lie low"

"So we have no idea where those men came from?"

"No. The two that the police took in got bail quickly and have gone. The names and information they gave to the police were bogus"

That meant we no closer to putting an end to being pursued and if yesterday was anything to go by it seemed that they had me in their sights. Why was that? I mean did they think that I had that damn hard drive or know where it was or was I back to thinking that they could use me to get to Ranger. Then again, I suppose I may have pissed off Coleman by basically destroying his little venture in Cambodia. Maybe he held a grudge, who knew.

"What else Babe?"

That brought me back to the present and as I looked at Ranger, I wasn't too sure that the concerns I had about my family were really that important.

"Babe, talk to me"

"My family"

Was all I managed to say because I wasn't sure that how I was feeling could be explained that easily. I felt an arm go around me and being pulled back against Ranger's chest letting out a long sigh in the process.

"Tank let your father know that you'd been released by the FBI and that you were taking some time out to meet with me"

I turned surprised that Tank would say that, I mean I know my Dad was aware of how upset I was after, you know. But to say that to my Dad, what was Tank thinking? My mother would start ironing, no she'd probably be buying more bottles of iced tea.

"Give him a call Babe, your Grandmother as well. They haven't seen you for weeks"

He was right, I needed to call them and talk to them, but I wanted to see my Grandma. I wanted her to know that I'd found Ranger, well that we'd found each other and thank her for the support and belief that she'd had in me.

"I will. Ranger would it be safe to visit them?"

"Yes, but you'll have"

"Take a team with me"

"And"

"I'll carry my gun, but not when I visit Grandma. I'd hate her to get her hands on it"

I had to think for a minute where the phone had gone that I'd used when I was last here.

"Hi Dad"

"Pumpkin, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon"

That had me wondering what to say to him.

"I thought that I owed you a thank you and probably an apology"

"What for? As long you're safe you don't owe me anything"

What did I say to that? I knew my Dad loved me and would always be there for me.

"So are you with Ranger?"

"Yes. It seemed so weird, seeing him"

"Are the FBI finished with you?"

Were they, I had no idea now because whilst Roberts was dead I wasn't sure what Desilva was up to. I didn't want to worry my Dad any more than I already had so maybe a little lie wouldn't hurt.

"I think so. It was to do with an FTA I took in weeks ago"

"Will we see you soon?"

"Yes. How's Mum doing?"

"She's anxious and worried about you"

That didn't really give me any forewarning of what her mood would be when she saw me and that was making me feel nervous.

"Okay, let her know that I'm fine and I'll call in tomorrow"

"Dinner as usual then?"

"Yeah, okay"

Finishing the call I wondered what I'd let myself into but at least calling at my parents would get it out of the way. Hell, what a way to think of my parents as people who I only wanted to see occasionally, well my mother anyway. Maybe after this was all over, I needed to reengage with her and rebuild our relationship. I was looking forward to the next call because I was so keen to talk to my Grandma.

Replacing the phone on the counter I was still reaming from the lightning talk with her. Well, she talked, not giving me any chance to contribute and she had finished the call with me agreeing to visit the new home that she had. I walked back over to the couch surprised to see Ranger reading. It was something so normal and yet not. As he put the book down, he held out a hand to pull me down, so I ended up straddling his legs.

"Looking a bit frazzled, Babe"

"I just agreed to visit Grandma and go for dinner at my parents tomorrow"

Shit, how had that happened, how had I agreed to it so easily?

"I'm sorry I should have refused, but"

"They're your family Babe. You need to go. I'll be with you for dinner at your parents, but I have to meet with Daringer tomorrow afternoon. They were exhuming the grave, so he thinks there'll be some answers"

I'd forgotten about that and knew that I'd been worried at who was in that grave, that it could be the third team member Jack. I held my hand against Ranger's cheek trying to convey to him how sorry I was that he had that to face.

"Babe. I know it could be Jack. I've come to terms knowing that but his family need some closure"

I leant forward to touch my lips to his and what started as a gentle kiss of support deepened to something so much stronger. As he stood, I wrapped my legs around him maintaining the kiss as he took us upstairs.