Chapter Thirty-Three
Ranger stood with his hands on his hips surveying the chaotic scene in front of him. He was pretty sure he was about to crack a molar if he didn't stop clenching his jaw. A tire exploded on the burning heap of metal that used to be a RangeMan SUV, and Ranger suppressed the urge to sigh. It seemed a little too close to a metaphor for his life.
A takedown had gone pear-shaped, in under three minutes. Ranger knew they were lucky it hadn't gone tragically wrong. Ramon had been shot, but it was just a flesh wound. He'd live. After Ranger got through with him for being stupid, he might wish he hadn't.
Les ambled up and gave him the Santos death glare. Ranger narrowed his eyes and glared back.
"If you have something to say Santos, spit it out." Ranger growled.
"Whatever bug crawled up your ass and died, you need to fix it. If you don't, one of the guys may club you in the head, and I'll be right there helping them bury your body so no one ever finds it. Seriously man, you are hurting morale. You're on a hair trigger, and everyone is tiptoeing around you afraid you are going to bite their head off." Les barked back.
Les was rubbing the back of his neck. Ranger wasn't sure if that was to ease the tension, or give him something to do with his hand other than punch Ranger in the face. Not that he didn't deserve it. Ranger had been in a foul mood as of late. His well-ordered life was crumbling, and this little fiasco was just the latest in a string of problems.
"Is that so." Ranger was thinking he should really fire Les.
Only one problem, Les was right. Well, that and he owned a big chunk of RangeMan so Ranger couldn't actually fire him.
Ever since Stephanie had walked out of his life a month ago things had gone wrong. Ranger was beginning to think it was the universe punishing him. Instant karma of the highest order. He couldn't sleep, he was generally pissed off, and he checked his damn phone three hundred times a day hoping for a text. When had he ever done that for a woman?
Ranger couldn't concentrate, and work didn't fulfill him anymore. What had once been his passion, now felt like drudgery. Building a business empire, didn't hold the same appeal it once had. He was already successful, and he was certainly grateful for that. The road hadn't always been an easy one. The problem as he saw it, one more RangeMan office wouldn't fill the void that existed. The one that ached at night. He had a feeling it was called loneliness, but he couldn't really be sure. Why was it one night at the beach with Stephanie held more appeal than a thousand new offices?
Not to mention every time he closed his eyes he saw Stephanie's face, or thought he heard her voice. Or smelled her, or tasted her. God, he was so screwed. The woman stalked him in his dreams and haunted his waking hours.
Les' voice cut into his thoughts. "Yeah. Get your head out of your ass and stop being a fucking idiot. Go fix shit with Stephanie. You and I both know you're in love with her."
Les was standing there hands on hips, giving him that look. The one that said Ranger was trying his patience because he was being a daft prick, and Les was kind of hoping Ranger would get struck by a stray meteor. Ranger was getting rather familiar with that particular look these days. Even Tank had given him a version of it.
Ranger shook his head in denial. "I am not in love with Stephanie Plum." He figured if he enunciated each word clearly enough maybe they would both believe it.
"Really, well you could have fooled me. I guess you sit around and watch surveillance footage just to get a glimpse of her because you're bored. Not much going on at RangeMan to keep your attention. Or you check your phone every five minutes because you are expecting to get a call from Publisher's Clearinghouse. You haven't so much as even looked at another woman, and nobody wants to get on the mats with you because you beat the shit out of them like you're deranged." Les gave Ranger a Jersey worthy eyeroll.
How the hell did Les know about that? Ranger couldn't really deny it, and he wasn't about to admit that he watched endless hours of surveillance footage of her apartment just to see her. Well, that and make sure that prick Montero didn't show up again. He was pretty sure if Montero had been in her apartment one minute more than he had been, Ranger would have busted in and done something seriously stupid. Something that probably would have gotten him shot, or arrested, or both. Jealousy was a fickle bitch.
Ranger just glared at Les and said nothing.
Les stalked off. "Apologize to Ramon." He yelled.
Ranger had an almost overwhelming desire to flip Les off. Instead, he clenched his fists and mentally counted to ten. And then twenty. And then he gave up and flipped Les off anyway.
When his phone rang, he jerked it up and answered without looking. "Yo!" Ranger barked. All his anger and frustration evident in his voice.
"Carlos. Must you bark like a miniature schnauzer when you answer the phone." Vinita's cultured voice came across the connection. He could hear the teasing in her tone and he couldn't help but smile. He'd been called a lot of things in his life. Charming, gorgeous, a fuck-up, but never that.
Ranger realized it was nice to hear from her. He hadn't talked to her in over a month. Not since he had embarrassed himself like a school boy. Ranger missed her friendship and her easy-going nature. He realized he could really use a friend about now.
"Vinita." The smile was evident in his voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Ranger was thinking the pleasure might be his alright. He hadn't been with a woman since Stephanie. Maybe it was time to remedy that. Help him forget, and move on. Relieve the ache in his balls. Vinita might be just what he needed. He felt a little twitch and thought that was a good sign.
"I need a favor."
"Anything for you." Ranger replied. And, he meant it.
"I need an escort to a charity function tonight at the Trenton Country Club. I know it is short notice. You wouldn't have to stay long; I just don't want to arrive alone."
Ranger looked at the scene in front of him. He could still feel the heat from the burning SUV, as the acrid black smoke snaked into the air. He had a thousand things to do and a ton of paperwork. He should really say no.
Screw it. It would all be waiting for him tomorrow when he got up from another sleepless night. In his experience, there was always one woman to save you from another, and maybe Vinita would be just what he needed to save himself from Stephanie Plum.
"What time do you need me to pick you up?"
"Seven."
"I'll be there at six." Ranger said and disconnected. An hour wouldn't be enough, but it would be long enough to take the edge off. After the event he'd make it up to Vinita. Take it slow, maybe even spend the night.
Ranger showered and shaved. He padded into the bedroom to get dressed. He wasn't a huge fan of wearing a tux. A little restrictive for his taste, and they made it harder to conceal a gun, but he kept a couple on hand. Sometimes a job called for one, and sometimes business did. He was spending more time at charity and business functions as he continued to grow RangeMan, and it seemed this was becoming a bigger part of his life than he would have liked.
Ranger absently ran his fingers over Stephanie's clothes that still hung in his closet. He didn't know why, but he just couldn't bring himself to tell Ella to get rid of them, and the normally proficient Ella had left them just hanging there. Glaring like a beacon, silently taunting him. Whispering to him that he should have kept the woman and not just the clothes.
He should tell Ella to get them out today, but should and could were two different things, and Ranger knew today wouldn't be any different than yesterday. Stephanie's toothbrush still sat next to his on the counter, and he couldn't bring himself to sleep on her side of the bed. It was silly, but somehow it made him feel closer to her. Like she was just on a trip and not really irrevocably gone. A month had gone by and she hadn't once called or texted him. Her silence was deafening.
Ranger threaded his cufflinks through the cuff of his shirt, and straightened his bow tie. He swapped out his work watch for his Rolex, and pushed the diamond stud through his ear. He punched the code into his gun safe and tucked his Glock away, swapping it out for his SIG Sauer P365. The SIG was smaller and easier to conceal under the fitted tux jacket.
Ranger realized he hadn't even asked Vinita anything about the event beyond the fact it was black tie. A bunch of rich people donating money to something. The specifics didn't interest him.
Ranger suddenly realized; he was one of those rich people. He had never felt like he fit in, or that he was part of their crowd. He probably never would. Country clubs and caviar bored him. Most of the time, he felt like an imposter or an interloper just playing a part.
He and Vinita were the same. They were both new money, rubbing elbows with old. In his experience, it didn't really matter when it counted. Money and power still mixed whether it was new money or old. Money always talked in the same language, and power always listened with the rapt attention. Something Vinita had told him a hundred times.
She had also told him you could be wealthy and do good. You could enjoy some of the luxuries and privileges that came with wealth and not turn your back on your roots. Vinita always said she liked beer and BBQ just as much as she did champagne and caviar. Vinita was a lot like Ranger. They both moved effortlessly through the underbelly of Trenton as well as in circles of high-society and powerful people. Vinita a lot more effortlessly than he did most of the time.
At a little after six, Ranger rang the bell at the Alvarez estate, and waited. Vinita opened the door and greeted him with a warm smile. She looked stunning. Her dark hair was curled in loose waves, and framed her artfully made-up face. Even bare-faced Vinita was a beautiful woman, but all done up, she was a stunner. She wore a floor length one-shouldered red dress that had a slit that showed just enough leg to make a man sweat.
Ranger stepped inside and closed the door behind him, his eyes intent on her face. The red lipstick that slicked her perfect pout would have to be redone, but that couldn't be helped. Watching those red lips wrap around his cock would be worth it.
He stepped forward and slipped his hand around the back of her neck drawing her close. He lowered his mouth to kiss her, but Vinita turned her head and his lips landed on her cheek.
Ranger immediately took a step back, giving her space. That had been unexpected. Had he misread the signs? He gave her a questioning look.
"Just an escort tonight." Her voice was soft and gentle.
"Understood." Ranger said. "Vinita, I know the last time we were together."
Vinita held up her hand. "No that's not it at all cariño. I'm seeing someone, otherwise…." Vinita's eyes traveled leisurely over his body stopping in a few strategic places, and she shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't pass that up. We both know you can pleasure a woman for hours."
Ranger inclined his head and gave her a half smile. One of the many things he had always liked about Vinita was how direct she was. You never had to worry about what she was thinking or guess what she wanted. He also appreciated her attempt to spare his ego. His last performance with her hadn't exactly been a success. More like a forfeit due to faulty equipment. Another thing he could blame on his Stephanie Plum obsession.
"Vinita that is great. I'm happy for you." Ranger meant it. Vinita deserved happiness and someone to treat her like the treasure she was. Someone that could appreciate her and be her partner.
Vinita lifted her elegant shoulder. "It's been harder than I thought. I still feel like I'm betraying Alejandro." There was a slight tremor in her voice that cut straight through him.
Ranger grasped her by her shoulders and waited until she looked at him. "Alejandro would want you to be happy. You aren't betraying him; you are honoring him by being happy. That is all he ever wanted for you."
Vinita studied him for a moment. "You are so much like him, Carlos. He was a good man with a generous heart, and so are you."
Vinita reached up and cupped his face. "Come, have a drink before we go." They headed to the study. "Tell me what's going on in your life. Tell me about this woman that is haunting your dreams."
Ranger stopped short. "Why do you say that?"
Vinita laughed. "You have the look, Carlos."
Ranger took two crystal tumblers and poured them each a finger of whiskey, handing one to Vinita.
"What look is that." He asked as he studied her over the rim of his glass.
"The look of a man that is desperately trying to tell himself he is not in love, and making himself miserable every minute of the day doing it." Vinita was smiling at him.
"No, it is nothing like that." Ranger resisted the urge to duck in case he was about to be struck by lightning. "I've just been a little distracted lately. A lot of problems at work."
"Hmm." Vinita intoned noncommittedly. The twinkle in her eye said she wasn't buying that story. "Tell me about work then."
A little past seven they pulled up to the Trenton Country Club. The clubhouse was a sprawling mansion that sported Antebellum architecture. Its stately columns, balconies, and gabled roof gave it a lavish, opulent look reminiscent of a bygone era. The clubhouse dated back to the late 1890s and rumor was Roosevelt and Rockefeller were among the names that had graced the guest registry. Tonight, it was a blending of old money and new.
Ranger handed his key to the valet and went around to help Vinita out of the Porsche. She tucked her arm in his and they made their way up the stairs.
"What is the event tonight?" Ranger asked as they entered the main foyer.
"Some law enforcement-oriented event." Came Vinita's vague reply. "Fortunately, it is just drinks and hors d' oeuvres, and we won't have to suffer through any hideous rubber chicken and mystery vegetables that have boiled into an unidentifiable mush."
Ranger figured maybe there was a god. Bland chicken, boring people, and no possibility of sex, would have been insufferable. As it was, Ranger was already eyeing the door.
Ranger snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, and they slowly made their way to the ballroom, stopping to talk to several people as they went. Vinita managed the small talk as they moved through the crowd. Vinita knew making polite conversation wasn't at the top of Ranger's list of skills. For Vinita it came as second nature. She was gracious and always seemed to know some personal detail that made every person she spoke to feel special. Ranger largely played the role of potted plant, or boy toy when he was lucky.
A woman that looked to be about a hundred, glided up to him. She was dripping in diamonds and the cloud of perfume that came off of her almost made him gag. She had a predatory smile as she raked her eyes over his body.
"Aren't you a handsome one." She purred.
She was old enough to be his grandmother, and Ranger wasn't exactly comfortable with the way she was looking at him. She was making it clear she wanted to see him naked, and he couldn't quite suppress the involuntary shiver that went through him. He was pretty sure thinking about his grandmother while being eye-fucked was enough to scar him for life. He looked around. Where the hell was Vinita. She looked over and gave him a wink, her eyes dancing with laughter. She knew exactly what was going down. The woman was evil. He couldn't help but smile back.
The crypt keeper reached out a bony hand and raked it down his chest, heading with purpose to parts south of the border. Ranger caught her hand in his in an effort to fend her off. He didn't want to make a scene so he brought her hand to his lips. Her flesh felt cool against his lips and he pasted a smile on his face, thinking he was going to need a real drink after this. Maybe a hundred drinks, and electroshock therapy to wipe his memory. It was like pressing his lips to a dead fish.
"Enjoy your evening." Ranger said and side stepped away from her, fending off her other hand in the process. Vinita just chuckled as she swept in and rescued him, putting herself between him and the handsy old bat.
Ranger wasn't sure how he felt about being groped by someone old enough to be his grandmother, but he was leaning a little towards traumatized by the time they made it to the ballroom.
"That woman was trying to grab my junk." He hissed at Vinita.
Vinita turned to him and with a completely neutral smile on her face she leaned in like maybe they were talking about the weather. "Carlos. You sell yourself short. That's not junk, that's a goddamn national treasure."
Ranger almost snorted champagne out of his nose. It was the first real laugh he'd had in a while, and one he definitely needed.
"You're an evil woman."
Vinita gave an insolent shrug. "Part of the reason you love me."
Ranger chuckled and took her arm. He led her farther into the room. "That I do."
They mingled for a while. Ranger growing increasingly concerned the fake smile on his face would freeze and become permanent if he didn't get out of the room. The air felt stifling, and the conversations were all the same, just slightly different people having them. At that moment, Ranger would have traded a third world jungle for the country club.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the flash of something that felt familiar. His gaze automatically drawn to the doorway. Standing there like an absolute vision was Stephanie Plum.
Her hair was half up and half down, cascading around her in a riot of dark curls that were barely restrained. She looked better than any fantasy he'd ever had. The lilac-colored dress, drifted and floated around her like gossamer. It reminded him of butterfly wings. When she moved it caught the light and shimmered like moonlight glinting on water. The dress molded to her like a second skin, showcasing the gentle flare of her hips and her long legs. The draping neckline accentuated the delicate curve of her collarbone. He loved the hollow between her collar bone and her shoulder. He wanted to trace the shape with his tongue and plant kisses along her neck, so she would make that delicious little sound low in her throat.
He stood immobile as he watched her, a familiar ache building in his chest. His breath suspended. He drank in the vision of her, enjoying the opportunity to watch her unobserved and unrestrained. She looked good. Relaxed and happy. He saw her reach up and rub the back of her neck, scanning the room.
Ranger watched as Rafe Montero joined her, handing her a glass of champagne. When she smiled at Montero, Ranger felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Montero motioned with his head toward a group of people and they turned to join the group.
It felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of the room. The dress was backless, exposing the smooth and graceful contour of her back. The creamy skin held an invitation to be touched and caressed. Ranger was pretty sure he growled when Montero's hand moved to rest on the bare skin of her low back just above the dip of her dress. The familiarity of the gesture was disconcerting, and envy raced hot and dangerous through his blood. Ranger couldn't breathe. Suddenly the bow tie felt too tight, like it was cutting off his air supply, and he reached up and tugged at his collar.
Vinita was watching him intently, and Ranger realized it had all been a set-up.
"Did Santos put you up to this." Ranger asked yanking his eyes away from Stephanie's backside to look at Vinita.
Vinita just raised a perfectly arched brow at him. "Do I look like a woman that can be put up to something?"
Ranger winced a little and gave her a look that said she had a good point. Ranger wasn't sure of a lot of things these days, but he knew for a fact Vinita didn't do anything she didn't want to do.
Vinita sighed. "Although, he did say he was about to club you in the head like a baby seal, or the SEALs were going to club you, or something." She was smiling at him.
Ranger shook his head. "You are a meddling woman."
"And you are a stubborn man." Vinita shot back. "Now instead of debating the facts, let's talk about what you are going to do about that."
Vinita gestured towards Montero and Stephanie. "Because that cool drink of water is the real deal, and if you don't get over there and tell her how you feel, that man is going to win her heart, and then where will you be?"
"Maybe that is for the best." Ranger muttered, as he watched the two of them. They made a striking couple, and the ease between them suggested familiarity and trust.
Vinita gave him a look you might reserve for a misbehaving toddler. She made a tsking sound. "You and I both know better than that."
"She isn't part of my life plan." Ranger said absently, his eyes glued to Stephanie. He knew he shouldn't stare, but he couldn't quite help it. Right now, Ranger couldn't remember why that plan mattered.
"So, make a new one. Carlos, for a smart man, you can really be idiotic, adorable mind you, but idiotic." Vinita gently chided. "I know that look. That is exactly how Alejandro used to look at me. Don't let her go, just because you are afraid. The best things in life thrill you and scare you just a little. That's how you know you're alive."
Ranger knew the minute Stephanie felt him staring at her. Her eyes swung directly to him honing in on him like a laser. Their gazes crashed in a scorching hot collision hitting him like a physical touch. Their eyes held for a moment. Her face betrayed nothing as she stared at him. Her lips slightly parted.
Stephanie's eyes slid to Vinita, and he saw her expression change. It became guarded. Why was it that the first time he had seen Stephanie since she walked out on him, he was with another woman? It felt like the fates were laughing at him.
She raised her champagne glass to him in a little salute. He raised his glass in response. And then she turned and walked off.
Vinita had been casually watching the exchange. "I can see why you like her. You're going to have to work for that one though."
"Yeah, but she's worth it." Ranger replied.
Vinita hid her smile by taking a sip of champagne. Mission almost accomplished.