Chapter 22

SPOV

Ranger started to come around when Bobby reassured me that my job was safe. He rubbed his jaw while giving Tank a look that has caused many men to cower. Tank was not afraid of our boss. "You'll pay for that," he calmly stated. His calm demeanour spoke of retribution. Stephanie stiffened in my arms.

I slowly moved off my husband's lap, leaned over and reached my hand out towards Ranger. We both knew I have unfinished business with our boss. In his twisted mind I was his. I want to speak to him alone. Hopefully Lucas will understand.

He stood up before grabbing my hand. I was annoyed when he lifted me into his arms and sat with me on the chair. Lucas was not amused I was sitting on Ranger's lap. When I attempted to move, his grip tightened. Alrighty then... "Luke, guys, do you mind giving us a few minutes to talk?" I tried using my eyes to reassure Lucas. We stared into each other's eyes until he finally nodded.

"Tank stays," Lucas announced. He really didn't want to leave me in a room alone with Ranger. I imagine Ranger's possessiveness was the driving force.

Before Ranger had the chance to speak, I said, "It's the only way Ranger. Either Tank stays or our discussion won't happen." He shifted me so he could see my eyes. Whatever he saw had him agreeing with us.

The other men didn't have a chance to leave before Ranger started speaking in rapid Spanish. He said, "I'm not happy she married Rodriguez after knowing him for such a short period of time. If they only married because she gave him her virginity, I could have completed that task without marriage. I wanted to be the man who awakened her sexuality. If her temper is any indication, she'll be wild during sex." I was getting more furious with every word he spoke. He started going into detail of what he wanted to do to me sexually and what he'll have me do to him.

My husband was getting angry too. We had only started exploring each other's bodies. Lester had to stop him from attacking Ranger. The ignorant man continued to spout off in Spanish about how I belonged to him. He placed a claim on me the day we met... and he continued with this diatribe.

I got sick of hearing his words. Lucas could see my anger escalating. When he got to the part where I was ruined for him, I yelled, "I don't need your approval. I don't care if you're not happy I married Lucas. We did not get married because I gave him my virginity. Yes, both Bobby and Lucas knew I was a virgin until last Saturday. I personally saw you fuck so many women in alleys and on the hood of your car. With how fast you unzipped and entered them, there was no way you used a condom. Not to mention all the times you bragged about your latest dark alley hookups. My husband will be the only man to awaken my sexuality. If you can't respect my marriage, then I'll tender my resignation effective immediately."

I was so angry I didn't realize I spoke in Spanish until Ranger said, "Babe, you understand and speak Spanish?"

SHIT! I let that secret slip out. "Isn't it obvious I do?" His face blanched. He always talked in Spanish to Lester or Tank whenever I was around. Ranger especially didn't want me to know what he was up to. He often outlined how he planned to trick me into his bed. I never gave him any indication I understood what he was saying. However, I did use what he said to ensure I was never alone with him. Most of his plans involved me being tricked into using his apartment to shower. It's the precise reason I used Hector's on-site apartment to shower after a workout. Using Hector's home gym helped me train for more hours outside Rangeman. I purposely only spent the minimum amount of required time in the Rangeman gym. "Lucas, can you please take me home?"

Lester was grinning while Tank and Bobby were surprised. Ranger looked devastated. "Babe, please we need to talk." Of all the words he had to use, he chose that one. He essentially guaranteed I would stay to talk.

"Okay. Stay Tank?" I was hoping he was still willing to stay with me. This was Ranger's final chance. What he says during this conversation will determine if I stay or quit.

"Whatever you need Little Girl," he replied. Bobby gave me a hug as he whispered congratulations.

Lester whispered, "I knew it. Your explanation didn't really make sense." What Lester didn't know was Hector just found out last week. Lucas gave me a chaste kiss before leaving with Lester and Bobby. I knew he didn't like the idea of me talking to Ranger without him in the room. In order to maintain my friendship with Ranger, we need to have this discussion.

After Tank locked the door I asked Ranger, "Why did you claim me?"

"Babe," he replied.

"Okay this is not going to work. In order for us to talk, you need to say more than one word," I snapped. My anger was simmering just below the surface. It wouldn't take much for me to blow up again. "So why did you claim me?"

"You're gorgeous. You were playing hard to get," he answered.

"Are you serious? You actually thought I was playing hard to get? Did it ever cross your mind I had zero interest in you? I've seen you fuck so many women since I met you."

"Most women play hard to get with the man they really want. I thought you enjoyed the thrill of the chase. Those other women mean nothing to me," he replied. There was one woman that could have given him something and I felt he really needed to know. I would hate for him to spread diseases around.

"What about that busty redhead last week behind my cousin's bonds office?" His blank face was firmly in place. "You now exactly who I'm talking about. She was wearing a very tight and short red dress. I watched you open your zipper, rip of her panties and fuck her against the wall."

"She doesn't mean anything to me other than an scratching an itch," he snapped.

I don't really care that he was scratching an itch, but that woman would give him another type of itch to scratch. He obviously doesn't discriminate what woman he fucks. "Do you even know her name?" I had to ask.

"Never asked." Wow... he's going to flip when I tell him. As his friend, I really need to tell him.

"Was it the first encounter you had with her?" I saw him squirm.

"No." Oh boy... if he had unprotected sex with her, he needs to get tested as soon as possible. I wasn't angry anymore. My need to protect him was overriding my anger.

"I'm not mad anymore Ranger. We're friends... at least I hope we still are." He gave me a tiny nod. "Are you going to respect my marriage to Rodriguez and support us?"

"Babe." I gave him a stern look. Tank stood behind me to help intimidate Ranger. He caved and answered, "Yes. I will respect your marriage to Rodriguez and you still have a job at Rangeman." I already knew that part, but it was still nice to hear.

"Thank you Ranger. Are we still friends?" I had to ask again hoping to receive a verbal response.

"Yes we are Babe. Why didn't you give me a chance?" he wanted to know.

"I was completely innocent, you were anything but innocent. You never respected yourself enough to use protection during your sexual encounters. When Joe Morelli attempted to rape me when I was only 16, I made a vow to avoid all men who are womanizers. You never had a chance with me," I explained the best way I could.

"As your friend, I need to tell you something about that woman I saw you screwing. Her name is Joyce Barnhardt. She's known to spread Chlamydia, genital warts and she also gets frequent outbreaks of herpes."

I have never seen a dark coloured man turn so white. "Please tell me you're joking."

"Sorry. I really wish I was joking, but I'm not. If it helps, I can give you a list of aliases she uses when she visits the clinics for treatment," I offered. Ranger nodded, triggering Tank to pass me a pad and pen. I gave Ranger a list of 10 names I knew she uses at various clinics. Rangeman programs and Hector will help him find the answers he needs. "Do your research. Once you realize I'm telling you the truth, you should get tested for every STD possible."

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LPOV

I was pacing around in my apartment waiting for Stephanie to return. Ranger's reaction was exactly what I expected. My wife better be safe. I would be devastated if he ever hurt her. Thankfully Tank was there to protect her.

Stephanie can take care of herself, but she shouldn't have to. Ranger's used to getting whatever he wants. I can only hope he'll stop pursuing my wife. He doesn't seem like the type to sleep with married women, unless he doesn't know they're married.

Morelli is another man after my wife. Men around the Burg talk. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew she was a virgin. There has to be a valid reason for him chasing her over the past few decades. My radar is firmly focused on Helen Plum. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. Unlocking the screen, I noticed the message was from Ranger. 'My office now,'

An order to Ranger's office never boded well. I wondered if Steph was there too or if she was still in Tank's office. 'Are you still in Tank's office?' I asked her via text. Her phone chimed in our bedroom. It was on the nightstand charging. I unplugged it to take with me.

When I arrived at his office, I gave the door a few quick raps. Ranger opened the door to permit entry. He closed and locked it behind us. I noticed Stephanie sitting in his chair typing away furiously on his laptop. Ranger motioned towards the couch across the room.

I sat on the couch as he sat in the chair across from me. "Congratulations. I won't interfere in your marriage to Stephanie," he said while glancing towards Stephanie.

"Thank you." I could feel Stephanie watching our exchange. A printer next to Ranger's desk started printing. He stood up and walked towards the printer. Once it stopped, he passed my wife her crutches and grabbed the paper.

Ranger waited until Stephanie took a seat beside me before speaking. "Babe selected a destination for your honeymoon." He passed me an itinerary and boarding passes.

"This is too much," I said when I saw the destination.

"Darling, it's his way of apologizing. I really want to honeymoon in Hawaii," she pleaded.

I stared into Ranger's face to ensure it was truly his way of accepting our marriage. He gave an almost imperceptible nod and I found myself accepting his gift. "Thank you," I said.

"Your flight leaves at 0800 tomorrow. I'm leaving for Miami tonight," he announced.

"You don't need to leave your home Ranger," Stephanie stated.

"I need time and distance to refocus," he said. I wouldn't be surprised if he picks up an extra mission to vent his frustrations. It's exactly how he coped in the past. He likely wants Steph to think he's at Rangeman Miami. She worries whenever one of us leave on a mission. I caught his eye and raised an eyebrow. A brief twitch of his lip confirmed my suspicion. He dismissed us and we returned to our Rangeman apartment.

We found our luggage already packed. A note with Stephanie's name was attached to her luggage. As she read the note, a tear ran down her face. She hastily wiped away the tears and passed me the letter.

'Hermana,

Roger and I packed your summer clothes. We recruited Ella to pack your husband's suitcase. Rodriguez please forgive me for entering your home. Doors are locked and alarms are set. Enjoy your honeymoon.

Adios.

H '

"He's an amazing friend," Stephanie announced.

Having one less item to handle, I left Steph in our apartment so I could grab food. As I reached the elevator, Ella was maneuvering a cart through the door. "Turn around Lucas, I have dinner for you and Steph," she said. I did as asked and returned to the apartment. She followed me into the apartment as I held the door open. Ella quickly set the table and gave Stephanie a hug. "Leave the dishes and laundry. I'll collect them tomorrow," she said as she left the apartment. Neither of us paid much attention to what we were eating. We were too excited for our honeymoon.

My alarm sounded early this morning. I made love to my wife before we got out of bed. We made love again in the shower as I her pressed against the tiles. Her legs were wrapped around my waist as I released into her warmth. I can't wait until she starts the birth control shots so we can stop using these condoms.