Sorry it took so long! I promise I'm working on it!

Ranger POV:

I laid in bed, with my body wrapped around Steph's. My hand rested on her stomach, my thumb stroking along the small bump. I knew she would be excited this morning when she got up, since she was now showing. Her stomach stayed flat for longer than what she would have preferred but the doctor had assured her the baby was fine. I sighed, burying my face back into her neck.

I felt her stretch against me as she woke up. "Carlos," she said softly.

"Babe." I smiled, kissing her neck. Her hand roamed down to mine and laced our fingers.

"Mornin', Carlos," she purred.

"Mornin', Babe," I whispered against her shoulder.

I felt her sigh and nuzzled her again. "What's on your mind?"

"I just… Today it's the start of it."

"This'll be over soon," I whispered.

"I hope so," she replied, her voice just as soft. "I just want to be with you, have our baby, and live our life."

"I know Babe."

XXXXXX

Viktor POV:

I found myself knocking on the door to the Morelli family home. Joseph Anthony Morelli was under house arrest at his mother's house and one of the women opened the door for me. I smiled at her, and she looked at me with disdain before covering it with a smile. No doubt a show for the neighbors.

"How can I help you?" she asked, trying to keep the fake smile plastered on her face.

"Mrs. Morelli? I believe Joe is expecting me," I replied, keeping my face neutral.

"Viktor, I presume?" She asked, crossing her arms, looking me over. "Hmm, come in."

I followed her, stopping in the foyer. "Joe! Your new acquaintance is here!"

"Be right down mom!" he yelled back.

The scene reminded me of those American movies that depicted teenagers being called down for dinner. I nearly rolled my eyes. He came bounding down the stairs in a pair of basketball shorts and stained tank top. His eyes raked over me.

He took in my tattoos, the scar spanning my cheek, and the rest of me. Whatever he saw he must have liked because he motioned for me to join him. I followed him up the stairs and into his bedroom.

It reeked, looking similar to a movie teenager's bedroom. A mess. He motioned for me to sit in the chair next to his desk as he flopped onto the bed.

"So, you're Viktor? Why have you been asking around about me?"

"I heard you have an issue, and I believe we have that issue in common."

"What's the issue?"

"Ranger Manoso."

I saw his eyebrow shoot up. "What'd he do to you?"

"Besides this scar," I said motioning for my face, my accent thick. "He killed my wife."

The scar part was true, but my wife was home in St. Petersburg setting up our nursery. When Ranger had called me, this had hit close to home since my own wife was only a few weeks further along than Stephanie.

"Well, how would you like some revenge?" He asked with a glint in his eye.

"What're we talking about here?"

"He stole my fiancée. He's drugging her, holding her against her will. He got her pregnant. I want you to kill him, but I want her alive. If you can get rid of the brat that would be even better."

"So, you want this woman back?" I asked to clarify.

"Yes," he said simply.

"Someone said you had a few cops that are backing you. Will I be able to rely on them to sweep this under the rug?"

"Make it look like an accident and nobody will even think to look for a Russian national in the city of Trenton. They won't be looking for anybody." He grinned, like he had it all figured out. Little did he know that he had just given us everything we needed to put him under the jail.

"Who are the officers? I want to make sure I am covered."

He shrugged. "There are a few uniforms and detectives that will do whatever I tell them. My captain, and the chief of police. They'll cover what needs to be covered. Let's talk about your fee."

"Since I'll be getting revenge on him also, I'll take my fee down to just expenses." I informed him. He smiled.

"I think Viktor, we have a deal," he said, standing.

I let a feral grin spread over my face. "I think we do, Mr. Morelli," I said, shaking his hand. I saw him shiver when he saw the look on my face, that only made my smile widen.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you," I told him.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you too." He nodded, walking me to the door.

Steph POV:

I felt my hand clench as I listened to conversation. Even though Viktor was on our side I couldn't help but shiver. He was wonderful and charming, but I couldn't forget he was a mercenary and killer that was doing us a favor.

Carlos kissed my temple and took my hand. "This is what we need Babe. It'll be over soon."

"I know," I sighed softly. "I know."

"Viktor is very convincing," he said. I laughed softly.

"I'm glad he's on our side."

"He's a good man; he's got a wife pregnant at home too."

"He doesn't wear a ring?" I frowned.

"Never while he's working," he said. "He keeps his lives separate and his work away from his family. She knows what he does but he doesn't want anybody to know he's married."

"Smart man."

"Very. He likes to play dumb, play the big dumb Russian." He grinned. "And he plays it well."

"I assume that's how you met him?"

"Yes," He chuckled softly. "It is, but I saw through it within a few minutes of meeting him."

"He's leaving." I said as the door shut. We heard him sigh.

"I'm on my way back," Viktor said.

We couldn't reply but he knew we were waiting. "Now we just have to make up our minds on what we want to do with Morelli."

I nodded and he pressed another kiss to my forehead. I was dreading this meeting; the meeting would determine our actions against Morelli and if he got to live or die.

My Christmas present to my readers. I hope you enjoy. I know it's a little short but we're almost at the end.