A/N: I interrupt our normally scheduled programming to bring you a between-the-chapters outtake. What can I say? Ranger seduced my muse and demanded for his inner thoughts to be told especially since my muse won't be letting him spill his guts to Stephanie just yet... hopefully this will tide everyone over. I've never known Ranger to be so wordy haha... I guess this is what I get for trying to do an entire fic in Steph's POV only. Let me know what you think! Should I include more between-the-chapters Ranger thoughts? Also keep in mind, that Steph has no clue what's going on in Ranger's hard head...

Disclaimer: I own none of JE's characters and make no profit from this.

Plum & Prejudice

Chapter 4.5: Ranger's POV

"But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she had hardly a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes."

"Carlos," my little sister whines from the passenger seat, "I'm an adult, you know! I can drive myself to Abuelo y Abuela's house."

I raise a silent eyebrow and cut my eyes over to her. Her arms are crossed in front of her chest, and her curly black hair is riotous around her head. She's wearing a green velvet dress. She looks beautiful and much younger than her eighteen years. She just turned eighteen this month. She was always the youngest in her year and somehow graduated high school and attended her first semester of college even before becoming legal. Gigi is a genius.

"You don't want to spend time with your big brother?" I question, trying to sound hurt. At this, she turns to me and raises one of her eyebrows but remains silent. Well, I guess she is a Manoso, I'll give her that. Mama was always especially good at giving us that look.

"I know you have your charity ball tonight," she replies evenly, turning to look back out the window as we get on the exit ramp for Newark, "and I remember how to get home."

"You know I care more about you than some charity ball," I remind her gently. Besides, there's no way I'd let her drive from Trenton to Newark when it's already dark outside. Papa asked me to watch over her when he died, and damn it all if I'm not going to make good on my promise.

I'm sure Papa was upset when I joined the Army and subsequently the Rangers. Thankfully, his outrage didn't make it to my ears from heaven. I was out of Gigi's life on a permanent basis for about five years. Then I was back building up the RangeMan business as it's now known. Of course, I wrote Gigi, and she was safe with our abuela in Miami, but I know it wasn't the same. I'm just happy that now I have the means to support her in anything she would like to do. Besides, she always had a better head on her shoulders than me. I was the one who got into gangs at fourteen.

"Is Caroline your date tonight?" Gigi questions with more contempt laced in that question than I thought her tiny body could produce. I'm taken aback by her question in general. A glance over shows her posture rigid, arms still crossed, and her gaze directly out the windshield. If any of my men spoke to me like this...well, we'd be working it out on the mats.

"No, she's not my date," I reply evenly, "though I don't see how it's any of your business." Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see her hands come down to her sides, and she clenches her fist tightly, knuckles turning white.

"It's my business because I'm not going to have some crazy, stuck-up bitch as my sister-in-law!" Gigi explodes, whipping her head to glare at me. I'm momentarily stunned. Gigi is normally very even-tempered, and I have never ever heard her call someone a bitch.

Besides that, I don't date, nor do I ever plan on getting married. I've seen and done too much fucked up shit in my time in the Rangers to think about chaining someone to my tarnished soul. Nope. Bachelor for life. Love 'em and leave 'em Ric Manoso. I've never stayed over at a woman's place or had one stay over at mine. I'm not callous, and they always know the deal before the night starts. However, my precious eighteen-year-old sister does not need to know that information. In fact, I wonder where she would get such a ridiculous notion regarding me and marriage.

"What makes you think that?" I question, noticing my knuckles white on the steering wheel. I immediately release the tension and try to breathe through my nose to bring back some zen. Gigi rolls her eyes.

"I was graced with Caroline's presence today when I was using a cubicle at RangeMan. She was there visiting her brother about last-minute details," she explains, "she kept gushing about the ball and her dress. She went on and on about how you and her were getting closer and how we might be sister-in-laws one day." I can't stop the laughter from spilling from my lips at her statement. Honest to god makes my abs hurt laughter. When I finally get myself controlled, I notice Gigi glaring at me petulantly.

"Sorry, mi princesa, but that is hilarious," I respond, using my favorite nickname for my little sister, "Caroline and I are friends, yes. Mainly due to my good friendship with Ram, but nothing more than that." Gigi's eyebrow goes up again.

"I swear if you're not telling me the truth, I'm going to junk punch you," Gigi tells me in the sweetest voice she can muster. I wince a bit at her threat. I may be seven years older than her, but I had Lester teach her self-defense, and I've seen her put that move into action. Our cousin was walking with a limp for two days. I raise my right hand.

"Scout's honor." Gigi full-on snorts at this and rolls her eyes with a smile.

"You were never a boy scout," she reminds me as she glances out the window. I grin, knowing that Gigi is no longer mad at me. I may have to straighten Caroline out tonight, though. I don't like the fact that she spoke to my little sister about us because who knows who else she talked to about that silly notion of hers. I pull up to our Mama's parents' home in Newark. They've lived here for as long as I've been alive; however, it's Abuela Manoso in Miami who took us in when Mama and Papa died. I had already been living in Miami since they sent me to Abuela to straighten me out after my run-in with the gangs in Newark. We did come for every other holiday and half the summer each year to Newark. I was sixteen when our parents died, and Gigi was only nine. Gigi and I were inseparable for two and a half years. Then I broke her heart when I joined the Army.

It was something I had to do. Mama and Papa barely left enough money for Abuela to take care of us. I knew if I wanted an education or if Gigi did, then I would need to be able to provide for us. I ended up being one of the best. So good, in fact, that my friends began calling me Ranger. I came up with the idea to form RangeMan. My last mission was super FUBAR'd, and it gave me enough money to really invest in RangeMan. I had already the bare bones done, Miami set-up, so we expanded to Trenton. The extra cash flow is also going to help us open up the Boston and Atlanta branch. The plans were for me to be the day-to-day operator of Miami, Ram for Trenton, Tank for Atlanta, and Bobby as head of Boston. Eventually, we want to open one up in Newark, and Lester wants to head that one. Each of us will be running a building in or near where we grew up.

I only hope that Mama and Papa are looking down on me and are proud. Papa had a restaurant that was doing very well before he died. Unfortunately, the family was unable to keep it going in his absence. The funds from selling it off helped with the funeral expenses and helped Abuela with our care. Dios, everything would have been so different if they never got into that car accident. I'm just so thankful Gigi survived.

They had just arrived in Miami to visit Abuela and me. My dad insisted on renting a car at the airport. They were on the way to Abuela's house when a truck lost control and ran the red light, t-boning the vehicle and instantly killing mi mama. Papa and Gigi were rushed to the hospital. Abuela sped us to the hospital like a NASCAR driver. I've never seen her drive that way before or after. Gigi was in surgery and sedated, but they expected her to make a full recovery, which she did. The doctors also hurried Papa into surgery. He came out and woke up briefly. I was there when the doctors told us that Mama did not survive. My papa didn't cry. He simply grabbed my hand with as much strength as he could muster. It wasn't much, but I was devastated, and he easily pulled me down to the bed. Papa looked me right in the eye, and I'll never forget what he told me.

"Carlos, you're the man of the Manoso family now. You do whatever you can to take care of your little sister; she's going to need you. Okay, mijo?" he questioned, unshed tears shining in his eyes, "and you make sure Gigi knows how much your Mama and I love her. And you, son, we love you and are so proud of who you're becoming. Now go get your Abuela."

I didn't understand at the time why he was telling me I was the man of the family. My papa was still alive. He would recover. Only, when Abuela and I returned, my dad had already passed away to join my Mama in heaven.

"Carlos? You going to let me out, or are we staying in the driveway all night?" Gigi questions, snapping me out of my memories. Shit. I take an inconspicuous deep breath and will the tears away. I haven't cried since that day, and I don't plan to start now. I look over and give her a grin.

"Okay, okay," I respond, unlocking the car. She startles me by leaning over and giving me the best hug she can manage at the awkward angle.

"I love you, Carlos," she says, her face buried in my chest, "I'll see you next week so you can take me to the airport." I hug her back.

"Te amo, mi Princesa," I reply, placing a kiss on the top of her head, "you call me if you need anything before that." She nods and releases me. I watch from the car as she enters Abuelo Santos' house.

Lester called me earlier today. He just got back from a mission four days ago. Les went to his house at the beach to decompress, and he informed me he'd be spending the next few days at his parent's house. I'm sure Gigi will be excited when he shows up. Any time one of us goes on a mission, it takes us a week, or so to decompress and be ready for work again. I know this is just part of Lester's process. He's also probably making up for missing Christmas with his parents.

I make it back to RangeMan in record time. The limo is waiting out front. I roll my eyes. I didn't think this necessary, but Caroline insisted. Ram, Caroline, Tank, his woman, and I will all be riding together. We are making our presence known since RangeMan sponsors the ball. All of our employees were invited and given two tickets. They aren't required to come unless they want to. Anyone who didn't want to go picked up shifts to make sure the building is covered.

Caroline is an interior designer and professional party planner, which is why she's so involved. RangeMan has a standing contract with her business. She's the one responsible for the interior of both RangeMan buildings and any company events we put on for community engagement. Ram insisted, and since she's actually quite good at her job, we contracted her.

In the Penthouse, Ella is already there with my outfit for the night. She smiles at me.

"You will look so handsome," she tells me, "and don't worry, it's your favorite color." I shoot Ella a grin. She was my mom's best friend. Ella and her husband Luis are my godparents.

"Shoo, go get dressed quickly," she says, handing me the garment bag, "everyone is waiting for you." I strip and quickly get dressed in the all-black tuxedo. I brush my hair back rapidly and tie it back with a black leather thong. I dab a bit of my Bvlgari cologne on and exit back to the living room.

"I have the bow tie for you and your cufflinks," Ella informs me with a smile, "you look so handsome. Mariela would be so, so proud of you, mijo." Ella's eyes are watering, and I see her dab them away. I give her a soft smile and hug her quickly. Ella and Gigi are one of the only two people in my life that I allow to see my emotions. They knew me before the Rangers. It was a bit of an adjustment when I came back, but both are more stubborn than me. It only took them a year and a half to wear me down. I bend down, and she ties the bow. I give her a raised eyebrow at the light bluish silver color, to which she just gives me an impish grin and makes quick work of the cuff links. She pats my cheek.

"I wish you'd share your big heart with someone, Carlos," she says to me, her brown eyes turning sad, "you deserve a partner to go through life with."

I give her a brief kiss on both cheeks before giving her my 100-watt grin. She swats at me, unaffected.

"I'm not swayed," she tells me in a motherly tone, "now get downstairs before they leave without you." I give her a salute.

"Thank you for everything, Ella," I reply, "sure you and Luis don't want to attend?" She smiles softly and shakes her head.

"His knee is bothering him again. So we'll just be staying in tonight," she informs me as we head to the elevator.

I text Tank and meet them outside. Lula is on his arm. I have to admit Caroline looks lovely in her red dress. Ram is standing beside her. The ladies smile when I arrive.

"Shall we?" I question, motioning to the limo. We let the ladies get in first before sliding in after them.

Caroline insisted we use the local Elk Lodge to show the people of Trenton and, more specifically, Chambersburg that we're part of the community. We've been picking up skips in the area but running into roadblocks with the locals since they don't trust us yet. She told Ram that this would be the best way, especially since she and Ram are natives of the 'Burg as they call it.

As we walk into the venue, an eerie hush goes over the crowd. My signature blank face is in place. I know we're supposed to schmooze and make friends with the community, but that goes against every fiber of my being. I absolutely hate small talk, and unless it's for a mission, I do not like to mingle with people I don't know or trust. Hell, the guys at RangeMan don't know me personally except for a select few who I served directly with or grew up with.

I scan the crowd; maybe I'll find a woman willing to take me home for a few hours. I'm not set on the idea, but it would make the whole of the night less painful. Unfortunately, I don't see anyone who catches my interest. We head to our reserved table and grab drinks as Caroline goes up to the stage to make her announcement for the evening. I'm glad I don't have to do that. Our table is chatting amicably when I notice Connie Rosolli from the weasel Vincent Plum's bail bonds office. I see she has a trail of women with her. I like Connie. She's no-nonsense and professional, even though I can tell she appreciates our looks. I don't know how she puts up with Vinnie on a daily basis, though. I try to spend as little time as possible with the man. She's grinning when she arrives in front of us. She begins talking to Lula, and I take a look at the five women with her. I listen to Connie with half an ear.

The one directly to her right must be a relative because the resemblance is striking. Ah, her sister Tina- makes complete sense. But, next to her sister is a striking woman. I feel a tingle run down my spine. She's tall in an elegant blue-gray dress that, strangely enough, matches my tie. She has curly brown hair pinned back and delicate facial features. Her eyes are a deep ocean blue that draw me in, but I notice she seems to be giving Ram the evil eye. She's not the usual type of woman that I'd spend the night with. I prefer busty models, but there's something about this woman that is making a strange feeling manifest in my chest.

Her name is Stephanie. It fits her. I see a slightly shorter beautiful blonde woman beside her with the same eyes. I see Ram's demeanor change as he sees the blonde. They seem to only have eyes for each other, but Valerie, as I learn her name, seems a bit closed off. I will definitely be getting information from Ram.

The other two women are also beautiful, but one is very, very pregnant. Lula then takes the time to introduce us to the ladies. I'm annoyed by her description of me, but not enough to care. My eyes narrow marginally as Stephanie giggles at the report. I want to be angry, but the sound of her laughter washes it away. She shocks me, even more when her eyes narrow again, and she calls Ram by his given name. Ah, some mystery revealed. It seems like my good friend Steve and Valerie used to date, and it didn't end well. I wonder why he never mentioned it before.

I have to agree with Lula's assessment. Ram looks absolutely enamored with Valerie. She's hesitant but seems to enjoy his attention. Tank drags Lula off to the dance floor. I'm left mingling with people I don't know when Caroline appears at my side.

"Oh no, do you need me to save you from Steven's ex and friends?" Caroline whispers in my ear with a chuckle. I smirk. I'm guessing Caroline knows all of these ladies, and her false exclamation to the crowd confirms it.

Caroline places a hand on my arm. I can tell she's trying to claim me subtly. I'm not a big fan, but I'd rather spend my time with her tonight than any woman just looking to get in my pants for the money. Of course, Caroline likes to flaunt the fact that I'm CEO of the company, which bugs me. I may be the CEO, but RangeMan would not be what it is without the core members and our employees. It's entirely a team effort. Stephanie is the first to offer her hand.

"I'm Stephanie Plum," she greets, and I slip my hand in hers. I feel a jolt of electricity at our touch. I see her eyes widen momentarily. I think she felt it too.

"I'm Carlos Manoso, but you can call me Ranger," I reply, my hand still grasping hers, "and I'm only one of... Steve's business partners." I almost slip up and call him Ram, but I figure she'd only be confused. I'm trying to make sure she knows that it's a team effort. I don't know why I care to try and change her mind based on Caroline's boastful comment. She seems affected by our touch and bumps into her friend. She introduces us to her friends. I can't seem to keep my eyes off of her, and I'm pleased when a blush rises to her cheeks. I can see where it starts on her smooth chest and moves up to heat her face.

I resist the urge to smirk. I need to get out of this train of thought. I never think about women more than just as something to get my urges out. Something grabs her attention, and Caroline tugs my arm, demanding a dance. I appease her and spin her onto the dance floor.

"I can't believe the Plums are here," Caroline says, "Steve was heartbroken. Plus, their mom is so embarrassing." I quirk an eyebrow but remain silent as we rotate in time with the music. A yell from a middle-aged woman catches our attention. The woman is pear-shaped in a hideous two-piece suit that looks like something a woman working in an office in the 90s would wear. I can see the tension in Stephanie's shoulders and the hard set to her face as she approaches the woman.

"Case in point," Caroline's voice says, "she's a not so secret drunk. One of the worst gossips in the god-forsaken 'Burg. I never understood what Steve saw in Valerie." I watch from afar as Stephanie says something inaudible to her mother. Her mom stumbles, and I see a gentleman rush over.

The song ends, and Ram motions me over to our table. It's right in front of the refreshments and close to the side exit. I lose sight of Stephanie and her mom as I join Ram. We have our backs to the refreshments and exit and are studying the crowd. I want to question him about Valerie, but I'll do that when we're not at a function. I'm surprised when he brings her up.

"Valerie is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," Ram comments, much to my surprise, "I never should have let her go back then." My curiosity is peaked between this comment and Caroline's. In all the time I've known Ram, he's never mentioned his relationships. In fact, he's one of the few of us who hardly ever picks up a woman, and he's never dated that I've seen.

"Then why did you?" I question quietly before taking a sip of my scotch. He sighs.

"I was young and stupid," he replies so quietly, I barely hear him. Now that is a huge statement to make. He abruptly changes the subject to question me.

"Well, have you found any ladies to catch your eye or anyone to ask for a dance?" Ram questions in a normal tone, "there are many good-looking ladies here tonight. Did you see Val's sister Stephanie?" I stiffen slightly as he mentions Stephanie. I narrow my eyes at my friend. He knows I don't flirt or date. I see something in his eyes as he awaits my reply. She's probably the only woman here I find attractive, but no one besides me needs to know that. I do not do relationships. I scoff at him.

"There's no one here who catches my attention. As for Stephanie, she's tolerable but not enough to tempt me," I reply honestly. No one here is someone I'd take for a one-night stand. Stephanie may be beautiful, but I won't break my rule on relationships to try some white girl out. She doesn't strike me as someone who would be okay with a wham, bam, thank you, ma'am. Besides, something in me knows I wouldn't be satisfied with that either. I shake my head to clear that thought.

Loud coughing from behind us catches both of our attention. Ram and I swivel around to find Stephanie coughing over something she just ate. Oh shit. She downs some champagne, and I see the blush fill her cheeks as my eyes assess her. She gives us a tight fake smile before spinning away. I feel slightly guilty. We continue watching as she bumps into some guy and ends up on the dance floor with him. I feel an unfamiliar feeling as I watch them closely. She is way out of his league. They turn in their dance, and my eyes meet hers. They turn again, breaking our eye contact, and Ram smacks me in the chest hard. I glare at him and rub the spot he just hit.

"Damn Ranger, I know you don't date, but I'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to see the way you look at her," Ram comments, his voice hard, "and now, you need to apologize because she definitely heard your undue snub."

"Like hell," I grind out through a clenched jaw. The core partners of RangeMan include Ram. He knows me well, which is why his calling me out pisses me off so much. Thankfully, Caroline comes around for another dance, so I don't have to contemplate his comment or my feelings regarding one Stephanie Plum.

Our attention is drawn to the commotion that occurs. I recognize Stephanie's mother as she's lying on her back, her granny panties on display for all to see. Yuck, that's enough to make a man not want sex tonight. I scan the crowd and see the outright laughs and the hushed whispers. Caroline was not kidding when she said not so closet drunk. I see the same man as before, help her up and escort her out the door. Her shrill voice has been heard throughout the ball tonight. Mrs. Plum seems obsessed with marrying off her daughters, and she'll take the highest bidder. It's disgusting. If Mama had lived, I could never imagine her like that with Gigi.

Thirty minutes later, I find myself with Ram as we approach Stephanie and her group. I feel uneasy at the prospect, but Ram insisted I be his wingman. I don't know why considering I'm terrible in these situations. Not to mention, I don't want to come face to face with the woman I inadvertently insulted earlier. I don't have to worry about that long as she gets up and moves in the direction of the door right before we stop in front of their table. I feel slightly annoyed by her actions. I turn my attention away from her and back to the group. Most of them are coupled off. I even see Vince dancing with Connie's sister. Valerie and Ram are making googly eyes at each other. I swear, I've never seen Ram act like a love-sick puppy before, and I'm not sure I like it.

While seeming to enjoy the attention, Valerie still seems a bit cold and distant towards my friend. I watch her closely. As Ram's friend, it's my duty to make sure he doesn't get hurt. I don't care how much he likes this woman. If she's not as into him, then he's only in for more heartbreak. I'm reminded of Caroline's earlier words about how heartbroken he was in the first place. I'm distracted as their pregnant friend looks beyond Ram and me with a smile. Ram and I turn to see who's approaching. Any good feelings I had disappeared and are replaced by murderous contempt. The woman abusing no-good sack of shit Joseph Morelli thought he could show his face at our charity ball? The irony of it is that this ball is to help abused women. It takes all of my Ranger training not to reach out and kill the man right here in front of witnesses. I could do it too. I have two knives and a gun on me, and I never leave home without them.

I find my anger surging even more when I realize that of all the men here, Stephanie has her arm in his. At least the dumbass is smart enough to know to make a hasty exit from our presence. I see the confused look on Stephanie's face as he pulls her onto the dance floor. I take a few deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth, to try and control my anger.

I would have ended Morelli's life with no regret three years ago, but Ram talked me out of it. I probably would have been dishonorably discharged if they could tie it to me. They'd all be suspicious of me even if they couldn't prove it. Ram was right, so I let the piece of trash live against my better judgment. The only silver lining is that he wasn't allowed to continue with us in Ranger school. I take another deep breath. I find myself staring at the two of them as they dance. My eyes meet Stephanie's...and she's looking at me with anger, and yet it still sends a spark straight through me. Damn, she's even more gorgeous when angry. Shit, no. Nope. Our eye contact quickly breaks as they turn, and I see Morelli talking. I only imagine what nonsense he's spewing to fill her head. I shake my head to try and push her ocean blue eyes out of my mind.

I'll give the shithead that; he's a great smooth talker. He hides his evil side quite well. Rachel wasn't fooled, but that didn't save her. How he even made it far enough in the Navy to contemplate being a SEAL shocks the shit out of me, but I guess that a lot of women abusers make it through.

I'm brought out of my dark thoughts when I see Mayor Joe Juniak motioning to me. I give him a smile as I head over. He's a former Army Ranger himself, and he served with my instructor. I've met him on several occasions, and he helped pave the way for us to open up RangeMan Trenton. I owe him quite a lot, and I respect him even more. He and his wife, Jennifer, have welcomed the guys and me with open arms. They bought the entire building champagne and homemade dinner for us after the first week we'd been open.

We clasp hands in a manly handshake, and he pats me on the back.

"Ranger, what a wonderful event!" he exclaims heartily, "how are you?"

"Thank you, Joe," I reply with a genuine smile, "I'm doing well. How are you? Where's your beautiful wife?" I scan the crowd, knowing she won't be very far behind.

"Good, good. Unfortunately, Jen came down with a migraine about two hours before we were going to leave," he explains with a sigh, "of course, she insisted I pop in. I'll probably be leaving shortly, but I wanted to say hello."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I say, "she's definitely missed." Joe gives me a wide grin at this.

"Yes, she is my better half, truly," he quips, with love showing across all of his features. We chuckle together. I wonder how he was able to do it. He was a Ranger too, and he put that aside to marry and have a wonderful life.

I see his attention is diverted, and a broad smile stretches across his face. The smile even reaches his eyes, and they crinkle at the corners. Curious about who, other than his wife, can garner such a smile, I turn to see none other than Stephanie Plum making her way over. Damn! I feel like no matter where I turn tonight; I end up staring back at her. The now-familiar tingle races up my spine as she gets closer. I see her smile just as big at Joe and her expression falters minutely as she sees me at her side. I can see her spine stiffen, and I try not to let that bother me. She does not bother me. I watch with rapt attention at her interaction with Joe.

"Hi Uncle Joe," she greets. Uncle? I didn't think he had siblings. "It's some ball!" I can tell she's studiously trying to ignore me. I see Joe's probing eyes looking between the two of us from the corner of my eye. My eyes are still on Stephanie. She's holding herself with grace, her neck is slim, and the dress accentuates her delicate features and her beautiful shape. The mesh across the front of her dress hints at the supple breasts underneath. I can see the outline and the slight movement as she breathes in and out.

"Indeed it is. Have you met Ranger? You all should have a dance together," Joe responds, placing a hand on her shoulder. Damn him. I pull my eyes back to her face. The smile she had for Joe has all but disappeared, and she's giving me an unreadable expression as another blush creeps into her creamy skin. Her ocean eyes are stormy as they meet mine. I could get lost in those eyes. But, instead, she responds before my brain connects to my tongue.

"Oh, no… I uh... don't want to impose besides I'm sure he has a dance partner." Her eyes dart back to Joe, who gives me a pointed look.

"Nonsense, right Ranger?" he queries, his eyes daring me to say no in his presence. I school my features. It's just a dance, right? One little dance to appease a respected friend. Still, I know she doesn't want to dance with me.

"I'm not much of a dancer," I hedge, knowing it's not true. Thanks to Mama and Abuela for putting me into dance lessons; I'm a fine dancer, much to my chagrin and protests as a boy. My eyes meet those piercing blue ones, and her quick, brusque reply surprises me.

"Is it truly dancing or potential partners?" The look in her eye is a challenge. I feel a surge of something in my chest. She's feisty. I see Joe give us a suspicious look showing he's not entirely happy at our interaction.

"It's a ball, Ranger! Ask my goddaughter to dance!" he orders in a voice he probably reserved for ordering around recruits as he slaps me on the back, "you kids have fun." His eyes are alight with merriment as he leaves me to stand awkwardly with his goddaughter. I offer my hand to the woman in front of me. Her touch is feather-light as she places a hand in mine, but that doesn't stop the jolt of electricity I feel running through me from her touch. Her eyes fly to mine, and she looks irresistible as she looks up at me through her thick eyelashes. I wonder if she feels it too. I move so we can get more onto the dance floor when she speaks, her voice hard.

"Please don't think I came this way to beg for a dance," is her comment as I place a hand on her hip. She seems to fit perfectly. I ignore her comment. I never thought she came over to beg a dance. I know she heard my rude comment earlier, and Ram's suggestion of an apology nags me. I don't want to give her the wrong idea, though. She's not my type. And I'm definitely not her type. Being this close to her, I see her innocence, her light. Even with her barbs towards me, rightly deserved too, I can see the kindness in her eyes. I would only destroy her. I'm disturbed by my own thoughts. I've never spent this much time thinking about a woman I just met before, and I don't like it.

"There's been a great turnout," she comments as we spin slowly. I was busy enjoying the feel of her in my hands and admiring how well she follows me. I'm surprised she's trying to be civil by making small talk with me. I'm horrible at small talk as it is, and I'm distracted by the fire racing across my skin from where we're touching. We're close enough too that her scent wafts up. I take a deep breath. Mmm… she smells divine like fresh strawberries and a hint of cinnamon vanilla. She's looking across my shoulder, and as we turn, she looks up at me through those lashes again. My breath catches in my throat, but thankfully she doesn't seem to notice.

"This is the time where you make a comment in return," she cracks dryly as her eyes sparkle with merriment for the first time since we started dancing. I get the feeling that she's laughing at me, but I can't bring myself to care. The feel of her, the scent of her, is driving me crazy, and I can feel myself starting to react. Shit. Shit. I try to think of something else but decide to respond as a distraction.

"Do you often talk when dancing?" I question before I spin her out and under my arm as the bulge in my pants grows. I think of her mother's granny panties as she returns to the normal position. Ah, much better. Crisis averted. No need to show her how much she does affect me. Stephanie's back in front of me, her cheeks flushed from excitement instead of embarrassment, and her eyes sparkle with delight. I'm even graced with a breathtaking smile. This smile is the first I've seen her give all night, and she just became even more beautiful. She shrugs, returning to my question.

"You don't like to get to know your partners?" she asks curiously, "or you just assume they have nothing intelligent to say?" Her last question is a challenge. Our eyes lock, and for one of the first times in my life, I am only aware of the woman in front of me. The rest of the ball is muted in the background. Stephanie Plum is unlike any other woman I've met. Instead of throwing herself at me or even reacting to my physical appearance, she's challenging me. She doesn't even seem to care that as CEO of RangeMan, I'd be quite wealthy. In an unexpected reply, my mouth moves before my brain as I tell her the truth.

"I find conversing with strangers does not come easily to me." I see a flash of something across her face, and she once again averts her eyes past my arm. I wonder what she's thinking about my response. Why did I even tell her that? Then, of course, she surprises me again with her response.

"So you don't throw balls often? Or when you do, it's only for more wealthy people?" My eyes widen as she finishes her last question. Her eyes are studying me intently, trying to gauge my reaction. I raise an eyebrow, and her eyes narrow at me. Her lips press together, and one side turns down, and a little wrinkle makes its home between her eyebrows. I resist the urge to smooth out her skin and press a kiss to her lips.

"Is this an interrogation, Babe?" I reply, the endearment coming so naturally, I surprise myself. Her eyes once again turn stormy, and the anger radiates from her as she steps back from me.

"Simply trying to judge your character" is her response before she spins quickly and races away from me. Shit. I should not have called her Babe. I watch her make her way to the refreshment table.

A fresh wave of anger races through me as I see Morelli grab her elbow roughly from the side. I can see it startles her and even hurts as she cries out. Morelli is lucky that he lets go quickly; otherwise, I would have been over there in two seconds to flatten him out. I continue watching as she rubs her elbow, and her eyes meet mine again. I'm still angry as I watch him get her a drink. Again, her eyes find mine. The unfamiliar feeling is back in my chest, and I feel like my entire body is vibrating.

I stalk away towards my table, trying to push those ocean blue eyes and curly brown hair out of my mind. If I don't stay away from her, I'm going to be in deep trouble.

Translation: Abuelo/abuela : grandpa/grandma, mi princesa : my princess, te amo : I love you, dios : god, mijo / mi hijo: my son