Ramos

It wasn't often that Stephanie got to let her hair down, so to speak. Partying with Manny was going to be a blast. Her college days were full of parties and fun. Stephanie was not a good girl as her parents expected or believed, but she was not a slut. There were no randomly screwing men. Stephanie and the men did everything in between, expect intercourse, until she met Dickie. Marrying him was a mistake of epic proportions. A decision she regretted the day she caught him with Joyce.

Stephanie got distracted by Manny wearing a fitted button down, white shirt and khaki pants that accentuated his firm ass. She licked her lips as she thought about throwing him to the ground and shouting, "Giddy up, cowboy or hi ho silver," as she rode him hard and fast. Manny looked gorgeous.

"The expression on your face has got me intrigued," Manny said as his hand massaged her hip.

"That feels good," Stephanie moaned as Tank and Cal entered the casino. She wanted to throw caution to the wind and kiss Manny senseless. Stephanie didn't let her thought distract her for the mission at hand.

Vince, Binkie, Junior and Ram had arrived while Stephanie and Manny changed in their suite. Tank smirked when Stephanie winked at him. He knew Stephanie was playing a game. Or was she? Time will tell.

Tank walked past Stephanie close enough to hand her a mic and earwig for Manny. She ran her fingers through Manny's hair before they entered the casino. Manny felt Stephanie place the piece into his ear. "Do you need my credit card?" Manny asked.

"I could use some cash if you have it," Stephanie replied. Manny opened his wallet to give Stephanie a few hundred dollars. She slipped the cash into her bra while placing the wire. "Can you see the money?"

Manny understood Stephanie was asking about the mic placement. He thoroughly looks at her chest before replying, "You're good." Stephanie touched his face to thank him for checking.

Stephanie found their skip, Larry Barnett, aka Barney Lawrence, at the five-dollar slot machines. Taking a seat beside him, Stephanie removed money from her bra to feed the machine that logged the credits. Larry smiled as he appreciated the view. Catching his eye, she said, "Hi, I'm Jasmine."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Michael," Larry stated. Stephanie pressed a button on the slot machine. Her eyes widened when she won 500. "Lady luck is kind to you."

"It must be rubbing off from you," she replied. Larry mumbled that he wouldn't mind Stephanie rubbing against him. Manny leaned against her back. "Stop crowding me, baby. You know I love you," Stephanie complained.

"Sorry, my love. You're a gorgeous woman, and I can't help myself," Manny replied. He kissed down Stephanie's neck from her ear to shoulder. Stephanie felt him suck on the skin and couldn't control the throaty moan. Her panties got soaked from his attention.

"Not here, baby," Stephanie said, playfully swatting his hands away as she squirmed on the seat.

"Come on, love. You didn't say no yesterday when I fucked you against the vending machine in the lobby," he replied, running his hands down her sides. Barnett fixed himself as he watched the couple.

Stephanie knew they had Barnett's attention. She whined, "But, baby, you promised I could have another partner today."

"I know, my love. Remember you promised I could watch," Manny retorted.

She could feel Larry staring at her, so Stephanie sweetened the pot. "Baby, I want to suck your cock while someone is pounding into me." Manny smirked, and Stephanie wondered what the others said into their mics. They could hear Stephanie and redirected Manny when necessary. Stephanie was the only one who couldn't hear the team.

"Sweetheart, may I have the honour?" Larry asked. Gotcha.

After sizing him up, Stephanie replied, "Of course, darling. You look like a man with great stamina." Stephanie pressed the button to cash out of the machine. Manny handed her a bucket to collect the coins. "Ready, baby."

As they approached the exit, Larry seemed to have second thoughts. Stephanie used Lula's move and dropped the bucket, spilling the coins on the floor. Bending over at the waist, she exposed her lacy panties as she slowly picked up the money. A few people quickly came to assist while Tank and Cal dragged Larry away. Vince, Binkie, Junior and Ram followed Tank to ensure Barnett didn't get away. He was difficult to capture.

Tank contacted the FBI to transfer the skip. They would pay Rangeman for their assistance. Stephanie and Manny would receive a fair percentage of the fee.

"Party time," Stephanie said while removing the mic. Manny held out his hand for the device. Stephanie dropped it into his palm after turning it off. He ran the mic and earwig out to the SUV to store in the glovebox. Stephanie was thankful for his forethought. She wouldn't want the men to hear their version of a party, though they could probably guess accurately.

When Manny returned, they went to the hotel bar for a few celebratory drinks. Stephanie lost count after drinking the fourth shot of tequila. Her hormones were going crazy. Stephanie wanted to feel Manny's hands on her body, but she had a crazy idea first. Manny was one hundred percent on board.

Stephanie woke up feeling like a thousand drums were sounding in her head. A warm body pressed against her back. Stephanie smiled when she peeked beneath the blankets. Hickeys covered her breasts, legs and abdomen. Stephanie smiled when she remembered their night. Rolling over, she kissed her man.

"Morning, wifey," Manny replied. "Do you have any regrets?"

"None. Do you?" Stephanie asked.

"Nope," he replied before rolling Stephanie beneath him. Stephanie felt him press into her and moaned from the sensation. "Wifey, I love you."

"I love you too, hubby," Stephanie reciprocated. "Mmm. Much better than the cure."

"We can get the cure on the way home," manny said. Stephanie moaned as he rolled onto his back while remaining buried inside Stephanie. He relinquished control of their connection.

Stephanie sunk onto Manny. Sweat ran down between her breasts as Manny lifted his hips, helping Stephanie ride him. "Wifey," he screamed as she shattered around him. She collapsed on his chest.

"When am I meeting your mom?" she asked.

"Today," he replied. "Mom can't wait to meet you." Stephanie and her boyfriend's mother didn't get along. Manny promised that his mom would love her. "I love waking up with you in my arms."

"Me too," Stephanie replied. "Bets on how long it will take for everyone to know?"

"We won't make it easy for them," he said. Stephanie smiled as he tugged on her hand. It didn't take long for her to agree. They took a shower together before checking out of the hotel suite. Stephanie slipped the rain on her chain with Manny's old dog tags. He copied her motion, adding his ring to the Saint Michael medallion he wore around his neck.

"When should I call Ranger?" Stephanie asked. Manny knew Stephanie promised to call him when her marital status changed.

"Now. Ranger would want to hear it from you," Manny replied.

Stephanie called Ranger, who answered on the first ring, "Yo."

"Hey, Ranger. How's your mission?"

"Babe," he replied. Stephanie waited until he added, "Debrief finished an hour ago. I'm coming home in a few days." Deep inside his heart, he knew why Stephanie called. She belongs to another man.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Stephanie could hear Ranger sigh. "I have news," Stephanie said, breaking the silence.

"Let me talk to him," Ranger requested. Stephanie frowned as she gave Manny the phone. "If you hurt her, you're dead."

"HUA," Manny replied. He gave Stephanie her phone to finish her talk with Ranger.

"Proud of you, Babe," Ranger said before hanging up. Ranger was truly happy for Stephanie, but he couldn't help feeling the loss. He said many shitty things to Stephanie over the past few years. Ranger would do anything for Stephanie. There was no price for what he gave to her. Stephanie was his best friend. She knew him better than anyone else.

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"Is he okay?" Manny wondered.

"He's fine. But I know he's feeling the loss," Stephanie replied. She wiped a tear from her face. "Ranger wouldn't want us to feel sorry for him. He made his choice, and I've made mine." Stephanie grabbed Manny's hand and entwined their fingers.

"Ranger will keep a close eye on us," Manny stated. Stephanie shook her head and reiterated that Ranger had made his decision. He had no right to judge their relationship.

Manny drove to their two-story home around three blocks north of Rangeman. Stephanie was impressed with the decor. "I love how you decorated our house," Stephanie said again. Manny smiled, then confessed that his mother decorated it. Stephanie laughed, "She did an amazing job. You know I love it. Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I thought you'd tease me," Manny confessed as they entered their home.

"Men are weird," Stephanie said. "Are you sure your mom would like me?"

Manny laughed as he pulled Stephanie tight to his chest. He kissed her before brushing the hair off her face. "I've told mom about you, Steph. She knows about your job and everything you've done for me."

Stephanie was genuinely surprised Manny told his family about her. Mothers don't typically like her though it had nothing to do with her job. Making the best first impression was challenging, and she would behave oddly or say the wrong thing. "I don't know, Manny," she said. "Whenever I met my boyfriend's mom, they hated me. I can't ignore history."

"Steph, you're worried for no reason. She will love you because you love me. My mom only wants me to be happy. You, Stephanie, make me the happiest man in the world. I'm not your boyfriend," Manny reminded her.

Laughing, Stephanie replied, "Dickie's mom didn't like me either." Stephanie was feeling very insecure.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

"You know I do," Stephanie retorted.

"She. Will. Love. You," he replied, punctuating each word with a kiss. He pulled Stephanie into the bedroom to sit her on the settee beneath the large window.

Stephanie felt the cushion beneath her and moaned, "It's soft."

Manny chuckled as he sat beside her. "You always say that. We'll call momma from here," he whispered. Stephanie nodded as Manny removed the phone from his pocket. He dialled his mom using the video call app.

"Manuel," his mother answered. "I'm so glad you called."

"Hi, momma. I would like you to meet Stephanie," he replied.

"Hi," Stephanie awkwardly greeted.

"You're as beautiful as Manuel described," she gushed.

"Thank you," Stephanie shyly replied. She was nervous talking to the woman on video.

Manny touched her face before pulling her closer. With their cheeks pressed together, he announced, "We got married last night, momma."

"Thank the Lord," she replied. "I was hoping you would marry the girl." She reprimanded Manny for not inviting her to the ceremony but quickly forgave her son. "Are you happy?"

"Yes, momma. I'm happy with my wife," he replied.

She raised an eyebrow at Stephanie. "Yes, momma. I'm happy with my husband," Stephanie added. Carmela explained she was excited to have Stephanie as a daughter-in-law. From everything Manny told her about Stephanie, she knew they would be a good fit. Manny's first wife, his high school sweetheart, Jenna, was not understanding when it came to his military career.

"Does his time in the Army bother you, dear?" Carmela asked.

"No, momma. My dad was in the Army when I was younger. I respect the men and women brave enough to fight for our freedom," Stephanie replied. Stephanie touched Manny's face when she said, "They sacrificed for our country."

"What if he got deployed?" she asked.

"I know Manny still has a few months left on his government contract. If he gets deployed, I'll manage," Stephanie answered.

They talked to his mother for a few more minutes before Carmela announced it was time to prepare dinner. Manny's sister and family were visiting for the night. "Manuel, remember to bring your bride home so I can properly welcome her to the family," she said.

"Stephanie and I will visit soon, momma," he said before ending the call.

Manny turned off his phone before placing it on the nightstand. Ensuring the blinds were closed, he pulled the shirt off Stephanie. She lifted his shirt over his head before attacking the button on his pants. Manny slipped the pants down Stephanie's legs with the panties. Manny gasped when Stephanie reached into his pants.

Stephanie felt him remove her necklace, place the ring on her finger, then kiss it. Catching onto his mood, Stephanie reciprocated. "We wear them whenever we're alone," he whispered. Stephanie nodded, agreeing to his wish. Manny sat on the settee and pulled Stephanie onto his lap. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he pushed into her.

"Manny," Stephanie moaned. He lifted his hips, pressing into Stephanie as he pulled her down. His lips fused to hers as he continued the push and pull, leading them closer to their climax.

They had sex on every surface in the house, including the dining room table. Stephanie was surprised he let her ride him like a cowgirl. "Does it change the memory?" he asked, grinning.

"Yes. All I could see was my reflection as I rode you hard. But I think we broke the chair," Stephanie replied.

He pulled her sweaty body off the table and laughed. "We most certainly destroyed the chair," he stated, pointing at the splintered wood. Stephanie had pushed off the chair, not realizing the strength in her legs from exercising.

"I'm proud of myself," Stephanie said before laughing. She stopped laughing when panic set in. Stephanie didn't want Manny to get angry for breaking the furniture.

"It's just furniture. None of it matters," Manny said after kissing me.

Her legs wobbled as she attempted to stand. "I think you screwed the bones from my legs," Stephanie joked. "You're insatiable."

"Only for you, my beautiful wife. It's never been like this before," Manny confessed as he pulled her off the table.

"Not for me either. All of this is new to me, too," Stephanie admitted. Her stomach grumbled, interrupting the conversation. They reluctantly returned to the bedroom and dressed before finding something to eat.

Manny and Stephanie worked together to cook dinner. He didn't believe that women belonged barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. Stephanie loved that he felt equality was best in our marriage. Preparing dinner together was more intimate than sex.

"You're an excellent chef," Stephanie said while washing the dishes.

"Momma taught me to cook," he stated. Manny removed the plate from her hand to dry. "Steph didn't think women alone should be responsible for meal preparation."

Manny's phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Stephanie watched his face react to the call. He said a few words, but not enough for Stephanie to determine the nature of the conversation. "Is something wrong?" Stephanie asked when he hung up the phone.

"Javier is Manuel's father," Manny stated. He sent a text to his cousin, reminding him to take financial responsibility for his son.

"I'm not surprised. Didn't you say she slept with your brother, too?" Stephanie asked.

"Yes. But he was deployed during the time Jenna got pregnant. Eduardo didn't come back from that mission," Manny sadly replied. Stephanie pressed her hand against Manny's cheek, offering him comfort as he remembered his brother.

After Manny regained control of his emotions, they continued to banter as they cleaned the dishes. He mentioned that his mother made the boys contribute to cooking meals and cleaning. Stephanie laughed because those ideals were different from Helen's perception as a wife. Carmela was more modern in her thoughts and beliefs. "Do you think we skipped a few steps?" Stephanie asked.

"What steps did we miss?" Manny wondered.

"You know… the dating, falling in love, long engagement, then planning a wedding," Stephanie replied.

"We dated for six months, Steph. I've been in love with you since you claimed to be my wife," he replied. "Everything we shared until last month was dating without the benefit of intimacy."

"Good answer, Manny," Stephanie said, splashing him with soapy water.

"You asked. I said yes," he added.

"Why?"

"Why, what?" he asked.

"Why did you say yes?"

"Because saying no was not an option," he replied. Manny dried the last dish. As he placed it in the cupboard, Stephanie yawned. "Let's get you to bed." He dried her hands before carrying her to bed. Stephanie rested her head on his shoulder, exhausted from their day of christening the house and their marriage by having sex in every room.

"Manny?"

"Mmhmm?" he replied.

"I love you, Mr. Ramos," Stephanie whispered.

He laughed and pulled Stephanie back to his chest, spooning her. "I love you, too, Mrs. Ramos." Stephanie fell asleep, feeling more loved than ever before.