Chapter 10

I emerged from the bathroom dressed in a little black sun dress and matching three inch heels. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail to control the frizzies. July in Jersey was hell on curly hair. I swiped on some make-up, grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I glanced at my watch. One minute to spare. I needed to move.

I opened the door and barreled into the hall and took the stairs two at a time. I came to an abrupt stop when my head rammed into something hard. I didn't even have to look up to know it was a someone rather than a something.

You okay, Babe? Ranger asked, grasping my arms to keep me from falling. He had changed back into black rapper pants, t-shirt, and combat boots. Probably armed to the teeth, ready to take on the bad guys again. I looked up to see his face. His eyes immediately caught mine, checking for major head trauma probably.

I'm sorry, I didn't see you there, I replied. Judging from the pounding in my head, I guessed he was all right. I'm pretty sure running headfirst into the wall would have hurt less.

Need to be more aware of your surroundings, he chuckled. He bent and dropped a kiss on my hair before releasing me.

Yeah, yeah, I muttered. Like I hadn't heard that before.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I better help steer, we don't want you getting a concussion on the way to the car.

Oh, quite the comedian he was. I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him, settling for just rolling my eyes. I decided to concentrate on paying attention to where I was going, partly for safety, but also to satisfy my intense curiosity.
We walked through the kitchen and out a door I hadn't noticed this morning. The door led down into what I assumed would be a basement. Ranger flicked a switch and suddenly floodlights blazed. I was astonished to see several black vehicles parked below us. I recognized the BMW and the Bronco. There were also two more suvs, a porsche, and a Harley. Wow. Looks like Ranger had his own personal fleet of expensive black cars at his disposal.

Underground, huh? I managed to squeak out. I felt like I should say something, didn't want to seem too overwhelmed.

he replied.

Ranger guided me over to the BMW and opened the passenger door for me. I climbed in and did the seat belt thing while Ranger went to the other side to get in. He buckled up, and looked over at me with his serious face.

I trust you not to tell anyone where I live. It could be dangerous if the wrong people found out., he said.

Of course, you can trust me. Not even Lula could drag it out of me, I promised. I meant it, too. I would never knowingly do anything to endanger him. Of course, I did plenty to put him in danger without trying I thought, grimacing.

Knew I could, Steph. He leaned over and brushed his fingertips across my temple before turning back to start the car.

We drove down a long tunnel. After a few minutes, we came to a garage door. Ranger hit a button on the console, and it quickly raised. We pulled out onto Cameron Street, right next to Ranger's office building. I gave him a look. Well, I knew how to find the entrance to his garage now, not that it would do me much good without a remote. The easy office access must have been a big selling point for the house, I mused. Ranger, of course, was in his driving zone. I settled myself in for the short drive to the mall.

When we arrived a few minutes later, Ranger managed to find a parking spot right by the Macy's entrance. How did he do that? I always had to hike halfway across the parking lot when I drove. Ranger took a moment to check out his surroundings before turning off the car. He turned to me.

Wait here, he said, as he angled out of the car. My first urge was to leap out of the car, but then I remembered I might have a rapist and the mob after me. Maybe, just this once, it would be smarter to do as he asked. I watched through the windshield, as Ranger scanned the area and disappeared behind an SUV. Seconds later he reappeared by the passenger door and crooked his finger at me. I opened the door, and stood up in front of him. He really wasn't that much taller than me, but I still had to tilt my head up to see his face when he was standing this close.

Well? Is the coast clear? I asked.

He smiled at me. For now. Tank and Bobby are tailing us, looking for anything out of the ordinary. We should be fine. He backed up to give me room to move.

I nodded and brushed past him to go into the store. Ranger walked beside me, with a hand resting on the small of my back. I felt strangely comfortable having him with me. I was pretty sure I was safe as long as he was there. Having the Merry Men watching out for us didn't hurt either. Now if I could just keep Lula from asking embarrassing questions when I saw her, all would be well.

I heard a voice yell out.

I looked up to see Lula coming at us. She was a sight to behold. She was covered in a low-cut neon green catsuit. The spandex showed off all her assets, and I was just a little worried she might pop out altogether. Her stiletto heels exactly matched the green of her clothes.

Hey, Lula, I said.

Lula looked over at Ranger, seeming to notice him for the first time. A slow grin spread across her face, until she was beaming at him.

So, we're shopping with Batman, today? What's the occasion?

I looked down at my feet, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation that she might actually believe. Ranger saved me the trouble by answering for me.

Small problem with a skip, he said.

Ah, so you're protecting your girl, she grinned.

I might have to stun Lula later. I shot my death ray glare at her. It worked as well as it always did, causing her to grin even wider. I shot a glance at Ranger to gauge his reaction. I was surprised to see he just nodded at her. Hmm, wonder what he's thinking.

Lula, apparently satisfied for the moment, decided it was time to get down to business.

There's a shoe sale here, and then we need to hit Victoria's Secret.

Oh boy. I should have known this was going to be an uncomfortable trip.

After checking out the shoe department, we followed Lula to Victoria's Secret. I glanced over at Ranger. Was he smirking?

Are you going to wait out here?
He raised an eyebrow.

Nervous, Babe? Gee, why should it bother me to go lingerie shopping with the hottest man in Trenton?

Lula grabbed my hand and drug me over to look at some thong underwear. She selected a leopard print one and held it up.

This is what you need to get that man in bed,she announced at the top of her lungs. Subtlety was not in Lula's vocabulary.

I blushed bright red, muttered something to Lula, and scooted off to buy some more practical, but still sexy, bikinis and bras. I quickly made my selections, and went to the counter to pay, eager to get this part of the trip over with. I jumped when a large hand settled at the base of my neck.

Just me, Steph, Ranger said. I relaxed a little, then remembered where I was. I could feel myself turning red again when a new voice interrupted my thoughts.

Ranger, I need a word.

I looked up to see Terry Gilman, She was wearing a gray business suit, complete with matching heels. Her straight blonde hair was perfectly groomed and she looked perfectly put together, as always. I hated her. I knew now everyone in the Burg would know I was in a lingerie store with Ranger in a matter of minutes. My mom would be ironing the toilet paper within the hour. I was more concerned by the fact that it was widely believed that Terry took people out her Uncle Vito. By taking people out, I meant she helped them get dead.

I looked over at Ranger.

What is it, Terry? he asked.

She glanced around the store, and answered, Outside, alone.

I was starting to get angry. I certainly wasn't going to let Ranger get shot again.

I squared my shoulders and looked Gilman right in the eye,Just a minute.

Ranger interrupted. He leaned down and brushed his lips against my ear, sending a little shiver right down to my doodah. I had to stop talking just to make sure I didn't moan.

It's fine, Babe. I won't get hurt. He straightened and dialed his cell phone. I continued my stare down with Terry. She just raised an eyebrow and waited patiently for Ranger to finish his call.

Tank. You need to take Steph home. He flipped the phone closed, nodded to Lula, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. he said and walked out with Terry.

Lula and I stared after them for a moment. Lula shook her head and broke the silence.

Damn, girl, he's got it bad. I was saved from answering when I saw Tank coming toward the store. I hurriedly collected my change and my bags from the counter.

I guess that's my ride, I said, hurrying toward the exit.

I wouldn't mind riding him, Lula said with a gleam in her eye. Ugh!

I waved to Lula and ran to meet Tank before he got to the door. I had enough to contend with, without explaining to my mom what I was doing with two different men in a lingerie store.

Is Ranger okay with Gilman? You know she's a hit woman, don't you?

Tank smiled down at me. He's fine, Bombshell. The mob wants Velasquez found, too. Seems like some of the money he was supposed to be handling for them has gone missing.

My jaw dropped. I don't think I'd ever heard Tank string that many sentences together since I met him.

Tank chuckled. Let's go, he said as he guided me to his vehicle.

What about the disguise? I asked.

Lester's got it all taken care of, he answered. Don't worry, no bell bottoms.

Oh boy.