Chapter3
Wow, I felt about a hundred times better. I returned to the other room and Ranger was just staring at me.
'What?'
'Babe, you sat still for nearly 27 hours. You can't stay still for 20 minutes on a stakeout.'
I shrugged slightly, '5 out of 27 hours I was sleeping. So really I only stayed still for 22 hours.'
'Why?'
'You needed sleep.' Ranger just stared some more and I started to feel irritated, in fact I was on my way to full rhino mode. 'What? You think you're not human? You think you don't need sleep like the rest of us mere mortals? Ranger, you need to take better care of yourself.'
'Babe.'
'We're back to being monosyllabic are we? Fine.' Before Ranger could do or say anything Bro walked in. He looked at me and raised his eyebrows, asking me if I wanted to train. I nodded and stalked into my bedroom to get changed. When I walked back in the furniture was re-arranged and Tank, Lester and Ranger were sitting out of the way. So they wanted to watch, hmph, fine.
I moved into the clear space and pulled my hair up out of my face. Then I concentrated on Bro. Time to kick ass – or to try to anyway. Bro crouched into the ready position and I copied him. He raised his left eyebrow and I nodded again. Lets go. We began to move round each other and he struck out with his left fist – unusual for him as he tended to use his right – I blocked the punch easily, grasped his wrist firmly and threw him over my shoulder. I tried to kick him in the stomach but he was prepared and he yanked my foot and at the same time he kicked me behind me knee, so that I was on the floor next to him. I rolled to my left and narrowly missed him elbowing me in the stomach. I did a neat little flip thing that got me to my feet. He had done the same move and we were both on our feet, circling again. I made a swift kick to his abdomen and quickly followed it up with a punch to his face, he countered both my moves and lashed out at me with a hard kick to my leg that I blocked. His hand grabbed my shoulder and shoved me round to get his arm round my neck. I twisted sharply and elbowed him solidly in the stomach, I heard his grunt of pain but ignored it – he'd tricked me more times than I can count by exaggerating the effects of a blow.
The two hours of practice flew by; this had been a good session for me. Luckily I didn't bruise easily, so I doubted I'd have any physical reminders of the gruelling fight I'd just gone through. I was tired but exhilarated. Danny had only 'killed' me once in the whole session – a big achievement for me. In my first session Danny had 'killed' me 57 times, an average of one death every two minutes. Bro and I warmed down together, stretching out quickly but efficiently.
'Comments?' I asked Danny, as per usual.
'You've got a damn good right hook Angel,' he half grumbled and half praised. He would have a tender jaw for the next few days. 'Your movements are more controlled and calculated. You're a natural; in a few months you're going to be able to 'kill' me.'
I rolled my eyes. Bro let out a small sigh, 'One of these days you're gonna believe me. Can you work distraction for me tonight?' I checked the time 1:12pm, hmm no
wonder I was hungry. And tired.
'What time?'
'9. Shelloc's Bar.' Shelloc's was a dump, it was trashy and cheap – just like the people that frequented it.
'Sure. I'm going to my parents to mooch lunch, then I promised I'd help Lula, then I'll catch some sleep and then I'll help you. Ok?'
'Sounds good Angel. Thanks.' He nodded to Ranger, Tank and Lester and then let himself out. Hmm, interesting male interaction thing going on. I ignored everyone and took a shower. When I was finished and dressed again I stepped back into the sitting room. Lester and Tank were talking quietly but intently to Ranger. They stopped when they saw me. Ranger glanced at me, his face unreadable, then he made a small motion with his head to Tank and Lester. They got up, nodded to me, and left. Huh.
Ranger got up and started to walk towards me, unconsciously I started to back away. I stopped when my back hit the wall, but he carried on moving until there was barely a cm between our bodies. Then he leaned down so that his mouth was hovering so close to my ear that I could feel his warm breath on me. A shiver ran through me as he laid a gentle kiss on the shell of my ear.
'You like that Babe?' His breath warmed my ear and other, more southern, regions.
'Yeah.' I managed to say.
'You mad at me Babe?'
'Yeah.' I repeated. He laid another gentle kiss on my ear.
'Why?' Another shiver ran down my spine.
'I...uh,' I swallowed hard and tried to ignore the intoxicating scent of Ranger.
'Um...I...What was the question?' He laughed softly in my ear and repeated his question. I was honestly racking my brains but I couldn't think of a single reason why I was mad at him. My mouth was moving up and down as I tried to work out why I was mad. Ranger laughed softly again.
'Do you think you'll stop being mad soon, Babe?'
Damn the man, didn't he realise the effect he was having on me?
'Never knew your ears were so sensitive Babe.' He murmured into my ear. 'But I do now.' And then his tongue brushed along my ear. A moan escaped from my mouth before I could stop it. Then Ranger's phone rang. I was vaguely aware that he'd answered the phone but he hadn't moved away from me. I could hear someone talking but I wasn't paying any attention to the person on the phone.
'Now's not a good time Dom.' Ranger said into the phone, his voice was low and husky – a voice I recognised; it was so good to hear it again. Then Ranger licked my ear again and then sucked on my ear lobe. I moaned again.
'This is important Ric.' The now-amused voice on the phone said.
'So is she. Later.' Ranger said and then he hung up. Did he just say I was important?
'You are.' He whispered before gently nibbling on my ear. He moved his right leg so that it slid between mine. My legs buckled but he caught me before I fell, then he lifted me up and placed me on his right thigh. The angle that he was holding his leg at meant that his thigh pressed against that spot. His hands shifted down to rest on my hips and his lips sought my ear. His tongue reached out and began to draw wet circles on my ear and then suddenly he pushed his tongue into my ear. As he pushed his tongue into my ear his hands pulled my hips forward, causing a very pleasant amount of friction in certain areas. Then he started moving his tongue rhythmically in and out of my ear. He moved my hips forward and back in time with his tongue. My mind went blank and all I could think was 'Oh God, yes!' I could feel the delicious tension in me rising and rising. I gasped his name as my orgasm came crashing down on me.
I was vaguely aware that I was being carried into my bedroom. I felt Ranger lay me down on my bed and then he lay down next to me. One hand was gently stroking my hair back from my face, whilst the other was caressing up and down my back, easing the shudders from my body.
Gradually my mind came back to my body and my eyes fluttered open to look into Ranger's gorgeous brown eyes.
'Hey Babe.' Ranger said softly.
'What?' I said in confusion. What the hell had just happened? What was going on? Hang on a sec, I'm supposed to be mad at him – not having orgasms!
'Why are you mad?' Ranger asked.
'You don't take care of yourself.' I blurted out. Oh crap – I sounded kinda like Morelli.
'Normally I do. It matters to you Babe, that I take care of myself?' I didn't really know what to say to that so I just nodded. 'Do I matter to you?' he asked quietly.
'Of course you do! What, so you think I'm some kinda slut who just -' he silenced my rant with his lips on mine. No tongue, just lips. Hmm, what am I supposed to make of that?
Ranger pulled back from me slightly and then laid a finger on my lips. 'I don't think you're a slut Babe. I just wanted to make sure that you care. May surprise you Babe, but some women think I'm attractive. They want me because of that – they don't necessarily care about me. A while ago that would have been exactly what I wanted.'
'A while ago?'
'Things change.'
'What happened to 'No emotional price' and 'my lifestyle doesn't lend itself to relationships'?'
Ranger ? 'I know this'll be hard for you to believe but I sometimes act like an idiot. That was an idiot moment.' The thought of Ranger admitting to being idiotic sometimes made me smile. I could feel the laughter bubbling up, I tried to contain it but I failed. I burst into laughter.
When I calmed down I realised that Ranger was looking at me with a strange expression on his face. 'What?'
'Nothing.' He replied.
I sighed 'and that's my problem.'
'Explain.'
I looked at him for a second and searched for every shred of courage I could find. And then searched some more – if only there was vodka, any kind of courage, Dutch included, would be welcome right now.
'Do you want a relationship Ranger? With me I mean.' He looked at me in the eyes and then nodded, slowly, deliberately, and unmistakeably. 'Yeah Babe. So explain your problem.'
I swallowed hard.
Chapter 4
'My problem. Ok. Um...did you want a drink?'
'No Babe. Explain.'
'Right, explain. I care a great deal for you Ranger, really I do. I know that I can, and have frequently, trusted you with my life. I know that you're honourable and have a moral code, even if it deviates from the norm. I know you have a sense of humour, a bit warped, but still. I know that if you give your word then you'll keep it. I know you have a daughter and an ex-wife. But I don't know where you grew up, or whether you have siblings or if your childhood was happy. I don't know what your daughter's name is or when your birthday is or how old you are. I don't know what you do to relax or what your favourite music is or what your favourite colour is. You know me inside and out. And I don't. Know you inside and out I mean. But I want to.' I finally looked up at Ranger, wanting to see his reaction.
He nodded once. 'So, once you know that kinda stuff, you think you'll give us a chance?'
'Yes.'
'You don't want Morelli?'
'No.'
He smiled a slow delicious smile that spread across his face, 'Good,' he breathed into my ear and then he kissed me lightly on my lips.
'You need to get something to eat and to help Lula. Me and my team will back-up you and Danny tonight. Later Babe.' Then he got up off the bed and was gone. I stared after him and then flopped into my thinking position, but all I could think was 'Ohmigod'.
I woke up at 3:30. Crap, I was really hungry. I ate a s'mores tart or two. I checked my appearance in the mirror, made a few adjustments and then prepared to meet Lula. And then I realised I had no car. I was thunking my hand against my head when I spied some car keys that looked new. I walked over to them and picked them up, as well as the note by them. 'You can borrow the Porsche. Try not to destroy it. Hope you slept well, eat something else besides s'mores. R'
I did a small dance and silently thanked Ranger. Then I decided that thanking Ranger silently wasn't good enough, so I speed dialled his number. Even after two months of him being in communicado, he was still speed dial one.
'Yo.'
'You're a god.'
'What type?'
'There are different types?'
'Sure. There's demigods, gods who are just generally great,' he paused and his voice turned even sexier than normal 'and of course there's always sex gods.' Christ, he'd never been like this before. I liked it.
'Well, you'd fall into the last two god categories.'
His warm almost-laugh rang down the phone line, 'Glad to hear it.'
'Thanks for the car.'
'You're welcome Babe.'
'Ranger?' I said, wondering whether I should really tell him what I was thinking.
'Yeah Babe?'
'Next time you leave me a note don't forget to sign it with kisses or I'll get cranky.'
'How many do you want Babe?' his voice was all husky. Damn he's sexy.
'Lots.'
He laughed softly, 'I'll see what I can do Babe.'
'Ranger?'
'Yeah Babe?'
'You've got to learn how to say goodbye on the phone. No more just hanging up, ok?'
'Ok,' he paused and I heard the amusement in his voice as he said, 'But nothing on this earth will force me to make kissy noises down the phone at you.' I imagined him dressed all in bad-ass black making kissy noises and I couldn't help it; I burst out laughing. And I couldn't stop. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
'Babe, if you don't stop laughing...'
'You'll what?' I managed to say gasp between the giggles.
'I'll tell your Grandma about what positions we had sex in.' That did it, gone was the laughter. I could imagine it now, 'so, how was it when you and the bounty hunter with the excellent package were doing it doggy style?'
'Oh God.' I said in pure horror.
Ranger burst into laughter, the full on laughter where he threw back his head and his whole body shook.
'Ran-ger.' I whined, but that only made him laugh harder. He finally stopped laughing. 'I'd better go Babe, I'm in a meeting with some Feds.'
'Oops! Bye Ranger.'
'Bye Babe, take care.'
Disconnect tone.
Wow, take care. That was cute. I checked my appearance once more before I headed out to Ranger's Porsche and I noticed this huge smile on my face. It just wouldn't go away.
I pulled into the office. I angled out of my, ahem, Ranger's Porsche and entered the office. It fell silent. Nick, Danny, Mary Lou, Connie and Lula were all staring at me.
'So girlfriend, you wanna tell me who's responsible for the smile?' Lula asked. Lula was squeezed into an alarmingly small amount of poison green spandex. Still, that was Lula.
'You weren't just gossiping about me were you?' I said in my meanest tone. I knew they were, Nick and Mary Lou only come to the office to gossip. Nick and Lula get on like wild fire, it's a weird friendship but they seem to like it.
'No, of course not.' Everyone denied simultaneously. I rolled my eyes. Whatever.
'Did you really throw Morelli out?' said Connie, 'you've gotta be crazy. He's got
the best ass in Trenton!'
'You only think that because you haven't seen Ranger's ass.' I clapped a hand over my mouth. I can't believe I said that. Everyone was grinning at me.
'Ohmigod,' screeched Mary Lou, 'You're going after Batman!'
'I'm not telling.' Then I stuck out my tongue, 'so there.'
Lula, Mary Lou and Connie exchanged glances.
'I caught my FTA an hour ago, so we've got plenty of time girl.' Lula smiled at me, it was a scary smile and I started to bolt for the door. But Nick was in the way.
'Nuh uh,' he said, 'We wanna know. And you're not getting out till we do.'
They ordered in food for dinner and kept me in there until 7. I steadfastly refused to answer questions of a sexual nature, and although I denied sleeping with Ranger, my blushes hinted that something had occurred.
I got home at 7:10 and had half an hour of training with Danny. Then I had a shower and started getting ready for Shelloc's.
Ranger had asked Danny if he wanted back-up with any take-downs when Ranger had broken in my apartment at 2:40am. Danny told him about Shelloc's, and now I had my Bros and Ranger and his merry men watching over me tonight. Not sure how I felt about it. Mostly worried that something incredibly embarrassing was going to happen.
I pulled on a Victoria secret red lacy bra with matching thong. I didn't normally like thongs but I didn't want to get lines, and I would with the dress I had in mind. I shimmied into a tiny red dress that clung flatteringly to my now-toned body. I selected a pair of red FMPs. My fingernails and toenails were painted deep red and my make-up was designed to bring attention to my blood red lips. I looked hot but slutty. Exactly how I wanted. But something was missing. Accessories. I fastened on a long necklace that trailed down my Victoria secret induced cleavage and chose a black clutch bag. In the bag went my cash, lipstick and my cuffs. My hair was teased up with two curly tendrils running invitingly down my neck.
I admired the result. Holy Toledo. That'd work.
I swayed out of my apartment and over to Bros.
Danny grinned at me when he saw me. 'Holy fuck sis.' Nick came out of the bedroom and froze. And then he slowly grinned, 'Oh wow Steph. You look as hot as a million red chillies.'
I couldn't help but smile, 'Weird compliment Nick, but thanks.'
'Put this on Angel.' Danny said, handing me a wire. I made a face but stuck it down my bra. Danny's cell rang.
'Lo? Wait and see. If I was straight, I'd fuck her. Later man.'
'The wire's on already?'
'Yeah angel.'
'And you gave Ranger the frequency.'
'Yeah. He wants to know what you're wearing.' I smiled.
'Wonder if Ranger likes red.'
Danny grinned at me, 'He will when he sees you. Holy fuck.' The he winked at me and said, 'You're legs look amazing Steph, and either you're going commando or you're wearing a thong.' I blushed. I knew exactly what Danny was doing, he was trying to tease Ranger. Not a good idea in my experience. I still have payback from the Apusenja thing hanging over me.
The drive to Shelloc's was loud, mostly because Danny and I shared similar taste in music and so Bon Jovi was punched up to full blast. We were nodding to 'Lay your hands on me' when we arrived. Then Bro turned off the music and was all business. He handed me the file. 'The FTA is Jonathon Brolt. He's-'
'Oh my god. It's Johnny!' I clapped a hand over my mouth. This wasn't something I wanted the world to know. Quick, distract! 'So, what did he do?'
'Assaulted a police officer. How do you know him Angel?' Damn.
'Um.' I was not going to explain that he was my fuck buddy in college, no siree. I didn't want people finding that out – Johnny and I had done some pretty kinky shit, not the kinda stuff you wanted to get back to your mother for instance. 'Doesn't matter, it was a long time ago. He might not even remember me.' Yeah right.
'If it's going to affect the job, you should tell me.'
'Um, it won't. Bye.' Then I was out the car and sauntering into Shelloc's. I scanned the bar, noting Tank and Ranger in a booth to my right. I saw Ranger's eyes widen as he saw me. He said something to Tank; it looked a lot like 'Holy fuck'.
I spotted Johnny at the bar. He looked real good. All dangerous muscle and sexiness rolled into one. Yum. Hmm, hope I kept that to myself.
I swished over to him, 'Hey Johnny.' I said in my most breathless voice. He turned and looked appreciatively up and down my body, eyes lingering on my legs.
'Hey Stephanie.' His voice was low and I saw the oh-so familiar flash of desire.
I suddenly didn't want to deceive him, so I just smiled at him and tilted my head towards the door. Then, without watching for his response I sashayed out the door. I knew he would follow me. He always had.
When Danny and Lester cuffed him Johnny didn't resist he just turned to me and raised an eyebrow.
'I'm a bounty hunter. You're FTA. We need to re-book you. Sorry.'
'Don't worry about it sweetheart. I honestly forgot. Its damn good to see you though, you look hot.' He laughed softly, 'A bounty hunter, damn Stephanie only you.'
'Thanks.'
'You got yourself a man?'
I opened my mouth to reply but I was beat to it by Ranger, 'Fuckin' A.' he said. And then he pushed me against the wall and proceeded to kiss me until I couldn't think. His body was pressed against mine and I could feel that he really liked what I was wearing. He pulled away from my lips and kissed my neck instead. Then he sucked on my neck where he'd kissed, gently at first, then more insistently. I couldn't think of anything except him. His mouth left my neck and trailed up to my ears. Where he started to suck and nibble. My limbs were weak with desire, 'Ranger.' I moaned. I wanted him to kiss me. His Esp must have been working because he pushed his lips against mine and his hot tongue swept into my mouth. Possessing me. I was vaguely aware that Tank was trying to get our attention, but I ignored him and so did Ranger. His hands were caressing my thighs, slipping further up, and then his hands were on my ass – pulling me even harder into him. His left hand stayed there but his right hand was drawing slow circles on my now-damp panties.
'Ricardo!' Tank finally yelled.
Ranger pulled back, 'What?' he yelled back.
'Get a god damned room.'
'Huh?' Then he looked round and closed his eyes. 'Oh crap. I nearly fucked Steph in the street.'
'Yeah man.'
Ranger took a deep breath and then turned back to me. I don't know what he saw in my eyes but he let out a low groan. Then he lifted me up and carried me to his car. He did my seatbelt for me, which was lucky cos I couldn't move. The wheels of his car spun as he pulled out.
'I'm taking you to your apartment, ok Babe?'
'Ulk.' I wasn't really up to conversation.
The drive was silent but Ranger definitely wasn't in his zone. When we pulled into my lot he parked and then lifted me out of the car and carried me up to my apartment. I wasn't complaining - I liked having his arms around me.
He opened my apartment door; I didn't pay attention as to how he did it. He carried me into my bedroom and laid me down. He kissed me lightly on my forehead.
'I'm not going to muck this up Babe. So I'm going to go. Sleep badly Babe.'
'Badly?'
'Yeah,' he said with a slow smile, 'I want you to be so hot for me that you can't sleep. And when you do sleep I want you to dream of me: dream of me inside you, making you moan, making you come. You think you can do that Babe?'
'Easily.' I half moaned.
He kissed me on the lips. 'Night Babe.'
'Night Ranger, sleep badly.' He flashed me all 200 watts and let himself out. And all I could think of was his sexy voice telling me why he wanted me sleeping badly.
