Disclaimer: Do not own anything of this author or any other references.I do own Topaz and Diamond.

Thank you to those who kindly enough reviewed my story, your input and advice will help. Sorry that I haven't been writing but I have been away, but here is the next chapter in the story.


...They turn and run for the elevator as quickly as possible they exit the building jump into the truck and speed out into the street.

Chapter 4- Diamond in the Rough

"Shit", she said "We are going to be late, Ranger hold onto you socks. She pushed down hard on the gas a they even faster down the street. "Babe" he said raising his eyebrow in that special way. "I know but we have got to make it!" she turned the corner and braked so hard that they were flung forward and backward in the shaking vehicle. "Ranger be quiet and don't make any sudden moves." she said shaking her finger at him. Ranger slowly moved out of the car and proceeded to follow her into a dark building, he thought to himself, "What the FK is Stephanie up to?"

The building was dark and menacing and along the path strolled Stephanie as calm as if she was strolling in a field of Daffodil's. They walked slowly to the door and she knocked on the door. The door slowly slid open and a sexy, 6ft; man stood in a black Armani suit, and smiled at Stephanie.

"Hi", she said grinning to him. "Howzit, signora foxy che vi ha la bestia, è cassaforte o che cosa?" (Italian- "Howzit, foxy lady who's the beast behind you, is he safe or what?")

"Yeah è diamante sicuro lui, necessità giuste di essere cercato le armi, ma tranne quello vigilanza la vostra parte posteriore 'è addestrato '. Tranne il quel venuto qui e diami un bacio ragazzo grande. (Italian- " Yeah he's safe Diamond he, just needs to be searched for weapons, but other than that watch your back he's 'trained'. Other than that come over here and give me a kiss big boy.) She shook her head and smiled.

Ranger could not understand anything they said for he spoke many languages but never got around to learning Stephanie's native language Italian. He grimaced and thought "They are trading information and shit I can't understand them, this is bad very bad! "

Diamond moved forward and reached for her holding her tight and kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, stranger long time no see." Ranger seeing this became still, and wondered at there relationship. "What the hell is she up to?" he thought to himself. Ranger, I would like you to meet Diamond, in more ways than one. She grinned cynically. Diamond this is Batman otherwise known as Ranger. The two men sized each other up and shook hands reluctantly.

Stephanie groaned and said "Now boys, no fighting we have business to attend to." She looked at them expectantly. She then proceeded to squeeze past Diamond into the house, and said aloud "Hello, Topaz I'm back could you please allow Ranger in only this once."

Ranger looked stone faced as usual, but Diamond was grinning on tenterhooks at his reaction to what was about to occur. Diamond deliberated to himself, "I wonder what his reaction would be when the house answers her back." Suddenly came a deafening noise from the house and the house answered Stephanie in return. "Sky, welcome home my lovely and you may bring in Ranger, his files seems to be in order, but I will be watching him so keep him out of trouble and everything will be fine."

Ranger stood planted to the ground and looked as if he discovered the eighth wonder of the world, " What the fuck was that, Stephanie?" grabbing her. "Well, this is my home and her name is Topaz, and she has allowed you to stay because you are no threat to us." She said smilingly. Diamond took a step forward and removed Rangers arms from Stephanie's arms, "Ranger, do not touch Stephanie in any way threateningly because Topaz will kill for harming her mistress, as will I".

"What do you mean mistress?" he said grinding his teeth. "Well Ranger, this is my home away from home and I'm mistress of this house, but since I'm here on business, Diamond will show you around" she said glaring at Ranger. "Diamond" she said grabbing his hand please be nice, and give him the 'Good' tour while I have business to complete,

'Diamante, dosen't sa circa che cosa faccio, o chi io realmente. Così vogliate lo mantengono dai miei capelli per un'ora almeno mentre scelgo questo fiasco di tali proporzioni enormi.'(Diamond, he dosen't know about what I do, or who I really am. So please keep him out of my hair for an hour at least while I sort out this fiasco of such huge proportions.). She then turned and winked at Ranger and left.


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