Disclaimer: Anything familiar belongs to JE and the creators of Criminal Minds.

Warning: Adult language, adult situations, mild smut

Chapter 61: Tuesday, August 30th, 1600-2200

Ranger's Estate/Miami Rangeman

Ranger's POV

I love waking up in the morning, finding my Babe in my arms, next to me. Everything feels so right, so perfect. I can't believe that I held her at arm's length for so long. I have no one to blame but myself for Stephanie's lack of trust in me. I've told her stupid ass remarks repeatedly how I didn't do relationships, how I basically wanted to treat her like a cheap whore. I realize now, looking back on everything that I've told my Babe that I'm lucky that she's even talking to me still.

As much as I appear to be calm on the outside, I'm a nervous wreck on the inside. I'm petrified that Babe will tell me on Saturday that she's heading back to Trenton, leaving me behind. I don't know how I will survive without her by my side. I hope that her session with Dr. Karen goes well tomorrow and that I'll be hearing the words I long to hear from her lips, "Carlos, I love you."

I know I still owe her a date, a night out on the town to treat her like the queen she is in my mind. I have the perfect dress for her in the closet. I plan to take her to the most exclusive club here in Miami, Fuego. Fuego is a Cuban inspired club, with décor that rivals the clubs of Havana. I'd get to show her off to everyone there. Even though we have never danced together, I know that she can dance, and dance well. Latin dancing is a lot like making love, and Dios knows that we have a good rhythm in bed. I know that our rhythm will translate onto the dance floor. First, I will take her out to dinner at Casa Rodolfo, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Miami. I was floored when she said she never really went on a proper date, and I vow to show her what a real date is like. As much as I hope our date ends with us coupling, I am willing to wait for that to happen, because I know it will happen soon.

I hear Stephanie sigh as she wakes up, stretching her lithe body against mine, making me even harder. I know that I'm not going to last much longer. Babe has given me the best head that I ever received, but even that isn't enough for me. I want, no need, to be buried inside her. My control will only last so long.

"Good morning, Carlos. What time is it?" My Babe asks, her voice husky in sleep.

"Good morning, Querida. It's 0900."

"Wow, and you're still in bed. I'm shocked." She replies, sassily.

"It's been a long and stressful couple of weeks. Besides, I was comfortable, I didn't want to get up." I tell Steph as I run my hand up and down her back absentmindedly.

"I'm glad you're still here. I sleep better when you're next to me." We kiss 'Good Morning' then Stephanie gets up to take care of mother nature. She emerges from the bathroom and heads to the drawer to pull out a pair of shorts to put on with my t-shirt.

"Where are you going, Babe? Come back here." I implore her, patting to the spot on the bed next to me that she just vacated. I was really hoping for a little adult time.

"Carlos, the kids are most likely awake. I should head downstairs to make sure that they are okay and don't need anything to eat for breakfast. Besides, I want to spend time with Tommy this morning. I know we'll be spending much of the afternoon and evening at Rangeman, and I want to make sure he's adjusting okay and that he had no nightmares last night."

I sigh, understanding her desire to check on Julie and Tommy, while getting increasingly angry at her inability to see what a wonderful mother she is to both children. I need to let her hear how proud of her I am. Before I can tell her, though, she is out the door and, on her way, to check on the kids. I get up and take a cold shower, but even the cold water isn't enough. I use some soap, and take care of my issue. It's not really doing the job, but considering Steph is still insistent upon our celibacy, it'll have to do.

Once I'm done, I shave, get dressed, and head downstairs to start the day. Steph is sitting with Tommy eating Honey Nut Cheerios, while Julie is eating Multigrain Cheerios with fresh fruit. I'm glad to see that Julie is eating closer to my habits. However, I really can't find too much fault with Stephanie's and Tommy's choice.

"Good morning, Princesa, Tommy. How did you both sleep last night?" I ask.

My daughter replies, "really good, Papi. I didn't have any nightmares. In fact, I didn't wake up at all."

"That's wonderful, Julie," I state. Then I look at Tommy.

"I sleeped good. Stephanie waked me up this morning. I like it here." Tommy sincerely says. I feel a tug at my heart that I didn't think I would feel. I feel even more strongly about needing Stephanie to stay with me, Julie, and Tommy here in Miami. Things seem so right with the four of us. I feel like we are a true family.

"What would you like to do this morning, Tommy? Stephanie and I have to go to work this afternoon, and most likely evening, so we want to spend the morning with you and Julie." I say.

"Can we go to the store? I need a backpack, pencils, notebooks, folders, and a lunch box for school." Tommy asks.

"Of course. That will be fun. We also need to get you some more school clothes." Stephanie responds. I already feel the anxiety building at going shopping with my family.

"Babe, do we have their school supply lists?"

"Papi, they are online. I can print one out for Tommy and me, but did you register Tommy for school yet?" Julie inquires.

"Yes, Julie. I had Maggie take care of it yesterday. You are both expected in school on Thursday."

"Okay. That sounds like a great plan for today because I don't have any school supplies either. I need to get a lot for high school this year. I think they require specific color binders for each subject, so Staples will probably be the best bet for getting our supplies. We can go to Walmart for our backpacks and for Tommy's lunch box. They may even have one for me there as well."

"Where do you want to go shopping for clothes?"

"What about Kohls? They have a good variety." Julie responds.

"That sounds like a plan. Who will be accompanying us?" Stephanie asks.

"I think I'll have Hector and Rocco come with us."

By this point, I have finished my breakfast of a bagel with light cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit. Stephanie rinses her and Tommy's bowls, placing them in the dishwasher before heading upstairs with Tommy to get him dressed before she takes her own shower. Julie is already dressed, having asked Mariela to help her this morning.

While I'm waiting for Stephanie, I receive confirmation that Terry and Dickie have landed in Miami and are on their way to the safe house. They are in the car we bugged. Their conversations are being recorded and monitored by the FBI.

I'm still impressed at the amount of trouble the Rangeman Mole went through to frame an innocent person. Had anyone other than Stephanie completed the research, we would have blamed everything on the wrong man. As it is, we didn't correct the BAU with who we initially told them the mole was. Just in case a member of that team was leaking our information, we wanted the true mole to be confident that he pulled one over on us. He will be confronted today about his deception.

Forty-five minutes after Stephanie headed upstairs, she is on her way back down, dressed and ready for the day. Tommy is wearing jean shorts and a blue t-shirt; Julie is wearing a pink skort with a matching tank top and t-shirt. Stephanie is wearing another sundress; this one is mint green with peach and pale purple flowers. Both ladies are wearing flip flops, while Tommy is wearing sneakers. I call Hector and Rocco, informing them that we are ready to leave. I let Hector take Julie and Tommy to the garage with Rocco because I want a few minutes to talk to Stephanie before we go shopping.

"Babe," I say when I get her alone, "I want you to use my credit card for whatever you purchase today, even if it is something for you." I see her about to interject, but I cut her off. "Babe, please hear me out."

She puts her hands on her hips, glaring at me. "Fine, Ranger, say your peace."

Shit. Steph's back to calling me 'Ranger.' "Stephanie, I know that you want to pay for your own things. I know you pride yourself on your independence. It is one of the qualities about you that I love. However, I am having a difficult time accepting your financial independence. I was raised in a household where my father worked to support the family. His entire paycheck went to provide a roof over our heads, food in our cupboards, and clothes on our back. My mother got her hair done regularly, got a manicure and pedicure at least once a month, and never wanted for anything. She worked part-time while us kids were home, and then when we all were in school. She started to work full-time. My father never let her use her money for anything. My mom wanted to contribute, so my dad told her she could use her money for our family vacations, the extras that we got to do because she was working. She agreed to those terms, and always used her money to buy gifts for my father but used his money for everything else.

"I know that you see yourself as a kept woman, but by me giving you things, you aren't one, in my mind. I am simply providing for you as I should, as your partner. Babe, I have enough money that I can retire with you tomorrow and still never run out. I made a lot working for Uncle Sam. Rangeman is profitable. I have also invested wisely. I know that if you work for me, you will want a salary, and I will pay you like I do any other employee, but I want you to use your money for the extras, not the necessities. Babe, your insistence on paying is making me feel inadequate." I honestly tell her. I noticed the moment her attitude started to shift and soften.

I can also see Stephanie battling with herself, with her need to be independent and her need to please me. I know I'm playing dirty, but it's true. I don't feel like a proper "man" if Stephanie is paying for things herself. I am not a traditional person, but when it comes to supporting my family and my woman, I guess I am very traditional.

"Carlos, I understand. It is hard for me to give up my need to purchase what I can for myself. After Dickie and I divorced, I barely made it by month to month. He left me with a ton of debt and somehow managed to keep most of the expensive jewelry he purchased for me and gave me as gifts throughout our courtship and marriage. I know he pawned or sold everything, including my engagement ring so I couldn't benefit. I never want to be in that position again. He only let me have the clothes, jewelry, and items that I purchased with my money or was given to me from my immediate family. That's part of the reason why I have no pots, dishes, or silverware. Most of that stuff was given to me by people other than my mother, grandmother, or sister, so he kept it all. My heart knows that I can trust you, but my brain is scared to."

Hearing what Dickie did to Stephanie makes her stance so much more understandable. I wonder how long it is going to take to wipe those insecurities away and clean the slate. "I understand. Why don't you try by just allowing me to buy you things when we go shopping together? If you go without me, then you can use your money. Is that a good compromise?" I ask her.

"I can live with that. Thank you for understanding, Carlos." She replies, before going up on her tip toes to kiss me chastely on the lips.

"We better head out to the garage before I drag you upstairs or Hector comes in here looking for us." I follow Stephanie out to the garage, and we spend the rest of the morning buying school supplies, clothing, and other necessities for all of us. We drop off Tommy and Julie into Mariela's care, with Rocco guarding them, to head to Rangeman to confront all the parties. Emily contacted me that they had Terry and Dickie in their custody and that the baby was fine, in the care of children's services. They are on their way back to Miami. We will question everyone together. We also decided to meet first at the house before returning to Rangeman. I inform Mariela that Stephanie and I will be joining her, Julie and Tommy for dinner.

When I arrive at Rangeman, I check in with Marco. He tells me that our "guests" are comfortable, and they are ready to talk. They are low-level and want nothing more than to flip on Cobra and his cronies. Once they arrived here at Rangeman and realized the mess they were in, they were much more cooperative and talkative.

"We're going to wait until the BAU team arrives before we start to question them. They are on their way here with Terry and Dickie. Do we have eyes on Silvio and Scottie?"

"Yes, we do. Silvio is in the office, working. He's been keeping his schedule normal, doing everything he always does. Vince and Zero were sent down from Trenton and have been keeping an eye on Scottie during the day. We have a team that takes over at night. Right now, he is working an install in Coral Gables. He's expected back here in about thirty minutes."

"That would put his arrival with the delivery of Terry and Dickie. It could be interesting. Maybe we'll need to put the odds in our favor for that confrontation." I tell Marco.

"I think you're right. However, Scottie is a little quick to the trigger, so it might not be the safest option. I was, along with the Miami core, considering firing Scottie. He doesn't take direction well and often went off script. Now I understand why." Marco tells me.

I dismiss Marco with a nod and continue to my office. Stephanie went up to my penthouse to change into her Rangeman uniform, wanting to have the biggest impact on Terry and Dickie. I sit at my desk, turning on my computer to catch up on the paperwork that I need to sign, such as payroll, contracts, and incident reports.

I hear a soft knock on my door. "Come in, Babe," I respond. Steph opens the door, looking so incredibly sexy in her Rangeman uniform. I love seeing her with my name on her chest. I know it's very caveman, but it gives me an exorbitant amount of pride.

"How did you know it was me?" She asks.

"No one knocks on the door as lightly as you do."

"Oh. Is there anything I can do while we're waiting?"

"Come here," I tell her. I know plenty she can do, in fact, things we can do together, but I don't think she means that, but I will see how far I can push things.

I watch her as she walks towards me, her eyes glazing over a bit. Once she's in arm's reach, I pull her onto my lap. I bring her head towards my lips and allow my mouth to crash onto hers. She gives my tongue entrance to her, and I explore her mouth, as she explores mine. We pull away only when breathing becomes a necessity. I feel myself harden immediately. Dios, no woman has ever had that kind of hold over me before.

I lean back in and continue to kiss her, trailing kisses down her neck to the spot where her neck meets her shoulder that drives her insane. I let my hand roam under her shirt, feeling her soft skin beneath my hands. She shifts, so she's straddling me, rubbing her center against my already aching cock. I don't know if I have any control left. I'm about to pull her shirt up when I hear a quick series of three knocks and a hand on the door. Fuck! Santos. I quickly pull out my hands and pull down Steph's shirt. I know Santos is giving us a minute before he barges in. Stephanie makes to get up, but I held her down on my lap. I'm in no condition for anyone to see me right now.

"Boss, the team that was with Agent Prentiss just arrived with Gilman and Orr. Brown is escorting them to holding. Scottie is ten minutes out. The BAU team stopped for a late lunch, and will be at your house around 1800." Santos says, with a knowing smile on his face. I only know that he's not saying anything right now, so he doesn't embarrass Stephanie.

"Thank you. Bring the Palm Beach team to conference room B once the guests are checked in. We'll join you shortly."

"Sure thing, Boss," Lester responds, before leaving. In his true smart ass nature, he locks the door behind him as he leaves. As much as I want to call him to the mats, I'm grateful for his foresight, because I need to continue where we left off.

I go back to kiss Stephanie when she pulls away.

"Carlos, we can't do this. We're in your office."

"So, what, Babe? It doesn't matter. Besides, I've always fantasized about having you on my desk." I honestly tell her, while going back to kissing her. I allow my fingers to rub against her nipples through her shirt, and from the quicker breathes she's taking and the moans she's making, I know she's as affected as I am.

"But, Carlos, I can't. Not now."

"Babe, please let me pleasure you. You have no idea how badly I want you. I told you I will wait as long as it takes, but I need to be honest, it's getting harder and harder to control myself. I need to taste you, to be close to you. I don't need to make love to you, but I need some relief, and only you can give it to me."

While I'm talking, I move my hips, rubbing my aching cock against her center. I feel like a teenager dry humping her, but if this is the best I can get, I'll take it. Before I can get too worked up, she's off my lap and kneeling between my legs. I watch as she pulls my shirt out of my pants, slowing undoing my belt, looking at my eyes before she pulls down the zipper. I nod my head and then question her with my eyes. She nods in return.

Steph slowly pulls the zipper down, allowing me to fall out at attention. She rubs her hand around, from base to tip and back, spreading my pre-cum down my shaft. I can't help the groan that comes from deep down my throat. She finally puts her mouth over it, taking me as far in as she can. Dios, she gives the best head. I feel myself building quickly, our celibacy taking its toll. Though I've been celibate for a long time, knowing that Steph is mine, that I don't have to fight my feelings for her anymore, is making the wait impossible. Steph begins to massage my balls, and I feel myself peaking. I moment later, I'm shooting into her mouth, and she expertly takes everything I give her. I feel my breathing slowing, and my cock softens, as she stands, obviously satisfied with her ministrations.

I quickly stand. I start to unbuckle Steph's cargos, pulling down both her pants and her panties together. I push her on top of my desk and sit back down in my chair. I put my head between her legs, looking at her for permission before using my mouth on her. She nods her consent. I begin my feast. As much I as would prefer to impale my dick in her, my tongue will have to suffice for now. I need to give her the release that I know she needs and wants. Using my tongue on her clit, I place two fingers inside her, pumping her, hitting her g-spot. I feel her body tightening, and her muscles clenching. I refuse to let up. I feel her orgasm build, and finally, she lets it go. I lap up her juices, as she did mine until she pushes me away.

"Oh God, Carlos. The things you can do to me. I never knew oral sex could be so good."

"Babe?" I question.

"Dickie only did enough to get me wet enough for him to enter me without me complaining. Joe was a little better, but it was more in the way of getting me in the mood if I really wasn't. I never orgasmed from them, giving me oral."

I shake my head and feel bad for Steph that she has never had a good, caring lover before, but I'm glad I get to be the man to show her how good making love can be. Maybe she'll reconsider some of her sexual taboos.

"Come, let's wash up and go meet with the Palm Beach team before heading back to the house." I tell her before adding, "I'm sorry that you never had a man put you first. I hope that you will allow me to show you what it should be like between lovers. I promise you will never lack for orgasms as long as you're in my bed."

I watch as she blushes, at a loss for words. I lead her to my private bathroom, where we both clean up. I hand her a toothbrush and toothpaste, and we both brush our teeth. Once we are presentable, we head out of my office after one final kiss. I glance at my watch, ten minutes, not a bad quickie for us.

TNTCE

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this long chapter. Ranger had a lot to say. Vicki Synder, Ranger agrees with you, he wants to have some action with Stephanie sooner rather than later, but he doesn't think she's going to comply. The next chapter is from Dickie's POV and is equally long. I've hit a little bit of a wall writing, and have been incredibly busy with work. I may not be able to post as regularly for the next couple of weeks, but I promise, I'm working on it. I want this story to end strong, as it deserves to end.

Once again, thank you, Susan, for editing my work. Your critical eye is much needed.