This is an AU story. I hope you find the characters still themselves even if their world is different.

Thanks to Rach who makes this so much more fun and the writing so much better.

Sally

Chapter 18

I moved towards the doorway, where I found Ranger eyeing Joe. Junior was behind him, I assume to escort Joe out. I smiled seeing Ranger. I let him guide me out into the hallway with his hand at the small of my back. I turned back to Joe and tossed over my shoulder, "Thanks for the offer, but I've got plenty of friends. Let's just find out who wants me dead."

The Good Wife

Chapter 19

I was surprised when Ranger walked me right past his office and straight to the elevator. I could tell he was tense again. His jaw was set, his face blank. He ushered me into the waiting car and pushed his key fob to send us up to the seventh floor. Then he aimed the fob at the camera and pushed another button. I turned to face him and attempted to raise one eyebrow in question. I failed miserably but he got the idea. He used the hand that was still at the small of my back to pull me towards him. His other hand came up higher on my back and I was pulled tight to his body. With my heels we were nearly eye to eye and nose to nose.

"Morelli wants to be your friend," he nearly growled. Omigod. Jealous Carlos was back. It turned me on in his office, but we were interrupted before I could do anything about it. Considering we had a few hours before the afternoon meeting, this time things looked very promising. I knew I should reassure him, diffuse the situation, but I kind of felt a little naughty and I wanted to play.

I sighed and shrugged, "It's always good to have friends." I was pulling the tiger's tail and loving every minute of it. His eyes were dark and dangerous; I couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through my body. Not from fear, but anticipation.

His voice was gruff, "You think you need more friends?" He dropped his head to the side and started kissing and nipping at my neck.

I moaned, tilting my head to give him more room to work. All my intentions of teasing him flew out of my mind as well as the ability to form words apparently. "Um…ah," was all I could manage. While his mouth was busy his hands decided to join the party. He made quick work of the buttons on the front of my suit jacket exposing my lace clad breasts. His hands teased them through the fabric before yanking the cups down so he could more thoroughly torture my already painfully hard nipples. His movements were rough and thrilling, setting my body on fire. His mouth left my neck and claimed my own in a fierce and urgent kiss. His tongue thrusting into my mouth caused me to moan and arch further into his hands. He pulled back from me, his eyes locked onto mine.

In a low and dangerously sexy voice he informed me, "I'm the only friend you need. If I put my mind to it I can make you forget Morelli, forget your husband, even the name Ramos. If I wanted to I could ruin you for all other men." I gulped and tried really hard to keep my eyes from rolling back in my head at the thought of it. Jesus, if last night was less than his best work I may not survive. I can just see the headlines now, First Lady of New Jersey Dies from Doomsday Orgasm. Carlos Manoso Held for Questioning.

My inner sex goddess took control of my mouth and egged him on. In a breathy voice I baited him, "What the hell are you waiting for?"

He growled and attacked my mouth again, bending slightly to literally sweep me off my feet and carry me out of the elevator. He quickly keyed us into the apartment, his mouth never leaving mine and never lessening in its assault. But I was giving as good as I was getting. My hands were fisted in his hair, my tongue battling his as we fought for control of the kiss, neither caring who won. As soon as he kicked the door closed I found myself pressed up against it. His hips were pressed against mine, holding me in place while his hand slid up my thigh hiking my skirt up with it. He pulled back far enough to run his fingers over my now soaked panties. I felt, more than heard him growl when he found how ready I was for him. With a quick jerk the lace of the panties snapped as they were torn from my body.

I don't ever remember being so turned on in my whole life. It was overwhelming. All I could think about was getting him inside of me. There was no way we were making it to the bedroom. I yanked his tie off and unbuttoned his suit jacket. Urgent to feel his skin against mine I fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. Too frustrated to finish I just grabbed the edges and ripped, baring his chest to me and sending buttons flying. I ran my hands over his muscled chest and abs, frantic to feel all of him, not sure where to touch first.

He groaned and pressed me harder into the door, grinding our hips together. I captured his mouth with mine, fisting my hands in his hair to pull him closer to me. My breath hitched as he pulled back from the kiss, took my nipple in his mouth and sucked greedily on it. Before I could take another breath he plunged two fingers into me. I cried out in both surprise and pleasure. He continued his movements adding a third finger while his thumb pressed on my clit sending me into oblivion.

"Now," I panted, "I need you inside me now." All too happy to oblige me he freed himself from his suit pants. I wrapped my legs around his waist; I could feel him hard, pressed against my center. Both our breathing was ragged as he sheathed himself inside me. Our movements were frenzied and out of control. He pounded into me, his hands digging into my hips while mine were braced against his shoulders, trying to keep my head from banging into the door. Concussions are so not sexy. His thrusts became more frantic, my hips meeting his every time. I was so close, my body was vibrating as my head thrashed back and forth, the sensations almost too much.

"Open your eyes," he commanded, his voice rough and forceful. I obeyed instantly, finding his eyes intently watching me. "Come for me. I want to watch you come with me." I could only whimper in response. His thrusts came harder and faster as he ordered, "Now!"

My body was not about to deny him. I came hard, shaking and screaming, "God, Carlos, yes Carlos, yes, yes, yes." My eyes closed and my head rolled from side to side as my orgasm washed over me. I felt him come with me, letting out an almost animalistic growl. Completely spent we slid to the floor. I was barely conscious as I thought I heard him whisper into my hair, "Oh Dios. La mía. La mía. La mía. Mi mujer. Usted fue hecho para mí y sólo a mí. La mía. La mina simpre." (Oh God. Mine. Mine. Mine. My woman. You were made for me and me only. Always mine.)

Ranger must have carried me to the bed because when I came to he was sliding my now terribly wrinkled skirt down my legs, following it with kisses. "Mmmm," was all I could manage. He smiled up at me and he delicately removed my killer shoes, gently rubbing the arches expertly. He must have already removed my jacket and bra because I now lay before him completely nude.

"God you look good in my bed." His voice was a little hoarse. He was still dressed, well sort of. His suit coat had been discarded alongside mine. He still wore the remains of his dress shirt and his pants hung on his hips, zipped just enough to keep them on. He'd lost his socks and shoes. It was a good look for him. Of course everything was a good look for him.

"It's a nice bed," I told him, "But lonely," I pouted. He shed the rest of his clothes and remedied the problem.

We tumbled out of bed much later, showered and changed for the afternoon meeting. I wanted to ask him about what I thought I heard him say earlier, but I wasn't sure if I dreamed it or not. Besides we had better things to do than talk.

My suit was not fit to wear but I was surprised to find some of my clothes hanging in Ranger's closet. Apparently he was taking this whole stuck like glue thing from Dickie pretty seriously. It seems Ella, Ranger's housekeeper, met with Connie and relocated the things I would need for a stay in a secure apartment in the Rangeman building. I'm guessing she didn't say it was Ranger's apartment. I wasn't sure how I felt about being displaced without my permission, but there wasn't time to argue the point now. I slipped on a pair of dress slacks, sweater and boots. All of my hair products and make up had magically appeared in the bathroom as well. It worked to my advantage so I didn't have to join the afternoon meeting wearing that just fucked looked. Not real professional.

After a late lunch we headed down to the conference room for the meeting. Bobby, Lester and Tank were all waiting as were Joe and another man I recognized from the initial meeting, Wilson I think his name was. Ranger and I took the last two seats, him at the head of the table with me on his right. Everyone exchanged the expected pleasantries before Ranger cleared his throat and began the meeting. We were here to go over the findings so far on my case and make plans on how to proceed.

Poor Lester had to go first. He was a ladies' man, but I'm guessing the women he spent time interviewing the last couple of days were not really his type: clingy. After asking the Governor of the State of New Jersey about his love life and sexual partners Lester then got the fun job of tracking down the women who failed to understand that a night with Richard Orr was just that, a night. There were no strings, no promises. There had apparently been a few women over the years who didn't get it. Lester looked at his report and then at me, questioning if I really wanted to hear this and in front of the State Police no less. No, I didn't want to hear this and I sure as hell didn't want anybody else to either. But what choice did I have? I felt badly for him. It wasn't his fault Dickie couldn't keep it in his pants. I forced a smile and nodded at him.

He blew out a big breath. "We spoke to some of the governor's more um, enthusiastic fans." All of the men in the room cleared their throats, they knew what he meant, but for my sake they weren't going to make him say it. I have to say I was a little bit relieved, and thankful. Lester continued, "Um, I spoke to the women who seemed to have an unhealthy amount of interest in him. All seemed to have moved on and become otherwise involved. There was nobody that raised any red flags, all of their searches came back clean, just seems like they were a bit star-struck." He seemed to rush through the explanation, hoping to be done with the topic. I was the only one who had questions for him.

"Can I see the files Lester?" He looked at me like I had a screw loose. I sighed and explained. "If this nut job is after me I assume we've met before. Maybe seeing them will jog something." He reluctantly handed me the files. I flipped through the files, looking mainly at photos and names. While a few of them looked vaguely familiar, nothing stood out. At least my husband was an equal opportunity adulterer. There were blonds, brunettes, and a whole range of skin colors. How nice, very PC.

"Anything trip your spidey sense?" Ranger asked me in an almost whisper. I smiled and shook my head.

Next up was Tank. He had the immense pleasure of interviewing my and Dickie's families. He repeated what he had told me about the Orr family estate. He eliminated everyone but my father in law as a suspect.

"Do you honestly think Charles Orr is capable of attempted murder?" Joe sounded incredulous. I felt like telling him the jump from attempted rape to stalking and attempted murder was not a huge one. But that would take more of an explanation than I was willing to give the State Police.

Tank answered, "His relationship with his daughter-in-law is tenuous at best. He has been openly hostile towards her, not to mention making unwanted sexual advances." He looked at me to see if he had gone too far. I gave him a smile that I hoped said it was just right. I felt Ranger brush his leg against mine as a show of support.

Both Joe and Wilson sucked in big breath hearing the accusations leveled against the great man. Looking shocked, Joe asked softly, "All that true Steph?" He didn't look like he pitied me. If I had to categorize the look it was one of respect. I knew Joe had no patience for men who mistreated women. His family had a long history of alcoholic abusive men. He'd work hard to escape the curse.

I nodded. "I'm far from Charles' favorite person, I admit. I also know he would benefit financially from my death." I let them think I meant insurance or something, I didn't feel like sharing the details of our agreement. "But I still don't think he's behind this. Deep down he doesn't have the balls to take me down. He tried once and failed. I have enough on him now to destroy him and he knows it." Joe looked impressed. The Rangemen looked proud.

"Proud of you Babe," Ranger said in a low voice so only I could hear. And I was proud of me too.

"So we put him on the back burner, but he's not completely in the clear." Ranger's voice was full of authority, not inviting challenges. He nodded to Tank to continue.

For a big black man, Tank looked a little green. "Um, I met with the Plum family yesterday," he looked like he had a bad taste in his mouth. "Your dad is really cool." He was quick to report. After a pause he continued, "Your mom seems to be pretty caught up in what other people think and your granny is just downright scary." Joe burst out laughing and Ranger and the other Rangemen tried to control theirs. Officer Wilson looked like he might have swallowed his tongue. Tank looked slightly offended that they were laughing at him. I tried to act offended, but really couldn't argue with the man.

"I warned you," Ranger had no sympathy for the big man. He'd learned the hard way when he came to dinner at the Plums. Tank just scowled and moved a little in his chair;, it looked like sitting was a bit painful. Grandma must have gotten him good. I smirked. Hungarian hormones, what can you do?

Tank ignored the rest of the snickers and comments, "Anyway, I talked to your sister and brother-in-law. Everyone is in the clear." He paused again, "Well your cousin Vinnie is just a sick freak, but I don't think he had anything to do with this." Again the room erupted. It was nice to laugh. Stalkers are stressful. Relief, if only for a few moments was welcome.

Ranger silenced everyone by clearing his throat again and motioning for Bobby to report. He started with the threats against Richard from the Grizolli family. I saw Joe tense when Bobby talked about his meeting with Terri Gilman, but as he continued to say that they were only interested in the governor and that there were ongoing negations, Joe seemed to relax. I know Ranger saw Joe's reaction too, but didn't comment on it.

Bobby laughed slightly and addressed me, "She's no fan of yours though." I'm sure shock was all over my face. What the hell did Terri Gilman have against me? Until three days ago I hadn't even thought of her in nearly ten years. I certainly hadn't seen her or given her any reason to dislike me.

"What, why?" I sputtered.

Bobby shrugged, "She didn't want to say, but she muttered something about you stealing her boyfriend before he left for the Navy." Joe seemed to shrink in his chair. I glared at him. Bobby continued, "But she wasn't making any sense by then, she was just rambling, something about those poems should have been about her. Do you know what that means?"

God I wish! I can't tell you how much easier my life would have been if Joe had written poems about screwing Terri all over the burg instead of me. She was crazy. Who the hell would want that? The room was quiet and everyone was looking at me for an answer. Well everyone but Joe and Ranger. Ranger's glare threatened to burn a hole in the side of Joe's head and Joe was suddenly fascinated by the top of his shoes.

I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing. What did I care? It was no big secret what Joe did to me. Maybe the guys at Rangeman didn't know, but I had nothing to be ashamed of. Once I was finally able to calm down I wiped the tears from my eyes and looked around the table. All of them were looking at me like I was a complete loon. Hell, maybe I was.

"Ancient history, and believe me she got the better end of that deal." I smirked at Joe. He seemed to take offense. Oh well. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Ranger grinning. Well maybe he wasn't grinning on the outside. But I knew it was there. "I can't believe she is still stewing over that. It was really no big deal, if you know what I mean. I'd nearly forgotten all about it." Now I was the one grinning. Morelli had turned red, but kept his mouth shut. I knew it was killing him. Inside I was doing a mental happy dance. Hell, I hadn't even known he was still with Terri back then. It wasn't like there was a lot of talking before and certainly not after.

"She may not be my biggest fan, but unless she's mentally unstable I doubt she's behind this. Hard to believe she'd carry a grudge this long. I haven't seen her in over ten years." I paused before asking innocently, "Lieutenant Morelli I know you two still talk, what do you think?" What was with me today? I guess I was feeling brave. First I baited Ranger in the elevator and now I was needling Joe. Well the first one turned out extremely well for me, so maybe this would too. I don't know why I wanted to egg Joe on, like I said it was ancient history. Maybe it was his Italian Stallion attitude this morning after finding out my bed was empty and expecting an invitation. I wanted him to know I wasn't happy about the last time and there was no way in hell it would be happening again. You'd think being run over with a Buick would have gotten that point across, but I guess some guys were just a little thick.

Joe opened his mouth several times to speak but nothing came out so he shut it again. He seemed to collect himself before answering very professionally, "It doesn't sound like something she would be capable of, but I will look into it just to be sure." His jaw was set, but other than that he had his emotions well hidden beneath his cop face.

You do that Joe I wanted to say. Instead I gave him a big smile and said, "Thanks." Ranger was laughing his ass off, on the inside of course.