Author's Note: Good afternoon, folks. So, I FINALLY have the correct computer with the correct writing aid (Word Online is awesome. Installing it sucks but it's awesome) and due to new movies out plus the return of my shows (GOTHAM, what's left of SCANDAL and The Walking Dead sans the midseason finale because seriously? What the FUCK?), I am in the mood to do some serious writing, which is awesome. I haven't really wanted to write, like genuinely enjoyed it since before I lost my Bunny so that's a good sign of healing and with healing comes rediscovering/discovering the things I love. It's been a tough but good year of recovery for me and I hope that it continues into 2018.

I want to thank all of you guys for your love, your support, and especially your patience. This story's gonna last for a good little while but Lock will be finished soon. Enjoy the latest, have a safe and good time with whatever you do and don't celebrate during this time of year and have a good one!

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

Two Weeks Later...

Steph's POV

So, instead of continuing to avoid The Burg and its inevitable bullshit, I decided to face it head on.

There were three reasons for this decision.

First, I stopped being scared of their bullshit a long time ago. I'm annoyed by it but I'm not afraid of it, anymore. There's no reason to avoid it...okay, yes, there is. If it's not Helen herself harping or Morelli looking to "apologize" before having another hissy fit when I tell him to fuck off, it's gonna be someone else. It's always someone else. After all, the best entertainment is gossip and drama, causing and witnessing it.

Even after all of these years, I'm a favorite subject for their scrutiny and I hate it.

Shouldn't they have found someone else by now? This is the age of the Kardashians and Taylor Swift. Why couldn't they focus on them or some other celebrity? And I'm not the only local that's worth talking about, far from it, actually. I mean, last time I checked Joyce was still roaming around town in more ways than one. Leave me alone. Okay, gossip is wrong, even against shitty/slutty people like Joyce but seriously? Leave me the fuck alone. Go away.

The world would be a better place if people just learned to mind their business altogether but I know that is way too much to ask for.

The second reason that I went into The Burg today is that I needed to follow up with the doctors about my wrist. It's healing pretty nicely so far but I needed to know how to make it heal faster, if I could and if I couldn't, can I get back to living my life? I know that most of my workouts are out of the question but can I keep working? I don't need to work but I really want to. I'm a Bounty Hunter, goddamn it. I'm a fucking good Bounty Hunter and I really don't want to be sidelined for too long. Bounty Hunting is one of those things like speaking a language or some other special skill: use it or lose it.

The doctor said that as long as I'm careful, I can get back into the swing of things.

Sadly, I can't get back in the air just yet but that's okay. There's plenty of things I can do.

Plus, I needed to fill my new painkiller prescription. Now that the initial damage has healed, I don't need the Vicodin anymore and boy, am I grateful for that!

I'm already loopy enough without all that stuff in my system, thank you very much.

The third (and most important), reason why I'm in The Burg right now is that Ranger wants to see me at his place for a lunch date.

RangeMan Trenton is housed in a 7-story red brick building on Haywood and it's known as The Fortress around town. He lives on the 7th floor.

Nobody but his People and his Clients are allowed inside past the lobby without an appointment. Its security is 24/7/365. The parking garage is well lit and full of cameras. There's two gates to get into the parking garage, one of the usual lift and go types and then an automatic fence that slides across. Everything is accessed by 6-digit codes that change every other day or if you've got one, a fob that acts as a universal key to pretty much everything.

Ranger gave me one after he saw me home safely after the Restaurant Incident.

There aren't any windows until you look to the 4th floor going up and I'm pretty sure that whatever glass is used in them is bulletproof. Hell, knowing Ranger as I've come to, it's likely explosion proof, too. To my man, preparedness is the key to everything. Of course, one can't predict the future or even intercept the threats before they land but if there's a Plan in place, if there are protections in place, then things will usually work out in one's favor. Ranger knows that and acts in accordance because he's Ranger and he's awesome.

My man is a smart and very awesome man.

My man...Ranger is my man.

Ricardo Carlos Manoso is my man.

He's mine.

I still can't believe it.

Ranger, who could have anyone he wanted in the world, married or otherwise, chose me.

Not only did he choose me, he continues to choose me. He has seen me and he wants to be with me for me. He doesn't want to change me or to be with despite me. Ranger just wants me. No man that I've been with has ever been like that. Hell, most of the people around me haven't been like that. With very few exceptions (Mary Lou, Gram, Grandpa Harry...), I've been seen as a project to work on or someone to put up with out of obligation, genetic or legal. Ranger is different. He's special and yeah, I know that sounds twee as all get out but he is special. He's a complete 360 from the "men" I found myself with in the past. With Morelli and Dickie, there was always a disconnect between us, a Gut feeling of wrongness that turned out to be correct in all the worst ways.

Ranger feels right.

He feels good.

It's all very exhilarating yet confusing but I'll tell you one thing: I'll be damned if I let other people's bullshit or my own ruin it. I spent years allowing that sort of thing to happen to me. I spent years being miserable when I didn't have to be and I'm not going back to living like that.

I'm still not too sure on how to go forward but I'm not going back.

No. Fucking. Way.

Never again...

The ringing of my phone broke through my reverie and I smiled as I looked at the display.

"Hey, Ranger."

"Where are you, Babe?"

"I stopped at the market after the pharmacy. I didn't want to come over empty handed. Am I late?"

"No, you're fine. I just...I just wanted to hear your voice sooner rather than later."

A broad and downright goofy grin lit up my face at that and I replied, "Well, you're hearing me. Any requests while I'm here? I picked up some sparkling grape juice and some brie but that's it so far."

"Just you. Everything else is handled."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay. I'll be there soon."

"Good. Call me when you're here. I'll meet you downstairs."

His phone manners leave much to be desired but that's something we can work on.

Turning my attention back to the display case, I picked out some hard salami and while walking towards checkout, a bag of apple slices and a jar of honey. I know that when Ranger says something is handled, it is but one of the few Burg Commandments that I agree with is to never show up to someone's place empty handed. Usually, I just pick up a six pack or something sweet to share with Mary Lou when I go visit her but again, this is different. This is Carlos. I don't need to put on airs or make a good impression but I still want to and... oh my god, I'm a mess! A good mess but a mess! I've got bird sized fizzing butterflies in my stomach and I feel like a giddy teenager...a horny giddy teenager.

Fuck, I'm so horny.

Like I said before, it has been a very long time since I had any kind of sex and as for having good sex? Well, hope springs eternal, especially now that Ranger and I are definitely a thing.

I'm his Babe, now.

With that in mind, I took a detour and went down Aisle 8. Aisle 8 has things like seasonal knickknacks, travel sized toiletries, electric shavers...and condoms. Lots and lots of condoms with varying options for lube that made my eyebrows raise. Wow. I guess things have come a long way since the last time I felt the need for this. Now, I am on birth control. I've been on birth control since I was 14 (small blessings, there) and I'm certain that Ranger already has something on hand but...maybe he needs a sign from me. Ranger is a true Alpha male. He's likely been the one to get things started with his partners but I can tell that he's different kind of Alpha with me, softer and patient.

Hopefully, he wants to jump my bones but he's waiting. He knows how I am when it comes to men and relationships. He's seen and heard for himself what I've been through, thanks to Morelli being a punk ass obnoxious little bitch at the steakhouse. Not to mention that my divorce from Dickie is urban legend and remain so until the End of Time.

If he wants me, he doesn't want to spook me.

If he wants me, he doesn't want to hurt me.

And knowing that makes me want and trust him even more than I already do.

God, I hope he wants me...

Reaching up, I grabbed a box and some of that KY His and Hers stuff that I've been seeing commercials about. Given the deep chemistry between us, I'm pretty sure that the KY won't be needed but it could be a fun thing to try together.

Having gotten everything, I finally headed to the checkout area and got into the smallest line, grabbing a Gatorade from the cooler. After a second, I grabbed a pack of Big Red and a Snickers. Big Red is my favorite and the Snickers is for bravery, as will the 3 coats of mascara I'll be putting on before heading to Haywood.

Hey, I may have grown up but there are some habits that just aren't gonna break, okay?

At least I got rid of the worst of my bad habits and...oh, for fuck's sake!

Damn it.

Of course!

I should've known that things wouldn't remain calm forever. It's Trenton and it's The Burg. The Grapevine (or Information Stupid Highway as I call it in my more bitter moments) activated the moment I crossed its border. Someone would show up to try and ruin my so far splendid day.

At least it's not Morelli waiting by my car this time or god forbid, Joyce.

It's Helen Plum herself, ladies and germs.

Shit.

Today is Wednesday and Wednesday is market and errands day. I should've remembered since I spent what parts of my childhood that didn't involve me getting in trouble being dragged along. Val actually enjoyed going. I didn't. I went because I was forced and later, I spent much of the time with my headphones on and reading magazines while they did what they were going to do. What Helen could possibly want from me now, I don't know.

Okay, that's a lie.

Helen wants to save face and try her best to use words to cut me down/guilt trip me so she can feel better about herself instead of, I don't know, actually acknowledging her part in the rift between us and doing something useful about it? As harsh and cruel as I was during that phone call, I was absolutely right. She isn't going to change. I'm not going to change and I no longer feel the need to try. What more is there to say?

Of course, I would love to have a good relationship with her but it's just not in the cards.

I've accepted that.

I wish she would or just leave me alone.

What's that say about me that my main goal when it comes to most of humanity is to be left alone?

It can't be anything good...

"Stephanie, I need to speak with you."

"Why?"

"I'm concerned about you."

"Why? Despite the busted wrist, I've been doing just fine for myself."

"Maybe you think you are but with your job and now this Ranger person you're with..."

"And we're done here. Whatever else you've got to say to me, leave it on a voicemail."

I don't have time for this and I'm not going to make time.

It's not worth it, she's not worth it, and Ranger is waiting for me.

Eventually, you have to stop beating the dead horse and bury it.

"Stephanie Michelle Plum, I..."

"No. We're done here. You're not here out of concern for me. You're here out of concern for yourself as usual and I'm not in the mood. I have a date to get to and you should get to the Deli. They've got the roast beef and spicy turkey that Dad likes on sale. If you want me to help out with Gram, have her call me and if you want to have a nice mother-daughter chat, talk to Val. God knows she needs someone other than her girls and her Snoogie-Woogums to talk to."

"And here you go yet again, assuming the worst of me and playing the victim without letting anyone get a word in edgewise!"

"Yes, here I go yet again. Joe Morelli said the same thing when he pulled something like this. You guys sharing a script? Comparing notes? Are you about to call me an immature cunt like he did next or are you going to come up with something original?"

"I would never use such foul language and you know that!"

"You're right. You wouldn't. You prefer polite insults. Small blessings there. Goodbye."

"Stephanie!"

"Go get Dad's lunchmeat and if you can, please give him and Gram my love."

/

Ranger's POV

I don't know who I have more disdain for in Babe's life: Joe Morelli or Helen Plum.

Most of the time, it's a tie but when they decide to go out of their way to bother her, it breaks.

The both of them can and should burn in hell, in my opinion.

Of course, I'll be right there burning along with them but at least it won't be for hurting her.

Stephanie had come to Haywood with that fucking sadness in her eyes again and told me that she had run into her mother at the market. That was all the explanation she gave me before hugging me and I immediately squeezed her, cradling her tight against me. If I could, I'd hold onto her forever but that isn't feasible. Even if it was, she wouldn't let me for very long. My Babe can and will take care of herself.

Pointedly, I left the camera feed as it was during the embrace, not bothering to scramble it. Why should I? If Tank was any indication, all the men knew that I was utterly besotted with Stephanie Plum and anyone who didn't know, Santos would gladly fill them in. That little fucker... not even making him wheeze for a week had suppressed his glee at "his hard ass little cousin finally getting a love cap busted in his ass". It was only through the threat of telling the familia just what had happened after his high school graduation party that kept him in check from filling every Manoso, Santos and Guzman in the Tri-State area about my Babe.

I want to tell them myself.

I want to bring Stephanie up to Newark and have them meet her myself.

I want to take her to Miami to meet Julie and my family there, too.

She's the first woman that I've ever truly loved and she deserves to be treated as such.

As much as Rachel and I cared for each other, there wasn't any love there. There was fondness and later obligation when she became pregnant with Jules but never romantic love.

That is with Stephanie Plum.

I'm aware that she and I have known each other for less than 6 months but truth is truth.

I love her.

I truly do but I can and will wait in telling her that until she's ready.

She's not ready and she won't be ready for a while. I understand why. Between her pathetic excuse for parents, that Richard Orr bastard (who the fuck calls themselves Dickie with a straight face past toddlerhood?), and the pendejo still masquerading as a cop, the word and idea of love has become associated with deep pain for her. Pain and Lies. Stephanie doesn't like to go in depth about her past but she does tell me things. Some of the things are sweet and simple. Some of them are absolutely fucking hilarious. Some things make me want to kill every and anyone that moves but the point is that she's not afraid of me. She trusts me.

That trust is far greater than any high security clearance I've gained in my career.

It's certainly much more pleasant.

Something that is beyond pleasant is having Stephanie on 7 with me. She's the first woman that I've allowed up that isn't related to me and it...she belongs. As soon as she came in, the space was filled with warmth and color, which I know sounds corny as fucking hell but it's the truth. Stephanie brings warmth and color to the places she goes to. There's just something about her that way. Once we got inside, she smiled and nodded to herself, taking in her surroundings before looking at me head on.

"I like your place. It's very you."

And after setting her shopping bag down, she sat down on the couch and promptly claimed one of the many plush throw pillows Celia insisted that I buy. The couch is top of the line leather, comfortable and big enough on its own. Why the fuck would I need pillows, I asked her, leading to her slapping me on the back of the head for my language. Since she's the oldest of my sisters and she & I have always been close, I allowed it. Giggling and ruffling my hair, she assured me that one day, I would thank her for her insight.

That day wasn't today but it would be soon.

Lunch had been pasta primavera and Ella's homemade dulce de leche cake. If I thought the sounds Stephanie makes when she has a good meatball sub were something, it was nothing compared to the moan she let out when she first tasted Ella's cooking. If I were a man with less control, I would've had her for lunch and saved the actual food for later.

There will be time for such things later.

Stephanie and I will make the time.

She and Ella immediately connected when she came up for the dishes. Usually, I do those myself but I know my Tia. She wanted to meet Stephanie now and what she wants she gets. Fortunately for my Tio Luis and everyone around her, she uses her powers for good and not evil. Within 5 minutes, she and Babe were giggling about something and when Steph went to the bathroom, Ella gave me a double thumbs up before retreating. She's probably on the phone with my mother and at least 2 more Manoso women, gushing about Carlitos' new novia but her, I don't mind. It's a good sign of things to come. Being the oldest, Ella has always been the Protector of her sisters and any children produced by them. If Ella likes Stephanie, then it's guaranteed that the rest of the familia will follow suit.

Even without Ella vouching for her, I know that they'll adore my Babe.

How could they not?

/

Steph's POV

I want to kiss him.

I've wanted to kiss him from pretty much the moment I met him but now that want is steadily becoming a need.

After a fantastic lunch and meeting Ella Guzman, one of his aunts and one of his most trusted RangePeople, Carlos and I settled in to watch TV together. Instead of the Ranger's game or a sitcom rerun, he put on a documentary about how Ancient Rome built its great structures. Normally, I'm not one for documentaries but the one Carlos picked was really fascinating, especially when they went into the backstories of the Rulers of the time. Man, I thought The Burg was nuts but The Burg doesn't have shit on Ancient Rome. They had some of everybody running things and for every good Emperor, there were like 4 that were downright certifiable. I mean, one guy actually made his horse a Senator! His horse! And then Nero? Good Lord. Talk about your Mommy Issues on steroids. Yiketh...

Anyway, as the documentary ended and the next one on Ancient Egypt began, we gravitated towards each other. Yes, his couch was very comfortable and his throw pillows were awesome but he was more comfortable. The hug he gave me in the parking garage, the small ways he touched me...

I want to kiss him.

Does he want me to kiss him?

Again, I'm new to this. I know how to deal with an asshole. I know how to get things started with an asshole and thankfully, I know how to end things, even if they refuse to get the hint. Carlos isn't an asshole. He's a good man. He's my man and he smells good and he feels good and fuck it, I'm going for it!

Shifting even closer, I let my fingertips skim over his jaw, enjoying the feel of his 5 o' clock shadow. I've always liked shadow and scruff on a man. Carlos turned to face me and I leaned in and planted a big wet one on him. His lips were silky soft and he tasted so good. He tasted like the cake we shared and something spicy-tangy that I want more of. A low, feline like noise rumbled in his chest and he pulled me onto his lap to straddle him. I had worn a skirt today, white with black polka dots, the same black of the lace mid sleeved top I had decided to wear. It wasn't sheer or anything like that but it was understated sexy, accentuating my curves nicely. The black wedges were in the foyer next to his boots and oh my god, he feels so good...

"Holy fucking hell...", I breathed dreamily as we broke for air.

He chuckled and kissed me again with smiling lips.