Chapter Two- Two and a half weeks later
"Hey Walker; you goin to Sullivan's with us tonight?" Danny asked as he walked into their office and flopped down on the couch.
Turning around in her chair Arianna tried to hide the worry and fear that had been etched on her face moments ago. Going out with everyone always made her feel better no matter how bad the day had been. But after the phone call she had just received a night at Sullivan's wasn't going to cut it. The worst part of her past had come back to get her. After all this time; after she had thought he would never escape prision; Javier Mandala was roaming the streets. Hunting her down to finish what he'd started when he'd killed Gage. So right now the only thing she wanted to do was run and hide; get away from all the people she cared about. All the people that could be put in danger because of the one man who would stop at nothing until she was dead. However that was one thing she would never do.. Never give Mandala the satisfaction of seeing her back down with her tail between her legs. She was a Walker; and Walker's don't back down when things get tough. They stand up and fight to keep what's their's safe. Mentally squaring her shoulders she gave Danny a smile and nod of her head.
"Of course. Do you think I'm gonna let you get out of that free drink you owe me?" Arianna hide her emotions behind her grin.
For a moment there Danny thought she wasn't going to answer. When he had walked in he could she was struggling with something. But when she had turned to face him her emotions were hidden behind a well crafted smile. That was one of the ways he had known that something was seriously wrong. No matter how bad the situation or day the smile on Arianna's face was always genuine; never fake. Though she had only been here for a little over two weeks he felt that he had known her his whole life. He'd been able to tell her things that he had never told anyone else; not even Flack who was his best freind. There was just something about this woman that drew him to her; that made him not able to wait to see her; for his breath to hitch every time she smiled or winked at him. So to see her like this; dealing with whatever was going on alone; tore him up inside. He wanted to be able to help her but in the end it was up to her. Danny couldn't very well force her to tell him what was wrong. However he could try asking and see where that got him.
"I still say you cheated." Danny grimaced.
"Just because you can't stand losing to a girl doesn't mean you have to accuse me of anything." Arianna shoved him playfully.
"I didn't lose; you were just better is all." Danny shrugged off.
Noticing that she didn't really give a smart ass comment back as was per usual with her his concern increased. For the last week or so he had noticed that she didn't act like herself. That she was becoming less and less chipper. It's not that she had snapped at anyone because that wasn't something she did unless they deserved it; but there were times when she was off in her own little world. Never on the job; but when they were back in the office and she thought he wasn't looking he would watch as she stared down at the files on her desk; acting as if she wasn't really seeing them. When she had first arrived her father had kept calling her to check and see how she was doing. When he had joked about over protective parents she had just brushed him off; mentioning something about a case that had gone bad right before she had shown up in New York and he was just worried about her. What had actually happened in the case or to her he had no clue; but he had a feelong that it was finally starting to wear her down. That she couldn't keep it tucked into the back of her mind anymore and it was starting to break her down. Something he thought would never happen with her. Pushing off the couch Danny went over and crouched down in front of her chair; his hands on either side of the arm rests.
"Now that we've got that out of the way let's cut the crap. Somethins' wrong; what is it?" He questioned.
Outraged at herself for not hiding her feelings better Arianna just shrugged her shoulders. There was no need to take her anger out on him; he was just trying to help. But she really didn't think that she could tell him without breaking down. And that was something she didn't want to do infront of him because that meant that she was getting way to close to him. Openly crying was something she only did in front of people she truly cared about; like her family or Gage. Never had she let herself go in front of a freind. Which would mean that she considered Danny as more then a freind; and that was something she couldn't deal with right now. Something that she had been trying to avoid and had failed miserably at. Getting involved with anyone;especially a cop was no where on her agenda. So willing herself to not pour everything onto him would put the distance between them that she desperately needed.
"Nothing; I'm fine. Just a little tired is all. We've been pretty busy lately." "Arianna answered.
Though she had looked him in the eye and done a very good job at bluffing he still knew she was lying. There was a haunted look on her face that no matter how hard she tried she couldn't get rid of. It was more then just being tried; more then a big case load. Since he had known her she'd been in a good mood no matter what; no matter how bad things got. When it came to kicking ass Arianna was one of the most lethal people he knew; but when she wasn't there was always a kind word coming from her about anyone. Basically she was a very rare bread of cop; one that had seen the worst of the worst but still had her wits and postitive attitude intact.
"You're lyin." Danny informed her. When she wouldn't look at him he reached up and placed a hand on her chin; turning her head so that blue eyes met blue eyes. And there were tears in hers.
"Danny please; just drop it." Arianna whispered.
Causing her pain was the last thing he wanted to do. So if backing off meant not getting anything out of her then so be it. He would do what she asked; for now. "Fine. But if you need someone to talk to; not matter when; you know where to find me." He reminded her.
Nodding her head she shut down her computer and followed Danny out to the elevators. There was so much piling on her and no one to talk to that she was seriously thinking about taking him up on his offer. Her father knew the pressures of the job; what kind of memories Mandala brought up for her, And the hell she had been through right before coming to the Big Apple. Cordell Walker had his own problems to deal with however. Cases that needed to be addressed; a family that needed taking care of. The last thing she wanted to do was burden him with her problems. Even though he had been the one to give her the news and would worry about her until Mandala was caught again or six feet under she wasn't about to go crying to him. People all over looked to her to be a pillar of strength no matter what; so that's what she would be. Except that there was a voice screaming inside her head to give in; give in to the need to let go. To cry until there were no tears left. And to do it on the board shoulders of the man that now sat next to her in the SUV they were taking to Sullivans.
Danny Messer was not the kind of guy who went around beating woman up; but if the one that was currently trying to crawl her way into his lap while talking his ear off in an annoying valley girl accent didn't back of he was going to be. Where Flack found these woman he had no idea; but he needed to give him a lesson on how pick up woman other then college girls. They both had to be twenty one if they were a day; and spolied as all hell. The only reason he could think of as to why his freind would've even thought of bringing them over to their group was because they both resembled Barbie dolls. Flack would learn soon just as he had that there had to be more to a woman then her looks; because after a while those just started to become old hat.
Right now he was trying to concentrate on the game of partners pool that he, Flack, Arianna, and surprisingly Mac had started while figuring out ways to get the young ranger to tell him what was wrong. In the past weeks since she had arrived they had become extremely close and he'd be damned if he would let that go or let her shut him out. Adien and Stella had found a couple of eligable bachelors to flirt it up with. At one point they had all thought that they were going to have to beat them off Arianna with a stick. The Barbie twins had been pretty ticked off and his fellow female CSI's had asked her for some pointers. That had been when she had finally realized that all the guys that had approchaed their table since their arrival had been because of her. Here was a woman who was gorgeous as all hell and had absouletly no idea; which made her even sexier as far as he was concerned.
Gently prying Mandy off his arm Danny lined up to take his shot. All the while Arianna couldn't help but admire his very nice physique and try not to seeth at the fact that one of the Barbie's had been plastered all over him all night. There was nothing wrong with it. He was after all a red blooded American man who was entitled to have female compaionship anytime he wanted. But with these two of all woman? She would've given him more credit then that. Not to mention that the two young woman had been talking all night about how much money their families had, how they could get any guy they wanted and that they usually didn't go for cops because it would kill their reputation but in the case of Danny and Flack they would make an exception because they were qoute unqoute hot. The entire time Arianna had wanted to scream at the top of her lungs that those cops that were below them on the social totem poll risked their lives everyday to keep their botox injected, silicone implanted, fake baker asses safe. So far she'd been able to keep a lid on it but she wasn't sure how much longer that would last.
Sensing movement behind her Arianna turned to see the blonde that had been attached to Danny's arm moments ago walking up to her.
"Did you just get back from vacation?" She wondered.
"I haven't taken a vacation since I joined the Rangers. Why?" Arianna questioned.
"Because you have an amazing tan; and you don't look like the type to go to a tanning salon." Mandy offered.
"Oh, that's called Cherokee, You should try it sometime." Arianna joked.
"Really; is it like a lotion or something?" Mandy asked.
Keeping a straight face wasn't coming easy to her as she heard Mac chuckle and both of the younger men choke on the beer they had just taken a sip of. Looking as innocent as possible she turned to the other woman and gave her a shrug.
"Or something. But you look like you already have a pretty good tan." Arianna observed.
Preening a little bit; oblivious to the inside joke that had just been made at her expense; Mandy leaned against the pool table, arms crossed under her chest. Causing her breasts to pratically pop out of her low cut shirt and half the men in the bar to start drooling.
"Denise and I just got back from a cruise to the caribbean over a month ago. It was atrocious though." Mandy gasped and put a hand to her chest in dramatic fashion.
"Really; what happened?" Arianna mimicked the blonde; eliciting more chuckles from the three men surrounding them.
"First of all they gave us the wrong room. We were suppose to be put in one of the suites but they gave us two seperate, very tiny rooms. Then we had to order our dinner three different times before they got it right. The entire time I was waiting for something else to happen and ruin our trip. I've never been so scared in my life." Mandy told them wide eyed.
Waiting for the sarcastic remark that they knew Arianna would have ready the three men looked over to see her clutching the pool stick in white knuckled fists; fury in her eyes. Danny started to walk towards them to defuse the situation when a hand came down on his shoulder. Turning he saw Mac standing behind him; shaking his head.
"Don't. Whatever's been bothering her was bound to come out at one point or another. She's not going to hurt her; just put her in her place. Beside's; this is something she needs to do." The older man told him.
Resigned Danny turned back to the two woman to see Arianna carefully place the pool cue down on the table. He really hoped Mac was right; on all accounts.
It took all the willpower she possesed not to haul off and punch the little blonde Barbie bitch in her face right now; but Arianna managed to keep her hands at her sides. She wasn't however going to let her get away without ripping her a new ass.
"I'd be happy to trade with you. Do you know what I was doing over a month ago?" Arianna prompted.
"I don't know. Catching bad guys?" Mandy offered.
"More like they were trying to catch me. I was running for my life through the mountains of Mexico; bullets flying over my head; people around every corner waiting to slit my throat rather then let me get away. My entire body still hurts from time to time from having to defend myself. I killed more people in that two weeks then I have in my entire career as a Texas Ranger. Not to mention the little souvenier that one of them left me right before I snapped his neck with my bare hands." Arianna yanked the hem of her sweater up for the young woman to see.
Gasps could be heard from the other two men with him but Danny was surprised he could hear anything at all past the blood that was roaring in his ears. Seeing the still heeling scar that ran from the middle of her torso around to the right side made him want to punch in the face of whoever had marred her beautiful body. So that's what she had been talking about when she said that a case had taken a turn for the worse. Why hadn't she told them? Was there more to it then what she was telling them? Had she been tortured; raped even? The thought sickened him so much that he unconciously clutched his stomach.
Replacing her sweater in the proper place Arianna leaned so that she was an inch from the other womans face; could see the fear in her eyes. " Not to mention that the man that killed my fiancee; the same man I put in prision over a year ago has escaped to come and finish the job he started. Which means I can't go home to see my family for Christmas. So if the worst thing you have to be scared of is whether or not your precious vacation gets ruined I'd say you're pretty well off."
Slamming some money down on the table she didn't even bother with her coat as she made her way through the crowad of people to the double doors and cold December air beyond. Before today she would've never snapped at a perfect stranger; revealed that kind of information to a room full of people. Slowly she was losing the control over her emtions that she usually had even in the worst of times. That she had managed to keep a fragile hold on when Gage had been taken from her. Now they were gone competely and she had no idea which way was up; how she was going to handle this all by herself. Even if she wouldn't lean on her father or family for support they were always a stones throw away back home. But she wasn't home; she was in New York; surrounded by millions of people but completely alone. There was the group she had befreinded from the crime lab; and Danny. Sweet Danny who could make her go weak at the knees with that grin of his. That could with one look of concern from his blue eyes make her want to tell him everything; to just breakdown and let it all out. Who though he had no idea had slowly started to capture her heart in the short time they had known each other. Was making her change her mind about getting involved with another cop. But then an image of Mandala would come to the surface; followed by one of Gage and what had been done to him; and she would remember that the last man who had loved her had gotten hisself killed because of her.
Pushing open the doors he had seen Arianna walk out of moments earlier Danny looked around and spotted her leaning against the wall a few feet away; arms wrapped around her to keep out the cold. Seeing her snap and hearing her tell Mandy about what had happened to her put everything into a whole knew perspective for him. Not only was she still trying to deal with an ordeal that had been more tramutizing then he had been lead to believe but she had lost someone near and dear to her because of her job; because of someone who was after her. Which in a sense could mean that even after all this time she blamed herself for what had happened.
Hearing footsteps Arianna looked up to see Danny coming towards her; a worried look on his face and a coat drapped over his arm. He was the first and last person she wanted to see. First because she needed a shoulder to lean on right now; and last because everytime she saw him her resolve to be strong and not fall for him crumbled more and more.
"Thought you might want something to keep you warm. I couldn't find yours so I hope mine'll work." He held up the coat.
"Thanks." Arianna tried to smile as he slipped the wool around her shoulders. When she noticed that he didn't have anything to wear she started to take it off.
Anticipating what she was going to do Danny placed his hands over hers. Despite the cold heat raced through him at her touch; a heat that went all the way down to his toes and back up into his groin. Making it extremely uncomfortable for him to be this close to her. " You need it more then I do."
"But you'll freeze to death out here." Arianna reminded.
"Nah, I'm use to it." Danny grinned.
Again Arianna felt the need to give in and tell him everything. Instead she settled for a safer topic. "I'm sorry I snapped at your date. It was uncalled for."
"She wasn't my date; so don't worry 'bout it. Besides; she deserved it." Danny countered.
"Still; I've never snapped at someone like that before; least of all a perfect stranger. I just don't know what's wrong with me. Usually I can keep my feelings to myself." Arianna confessed.
"Maybe everything just got to the point where you couldn't take it anymore. From what I could catch in there it's been rough for you lately." Danny pointed out.
"You have no idea." Arianna murmured.
"Care to tell me about it? I've been told I'm a good listener." Danny offered.
"I'd love to but what's happening is mine to deal with alone. That's the way it has to be." Arianna started to walk back towards the bar. "Come on; it's too cold to just stand around out here. Mac would kill me if you got sick." She joked.
Reaching out Danny grabbed her arm; causing her to have to stop. Sighing she turned to face him; knowing that there was no way he was just going to drop the subject and let the night go on. One look into the depths of his blue eyes and she knew she had been right.
"Who says?" He questioned.
"Who says what?" Arianna was truly confused.
"That you have to face this all alone? That it has to be that way?" Danny stated.
"Because I don't want anyone else to have to go through the hell I'm going through right now. To have to look around every corner or over their shoulder everywhere they go. To wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat because of a nightmare. The people who kidnapped me; the man who's after me don't care who you are. Man, woman, or child; it doesn't matter. They'd kill you in cold blood just to see me suffer." Arianna choked; tears coming to the surface that she had kept at bay for so long.
Moving so that there was less then a foot between them Danny placed a hand on her cheek; wiping away the tear that had escaped. Seeing her this way; in despair and desperate for a way out of what was happening to her he was even more determined to not let her go this alone.
"What if someone wants ta go through that hell with ya? Maybe they know the whole story and still wanna be there by your side when things get tough. Want to give you a shoulder to lean on." Danny chided.
"But you don't know the whole story Danny. Don't know what Mandala can do to you." Arianna whispered.
Gently he pulled her head back up so she was looking at him once again. "Then tell me. Tell me what kind of danger I'm in so I can be prepared. You said yourself that you can't go home because of this guy so I'm all ya got."
Searching his eyes for any sign that he was bluffing; telling her all of this to make her feel better she found none. This wonderful, amazing man who had; she could tell; his heart ripped to pieces by someone before was willing to put his life on line to make sure that she had someone to lean on when times got rough; to make sure that she wasn't dealing with the horror that her world had become on her own. In the back of her mind warning bells were going off telling her not to get him involved. Not to put a huge target on his back like she had on hers. Normally she would listen to those voices and just back away. Standing there with Danny in the middle of Decemeber on a street in downtown New York; pleading in his eyes to let him help her; concern evident in the way he gently held her chin; she just couldn't do it. Couldn't back away from the help he was offering. Before answering him she sent a silent prayer up to her ancestors; to her mother; to keep him safe when she couldn't.
"It's a long story. One that shouldn't be told standing in the middle of a street in the freezing cold." Arianna resigned with a sigh.
Silently thanking whatever god was on his side tonight Danny placed an arm around her shoulder and guided her back towards Sullivans. "We'll grab your coat and head back to my place; it's closer."
Nodding her head she let him lead her through the crowad of people back to their group of freinds. After giving them a brief explanation and a promise that she would tell them what was going on soon; Arianna gave Danny back his coat as they headed away from Sullivans towards his apartment. The whole way she was hoping and praying that after he found out the whole ugly truth he wouldn't change his mind; turn tail and run.
"Sorry 'bout the mess. I wasn't expectin' company." Danny said sheepishly.
"It's okay. I've seen and been in worse." Arianna confessed as she took off her coat and placed it on the rack by the door.
Trying not to laugh as Danny raced around; picking up clothes that had been thrown all over the place she took a moment to survey the apartment. It wasn't that bad; pretty nice as far as apartments in New York went. At least she figured that was the case. The kitchen, living room, and dining area were all open; decorated in true bacelor fashion with leather furniture and a huge ass entertainment center. And of all things to be in the middle of his living room; a pool table. A couple of Sports Illustrated magazines sat on the deep oak coffee table next to several different remotes. Furniture was placed so that one of the couches was near the fireplace; giving it a homey look. Hardwood floors covered the entire area; a couple of simple rugs in bold colors breaking it up here and there. The dining area had a four person square table; the color matching that of the coffee table. All of the walls were painted in a rich blue; something she figured he would've done after moving in. Cabinets in the kitchen were made of a deep cheery; the countertops a gray granite. Despite the fact that he had been embrassed about the clothes that had been scattered around everything else was spotless. And thankfully there was no nasty; stale food lying around. All in all he was either a neat freak by nature with very good taste and sense of decoration; or the female members of his family had taught him well. Her money was on the latter of the two.
"So you've said quite a few times. Is there more to what a Texas Ranger does then you've told me?" Danny wondered.
Taking a seat on the sofa next to the fire place she watched as he crouched down to get a one started. "Only when it comes to me."
"And why is that?" Danny was intrigued.
"I've asked myself that many times before and I never seem to come up with an answer. Ever since I joined the Rangers it's like I have this huge neon sign over my head that says pick me, pick me. For some reason people seem to think I enjoy running for my life everytime you turn around. It's gotten to the point where threats don't even bother me anymore. " Arianna told him.
"Yeah; but every cop has to deal with that to some degree." Danny reminded.
"That's very true. In my case it seems to be the worst of the worst. Like satans spawn comes to earth in the forms of these criminals. Not to mention that I'm stupid enough to take the assignments that the governments sends my way. That just adds a whole new layer to it." Arianna informed him.
"No offense but why would the military want the help of a Texas Ranger?" Danny wondered.
"According to what I've been told it's because this particular Ranger has connections to the president and is better trained then half their men." Arianna revealed.
"As far as the connection to the president I'm not gonna ask; but the part about you being better trained I'll agree with." Danny joined her on the couch.
"Really; and why is that?" Arianna raised an eyebrow.
"Cause I've seen the way you move; it's not the with the grace of a dancer but of someone who's spent a lotta time learnin' to be quiet; to evade being found. Plus Mac told us all about your file. Said that we were gettin' a legend and to make sure we were at our top game." Danny confessed.
"So you've been watching me, huh?" Arianna chided.
"Um; yeah. Sorry." Danny started to turn red.
"It's okay. Actually I should be flattered considering what I've been told about the last woman you use to stare at." Arianna soothed.
"And what exactly was that?" Danny wondered.
"That she was as sweet as could be but tough enough to put you in your place from time to time. She was very pretty as well. There wasn't a bad word said about her. But I was told that you got hurt pretty bad." Arianna revealed.
Bracing hisself for the wave of pain that came whenever Montana was brought up Danny was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't. Maybe his heart had finally healed from when she had smashed it to peices when she left him and New York behind. Maybe the woman that was waiting for him to answer with a genuine look of concern on her face was the one he had been meant to find. He had always been a big believer in fate just as his mother had; and his heart may be healed; but he wasn't sure if he was ready to have it ripped apart again.
"Everything you heard was true. She told me that she cared about me a great deal; but she had found someone who captured her whole heart. You can't fight with somethin' like that. So like the gentleman I am I let her go and be with the man that she truly loved." Danny explained.
"I'm sorry; I know it must still be painful for you." Arianna apologized.
Shrugging his shoulders he gave her one of his trademark grins." Not really. I'll always care about her but I beleive there's a reason why we weren't meant to be together. That I was meant to find someone who could love me like I could love them. But I'm not ready to get my heart broken again; so I try to stay out of the dating game as much as possible."
She felt her spirits sink at his words; but she told herself that it had been foolish in the first place to think that he would want to get involved with anyone. Especially someone like her; who had so much baggage; lead such a complicated life.
"You and me both." Arianna whispered.
There was such pain in her words that it made Danny visibly cringe. He had a feeling that whatever had happened to her in the past was something far worse then anything he had ever had to deal with. Reaching over he placed a hand on her knee; gaining her attention back from a place he was sure she had traveled many times.
"Does it have anything to do with the man who's after you?" Danny questioned.
This was a place she had visited time and again in her nightmares; a place she tried to keep from going to during the day. It had been over three years since her life had first been turned upside down; since the one person she had loved more then anyone in the world besides her family had been brutally taken from her by a man that didn't like to play nice. The same man who was now coming after her. As time had gone on the pain; the sense of loss; had become easier to deal with until it was something that was only there in the back of her mind; like some kind of permanent after thought. Now that Mandala was out of prision; in the process of trying to find her and finish what he had started all those years ago; Arianna felt herself slip back to a time when she had thought she would never escape the nightmares or the pain. And she'd be damned if she'd let the bastard who'd killed Gage have the satisfaction of seeing her that way. In the end though she had promised Danny and she always kept her promise; no matter what.
"Yeah; he's the same man who killed my fiancee over three years ago. He's come back to finish what he started." Arianna stated.
When Danny didn't answer but just gave a nod of encouragement she continued. "I've been to the worst parts of the globe; to places most people have never even heard of and never will as part of the assignments for the military. Seen things in my years as a Ranger that most people never even thought possible. Nothing could've prepared me for Javier Mandala and the wrath he would bring me for doing my job."
"Why? What have you done to make him want you dead?" Danny was confused.
Sighing Arianna stood up and walked over the fire place; resting her hands on the mantle. " Five years ago my soon to be fiancee and I; another Texas Ranger by the name of Francis Gage; were working a drug case that involved cocaine being peddled from Mexico across the border into Texas. Fairly routine; happened all the time. But as we dug deeper we found out that the operation extended far beyond our jurisdiction. Miami, New York; all typical places you'd think massive amounts of drugs would be. Javier Mandala was at the center of it all; I knew it in my bones the first time his name came up. From the moment we met him when he was first brought in for interrigation he made it perfectly clear that Gage and I were on his shit list. Threats were like second nature to us at that point so we just let if roll off our backs. Besides we were in the middle of planning our dream wedding; that in itself was enough to worry about. At first because of the reach of the drug trade we had to call in the FBI. After butting heads like crazy and going over all the evidence it was found that the case would be handed over to the Rangers. Gage and I were made point on it and went from there. It took us about a year and a half to get enough people to agree to testify against him."
Joining her Danny chose to lean against the mantle with his arms crossed over his chest instead of mimicking Arianna's stance. "Let me guess; he told them that if they went against him they were dead meat."
Chuckling despite the seriousness of the situation Arianna agreed. "I'm sure he put it a little bit more covertly then that; but yeah."
"Im gonna take a wild guess and say he made good on his promise." Danny chided gently.
Stealing herself against the tears that she knew were coming Arianna took a deep breath before continuing. "More then made good. It was the night of our engagement party; two days before we were suppose to get married. I had just come in from a late workout and had to rush to get ready. Gage had offered to check on the horses and make sure they were all set for the night. I told him thanks; gave him a kiss and ran upstairs. Half an hour later I was dresssed and in the process of throwing on some make up and blow drying my hair when I realized that he hadn't come back yet. Nothing registered as out of the ordinary; he liked to spend a lot of time with the animals; they all loved him. When I was completely finished I decided to go look for him; tell him that we needed to get going. I walked into the stables and that's...that's...wh...when I fou...found him." She stammered.
Silent tears ran down her face as the memories came flooding back. The pain was rawer then it had ever been; so agonizing that she felt her knees buckle and had to hold onto the mantle with a white knuckle grip. Arms encircled her waist and she was grateful.
Swinging her up into his arms Danny carried her over to the couch and sat down with her on his lap. A woman like her shouldn't be crying over a late fiancee who died by the hand of someone who peddled drugs to people who were just as bad as he was. Someone with her sweetness, her spunk and sassy attitude should be out kicking some major ass with the Rangers then going home to a husband and a couple of kids. Anger boiled strong inside him and he wanted to go hunt down the bastard who had destoryed her life all those years ago; make him suffer like he had made her suffer.
"Shh. It's okay sweetheart. I'm sorry I brought it up." Danny cradled her in his arms as he rubbed her back.
Letting the sobs subside Arianna brought her head up off his shoulder to meet his gaze. He really did feel that her crying was his fault; when it wasn't. It was just the result of a lot of emotions that she had kept at bay for too long.
"Don't worry about it. None of this is your fault. The memories are painful is all; hard to bear." Arianna corrected him.
"Then why do I feel like such an ass?" Danny wiped away her tears.
"Because you're a good guy with a soft heart." Arianna smiled at him.
Giving a smile he gently stroked her hair. "Only when it comes to you."
Noticing for the first time that there was mere inches between their lips Arianna felt her heart race; felt the heat come back and pool all the way down in her belly. This was the only man she had met since Gage that could make her feel weak in the knees with a smile or light her on fire with a touch. The need was so intense that it took all of her control to not give in; not to let him take away all her pain and worry for a night. But she had told herself she'd never get involved with a cop again. However this one was seriously beginning to make her rethink that promise.
"Danny..." She trailed off.
"Being this close to you and not kissing you senseless is killing me right now." Danny confessed.
Throwing caution to the wind for the first time in her life she put a hand behind his head and pulled him so that there was just a breath between them. " Nothings stopping you."
"You're not gonna deck me if I try?" Danny smirked.
"Maybe." Arianna joked.
For a second he had thought she was being serious, Her face was blank of emotion but then he had seen the gleam in her eye that hadn't been there when she had been talking about what happened to Gage. He was glad that he had been able to bring it back; he'd be even happier if there wasn't this little voice in the back of his head telling him that now was not the time to act on his feelings for the young ranger. So instead of drawing her against him and kissing her until she melted into his arms Danny settled for a soft brush of his lips against hers. Pulling away he was suprised when he felt her hand close around the front of his dress shirt.
"You call that a kiss Messer?" Arianna challenged.
Raising an eyebrow at her he wasn't sure if it was her or the stress of the past couple of weeks talking. He did know that he desperately wanted to prove to her that he could sweep her right off her feet.
"Arianna I don't want you to regret anything that happens tonight." Danny told her.
"Letting the only man who's made me feel whole since Gage was alive hold me in his arms and help take away the pain I've been dealing with isn't something I'm going to regret." Arianna revealed.
One look in her eyes was all it took for him to know that this was her talking; not the greif. "Well in that case..." Danny trailed off.
The minute his lips met hers it was like fireworks went off inside his body. Wrapping his arms around her waist he felt her lips soft against his as they warred with each other; tried to take more and more of the other person. Gently he probbed her lips to part; groaning as she complied and her tounge darted into his mouth. As their tounges warred with each other his hands moved to the hem of her turtle neck and reached up underneath; feeling the smooth skin and scar that she had showed everyone earlier.
Shivers ran through her as Danny's hand made contact with her skin. For the first time in longer then she could remember Arianna was willing to give herself over to a man; to let him have his way with her. There had been men since Gage had passed away; not many; but none of them had ignited these kind of feelings in her. Like she could drown in their kiss; that the feel of her skin against theirs could bring her such ecstasy. Blindly she reached for the buttons on his dress shirt as he traced kisses down her neck; her sweater long forgotten. The voices were back again; screaming at her that it wasn't a good idea to be doing this.
Feeling his shirt slip from his shoulders Danny backed away from her long enough to help her take off his white undershirt before returning to the sweet flesh of her neck. Working his way down to her collarbone he nipped lightly at the flesh with his teeth and felt her shudder. Gently he pulled her down onto the couch so that she was completely underneath him. Contuining his journey he stopped at the swell of her breasts above the black bra she wore. Kissing each one in turn he heard her moan and felt the reigns of his self control slip.
Heart pounding in her ears Arianna reached down to clasp her fingers around his belt buckle. His fingers playing across her skin; heading towards her breast only to back off again; was driving her crazy. Right now all she wanted to do was rip his clothes off and let herself go; forget about everything that was going on. Forget about the danger that waited for her outside the warmth of Danny's arms. In the end she knew that it would all still be there tomorrow no matter what. As much as she wanted this; as she wanted Danny; she knew that it was more of the fact that she needed it to numb the pain of the memories of Gage.
Sensing the suttle shift in her demeanor Danny pulled back from the assualt on her lips. He had been too wrapped up in the feel of her in his arms; skin underneath his fingers; the taste of her on his lips that he never stopped to think that despite what she had said she really didn't want this.
"You okay?" Danny asked.
"I'm fine. It's just that I ...I don't think we should go any further. I mean I know I said I did earlier but that was just me needing an escape from the memories that plauged me. Please don't be mad at me I..."Arianna babbled.
Placing a finger to her lips to silence her Danny sat up; bringing her with him. Moving a stray had away from her face he gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay. You've had a really long day; needed to blow off a little steam; try to get the pain to go away. There's nothing wrong with that."
"But I made you believe that something was going to happen; that I wanted something to happen. I mean I do; just not like this." Arianna murmured.
"Despite what you may be thinkin' right now I'm not mad at you; I could never be. Now just isn't the time for us to let things go any further." Danny confirmed.
Searching his face for any sign that he was lying to her she saw none. If there was one thing she didn't have to worry about with this man was that he wouldn't hide something from her. If he had a problem or something that he wanted you to know he was going to be upfront about it.
"So I guess we should probably get dressed." Arianna stated.
Grabbing her turtle neck from its place on the floor he handed it to her. "Yeah because if we sit here much longer I'm just gonna say to hell with it and drag ya into my bedroom." Danny wagged his eyebrows at her.
Chuckling at his attempt at humor she pulled her shirt back on. Once that was done she turned to look at the clock and realized that despite it only being nine o'clock she was beat. Today had been one hell of a day and she felt like she could sleep for a week straight. As she stood up it registered in her mind that she was going to be all by herself in her hotel room. That now that she had brought the memories of Gage back to the surface the nightmares were sure to come and sleep would evade her. Fear enveloped her as she realized that Mandala could've already tracked her down and be outside Danny's apartment right now; waiting for her to leave so he could finish the task he hunted her down to complete. Centering herself as she had been taught in the many disciplines she had studied; and the number of hours she had spent with Uncle Ray before he had sadly passed away; Arianna told herself that it was ridiculous for her to get so worked up. She had faced him once and she could do it again. Would beat him as she had once before. She was a Walker for crying out loud! They never showed fear and always rose above whatever was holding them back.
Watching as she waged an internal war with herself Danny decided there was no way that he was going to let her spend the night in that hotel room with just her thoughts to plauge her. If she was left alone she would let the fear and doubt take over; let herself second guess every little sound she heard or movement that was made. Would cry herself to sleep because of not being able to see her family this christmas; of being stuck in this city of millions all alone. Which gave him a perfect idea.
"I know you're ready to head out but wait right here. I have one quick thing to do before I take you home." Danny buttoned up his shirt as he walked towards his room.
Puzzled at his sudden change in attitude she just shook her head at his retreating back. One minute he had been studying her; more then likely ready to tell her that she was welcome to stay with him if she wanted. And how she wanted to. Wrapped up safe in his arms where she felt as if nothing or nobody could hurt her. But she had already leaned on him too much by telling him about Gage; by letting herself cry on his shoulder and get lost in what his touch did to her. If she wanted to keep him safe she had to stop before it went any further. Unfoutanetly she had the strange feeling that it was already past that point but her fear for him as well as everyone else she cared about was clouding that.
Once he was in his room with the door closed Danny took his phone off the clip on his belt and flipped it open; hitting the speed dial for a number that he called quite often. Crossing over to the window he leaned against the sill; watching the lights of the city as the night life slowly started to take over. This was a place he had grown up in; a city he had sworn to protect no matter what. A place that represent good times and bad in his life; a family that he loved more then anything. And something he would leave in a heartbeat for the woman sitting in his living room right now. How it had happened he had no clue; but what he did know was that he was starting to fall for the young ranger; and hard. Still in the end there was that last wall made of solid titanium that he just couldn't seem to let down. Maybe spending the holidays with her would finally make it crumble; make his last lingering memories of Montana and the slight feelings he had for her fade away to nothing. After about five rings he was going to hang up when he heard rustling on the other end and someone who was seriously out of breath.
"Hello?"
"Pop? Hey it's Danny." The young man answered.
"It's good to hear from you son; how are you?" Frank Messer asked.
"I'm livin'. Sorry I haven't called more often the last couple of weeks; it's been crazy at work." Danny apologized.
"Don't worry about it. Remember; your mom and I know what the life of a cop is like." Frank reminded. "You guys still have to find your grandma." He told someone on the other end.
"Let me guess; everyones there already." Danny chuckled.
If people thought that big families only came from the south they had yet to meet the Messer clan. There were seven kids total in his immediate family; five of them his biological siblings; the other two his parents had adopted but might as well have been blood related. And every single one of them was married and had anywhere from one to three kids. Plus there were the three aunts and one uncle on his dads side; there kids; and the three uncles on his moms side plus there kids. All in all it was organized choas and he was glad his parents had a big enough house to hold all of them.
"Yup; just waitin' on you then it'll be a full house." Frank confirmed.
"Actually that's the reason why I was calling." Danny started to say.
Hearing the hesistation in his voice Frank knew there was something wrong. Not only had he been a cop for thirty plus years but he knew his son. The only time he was reluctant to talk to them was when he had something bad to tell them; or he was in trouble.
"Is everything all right son?" The older man wondered.
Knowing that his dad knew him too well for him to lie; something he couldn't do to his parents anyway; Danny decided not to skirt around the issue. "Yeah; I just need to talk to you and mom about somethin'. Is she around?"
"Hold on a sec; I'll get her." Frank set the phone down.
Pacing he didn't know why he was so nervous. Over the past couple of weeks since Arianna had joined the team he had told his parents a lot about her; about his feelings for her and the war he was constantly waging with hisself. Once they heard what was wrong and his idea they would instantly agree. Though he was biased he did have to say that he had some of the most big hearted parents in the world. Frank and Maria Messer would do anything and everything for their kids. And for the people they cared about; which was probably why he and his siblings felt the need to fight tooth and nail for those who couldn't fight for themselves. There was only one problem with the suggestion he was about to make; he was going to have to tell them what was going on. He wasn't about to let his parents walk into this situation thinking that there was no danger involved. The guilt in his gut lessened when he remembered that Arianna would want the same thing. Of course she would never think to intrude herself on their family gathering; so he was doing if for her.
Rustling came over the phone then all of a sudden nothing. Probably his parents going somewhere a little quiter to talk. The entire time he had been waiting he heard the sounds of his family laughing and talking; of his neices, nephews, and cousins running around and playing. God he couldn't wait to get home and be with his family He had missed them so much and with his job; not to mention that they were spread all the way from New York to Conneticut; it was hard for them to all be under the same roof. But for Christmas they made it a point to take at least a week and a half off so they could all stay at his parents house and catch up with one another; never knowing when they would have a chance to get together again.
"Hi sweetheart how are you?" Maria Messer came across the other line.
"I'm okay ma; but I need to talk to you and dad about somethin'; were'd he go?" Danny wondered.
"Right here son. Your mom and I are in the office so we could put the phone on speaker." Frank explained.
"Are you in some kind of trouble Danny?" Maria hoped not.
"No; but I do have a huge favor to ask." He offered.
"Anything son; you know that." Frank reminded.
"I know; but it's not for me. It's for Arianna." Danny told them.
The two shared a look on the other end of the phone. They were well aware of how their son felt about the young ranger; and that he was hesitant about jumping back into love because of what had happened with Lynsday. Personally they thought that she would be a perfect match for their son. Ever since Arianna had shown up at the crime lab their son had been happier then usual; and he couldn't stop talking about her; about how amazing she was. This hadn't happened with Lysnday; something they both took as a sign that their he was moving on; that the lingering feelings would fade quickly. Right now he sounded worried about her; and that in turn worried them. Though they hadn't met the young woman yet they felt like they knew her; and the fact that she was a cop only made her appeal to them more.
"Is she okay?" Maria asked.
"Yes and no. It's complicated." Danny confessed.
Quickly before they could say anymore he explained the situation. Explained about the man that was after her and why; about how she couldn't go home for Christams because of it. Then gave them as much as he could about what she had been through over a month ago.
"I just don't want her to have to spend Christmas alone. That's not what she needs right now. She needs to be surrounded by family; even if it's not her own." Danny confessed.
There was no doubt in the mind of the two adults as they listened to their son tell them about what Arianna's ordeal. The poor woman had suffered more heartache then someone should have to in a lifetime. And because she had done her job; held to the oath she had sworn when she put on her badge; she was being forced to stay away from the people she cared about during a time that was all about family. So in their abscences they would make her part of theirs.
"Of course she can come; we wouldn't have it any other way." Frank told him.
"It could potentially put all of us in danger." Danny reminded.
"Don't forget that three quarters of this family is in law enforcement; you included. Not to mention that your father was a cop a good part of his life. Danger is nothing knew to us. Now you just bring that young woman of yours with you." Maria stated.
"Yes ma'am. But it isn't going to be easy. She doesn't want to put anyone else in danger." Danny revealed.
"Then hog tie her if you have to son; but just get her here. If after that she still feels that she shouldn't be here we'll have a talk with her." Frank told him.
Danny tried not to laugh at the last part of his statement. Many times in his life he'd been on the receiveing end of one of those talks. And though his father had never raised a hand to them; to even his voice for that matter he got his point across so that you remembered it for the rest of your life.
"Thanks guys; but I have to go before she gets suspicious. I'll see you about one o'clock tomorrow." The younger Messer reminded.
"It's nothing. Be careful on the drive over; we love you son." Maria told him.
"I love you guys too. Night." Danny hung up.
Placing his phone back in it's spot on his belt he walked to the door and squared his shoulders before opening it. The easy part was over; he had known his parents wouldn't mind but he had wanted to talk to them about it first. Now came the hard part; convincing Arianna to go with him.
Hearing a door open Ariana's head whipped around to see Danny coming down the hallway; his shirt buttoned up and tucked back into his jeans. How is it that even after a week from hell as far as work was concerned the man could still look sexy as sin. It must be a New York thing. When she realized that the time had come for her to go back to her hotel she felt the fear start to creep it's way into her head. There ws no way that she was going to ask Danny if she could stay with him. She was a big girl; had gone to the most remote parts of the country to help in covert military missions. One man wasn't going to make her cower in fear like he had all those years ago. Standing up she walked towards him; her face void of expression.
"Ready?" She wondered.
Here it goes, Danny thought as he stopped in front of her.
"Actually I was wondering if you'd rather stay here tonight? If I was in your shoes I wouldn't wanna to be alone right now." Danny started.
"Danny..." Arianna warned.
Putting his hands up he continued. "I'm not expecting anything; you can take my bed and I'll sleep on the couch. I just want to help you is all."
Sighing she hung her head; knowing that she shouldn't have used that tone of voice with him. What he said was true; despite the fact that she had stopped them before going to far even after she had told them she wanted to he was still understanding about it. And despite the kind of danger he was in even being near her; he refused to let her go it alone. Even though she was covertly trying to push him away without being so brash about it.
"I know and I'm sorry. My emotions are just so out of whack right now that one minute I'm in the best mood ever and the next I feel like punching a hole in something. It's like I have no control and I don't like it." Arianna huffed.
"No harm no foul. But lets head to the hotel and get your stuff so you can come back an' get some sleep. You look exhausted." Danny pointed out.
"If I'll be able to sleep." Arianna muttered under her breath as she followed Danny out the door and to the elevators.
Even before she had been given the news about Mandala sleep had evaded her. Ever since her ordeal in Mexico she had laid awake at night because the nightmares of what she had had to go through would haunt her. It wasn't that she had been tourtered or raped; thank god; but the man who had taken her hostage as revenge against the Rangers for ruining his drug operation had thought it'd be a good idea to have her fight one of his men every single day until she had been able to escape. For him it was some sick and twisted game to see if she really was as her reputation stated; stamina and strength that seemed in a sense to most people super human. If she was honest with herself she would admit that from time to time it tended to scare even her. Cordell told her that it was because the ancestors had blessed her. Sometimes she wondered if she had done something to make them want to curse her too. Normaly and incident like what had happened during her capture and while she had been running for her life to escape wouldn't bother her. She might be scared for a few days but in the end it would pass rather quickly. This particular assignment was staying with her for reasons that she couldn't explain. Maybe the job was finally starting to catch up with her. After eleven years of dodging bullets; of having to fight for her life more times then she cared to remember; of having the people she loved and cared about either killed or put in danger her mind was telling her that it was time to slow down. Time to think about what it would be like to not be a Ranger anymore.
"You with me?" Danny asked.
Startled she realized they had made it all the way to the SUV before Danny had spoken. Her new thoughts were something she wasn't sure she was ready to share with anyone because frankly they scared the hell out of her. Being a Texas Ranger was something she had wanted to do from the time she was little girl. Something that she had planned on doing until the day she was too old to chase someone down. Even then she'd still try. It was the only life she had ever known; how would she deal with being a civilian? A hand came down on her shoulder and she jumped about ten feet in the air. Goddammit! When had she started doing that? And she realized that she still hadn't answered him.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you." Danny apologized.
"It's not your fault. I was just lost in my thoughts is all." Arianna told him.
"Care to share?" Danny wondered as they hopped into the car.
Honestly she struggled with whether or not to tell him what she had been pondering over. But she already laid too much on his shoulders by telling him about Mandala. Whether or not she was having a career and mental breakdown was no ones concern but hers.
"It's nothing important. Just trying to figure out how I'm going to get my family gifts and send them. Mail is easy to track; I can't just send a couple of huge packages with my name on them as the return address. That's like sending postcard directly to him with directions right to my doorstep."