Ok, I apologise in advance for these, two chapters, but you can't kill me, cos I gave you two, see? -runs away to hide- Let me know what you think!

Warnings: small smutt, some violence, and yes ANGST.

Chapter 17

Ranger was pacing, and I was barely containing my laughter. He wasn't nervous exactly, but he obviously wasn't feeling all that excited either.

It was three hours before the big party, and in a few minutes Ranger was going to give the boys their costumes.

When Trina had explained our plan to Ranger, he had nearly burst a gut laughing. But now he was pretty sure that the guys weren't going to find it quite so amusing. Which is why he left it so late to show them their…uh…'frisking uniforms'.

The boys filed in to the office and Ranger took centre stage.

'Ok.' Ranger said, starting the meeting. 'It's 03.00 hours until the party begins at 20.00, Trina reckons that the majority of the guests will arrive approximately half an hour late in order to be deemed fashionably late. Lester, Bobby, Cal and Junior – I need you four to be manning the entrance and to be frisking the guests from 19.30 onwards at the latest. Problems?'

Each man shook his head and Lester, shooting me a smirk, put up his hand in question – taking the piss outta me. Tank elbow jabbed him for his trouble and Lester's smirk faded a little.

'Santos.' Ranger said sharply, 'problem?'

Lester's smirk disappeared entirely and he was all business. 'If the four of us are on door duty, who's guarding the main room?'

'We've drafted in two Rangeman Miami employee's to watch the room on CCTV. We'll also have five other Miami employees being obvious bodyguards – visibly wearing a gun and an earpiece. Tank and Steph will be circulating undercover as guests, and I'm obviously just going to be Katrina's brother. Questions?'

'What guest am I posing as?' I asked Ranger.

'You're going to be introduced by Trina as her small town model friend Stephanie, who's been working in adverts and wants to branch out. You'll go by the surname Plumerri – which it was pre-Ellis Island – but there's less chance someone will recognise you as the Bombshell Bounty Hunter. You'll also be there as my girlfriend. You just need to mingle, giggle, and keep an eye out – reporting to me every half hour.'

I nodded. Easy – it would be just like the social events that Dickie had dragged me too.

Tank set up his alias, and we did a walk through of all our duties. The meeting was wrapping up, and there was only one thing left on the agenda. I started to grin.

Lester glanced at me, noting the smile. 'Uh…what does Steph know that we don't?' Lester asked suspiciously.

I met Lester's eyes and let my smile widen evilly.

'Uh oh.' Lester said, 'I do not like that. This is not good. Ranger, man, you know you're one of my best mates, right?'

Ranger's lips twitched a fraction, 'As you know, Katrina had some initial reservations about having her guests frisked. Steph came up with a solution.'

The four designated friskers cast their gaze my way, all of them looking a mix of alarmed, suspicious, and baleful – and they didn't even know everything yet.

'Relax.' I said, 'you just have different uniforms, that's all.'

Ranger cleared his throat, reached behind him, and handed the four unfortunates the pink scrap of material that was their uniform.

'Shit.' Said Bobby, staring at the latex in his hand.

'Crap.' Said Junior.

Cal said nothing. I'm not even sure if he can speak. But hey, he gives good shade, and according to Ranger he can even spell his name.

It was Lester's reaction that had me swallowing giggles though. 'You have got to be kidding me!' Lester ground out, his expression incredulous. 'There's no way in hell I'm parading around in pink latex pants!'

'Don't be silly Lester.' I said, rolling my eyes. 'That's not all you're wearing.'

'It's not?'

'No.' I said firmly. Then I reached into my pocket and pulled out the black bow ties, handing them out. 'You get a bow tie too.'

I winked at Tank who was struggling not to laugh, and got up to make a quick exit. My wink broke Tank and Ranger's self control and their warm laughter bubbled up, filling the room. Just before I closed the door I heard Lester say, 'Laugh it up you morons. I will get even.'

I was biting my lip, trying to hold in my laughter, and I all but ran into the living room.

'How did it go?' Trina asked eagerly.

'They…' I started, but I couldn't finish. I collapsed onto the couch, laughing my ass off. 'Lester's face.' I gasped. 'The bow tie…'

Maria and Trina started to laugh too, everyone else looked kinda bemused. Giggling, Trina explained. The men in the room shuddered as they imagined being subjected to wearing that so close to their fruit and two veg.

'Honey,' said Jack, 'I love you, but not enough to ever wear pink latex.'

'Ditto.' Andy said, still shuddering.

'Nah.' I said, 'you guys get to wear tuxedos.'

'Normally,' said Dom, 'I hate, and object to, wearing tuxedos. But in this case...I'll make an exception.'

'Time to get ready.' Trina said. I nodded in agreement and we got up.

'It's nearly two and a half hours until the party starts!' Andy objected.

Trina and I shared amused glances, shook our heads, and went to our respective rooms to get ready.

I bathed, shaved, exfoliated, dried and moisturised my body, admiring the sleek lines of my body. Toned definitely suited me. I shimmied into a fairly short blue dressed that accentuated my eyes and my ass. It was left over from Dickie's time – and it was D&G. Ranger had told me he would provide jewellery, so I left my neck and ears bare for now.

Studying my reflection, I swept my hair up and tied it up in a fashionable messy bun, letting two silky tendrils of hair run down my neck. I secured the bun with pins and admired the result with a triumphant smile.

For an occasion such as this, full war paint was required. I smoothed the foundation onto my skin, careful to rub it in to my neck and my hairline. Then I carefully applied blusher over the swell of my check bones, highlighting my delicate bone structure. I used lip stain on my lips, burning them a darker red than normal, but nothing too dramatic. I added a layer of clear lip-gloss for shiny goodness. Then I used grey eye shadow to make the blue of my eyes stand out. And finally, the all-important mascara was applied.

I eased on a pair of strappy FMPs and looked into the full-length mirror.

On a good day, I can usually garner a fair bit of attention. This was a very good day.

I left the bathroom and found Ranger in our bedroom. His reaction was gratifying, to say the least.

He gaped. There's no other word for it. And Ranger doesn't gape. But he was.

Like a fish.

Eventually he gathered his wits about him and managed to say, 'Babe…wow.' Not exactly a Shakespeare Sonnet, but from Ranger, it was good enough.

'You like?' I purred.

'Wow.' He repeated. 'Steph, Babe, normally you're gorgeous. Hip deep in garbage, you're still beautiful. But tonight? You're absolutely stunning. Jesus, I have a hard on just looking at you Babe.'

I walked into his arms and brushed my body against his. 'Mmm.' I moaned, 'so you do.'

'Babe.' He choked out, then his hand was on my neck, pulling me in for a hot kiss that got my heart pounding and left me gasping for more.

'Ranger.' I begged.

He took a haggard breath. 'We don't have time Babe, the guests will start arriving soon, and I still need to get ready.'

I nodded, and squelched my inner sigh.

'Here.' Ranger said, handing me a large black velvet jewellery box.

I opened the box slowly, and gasped.

'Diamonds?' I asked.

'In platinum.' He confirmed.

The necklace was probably worth more money than I'd ever had, let alone the earrings as well.

'Ranger…' I started to say, wondering how to explain that it was so much, too much, for me to accept.

'Babe. Do you like them?'

'Yes, they're beautiful, but-'

'If you like them, then there's no but.'

'It's so much Ranger. These must have cost…'

'Babe. Money doesn't matter. People do. You do.' He laid a gentle kiss on my neck, 'please accept it Steph.'

'It's beautiful, truly. I love them. Thank you.' Ranger kissed me again and then carefully secured the necklace around my throat, whilst I adorned myself with the earrings.

'I need to get ready.' Ranger repeated.

I nodded resignedly and started to move away, but Ranger's arms tightened around me. 'Just let me hold you for a minute, Babe.' He whispered.

I sunk back into his embrace.

'Steph?' Ranger asked, a few minutes later.

'Yeah?'

'You know I love you, right?'

I blinked. 'In your own way?'

'Yes.' Ranger said, 'and no.' I felt his heart pounding furiously in his chest, and his dark eyes held mine enraptured, 'I love you Babe. No qualifications. I love you. Just you. The way you are. You, Babe, only and always you.'

My heart was doing double time and it felt so light that I was almost afraid it would burst out of chest. Who would've known it could be possible to be so happy? Tears pricked the back of my eyes as I whispered, 'I love you Ranger. The way you are. You – only and always – you. I love you.'

Ranger's lips curved into a slow sexy smile, and his hot gaze met the fire of my eyes and the heat between us leapt up and consumed us. Our tongue's fought for supremacy as we kissed each other desperately. Ranger's hand went to the back of my dress and started to undo the zip.

'Yes.' I moaned.

Ranger groaned and kissed me again. He began to push the straps of my dress off my shoulders, and then…there was a knock at the door.

'Fuck.' Ranger swore.

'That's what I want to do.' I panted.

Ranger flashed me a wolf grin. 'Me too, Babe.'

Someone knocked on the door again. 'Ric?' said Trina. 'It's fifteen minutes until the guests will arrive. Are you ready yet?'

'No.' Ranger growled, 'go away.'

Trina sniggered, 'sorry Ricardo, am I interrupting?'

'Fuck off.' He answered.

'I'll take that as a yes.' She laughed through the thin door. 'You don't have time to fool around with Stephanie, Ric. Work now, play later.'

'She's right.' Ranger sighed. 'I need to get ready.' He carefully zipped my dress back up again and eased the shoulder straps back in their rightful place. 'Soon.' He promised, his eyes black with desire. 'Soon.' He repeated, giving me a soft kiss. Then he retreated to the bathroom with his tuxedo.

'Shit.' I muttered, trying to calm down. 'Focus on the job.' I told myself. I fixed my make-up, re-applying gloss, and sorted out my hair. With a sigh I removed my ruined panties and replaced them with another pair, straightening my clothes again.

Ranger entered the bedroom and it was my turn to gape. And here was me thinking he looked hot as corporate Ranger. In a tight black Armani tuxedo he looked delectable. And he was all mine.

'Wow.' I whispered. 'Oh wow.'

'You like?' he teased.

'Yum.' I said. Then I glared at him, 'Mine.' I said firmly.

'Yours.' he agreed, 'exclusively. Just like you're mine. That's why I put you as my girlfriend. I knew I wouldn't be able to quell my possessiveness.'

I laughed softly, 'and I definitely wouldn't be able to quell my possessiveness. You look so gorgeous Ranger, so utterly fuckable.'

Ranger blinked in surprise and then he grinned at me, 'right back at ya Babe. Later. I promise.'

My body tingled with longing and anticipation. 'Later.' I agreed.

'Ready?' Ranger asked.

'Nearly. One last thing.'

'What?' he asked.

I leaned forward and gave him a light kiss, 'I love you.' I whispered into his ear. I felt the delicious shiver that ran through him, and felt a surge of power. Oh yeah, he had all the muscle, but I definitely have the power.

'I love you.' He breathed back, and I felt my thoughts lose all coherency. Ok, maybe he had power too.

I stepped into his arms for one last hug before the night began, then I moved reluctantly away. 'Ok,' I said determinedly, 'let's do this.'

Chapter 18

The party itself was being held in the ballroom. 'You have a ballroom?' I'd spluttered to Ranger when he'd told me.

'Yeah.' He'd shrugged, 'doesn't everyone?'

I rolled my eyes and hit him over the head.

The ballroom itself was on the west side of the house, and since I'd been patrolling the east side with Tank, I hadn't explored the west side thoroughly. At first glance this house was a fairly big three floored house, but once you got inside you realised that 'fairly big' didn't quite cover it. I've been living here for nearly three weeks, and I swear there are still more rooms that I haven't found yet.

During the party the vast majority of the house was locked up, leaving only restrooms, the kitchen and the ballroom open. The caterers were rushing through the house, setting up a buffet table in the ballroom. As the clock struck eight, everything was finally ready.

The ballroom was resplendent in tasteful gold and silver decorations, complete with glass chandeliers. And waiters were standing around, balancing trays of glasses of champagne on the pads of their fingertips. I made a mental note not to bump into them.

An hour later and the room was pleasantly full of people – there was still plenty of space to move and breathe and dance, without it looking empty - as if half the guests invited hadn't deigned to turn up.

As expected, the 'yummy scrumpets in pink', as I heard them referred to, were an absolute hit. Lester had long since stopped seeing this as embarrassing, and instead decided that it was an opportunity. So, in between politely, and often suggestively, patting someone down for weapons, he also flexed his muscles and flirted like his life depended on it.

On closer inspection, it appeared that Lester had waxed or shaved his torso, and had buffed up his impressive muscles with some oil. He was working it.

Cal appeared as unselfconscious (read: brain-dead) as always. He didn't even bat an eyelid when it was suggested that he had a pair of socks down his hot pants. He just proved the gentleman wrong…by putting the gentleman's hand down his pants. The guest's eyes widened and he spent the rest of the evening finding excuses to go and talk to Cal again. Cal didn't talk, but the fashion photographer didn't seem to mind – he didn't seem to want to talk either. Either way, Cal continued to uh…man his post?

Junior just acted like he had all his clothes and got on with the job, ignoring stares, whispers and all attempts at flirting with him.

Bobby spent a lot of the night blushing. 'It's unnatural.' He'd whispered to me when I was close enough, 'I'm supposed to chase the women, they're not supposed to chase me!' I'd laughed at his outrage and given him the remainder of my donut. He'd calmed down after that, and he even managed to get a few phone numbers himself.

At eleven I noticed that a stunning blond bitch seemed to be sticking to Ranger rather too much for my liking. It was about time for my half hourly report anyway, so I made my way over to him.

'Hey Babe.' He greeted me, kissing me lightly on the lips.

'Hey.' I purred back, 'come dance.' I pulled him onto the dance floor and just as we reached it the Salsa began.

'Do you know it?' Ranger asked.

I smiled, 'Oh yeah, I know it.'

Ranger smiled and we took the beginning stance. Soon our bodies were rubbing up each other, both of our chests heaving, our eyes locked together, the desire between us obvious. The Salsa is not a good dance for a couple that have been celibate together for several months. Ranger slid his leg between mine and his muscular thigh brushed my panties, with a half swallowed moan I arched my back, bending over back wards, Rangers hands followed my path, stroking slowly from between my breasts to my chin, then his hand curled round my neck and brought me back up, so that our bodies were flush against each other. Ranger let out a low growl, and the dance continued.

We moved together seamlessly, effortlessly. And though we'd only had one night together, we both know the truth that people who dance excellently vertically together, also dance perfectly horizontally. As if he followed my thought, Ranger's eyes darkened, I could feel his body hard against mine, and every tantalising twist and turn pushed the fire between us up a notch.

The dance ended and we struck our final pose, his leg between mine, one of my legs around his waist, his hand cupping my face as if pulling me into a lovers kiss.

'Holy shit Babe.' Ranger whispered.

'Yeah.' I agreed breathlessly.

Reluctantly we parted, and realised with shock that we were alone on the dance floor, and everyone was staring at us.

'Well shit.' I said to him, 'should we take a bow?'

Ranger chuckled slightly and said, 'why not?' – so we did.

Trina came towards us, 'Damn Ricky,' she said smiling, 'you've been holding out on me! I didn't know you could dance like that!'

Ranger smiled slightly, 'there's lots of things you don't know chica.'

Trina rolled her eyes, and I laughed. Ranger and I made our way off the dance floor, 'you think Blond will leave you alone now?' I asked, smirking slightly.

'Hopefully.' Ranger grimaced. Once again, with a kiss, we parted ways, circulating around the party, keeping an eye out. All the guests had arrived, so the pink brigade had locked up the entrance and joined the party. Outwardly, they were just enjoying themselves, but I saw their quick scans of the crowd and the checks on the windows and door that the guests didn't notice.

It was nearing twelve, and I was bored, so I decided to make my report to Ranger a bit early. Everything was going smoothly, and everyone was having a great time. The music was still playing and the drink was still flowing. Unfortunately, being on the job and all, I wasn't allowed to drink, especially as alcohol went right to my head. As I neared Ranger I cast a wistful glance at the nearest waiter with champagne. And like they always say, time slowed.

The waiter had a gun under his tray, I didn't know how the hell he had gotten it through security, but the thought barely registered as the gun swung oh so slowly to point at Ranger.

God no! In that instant I recalled the nightmare I'd had a couple of weeks ago – Junkman…Ranger – his eyes so lifeless and empty. No!

Without conscious thought I was moving forward, facing the gunman, I pushed Ranger out of the way, I barely noticed the sound of the gun as he shot once, twice - thrice. But I noticed the pain. My hands automatically slid down to wear it hurt, and I stared dumbly down at the spot of red appearing on my blue dress. I held my stomach, and I could feel the blood leaving my body at an alarming rate. Looks like it was one of those bullets that made a mess going in, as well as going out.

I dropped to my knees.

'BABE!'

Real time sprang back like a switch had been flicked. Tank was wrestling the gunman's arms behind his back and I could see Lester and Bobby fighting someone else. Guests were screaming, and crying. And through it all, all I could see was Ranger's eyes and the utter horror in them.

'Lie down.' He instructed to me sharply.

I obeyed. In the end, I always obey him. Love, honour and obey. Funny how that only occurs to me now; that with the right man that vow wouldn't be a trap or a curse, but an honest promise, spoken out of love. Obey. I've always hated the word. But not now, not with Ranger.

His cell was out and he was dialling 911. Ranger almost violently pulled off his suit jacket and ripped off his shirt, using his shirt to staunch the bleeding. There was so much blood. My blood. It was so hard to breathe.

Ranger was rattling off an address, requesting police and an ambulance. I could dimly hear Tank ordering the guests out of the ballroom into the other rooms, keeping them secure, but giving us space – a whole ballroom full of it.

Ranger's family were still there, Trina was crying, blaming herself. And suddenly Lester was there with a first aid kit, trying to bandage the shot would on my thigh. Asking me to bend my leg up to elevate the wound. His hands were calm and steady, and his voice was serious - too serious. Lester would joke about anything…but not if the situation was bad.

Ranger's shirt was already stained red from my blood, and his hands were slick with it. Without a word Tank removed his shirt as well, and Ranger pressed it on top of his shirt. Despite their best efforts, I could feel my legs going numb from lack of blood, and I was feeling cold, so cold.

'Thanks guys.' I managed to say to Lester and Tank, 'can you give us some space?' They both leaned forward and kissed my check before moving away.

'Ranger.' I said shakily.

'No Babe.' He said, his voice thick, 'you're going to be fine.'

'Don't start,' I broke off as I started coughing, I grimaced as I felt the coppery taste of blood fill my mouth, I swallowed and carried on talking, 'lying to me now. Look at me.'

Ranger finally looked up, and I was shocked at the tears standing in his eyes.

I reached up and caressed his cheek. 'You made such a difference to me. You always helped me, put me first, always. Not one time when I asked for help did you turn me down. You were always there for me, to support me,' I started to cough again, 'to love me.'

'Babe.' He whispered, his voice hoarse and pleading, 'please. You'll be ok. Don't–'

'Shh. Whatever happens will happen, but I want to do this. I want you to know–'

'I know Babe, I know.'

'I need to do this.'

Ranger nodded once, a tear streaking down his cheek. 'Tank! Get over here and staunch the blood flow while I talk to Stephanie.' His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard. Tank's hands took over the job of keeping the blood Stephanie's blood inside Stephanie, whilst Ranger's shaking and blood covered hands stroked through my hair.

It didn't mind the blood on his hands, I barely noticed it, but it was my blood after all, so it would be silly to be squeamish. It relaxed me, having him touch me so comfortingly, so familiarly. I could close my eyes and almost imagine we were black in my apartment, lying on my couch together, listening to music and talking softly of life, the universe, and everything.

'Steph! Please, Querida, open your eyes!'

I tried to force them open – how could I refuse him anything? It was a struggle to open my eyes, and right this minute I would put my hand on the bible and swear black and blue that somehow my eyelids weighed more than a grand piano.

Eventually I pried my eyes open and met Ranger's chocolate eyes.

'Sorry.' I managed, ''ts hard.'

'I know Baby.' Ranger took a deep shuddering breath, and his hand stroked my cheek. 'Even when I first met you,' he paused, a tear sliding down his cheek, 'you brightened up my day.' He continued, choking out the words. 'Sometimes it was just a smile, or sometimes you blew up a car, or sometimes you were chained naked to a shower rail…'

I smiled at that and gave a half laugh, which turned into a choking cough.

'But always, you made life that bit more worthwhile. And I began to break into your apartment, just so I could watch you sleep, hear you breathe – know that you were ok.' He paused, rubbing angrily at the tears in his eyes. 'No matter what shit life was throwing at you, you just got up and kept going. Your cars been vandalised? Ah well. Exploded? Hey, where are the marshmallows? You find a dead body? Get rid of your death-cootie-couch and bake cookies. And only you would keep a gun in a brown bear cookie jar!'

'Hey!' I protested softly, 'Rockford does it too! I'm tough like Rockford…'

Ranger gave a strangled sob and the tears started running down his cheek, unchecked. 'Yeah Baby, you're tough like Rockford.'

'I don't feel so tough.' I admitted shakily. 'I'm scared, Ranger.'

'You don't need to be scared. Everything's going to be ok. You're going to be fine.'

'I never went to church a whole lot, and I killed people, do you think I'll go to hell?'

Ranger shook his head firmly, 'No Babe, that was self-defence. You of all people will go to heaven. You're an angel, you're just going back where you belong.'

'Will you go to heaven? I want to go where you go.' I whispered.

'I don't know Babe – I've killed too.'

'If you're going to hell, than that's where I'll go too. I've never liked harps anyway.'

'I'm not sure you get a choice Babe, where God puts you is where you go.'

'Well if God forces me to go to heaven when I want to go to hell then I'll start a revolution…or maybe just a petition. A petition will probably be easier don't you think?'

'Yeah Babe, a petition would be easier. But you don't need to worry about that stuff, not yet.'

'Ranger.' I breathed, and then I started coughing again and blood welled up in my mouth.

'Look after Rex,' I pleaded. 'Tell mom I'm sorry that I could never go work at the button factory. Tell dad to turn the TV down, and Tell Grandma to behave herself. Tell Valerie that sometimes perfection isn't everything. Tell Joe that he was a great friend to me, no matter what. Tell Eddie to lay off the donuts, and take Dillon some beer. Tell Mary Lou 'yes'.'

'You can do all that Babe.' Ranger said, sounding desperate, 'you can do all that when you're better.'

'I love you Ranger. I'm sorry I wasted so much time when we could have been together. I love you so much. But I wish-' I cut off as I started to cough again.

'What do you wish baby?'

'I wish that we had more sex.' I whispered.

Ranger gave a half laugh half sob and kissed me on my lips. 'I promise lots of sex when you're better. We'll go away to Barbados or Aruba, or the Antarctic, wherever you want, and we'll stay there for at least a month, just you and me and lots of sex, ok?'

''t sound good.' I managed. 'don't blame yoursel''

'Those bullets were meant for me!' Ranger almost yelled. 'It's my fault!'

'My choice to…take them. My choice, Ranger.' My eyelids were so heavy and they started to fall.

'I love you baby, I love you so much. Please, Stephanie.'

'I…love…you.'

'Don't leave me Steph! Don't go! I love you! Please!'

I tried not to, but my eyes were so heavy, and I was so cold, so tired, and the sounds of the sirens in the distance were lulling me to sleep.

My eyelids slid shut.