Disclaimer: You know the drill, I only wish I owned them. Sorry about the wait, I'll try to get at least two chapters up this week. No beta for this one, yell if it's horrible!

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By the time I got undressed and into bed it was already 4:30 am. I must have dozed off because the next time I cracked an eye open it was 5:23 am. I slid the gun from my nightstand under my pillow. I assumed the person currently picking my lock was Ranger, but just to be sure I flipped the safety off. I listened as my door opened and closed, then as someone moved quietly through my apartment. I couldn't quite stifle my laugh as I heard Ranger knock into one of my end tables and swear in Spanish. I slid out of bed quietly and padded into the hall. I flipped the light on and giggled again. "Problems Batman?"

He looked up at me from his place on the floor. One eyebrow was raised in question and I followed his gaze to the revolver in my hand. I clicked the safety back on and offered him my free hand."I heard the locks. It's probably a good thing you tripped, I might have shot you." I smiled sweetly at him and was rewarded with a glare.

"I didn't trip. And that's not the gun you were carrying earlier…"

"How'd you know what I was carrying? And why would I carry my home defense weapon on a job?"

"Hector told me he gave you the .25, and when did you get a home defense model?" He smiled, pulling me tightly up against him. I sighed contently, allowing him to remove the gun from my hand as he walked me backwards to my bed. I felt the mattress against the back of my knees and lowered myself onto the edge. I smiled up at him as he examined my new piece.

"It's a Smith and Wesson model 315 Night Guard, .38. It has a two and a half inch barrel, and I keep it loaded with Hornady 110 grain, flex tip rounds. When the jeep blew my old .38 was in it. This one is lighter, and smaller. If I need another carry piece I can use it, but I don't see that happening. I usually carry my 24/7 and the .25. Now, did you sneak in to tell me something, or did you just want to sleep?" He looked at me for a few moments before the corners of his mouth curved into an almost smile.

"Proud of you Babe." He set the gun on my nightstand and sat next to me on the bed. "I came to let you know we've got a man on Williams' apartment. He's got a place on Stark." He paused again and tugged gently on one of my curls. "I'd love to stay and sleep, but only if you want me to."

I smiled and pushed him back to lean against my headboard. I slid down his body and unlaced his boots. I tugged them off and tossed them towards the door. I slowly crawled back up his body and started removing his utility belt. I stopped when his hands covered mine. "Babe, I know you think I'm the master of control but if you keep this up neither of us will be sleeping anytime soon."

He brushed my curls out of my face and pulled me into his lap. As I gazed into his now obsidian eyes I slowly leaned closer. With my lips just brushing his jaw line I whispered softly. "Would that be a bad thing, Ric?"

I felt him flow against my chest and before I knew what was happening I was under him. My heart rate hitched up a notch and I held my breath. He was studying my face with a smug grin. "Playing with fire Babe."

I watched as he stood and removed his gun belt and tee shirt. I pouted up at him as he moved to turn out the lights and came back to bed. Figuring I'd teased him enough, I scooted to the far side of the bed, taking my gun with me. I set it on the nightstand next to me and turned to slip under the covers. Ranger had removed his cargos and was already in bed. Staring at the beautiful man lying next to me I felt my heart skip a beat. I shivered and slid into bed. Before I got settled a pair of muscled mocha latte arms snaked around my waist under my tank top and pulled me against his chest. "I hate that we're using you as bait Babe. I want nothing more than to keep you right where you are for the next two weeks. I know you can take care of yourself, but promise me you'll be careful anyway."

I snuggled closer into his arms and brushed my lips softly against his. "I promise I'll be careful Ranger. Every time Williams touched me I had to resist the urge to run screaming in the other direction. If it weren't for the fact that he'd keep hurting innocent people I wouldn't go anywhere near him again." I looked up into his eyes and kissed him again. "Although, you do have a tempting offer. Maybe after this is over I'll take you up on two weeks in bed."

He groaned and slid his hands a little higher under my top; his thumbs brushing the sides of my breasts. I moaned softly, and pressed my body more tightly against his. He kissed my forehead and sighed. "You're making it hard for me to take this slow Babe."

"Who said anything about taking this slow?" I gave him my version of the wolf grin and ran a hand up into his hair.

"Babe." He growled again and kissed me senseless. Just when I moved my free hand down his stomach he pulled back. "We've got to be at the office by ten, Babe. I promise you, tomorrow evening I'm leaving Tank in charge. We can grab dinner if you want and I'll be at your mercy until Monday morning. Dios Mio. Babe, Steph, please." I stopped my assault on his neck and shoulder and pouted at him.

"You promise? No interruptions? I mean, I know we'll need to be available for this case, but that's it?" I was shocked. I moved my gaze over his face, waiting for him to say he wasn't thinking, or that he'd have to check with Tank.

"I promise Babe. Tank, Lester, and Bobby are more than capable to run the office for a few days. Besides, what man in his right mind would rather spend the weekend working than with the most beautiful woman he's ever seen?" He kissed the tip of my nose then tucked my head under his chin. "I want this to be perfect Babe. I want to do things right. Now get some sleep and we'll make plans in the morning."

"This is perfect Ranger, you are doing everything right." I placed one last soft kiss to the hollow at the base of his throat before sighing and closing my eyes. I drifted off to the sound of his heartbeat and even breathing.