I do not own these wonderful characters. They belong to Janet Evanovich. Please continue to tell me what you think. I hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Chapter 8

Ranger's POV

Something had happened; I didn't know what, but I could see panic in Babe's eyes and victory in Hector's. As I held her on my lap, looking out over the ocean, I began to realize we were heading much farther out into the Atlantic than necessary. Instead of heading south which would have brought us directly to Havana, we were heading east.

Victor came to the edge of the hot tub and smiled. Of all the brothers, he was the one I liked dealing with. Part of me felt that he would be the most reasonable, but I was still reserving judgment.

"I am sorry to disturb your fun, but you need to get ready. We will be reaching a check point in about an hour. Your valet has given us your papers, and our contact is going to want to meet you. We have placed your things in cabins below." Victor nodded and returned to the interior of the boat.

Lester and I looked at each other as Bobby walked to the edge of the hot tub and squatted down.

"Mr. Martinez, I gave them all of our passports as requested." I nodded and he stood then, grabbing towels for each of us as we exited the hot tub. We descended the stairs and Bobby directed us to our cabins and took his post in the hall. Les and I exchanged a look of acknowledgment that this person we would be meeting would help us get this God forsaken mission over with, and then closed our doors.

I turned and looked at Steph. She smiled at me, but there was a slight hint of panic in her eyes. I crossed to her and pulled her into my arms. I put my mouth against her ear, trying to keep my voice as low as possible.

"It will be fine Babe. You want to tell me what happened?" I pulled back and looked into her eyes. I saw tears start to fill them and she softly shook her head and then grabbed me pulling me into a kiss. I needed to know what had happened, but she was trying to change the subject. I pulled her away and focused my eyes on hers. She sat on the bed, pulling me down with her.

She kissed my neck and brought her mouth to my ear as I had done. "Hector was just a little aggressive. He didn't touch me, he just made me uncomfortable. I 'm fine. What should I do about the person we are going to meet?" She kissed my neck again and then looked into my eyes. My God she was beautiful.

I leaned in kissing her and then with our lips still touching I whispered, "Stay right by my side." I pulled her into a deeper kiss my hand running up her bare back. I untied the string around her back and her neck. The top of her bikini fell and I pull her tight against my bare chest. Suddenly, I wanted pleasure and desire to fill her eyes, not fear. I stood and pulled off my shorts. She looked me up and down, stood as well, removing the last article of clothing between us. She pressed her body against me and pushed me into a chair that was next to the bed. Her eyes never leaving mine, she placed a knee on either side of my thighs. I ran my hands up and down her back, moving them to her stomach and then to her breasts. Steph leaned her head back, giving me more access her, then she slowly lowered herself on me, taking me inside her in one slow movement. The sensation made me close my eyes and put my head back. I then watched as she moved her body, sliding herself on me. She smiled at me and I almost lost control. I moved my hand to where we were joined and stroked her, letting her moisture cover my fingers. Her breathing quickened and she arched her back bringing her breasts towards me. I leaned forward, taking them in my mouth and I felt her climax building. I moved my hips to meet hers and both of our releases came at once. She draped her body over mine and kissed my neck.

"We need to get ready. I love you." She looked into my eyes and the fear was gone. "Quick shower?"

I nodded my head and we retreated into our private bath. We were running out of time, so we actually did quickly shower and I exited the bath to get dressed, leaving Babe in front of the mirror. I pulled on a pair of faded blue jeans and a white button up shirt. After pushing my feet into a pair of riding boots I slid the cuffs of the jeans over them and buckled my black belt. It was warm, but I wanted to be prepared in case I had to fight. Flip flops were not the ideal footwear for hand to hand combat.

Babe came out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her. Her hair was pinned up; just like it was in the picture I carried with me. She took off her towel and quickly stepped into a white lace bra and thong. I was setting in the chair where we had just made love, watching her dress and falling even more in love with her. She stepped into a black and white dress, not revealing, but sexy all the same. It reminded me of something from the 1950's. She walked to me, turning her back to me and looking over her shoulder. "Zip me up will you please?" As I complied, I stood, kissing the back of her neck as the zipper came to a stop.

"I hope you let me undo that action later Babe." She looked back and smiled at me as she walked to her suit case and retrieved a pair of black high heels. She finished by putting on the pearls I gave her that Jack made. Little did Babe know, Jack was actually my Military contact in the Keys and the jewelry contained a tracker. We put our bags back together and took each other's hands, walking out of our cabin and above deck. By this time, it was around four in the afternoon. We had been on the ocean for about four hours longer than necessary. I could see land on the horizon now, and a boat was approaching us from the same direction. At some time during the past hour we had made an arch and we were heading southwest.

Lester approached us, a wicked grin on his face. "I was wondering if you two were going to join us or not." He took Babe's hand and gave her the once over. "You are absolutely glowing Beautiful." He winked at her and Steph slapped him on the arm. He laughed and took his place on the other side of her, with Bobby standing directly behind her.

Manny approached us and clapped his hands in from of his chest. "Tiene usted toda la bruja más bella que he visto." (You are absolutely the most beautiful witch I have ever seen.)

I pulled Stephanie closer to me and gave him a hard look. "Stephanie appreciates the compliment I am sure, but if you don't mind, I wish you would stop referring to my wife as a witch."

Manny laughed, "It is only because she is so enchanting. I am expecting you to work your magic on my friend who will be arriving in a moment. If you don't mind Carlos, I would like to borrow your wife for just a few minutes? Don't worry; we will be in your line of sight at all times." He put out his hand towards Babe.

I looked at her, trying to convey that she could say no, but she smiled at me, kissed my cheek and took Manny's hand. They walked to the railing, Bobby, Lester and I close behind. Lester looked at me, and we exchanged confirmation we were ready without saying a word.

A military boat pulled alongside the yacht. A tall man in a Cuban military uniform stepped onto the yacht, taking Hector and Victor's hands. My men and I were standing far enough away that we couldn't hear what was exchanged between the younger brothers and the man. I clenched my fists as Manny made Steph's introduction and the man kissed her hand. Manny ran his hand up Steph's back and I saw her tense slightly. Manny and the new man leaned into each other, exchanging close conversation. As they did, Stephanie laughed and looked at us over her shoulder. She was smiling, but the look on her face quickly brought us forward.