Stephanie's POV–

I throw a punch at Sebastian, almost managing to hit him well until he catches my arm and deflects the punch. It's closer than I've gotten since we started lessons a week ago. I'm starting to get a little stronger, I think. Sebastian agrees but I think he's just being nice. It's a little comforting to know that I'm getting a little better.

With the Stalker still at large I never know when I'm truly safe, that didn't bother me much before–I was pretty okay with everything. But I had him then, now…well I don't really know where we stand. I'm not too worried about finding out either. But Alex is right, that's why I've been working to build my skill and strength in fighting, so if it comes down to it I have a chance.

I lost a lot of resources after everything with Ranger, luckily not a lot of friends, the guys keep me updated and we talk all the time. I've seen Ranger a few times around RangeMan but not much and no words have been exchanged any of the times. That's my doing, I leave before he has a chance.

I'm just not ready to speak with him yet.

"You're getting faster." He says as he lets my arm go and backs away. "But you're still putting your whole body into the punch, I can tell what you're gonna do before you do it. Which means I'll continue to win." He wipes some sweat off his face with a rag and gets back in position. "Again."

I move my feet into my fighting stance and get ready. I want to be able to protect myself by any means.

"Let's go." I say as he moves to make the first move.

OoOoOoOoOoO

I lay on the ground, grimacing at the pain in my limbs. "I'm never going to beat you." I sigh, talking to Sebastian who sits to my left.

"Yes you will. You're already getting stronger and quicker. You won't beat me because I have more experience but if you keep up with the practices once this is all over you'll get better and be able to beat anyone you set your mind to." He sends me a slight smile as he says it.

"You really think so?" I can't help but question it after getting my ass handed to me five times. I'm going to feel it in the morning.

"Yeah, absolutely." He lifts his arm up from under his head, glancing at his watch. "Well, Alex should be here soon to trade shifts but I'll see you tomorrow Stephanie, bright and early." He sits up swiftly, Sebastian is so much different then Erik from what I can tell. Erik is pretty laid back sometimes but mostly he's all business, Sebastian is more serious when he needs to be but fun to be around.

To me at least, the guys especially Tank go a little hard on him but he takes it in stride.

"Okay, I have some skips to pick up tomorrow so it won't be as boring." I say, still not getting up, the ground is too inviting right now.

"Things are never boring with you around." He pulls his black hoodie on and grabs his bag before fastening his gun back to his hip. He takes it off when we spar.

I can't help but chuckle before I smile. "See you tomorrow."

He smiles back and walks to the door. "See you tomorrow." He says. "I'll stay here until Alex gets to the apartment."

"Sounds good. Do you want a water or something?" I ask, because why not?

He chuckles and goes to answer, but glances down at his phone when a ding comes through. He looks down, reading a message before glancing up at me, a hint of surprise and worry on his features.

"What's wrong?" I ask, instantly sitting up straight.

"Well–Alex just texted me." His lips pull down into a frown.

For some reason a harsh feeling settles in my gut. Like something may be wrong. "What did she say?"

He sighs, looking torn about what to tell me. "She said one of the RangMan guys would be taking her shift tonight."

Alarms start going off in my head. That doesn't sound like her. "Why?" My heart starts racing. He just needs to tell me now.

"She was attacked." He finally relentes, sending me a worried look. Why is he worried about me? My mind starts racing. The only thing I can think of.

Is she okay?

"Where is she?" I say quickly, jumping to my feet.

A/N: Hey! I know it's been forever. I finally sat down and really outlined where I want this to go–but I need, well want, some opinions. I already mentioned a second love interest for Steph which worked for a lot of you but at the time I wanted it to be Erik or a MM, but I've decided both of those would be awkward and they don't have (her and Erik) a lot of chemistry. Now this is and will end as a Babe HEA …but I want something to really open up Ranger's eyes, so my next option is; Sebastian as a little love interest or just keep it strictly Ranger. Lemme know your thoughts, we can put it to a vote because I like either way.

Anywho, have a great day/night!