This story contains characters that belong to Janet Evanovich.
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Scent of a Woman
Chapter 20
A million things were going through Stephanie's mind as she dressed for the evening. Details of the restaurant, possible conversation topics with Victor and Andrew, the specifics of her own contrived story, all swirled around her brain as she carefully applied make-up, jewelry, perfume, lingerie, dress and shoes. When she was finished, she took a long look in the mirror. She was still taken aback every time she glanced at her altered hair color. In all her years as a Jersey girl, she had done some wild things with her hair, but changing the color to red, had never been one of them. As she shifted her focus to her now, green eyes, she wondered if Ranger had become so used to the exotic changes that he wouldn't want her blue eyes and average brown hair to return. She pushed that idea away. Ranger had done everything to reassure her of his unconditional love. Stephanie was disappointed in herself for letting some of her old self-doubts and insecurities claw their way to the front of her thoughts. She remembered how blissfully she had awakened from her earlier nap to what she thought, at first, was an amazing dream...
Carlos' soft, sexy voice slowly lured her from her slumber. "Babe, it's time." When she opened her eyes, there was a look in his that she had never seen before. His face reflected total serenity...complete peace. His eyes beheld her as something more precious than life. Stephanie smiled at the feeling of perfect love that overwhelmed her when she realized that she was the reason for the euphoric state of his soul. He climbed into the bed and softly stroked her face. He didn't speak again. He leaned toward her at a slow measured pace and his lips connecting to hers sparked erotic warmth that spread from her heart to deep inside her womb so rapidly, she nearly came from the intensity. Her mind no longer imagined sleep. It responded to his touch with powerful expectations for more. She moaned into his mouth and begged him, with her writhing body, to expand his attention to her breasts. She was impatient for them to be in his mouth.
In response to her demand, Carlos slowly lifted off the black RangeMan t-shirt that she had worn to bed. Her body underneath was warm and an exhilarating combination of his smell and hers was released from her skin. He buried his head into her chest with a primal need to inhale her very essence. He slowly drew his tongue over each nipple and pulled them to a rigid peak while tenderly massaging each breast with his strong hands.
Stephanie's thoughts lost all coherency. The only perception of reality she possessed at the moment was that of this glorious man, who, for some unknown reason, had been inspired to regard her as a worshipped goddess. It seemed his sole purpose was to indulge her in gratification and fulfillment. She reached to undo the button on his pants, but he stopped her with his hand on hers. He clasped both her wrists in one of his hands and slowly raised them over her head with an unspoken demand that they remain. He kissed her lips softly, but possessively, and trailed his tongue down the side of her neck until he reached the juncture at her shoulder where he playfully nipped at her hypersensitive skin; the result being an electrifying tremor that pulsed through her body.
When he was assured that she would leave her arms in place, he employed his now free hands to slowly remove his own clothes, parting only briefly from her aroused form. Now, touching skin to skin, the initial unhurried pace of their lovemaking quickly escalated in tempo. Where their 'horseplay' relations before lunch had been aggressive, dynamic and feral, this union was emotionally poignant and soulful. He never took his eyes off hers as he entered; and she released an initial gasp of pleasure from the penetration as they connected. Once they were completely joined, they journeyed the sensation together as it strengthened, deepened and intensified, powerfully building inside them both until...culminating in an intoxicatingly, charged release neither of them had ever experienced before.
They covered each other in whisper soft kisses that gradually brought them back to earth.
Ranger rolled to the side and pulled her into the ultimate protection of his curled muscular body. He finally spoke. "I love you, querida."
Stephanie was moved again by the reminiscence, and tears reflecting utter contentment built up in her eyes. As she raised a single hand to her neck in memory of his lingering touch, her fingers found the locket around her neck. She opened it and wistfully thought about the possibility of really having her own child. The conversations she had held with Andrew this past week about children had come much easier than she had anticipated. She almost had herself convinced that her son was real. She had never given serious thought before to having a baby. Joe wanted them desperately, but her own mortification at their one time pregnancy scare had pretty much convinced her that she must not want children. Maybe she just didn't want to have children with Joe. Hmm… Maybe that was a discussion to have with Carlos sometime. Maybe.
She continued her thoughts as she struggled with the clasp on the bracelet that Andrew had given her. She was startled back to the here and now when she heard Ranger clear his throat from the doorway to the bedroom.
"Do you need any help with that?"
She looked up at him with a smile of appreciation. "Would you? I seem to be all butterfingers this evening."
"Nervous, Babe?"
"Yeah, a little."
"Good. That will help keep you sharp." He finished securing the clasp and gave her palm a soft kiss. "You look beautiful, by the way." He traced a single finger along the edge of the sweetheart neckline. "I like the dress."
Stephanie pulled her arms around his neck and drew him close for a passionate kiss. "How much time do we have?" She murmured suggestively against his lips.
"Not enough." Disappointment was evident in his reply. "Besides," he chuckled, "you're just interested in a diversion. Relax; you're going to be great."
Stephanie pulled back. "I'm sorry, you're right. I know I'm prepared for this. I have the best back up team on the planet." She got a bright smile on her face. "And if anything goes wrong, Batman will be there to save the day. Right?"
"Damn straight." He leaned in and gave her a very comforting, warm kiss. "I'll always be there for you. Remember that." He caressed her face with his hands and they gazed at each other for several long moments. Unspoken promises and declarations flowed between them on an invisible current.
Ranger placed one more, dreamy, soft, kiss on her lips as his phone rang, effectively ending their very private moment.
"Yo." He answered, never taking his eyes off hers. "Down in five." He flipped it closed and put it back on his belt. "That was Tank. They're here." He rubbed his thumbs along her cheeks. "Are you ready, querida?"
"I still need my wire." She lifted it off the dressing table and teasingly swung it back and forth in front of him. "I saved this part for you. It's tradition." She smiled.
Ranger took the wire and tenderly secured it in place. He gave her a final kiss and turned it on. He took his receiver from his pocket and secured it to his ear. "We're ready to roll. Mic check." He spoke toward her concealed microphone. Each RangeMan replied in acknowledgement of his reception.
Stephanie picked up her clutch purse and the silk wrap that matched her dress, and they walked hand in hand down the stairs and headed toward the garage.
"Babe, I've already put the cake back in the cooler, and it's in your car." He hesitated, and then continued. "I also packed a small overnight bag for you."
Stephanie gave him a confused look. "Why?"
"Sullivan needs to believe you're planning to stay. It's just for effect. You won't need it." He quickly added.
She nodded. "I know."
Ranger opened the driver's door and handed her the keys. He reached inside the car and pressed the remote garage door opener. "Go get 'em, tiger!" Stephanie smiled confidently at him and folded herself into the car. He exited the garage and climbed into the large black SUV Tank was driving. As she watched him leave in the rear view mirror, an overwhelming sense of darkness took her by surprise. She nearly froze at the intensity of the feeling. She shook herself out of the trance and tried to isolate the source of the unwanted emotion. As she searched through her mind, Stephanie finally decided that the multiple warnings she had been issued concerning Victor were finally catching up to her. She started the car and backed out of the driveway.
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When Stephanie arrived at Andrew's house, he was already waiting on the porch. Dressed in an elegant black suit, white shirt and a deep red tie, the well-fitting suit magnified his strong chiseled features. As she stepped out of the car, he gave her a welcoming smile that made his whole face light up and her insides melt. He was magnificent looking, and Stephanie slapped herself, mentally, for her wayward thoughts.
"Wow, you look amazing." She complimented as he approached.
There was no hesitation. Andrew took her into his arms and claimed her with his sensuous lips. The kiss intensified and Stephanie found it hard to resist. There was so much honesty coming from his connection to her. He truly wanted her. It worried Stephanie that her body was responding with sexual anticipation. Her confusion increased and resistance decreased as he parted her lips with his tongue and solicited permission to enter. Her body continued to betray her loyalty to Ranger as Andrew pulled her in closer and the passion between them swelled. When they finally broke apart, desperate for air, Stephanie's head was spinning with guilt and bewilderment.
"My god, you are more stunning every time I see you." He ran his hands down her arms and rested them on her hips keeping her tightly pressed against his groin. "I have half a mind to call Victor and cancel the entire evening...just to keep you to myself."
Stephanie worked hard for the composure to respond. "Yes, but the other half of your mind knows that your good friend is anxiously waiting for us at the hotel. And I need to get this cheesecake into your refrigerator before the heat we just generated spoils it." She playfully stepped away and retrieved the cake from the car.
Andrew reached for her overnight bag and led her into the house, never taking his hand from her hip.
"I'll take your bag upstairs while you put that away." He nodded toward the kitchen.
Stephanie unpacked the cake and placed it in the refrigerator. She wandered into Andrew's office and meandered over to the massive wall of built-in cabinets and shelves located behind his desk. Among the books, knickknacks and plaques, there were several pictures situated on the open shelves. She hadn't noticed these the last time she was here. One in particular caught her eye and she picked it up. The little girl had dark, fine, wavy hair that was softly wafting sideways in response to an unseen breeze. She was wearing an emerald green bathing suit that matched the color of her eyes. There was a look of pure, innocent, joy on her face. Stephanie was so taken by the picture, that she didn't notice Andrew had entered the room. He reached around her shoulder and affectionately rubbed a finger over the child's image.
"She's beautiful, Andrew." Stephanie whispered in respect for his personal reflection.
"Yes, she was." The sorrow in his voice was heartbreaking. "She was everything to me." He continued. "But that's something you already know about. The depth of the love you feel for a child. The lengths to which you would go for them." He took the picture from her hands and replaced it on the shelf. "I'm disappointed that I haven't met your son yet. I would very much like to get to know him." He took her hand and led her across the room to the soft leather couch and settled her down next to him.
"I have a confession to make, Andrew." She looked away and lowered her eyes. "It has been very intentional on my part that you haven't met Carlos yet."
Andrew looked concerned and started to respond, but she put her hand up to stop him.
"Let me finish. Please." She begged. "When some time had passed after Ric's death, and well-meaning friends and family began pushing for me to put myself back out there, socially, I made a decision that I would not put Carlos through a possible revolving door of… acquaintances. I may have been an old married woman, but I remembered the process of dating well enough to know that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince."
"Maria, there is no way you could ever be described as an old married woman." He chided.
"Be that as it may, I didn't want Carlos to get attached to a man that may or may not remain important in my life. I decided that if I developed a solid, promising relationship with another man, I would then consider introducing him into Carlos' life." Stephanie looked directly into his eyes. "I don't want you to be offended; I just need to protect my son. Do you understand?"
"Of course I understand. I think that you made a very wise decision. Your first responsibility is for the welfare and happiness of your son. I could never take offense at your efforts to protect him." He took her hand and kissed her fingers. "When and if you are comfortable with us meeting, I'll be ready. It's totally your decision."
"Thank you for understanding." She smiled weakly. "Sometimes, making these decisions and sticking to them is the hardest part of being alone."
Andrew nodded in sympathy, "You are a good mother. I'm sure Ric would be very proud of what you've accomplished with Carlos." He smiled and gently ran his fingers over the bracelet he had given her. "Maria, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"
"I believe the word you used was stunning." Stephanie returned with a genuinely shy smile. "But yes, I think you made your point."
"Stunning, beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking…there are a hundred words that I could use to describe the way you look, but it doesn't change the fact that I can't take my eyes off of you."
"Well, I did have a little trouble narrowing it down between this dress and the burlap bag."
Andrew leaned in, brushed his lips against hers and whispered. "I told you before, it wouldn't matter." He closed in and let a searing kiss prove his words. Again he encouraged their encounter to intensify by drawing her closer to his chest. He reclined her back against the arm of the couch and continued, placing passionate kisses down her neck. "I can't believe how incredible you are." He murmured along her skin. "Everything about you…your smell…your eyes…your skin, drives me insane with hunger for more of you." His advances became more insistent, his hands and mouth more familiar with her body.
For lack of the ability to form any other response, Stephanie simply spoke his name. "Andrew." Her intent was that the word would come out as a slightly forceful warning to slow down. Instead, the breathy result she squeaked out only served to promote his ardent assault.
Somewhere in the house a clock chimed the half hour. Stephanie couldn't hold back the moan that escaped her lips at the thought that she had just been saved by the bell. Andrew interpreted her reaction as her disappointment that they needed to leave, and placed one last burning kiss on her lips. "Later, Sweetheart." Stephanie nodded her understanding with a slight smile and slipped out of his arms.
"I just need to freshen up and then we can go. I won't be long," she promised as she grabbed her small clutch purse and disappeared down the hall to the bathroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, Stephanie surveyed the damage to her make-up. She dampened a washcloth with cool water and tried to relieve some of the telltale swelling of her lips. She wanted to say something to Ranger. She wanted to reassure him and maybe herself as well, that this was just part of the job and nothing more. But she knew others would be listening and the words would not be private. After taking a few calming deep breaths, she reapplied her lipstick, fixed her hair, and returned to Andrew's office.
Andrew had regained his composure as well and was standing near the window holding her wrap. As she approached him, he smiled and motioned for her to turn so he could gently place the silky fabric over her shoulders. He ran his hands down her sides and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Stephanie placed her hands over his. "Andrew?" She looked down at their entwined fingers. "You're not wearing your wedding ring."
"I thought it was time." He simply replied. "It didn't feel right anymore." He placed three light kisses on her neck and whispered into her ear. "Maria, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to our night together."
"Me, too." She closed her eyes and whispered back. More lies.
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Shortly before seven pm, Andrew and Stephanie entered the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The massive lobby was spectacular. Several large Ionic pillars dominated the room spanning from the marble tiled floor to the high, ornate ceiling. Richly upholstered red and gold furnishings were organized in cozy groupings, giving the large room warmth. Stephanie was still taking it all in when she heard someone calling Andrew's name. She recognized Victor Giordano immediately from his file and the surveillance photos Lester had shown her earlier that morning. He was tall, maybe 6'1", slender and had traditional Italian features; strong chin, dark eyes, Mediterranean coloring. Similar to Joe, but not as ruggedly handsome; Victor possessed more sophisticated, bad boy looks. He was headed toward them with a large grin on his face.
"Andrew, it's good to see you." They clasped hands and gave each other a manly hug with some solid back pounding.
"Victor, it's good to see you, too. I take it your room is okay? I booked one of the Presidential Suites for you. Did you have any problems when you checked in?"
"No, none at all. Everything is fine." Victor stepped back from Andrew and looked toward Stephanie. "This must be Maria."
Andrew put a possessive arm around her waist and proudly spoke. "Yes, Victor, I would like you to meet Maria Granger. Sweetheart, this is my good friend Victor Giordano."
Stephanie reached out her hand to Victor. "It's nice to finally meet you Mr. Giordano. Andrew has had some very nice things to say about you."
Victor, who had not taken his eyes off Stephanie since he first looked, took her hand and kissed it. Stephanie felt a slight tremor travel through him, and she smelled alcohol on his breath. "It's a pleasure, Maria, but please, call me Victor." His gaze became intense and his warm smile disappeared. "Andrew lied to me about you."
Stephanie's stomach instantly gripped in fear. The concern showed on her face. "I'm afraid...I...don't understand." She stuttered out. She wanted to look around the room and locate her RangeMan support, but she was afraid that the nervous response would give her away. She forced herself to maintain her focus on Victor.
"Andrew told me you were beautiful." He looked over to his friend. "Andrew, how could you possibly describe this striking creature with a word as mundane as beautiful?" He returned to his intense study of Stephanie's face and lifted a hand to her cheek. "Why, she's nothing less than sheer perfection. Flawless splendor." His eyes were no longer seeing her in the present. He appeared to have been somehow transported… lost to a memory. It was beginning to creep Stephanie out. Connie's warning about Victor's instability sprang to mind.
Andrew stepped closer to Stephanie and addressed his friend with a tone of friendly dispute. "I believe I told you she was beyond beautiful, Victor." He turned his head and looked down at Stephanie with loving admiration. "And you've only just met her. When you get to know her as I do, you will discover she's so much more. She's unlike anyone I have ever known."
Stephanie blushed at Andrew's words. "Well, if you two gentlemen are finished embarrassing me by fighting over words describing my virtues, I say we find our way to the restaurant. I'm starving."
Andrew chuckled. "She's right, Victor. I should warn you though; this woman has an amazing appetite. You don't want to be responsible for not getting her fed on time." He took Stephanie's hand. "She's a marvelous cook, too." He beamed. "She's created a decadent chocolate cheesecake that's waiting back at my house. We're hoping you'll agree to join us there after dinner for dessert."
Stephanie noticed that Andrew's voluble gushing of her kitchen prowess and addiction to food, allowed Victor's mind time to come back from its little jaunt to fantasy land. "I wouldn't dream of missing out on that, my friend. You know how I love dessert. Why don't we get started on dinner? I have something quite special planned for you tonight."
Victor turned and led them toward a short hallway off the lobby. Andrew and Stephanie followed, still holding hands. Andrew looked confused as they stepped into the car of one of the elevators and Victor pushed the button for the 14th floor. "I don't understand, Victor. Isn't the restaurant on the other side of the hotel, at the top of the grand staircase?"
"Yes it is." Victor answered with a mischievous grin. "But we're not having dinner in the restaurant. I told you I planned something special for you. I have a private dining room in my suite. I've arranged for dinner to be served there. It will be so much better for conversation and privacy. After all, Andrew, you did say you wanted me to get to know Maria."
Shit, shit, shit. Stephanie thought to herself. They were supposed to be eating in the restaurant. The very public restaurant. Ranger was probably having an aneurism. Damn. She could only imagine the rush of activity that was going on, behind the scenes, in response to this revelation.
Andrew noticed her distress. "Sweetheart, what's the matter? You look upset."
Stephanie lied. "It's just…elevators. They make me nervous." She needed to get a message about where they were going to Ranger. "And heights, too." She continued. "The 14th floor…I'll be fine as long as I just stay away from the windows." This sounded totally ridiculous to her, but it seemed to be working.
"Don't worry, I'll hold on to you. You'll be fine." Andrew slid closer and tightened his grip around her waist.
The instant the doors opened to the 14th floor, Stephanie's spidey sense went crazy. They stepped off the elevator and were met by a man with a body that could almost rival Tank's. He was very tall, dark, extremely well built, and carried a gun in a shoulder holster under his jacket, but his similarity to the RangeMan second-in-command ended there, as this man was definitely not handsome. His frightening, pock-marked face appeared to be frozen into a permanent scowl. He threw a grunt and a brusque look toward Stephanie, and, at that point, she wanted nothing more than to get right back on that elevator and head home.
"Andrew, Maria, this is my bodyguard, Richard." Victor, very properly, introduced them.
In a bizarre fit of nerves, Stephanie almost giggled at her thoughts. Richard? Really? Butlers are named Richard. Shoe salesmen are named Richard. This guy needed a name like….Bruno! Yeah… or Ajax. Richard? That's just didn't fit. Of course, she reminded herself, I do know a RangeMan called Binkie!
Richard led them down the long carpeted corridor past several suites. From behind, Stephanie caught sight of the bulge of a second weapon at the back of his waistband under the jacket. She noted the room number as he expertly swiped the keycard through the lock on a set of elaborately carved double doors. He opened them and stood back to let the group enter. Once inside, he pulled the doors shut, remaining in the hallway to stand guard. He never said a word.
"Maria, why don't you let me take your wrap?" Victor offered as he came up behind her laying his hands on her shoulders.
Stephanie cringed at his touch, quickly allowed the wrap to drop into his hands and stepped away. "Thank you, Victor." She looked around the room. "This is a lovely suite. Do you always stay here when you visit Philadelphia?"
"The Presidential Suites are my favorite rooms here at the Ritz. Andrew always books one for me." He walked over to the sideboard. "Why don't we start with drinks? Andrew do you want your usual? Scotch and water?"
"Yes, that would be fine."
"Maria, what would you like?"
"Wine, if you have it. Thank you."
Victor handed them their drinks and poured a shot of straight bourbon for himself. He downed it immediately and refilled his glass a second time before joining them. His constant gazing at Stephanie was making her uncomfortable. Andrew didn't seem to notice it. Stephanie wondered if this was normal behavior for Victor, and Andrew just accepted it as one of the quirks of his good friend.
"Maria, Andrew tells me that you're a wonderful singer. You met him while performing at a local restaurant?"
"I was just helping out a friend. I don't sing professionally." She smiled over at Andrew. "Andrew very kindly put up with my act."
"Oh I don't think kindness had anything to do with it." He slyly grinned.
"What do you mean, Victor?" Andrew was beginning to take offense at his words.
"I mean, Andrew, how could you have possibly resisted the advances of such a lovely siren. I'm sure she was mesmerizing." He broke his gaze at Stephanie long enough to refill his drink a third time.
The room phone rang, breaking the course of the edgy conversation. Victor answered it and gave an affirmative response to the party on the other end.
"Dinner is on its way."
"Would you gentlemen excuse me? I'd like to freshen up before dinner." Stephanie asked.
"Why don't you use the bathroom in my bedroom, Maria? I'm sure you will be much more comfortable in there."
"Thank you." She nodded.
He led her to the door of his bedroom and closed it behind her. Stephanie quickly made her way across the opulent room and stepped into a large luxurious bathroom. If she hadn't been so nervous she would have taken the time to snoop around at the lavish accommodations. She was pretty sure she couldn't be heard all the way in the living room, but just for good measure she stepped into the separate toilet room and closed the door.
"We're in room 1456." She spoke to Ranger and the Merry Men. "There's a pretty beefy guard at the door. He's carrying; one in a shoulder holster and one at the back, in his waistband. I didn't see any knives; he's wearing a suit. Giordano is downing bourbon like water. He's had three just since we've been here and from the looks of it maybe a couple before we showed up. I'm okay. I think we can get through dinner. Maybe it will sober him up a little bit." She hesitated. "Oh, and one more thing…this guy is nuts!" She flushed the toilet, washed her hands and walked back to the men who were waiting in the living room.
Dinner had arrived and the server was setting the table. Stephanie was hoping to find the waiter to be one of the Merry Men working undercover, but it wasn't. She felt very much on her own. When the table was ready, Victor invited them to sit, holding a chair out for Stephanie.
"Everything looks wonderful, Victor." Andrew complimented, as he took a seat at the table next to Stephanie. "Sweetheart, would you like some more wine?"
Stephanie nodded and he filled her glass, then Victor's, and finally his own. He lifted his glass in a toast and the others followed. "To good friends," he nodded toward Victor, "and beautiful, sexy women." He looked at Stephanie with affectionate appreciation. They each took a drink and Andrew leaned into kiss Stephanie on the lips. He lingered there probably a bit longer than was considered proper at the dinner table and only pulled back when Victor cleared his throat.
"Andrew, how has business been lately? Have you been busy or have you been spending all your time with this lovely woman here?"
The waiter set a covered dish in front of each of them and returned to lift the lids. The smell of roast beef, potatoes, and sautéed vegetables wafted around the table. Victor excused the waiter and they began to eat.
"Actually, I have been very busy the last few weeks. The market has been experiencing some wild upswings and dips. My clients have been extremely nervous. My phone rings constantly with panicked concerns over the value of their portfolios."
"I have the same concerns. It's one of the things I want to discuss with you later this evening." Victor looked at Stephanie. "What do you do for a living, Maria? We've established that you don't sing professionally."
Stephanie set her fork down and looked at Victor. "I don't work outside the home. I stay home and care for my son."
Victor's eyes widened in surprise. "You have a child? Andrew didn't mention that." He sounded shaken by the information.
"Yes, my son Carlos. He's almost four."
"Victor, Maria is a widow. Her husband was in the military and was killed overseas. You see, we have a lot in common. She's been wonderful to talk to." He turned to look directly at Stephanie. "She understands my own loss and has been very helpful at getting me to put it into perspective."
Victor shrugged. "Marissa was a wonderful woman, Andrew. And Madison…well, she was…I know it has been difficult for you these last several months. I'm glad that you have found someone to help you…forget." He sounded disappointed in Andrew.
"Victor, I don't want to forget them. I could never forget them. I loved Marissa and Madison more than life…as Maria loved her husband. But she has shown me that it's possible to move on with my life and still keep them in my heart." Stephanie noticed that Andrew gave Victor a hard look. Almost challenging him to respond.
It was a while before anyone spoke again of anything other than the taste of the food, the beauty of the hotel, and the weather. Victor refilled his wine glass again and offered to top off the others. Stephanie declined. She was trying hard to figure out Victor's motivation. He seemed to care for Andrew as a friend, but his words and body language bordered on contentious. It wasn't quite obvious enough to be considered rude, but he was definitely delivering messages with double meanings. She was anxious to get the meal over with so they could leave the hotel room. She knew Ranger and the team had to be going crazy with frustration at not being able to have their eyes on the situation and her safety.
As they finished up their meal, Andrew's cell phone rang. He pulled it from his suit pocket and looked at the caller ID. "Maria, I'm terribly sorry, but I'm going to have to take this. It's one of my clients. Do you mind?"
"Of course not."
"Andrew, why don't you take the call in the bedroom? It will give you more privacy." Victor suggested.
"Thanks, Victor, I will if you don't mind." Andrew stood from the table and headed into the bedroom closing the door behind him.
Victor followed him with his eyes until he disappeared. Stephanie was very anxious at being left alone with Victor. The man had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol before and during dinner. She stood from the table and headed into the living room. She had dropped a stun gun into her purse as a last minute precaution, to validate the uneasy tingle she had been experiencing all week about this meeting with Victor. She wanted to be close to the weapon…just in case.
Victor sauntered into the room after Stephanie, watching her every move. He poured himself yet another bourbon. She felt the need to shatter the silence just to give the tension between them a break. But before she could even open her mouth, Victor spoke.
"Who are you, and what's your game?"
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