Freedom
Chapter 8
SPOV
The talk I had last night with Carlos cleared up a lot of my insecurities with our relationship and gave me a chance to voice why my behavior has been so fickle. I have a terrible track record with men and have finally realized that Carlos will never hurt me the way Dickie or Joe did. Maybe I really have been subconsciously testing him and for that I feel bad. I have to and will let go of the past and let myself feel blessed for the man by my side. After our talk, I wouldn't intentionally leave him again for anything. And yes, I started calling him Carlos again. Then again, he tortured me, withholding any orgasms until I promised to tell him everything I wanted him to do to me. By the end of the night, I was screaming his name with the mother of all orgasms after releasing some of my inhibitions about talking kinky in bed. The man is truly a sex god, and I'm one lucky girl.
When I woke up to the alarm clock chirping, I wasn't surprised to see Carlos already awake and watching me. I used to think him watching me sleep was so creepy, but now it makes me feel cherished. I am more than anxious to start this day. Mostly because I just want to get it over with, but I won't be sharing that with anyone. I asked Carlos, "are you ready to do this?"
"Babe, are you sure you want to confront Vince yourself? I am anxious to get my hands on him or the guys would happily take a turn for you."
"I know, but I have to start fighting my own battles, you guys rescue me enough the way it is. Plus, his attack was personal and vicious and I need to respond accordingly."
"Let's get ready and head on down. I had Tank call him in for a 'performance evaluation' this morning at 8am. That gives us two hours to change, eat breakfast and warm up."
"Who else is going to be there?" If he kicks my ass, I don't want too big of an audience.
"Tank will escort him to the gym. He'll figure something is off as soon as he sees the two of us. It's circulated around the building what was said and when he'll be arriving and I'm sure most of the guys will trickle in shortly after he arrives."
"What? Why? Who told them?"
"Cal did. I didn't tell you the rest of what Vince said, but when he was done, Cal decked him, knocking him out cold. He tried coming to me about it but I wasn't in. He was furious about the things Vince was saying about you. I told you, Babe, my men love you and will protect you at all costs, even if it's against one of their own. They want to be there today to show you their support of you. You need to know, when Vince transferred here from the Boston office, it was so Tank & I could keep a closer eye on him, we suspected he wasn't as loyal of an employee as we need him to be."
"What else did Vince say?"
"I'm not going to lower myself to his level and tell you verbatim, but in general, as you were turning to leave, Cal had stood up for you and defended you. Vince implied you must be involved with Cal also because of his defensive reaction and said he wanted his turn with you too."
"Why that no good dirty pond scum sucking son of a…" I can only imagine what his exact words were. Shit, and everyone knew what he'd said. I mean, they knew it wasn't true, but damn, this was embarrassing. I was going to make him pay for humiliating and insulting me. Vince is going down!
RPOV
When we got downstairs, I had steph warm up on the stationery bike and then hit the body bag for a little while. She had gloves on, but otherwise just a little pair of bike shorts and a tank top. I wasn't thrilled by her attire, but it would give her better leverage with Vince.
Right on time, Tank brought Vince into the gym. He had a look of confusion on his face.
"I thought I was here for a performance evaluation."
"You are. First, you're going to change into workout clothes. Leave any jewelry in your locker."
When he came back, I asked him to step into the ring. A few at a time, my men started filtering into the gym. They formed a circle around the mats and took a firm, protective stance. Cal and the core team were scattered around the mat along the edge taking the forefront, ready to step in if necessary.
"What the hell is going on here Ranger?"
"You really don't know, do you? Besides the fact that you slandered me, you degraded one of your own yesterday. You made false statements about me and my company and I'm going to let the coworker you insulted get a chance to respond to your insults."
Steph stepped out from behind me, standing right in front of Vince. He slowly looked her over seductively, head to toe and a cocky smile just ached to be wiped off his face.
"You can't be serious, you send in a puta to take care of your men for you now?"
Before I could even respond, Steph rears back and kicks Vince right in the balls with the top of her foot, knocking him to the mats, leaving him to hold himself with both hands. She had gone from pussy cat to 'don't fuck with me' lioness in mere seconds.
"What did you call me?" She practically screamed in his ear from behind him.
"I called you a puta because that's what you are!"
Steph looked back at me and I mouthed the word 'whore' to her.
"You don't know who I am! I am not a whore! You think just because my friends, my coworkers are friends with me, are protective of me, that I'm screwing them?" She had maneuvered around to Vince's front, arms flailing as she spoke to him.
Not expecting it, she punched him with a right hook to the eye while he was still on his knees. She lifted her leg to kick him again, and he grabbed her thigh, twisting her so she was on her belly on the mats. He lunged on top of her, pinning her and being more than twice her weight, he had the advantage. He rubbed his groin against her ass and licked her ear. Most of my men started moving forward, but I motioned them back. This was her fight.
I saw Vince whisper something in her ear and her face turned red with anger. She jerked her head back with great force into his face, hitting him hard in the nose. He sat up, checking for blood and she turned under him and slid out of his grasp.
"Care to share with the guys what you just said to me, Vince?" He paled. Obviously not thinking she'd want to repeat what he'd said.
Vince, not wanting Steph to reveal what he'd said to her, started sparring with her. He made contact with a few of the punches, but for the most part, she ducked or blocked him.
"Well let me tell them what you said. Vince just said what I needed was a 'real man' to fuck me, something I'd never get here at Rangeman, then he offered to happily take me away from here and give me what I need until I screamed for mercy."
I was airborne. If it hadn't been for Tank stepping in and turning me from the mats, Vince would be dead right now. I looked back at Steph and she was kicking the shit out of Vince using both her fists and her feet. What she had lacked in her training with Lester was the ability to channel her anger. When the object of your fury is right in front of you, it makes it easier for the training to just 'kick in' so to speak.
Hal had to step in to stop her when Vince stopped fighting back. He got a couple of punches on her before he went down, but they didn't seem to faze her. He was lying in a heap, battered and bloody.
Steph walked over to me and I picked her up in a bear hug. "Proud of you, babe."
Putting her down, I noticed movement from the mats. Vince must have faked being out, and he charged, full force at Steph. I pulled her back in my arms, spun around and drop kicked Vince, now uncounscious.
Steph was beaming, obviously proud that she had fought back and won, and without any assistance from me or the guys up until the last move. She surprised me when she gave Tank an order.
"Tank, escort this piece of scum to the curb!" She looked up at him with her patented killer smile and added, "please?"
He did just as she asked and responded, "Yes, mam, I mean, slugger." He then saluted her.
Steph laughed at Tank's comment and salute and turned, making eye contact with each of the employees that were in attendance when she spoke her gratitude. "Thank you guys for backing me up today. Even though I didn't need you physically, your support here meant a lot to me and I appreciate it more than I can say." She had the whole room glowing with pride in their little spitfire of a coworker. She taught us all an important lesson today. Never underestimate your opponent.
When she turned to walk back to me, she stumbled a bit and I picked her up with ease and carried her up to our apartment. She fully exerted herself and the adrenaline leaving her had left her weak. Bobby, Tank, Hal, Lester and Cal all appeared a few minutes later to check on our little boxer. Not having the energy to shower, she was sitting on the sofa wrapped up in a bath towel over her work out clothes when they walked in.
Bobby went straight to her, "Steph, can I check you out real quick?" She nodded her approval and sloughed off her towel. He gently touched a couple of the bruises and told her she did well dodging most of his jabs, saving herself from injury. She had a big bruise forming on her thigh from where he grabbed her and twisted her on the mats, a couple on her arms, and one on the chest.
Hal sat on the coffee table, opposite the sofa, right in front of her. "You did good." She smiled and looked down. "You proud?"
She lifted her head and smiled at him. "Ya, I am. I fought back. I was glad you were all there and thought you'd have to step in and help me, but my training kicked in and I beat him."
"You're stronger. Not just physically, but mentally. You made us all proud today. You made me proud." Hal, who wasn't so good with words around Steph had found just what to say. Steph stood to hug Hal and I saw her quickly swipe a tear from falling.
"Thanks, Hal."
She then went over to Lester and gave him a hug, too. "Thank you, my Yoda. You are a good trainer, I just needed someone I hated to try my moves out on. Guess it was hard with you because you're such a good friend."
"Thanks Steph. Now that you've done the moves in a realistic setting, we can work on form, and it will come more naturally. You did good, girl!" Lester was proud of his student.
We all talked for a few minutes before agreeing to clean up and regroup later at Pino's. We walked them to the door and Cal hung back wanting to talk privately. "Steph, I was outraged by what Vince said yesterday in the break room. I don't think of you that way and I need you to know that I will always be your friend and defend your honor." The large man was looking at her nervously after his little speech until Steph gave him a hug, patting him on the back.
"Thank you, Cal. I know you're a friend and would never think that way about me. I appreciate you clearing it up with me though." He nodded and left.
"Babe, it's 10 o'clock. Let's take a shower, and go give notice on your apartment. We can shower together… and save water."
SPOV
Save water, my ass. He has more money than anyone I know, he just wants me naked. But if that means I get to see him naked, I'm all for it!
If I was sore and tired before our shower, I was energized and feeling good after. He truly is good in the shower...
As promised, we went to my old apartment building and gave my 30-day notice as required by the landlord, even though it would be cleaned out the next day. I never thought it could be so easy, or so liberating. Nothing is scary with Carlos' support. As long as he's by my side literally or in spirit, I feel like I can rule the world.
I would miss my little apartment, but mostly because of a few of the experiences I had there. Carlos rescuing me from the shower rod, all the hot kisses and light groping as he wired me before a distraction, and then finally him cashing in on the 'deal' which was the first time we made love. I wouldn't miss the nasty images of him being shot in front of me, or the FTA's that broke in and sometimes left horrible items behind. Thinking about it, there was nothing to miss. I am no longer the girl that lived in that space. I'm so much more now, and I belong to someone who loves me. I'm anxious to cut some of the ties to my past so I'm not weighted down by them anymore.
I am grateful for Carlos' idea to go shopping, it was just the distraction I needed after the physical morning and the stressful thought of our upcoming lunch. I've been wearing all the clothes Ella had bought, and as usual, she has impeccable taste, but there are some things a girl just needs to pick out for herself. Like negligee, shoes, jeans, and casual/around the apartment wear. I just needed to have some choices too.
We decided to start in Macy's. Their shoe department beckoned me and who am I to refuse the call? I never realized what a shoe man Carlos was until he started picking out FMP's that he wanted to see on me. And when the poor shoe salesman tried putting a pair on me, Carlos growled at him causing the poor guy to drop the shoe and stutter something about needing to check on another customer. I couldn't help but laugh, but at Carlos for his jealousy, not the poor salesman. I have to say, he has pretty good taste. I ended up with a pair of red heels he chose that make my legs look a mile long, and a pair of black leather boots as smooth as butter with 4" heels that end just above my knee. Now I just need a pair of skin tight jeans to wear under them.
If I thought trying shoes on was bad, the clothes department was even worse. I felt like a dress up doll that Carlos was having a bit too much fun with. I had to limit him to four dresses, five jeans and about seven tops that I could try on, besides the yoga pants and tops I knew I would just purchase and wouldn't need to try on. I stepped into the dressing room and left him outside on the 'husband chair'.
"Carlos, could you get this pair of jeans in a size smaller please?" I opened the curtain slightly and handed the pair out. He was back in less than a minute. "Babe, do you need any help in here?" He asked as he stepped through the curtain, into my little space. "No, you're just going to be a distraction." I pulled the smaller pair of jeans out of his hands and tried them on. Looking at myself from all angles in the mirror, I knew these would be perfect under my new boots. I looked back at Carlos and was startled by the look of sheer lust in his now blackened eyes. Oh, boy. I decided to bait him a bit, still feeling some naughtiness from last night. "See something you like?"
"Babe, you know I like what I see. I'm not sure you're going to wear these in public though, the way they hug your curves and accentuate your ass, I'm going to have to kill every man that drools as you walk by."
"No, you're not. You're going to remember that you're the only one I go home to every day. And you're the only one that get's to take these sinful jeans off me… Now, hand me the next pair." I can't stop looking in the mirror.
"I'm so excited! All the training and hard work you've put me through is really toning me up."
We bought everything I took into the dressing room. I can't say I was surprised. Carlos likes to spoil me, and everything looked nice on me, which was pleasantly surprised. Then of course, I had my own little cheerleader with me to shower me with compliments so I didn't have the chance to be my usual overly critical self. We also bought a few new items for working out in. Apparently after seeing my last training session with Lester, Carlos decided I needed 'more appropriate' workout clothes. Huh!
Our next and last stop is Victoria's Secret. I can honestly say I've never shopped with a man before for lingerie, and it was an experience to behold. I walked around to the various tables and racks, choosing a few bra and panty sets, noticing Carlos also had a few items in his hands also. One set he had was a black bra. The cups had a slit down the middle and a ribbon bow tying the two sides together and the panties that were crotchless with the same ribbon tie to bring the two sides together. They screamed… seductive. When I stepped into the dressing room, I wasn't surprised that Carlos followed me. I decided to really pull the tiger's tail and put a bit of a show on for him, slowly undressing, bending forward provocatively right in front of the seat he was sitting on, giving him a perfect view of my breasts. I could see him shifting slightly. When I pulled my panties and bra off, he gasped. Guess I'd never been this forward with him before, standing buck naked, lights on, in a public dressing room in front of him.
"Babe, what are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious Carlos? I'm trying a bra on."
"What about the panties?"
"Nope, just the bra. I know the panties will fit. Plus, if I ever try them on, it's always over my own panties."
"Then why did you take your panties off?"
"Oops! I guess it's just a habit!" I reached down to pick them back up when he snatched them out of my hand, lifted them to his nose, inhaling my scent and shoved them in his pants pocket. If I didn't know him better, I would be afraid. He looked like a predator and I was his prey.
"I think you knew exactly what you were doing."
I stood in front of him after trying on a pale blue push-up bra with white embroidered flowers, turning in all directions to see how it looked. "So, what do ya think? Is it a keeper?"
"Oh ya, I'm keeping her alright." I spun around to look at him and was pulled onto his lap with me straddling him, my knees on either side of his lap, opening myself wide. He kissed me with pure need. His tongue exploring my mouth, duplicating the motions his cock had just done in the shower. I was losing my ability to think. He pulled away and when I looked down, the bra was gone. Carlos' eyes were roaming down my body, stopping between my spread open legs. The next thing I knew, he was unzipping his cargos, allowing his huge cock to spring free. I was indeed a lucky woman. He lifted me slightly and dropped me, my pussy descending on his cock like a long lost friend. I gasped loudly at the sensation, causing him to stop.
"Babe, you have to be quiet, we can't make any noise, or I'll have to stop." No, no, no, not that! I can be quiet. I nodded at him and started moving my hips back and forth, reveling in the deep penetration. Oh, my god, no one had ever filled me like this before, I just can't get enough of having him inside me. I was trying so hard to be quiet, but even the sound of my panting must have been too much, because I was silenced with his mouth covering mine, his tongue making love to my mouth. How he had such control, I'll never know.
"Carlos… I'm… so… close." I clenched my teeth together, closed my eyes and threw my head back. I was flying. Lost in the feelings and not caring where we were, I let go and came so hard I saw stars floating in front of my eyes. Carlos came right after me, and when I opened my eyes to watch him, I saw him experiencing the same anguish at having to control his volume. But the sight of him losing control, shooting himself into me was humbling, loving, exhilarating.
"Carlos, please, take me home and fuck me hard. I need to scream the next time you enter me. As much fun as this was, I don't want to hold back!"
"Let's get you dressed, babe. But we don't have time to go home just yet. We have a lunch date with Tank, Bobby, Lester and Hal at Pino's. We're stepping out today, and we're doing it big."
"You can say that again. But after lunch, you're mine!"
We made our purchase, me blushing the whole time the cashier rung us up, wondering if she knew what we'd done. We drove straight to Pino's since it was already 12:30. Wow, time really does fly when you're having fun! This morning was a great distraction. I had so much fun, I forgot to be nervous about lunch. But now that we were almost there, the butterflies in my stomach were fluttering feverishly trying to get out.
"Don't worry, babe. He's not there… yet. He will be as soon as word gets out that you're there."
"How do you know? Oooh…let me guess, you've staked the place out. Of course you did, you're always prepared!"
"I like to know what I'm walking into, Babe. Are you ready for the craziness to start?"
"Bring it on, Batman, bring it on!"
"Proud of you, Babe! I'm impressed with your strength and determination."
"Thanks! I just wish I knew what was going to happen." How do I tell him I'm scared shitless?
"It's ok to be scared, but remember, you have five men there protecting you. You're safe. I've got you."
"And that makes all the difference." I leaned back into the seat of the Cayenne, enjoying the scent of the leather, trying to relax when it occurred to me, "Oh shit! Everyone is going to know what we just did. You know it's written all over my face."
"Babe, it wasn't planned, but I don't regret a second of it, do you?"
I couln't help the smile that took over my face. "No, can't say I do. Actually, I'd do it all over again. And maybe it'll show everyone, especially Joe that I'm yours now. He's got to start wrapping his mind around that."
"You're going to have to get used to everyone seeing with the 'just fucked' look, Babe. I plan on you wearing it frequently."
RPOV
I called Tank. The arrangement would be Steph and myself walking in alone, getting a large booth in the back of Pino's. My men were going to pull up a few minutes later and join us. We didn't want it to look too planned out, knowing the 'burg and the cops eating lunch were going to be watching our every move.
We pulled into the parking lot and when I looked over at Steph, she was pale. Can't say I blame her. Morelli was a loose cannon. We stepped in the restaurant and found a table in the back corner open. After looking over the menu, Steph ordered a small cheese pizza, light on the sauce, and an ice water. Following her cue, I changed her order to a large cheese pizza and a second ice water. She smiled at me, happy I didn't order a salad, no doubt.
Tank, Hal, Lester and Cal walked in as the waitress started to walk away. "Mam, can you wait just a moment with that order. Looks like some friends of ours are here. We're going to see if they want to join us."
She looked nervous when she looked at the guys and back at me. "Sure, I'll be back in a few."
Steph decided to take the lead, speaking a little louder than her usual, yelling half across the room. "Hey guys, want to join us for lunch?"
Tank answered back. "Sure." I stood up and Steph followed so Hal could make it into the far seat of the booth, on the other side of her, and we sat back down. Good thing these booths were meant for eight people, because with the size of my men, they just barely held the six of us. I glanced over at Steph and Hal who were in quiet conversation. He was holding her hand and released it as they finished talking. She leaned over and kissed his cheek, and it was back to business as usual between the six of us.
Phones had been out since we walked through the door. Some even being so brazen as to take our picture as we leaned into each other, occasionally kissing and enjoying our closeness and newfound openness, the desire between us still thick from our earlier, restrained lovemaking. The 'burg grapevine would be clogged with all the activity today. Steph was right, this was the most effective way of getting the word out.
After adding a few more pizzas to our order, we settled into conversation. I kept my hand around Steph's shoulder with my hand resting right above her breast. We continued to kiss. Nothing too heavy, but definitely loving. We clearly painted the picture of a happy, loving couple and I the possessive boyfriend. Once our food arrived, we all dug in, not wanting to talk too much because of all the ears waiting to catch some gossip. Not wanting to just sit and wait for the inevitable, I decided to start a conversation with the topic being our favorite summer activities as a child. Figuring we could help ease Steph's tension, I knew she would love hearing stories about the guys. It worked; she wasn't even glancing at the door when Morelli walked in. Hal and I had noticed him from the moment he pulled up in the parking lot and we silently signaled the others with a nod. Lester winked back but kept talking to Steph.
I could feel her stiffen when Morelli gruffly stopped at our table. My men had stopped a minute before when the signal was given and we were ready.
"Cupcake, what the hell are you doing here with these criminals?" His hands were fisted at his sides, the veins on his neck protruding. He was mad as hell. This was going to be fun.
"I told you not to call me that, Joe. These are my friends, they're not criminals. Hell, they're frickin' angels when compared to the likes of you!" He stiffened even more, looking around the restaurant, taking stock of who was there.
"I want to see you outside right now, Cup… Stephanie!" He gritted out through clenched teeth. His tone was meant to be intimidating, but Steph must have found it funny as she was slightly shaking with silent laughter. His hands reached out and went back to his side. It must be frustrating not being able to get to what you want. I turned Steph's head so she could look me in the eyes. I winked at her and kissed her lovingly. I felt her relax a bit before she turned back to face Morelli.
Lester decided to speak up. "What so you can physically and sexually assault her again? I don't think so, Morelli. Cop or no cop, she'll never be alone with you again."
There was a collective gasp in the restaurant and then it went deathly quiet. Our voices were louder than usual, and the fervor of what we were saying was felt heavy in the air. Everyone, including the other cops sitting at the counter had clearly heard when Lester said Morelli had physically and sexually assaulted her. Curious glances turned to disappointment and anger, all aimed at one Detective Joe Morelli. Steph's plan to have us be seen as a couple in public was working, but mine and the core team's plan to start unraveling his evil side to the 'burg was working also. Several of the cops stood at attention just in case they were needed.
Morelli's demeanor changed to that of a misunderstood, caring boyfriend. "Come on, Steph, I just want to talk to you. I miss you. We were good together, can't we just talk?" As much as he was trying to switch his tone to caring, it wasn't working so well for him, he just looked strung out.
"Joe, Carlos and I are together. I've been living with him for over a month now. I gave up the lease on my apartment and we're quite happy." She looked at me and baited him further by asking. "Hmmm, happy, do you think that's a good word to describe how we're feeling, hon?" Her voice is so strong with no hint of the fear she was feeling earlier.
"Happy, doesn't quite scratch the surface, Babe. How about fulfilled, loved, or satisfied, and then there's always ecstasy." I kissed her, open mouth with obvious tongue. She gave back as well as she received and I heard a growl come from Morelli.
That did it! Joe slammed his fist on the table and demanded Steph get the hell outside 'if she knew what's good for her'.
"Are you threatening her Morelli? Because you might want to look around, you're being recorded from every possible angle, including from one of my own." Cal lifted his palm sized video cam a bit higher, grinning.
Eddie Costanza had been called earlier by Hal and was ready for our coming out party. He walked up behind Morelli, putting his hand on his shoulders, turning him and walking out the front door. Joe was obviously struggling, trying to turn around. He yelled out, "we're not finished, Cupcake."
Right before he exited the front door, Steph yelled to him, "Yes, we are! I'm in love with Ranger, something I could never say about or to you! And we were never engaged, stop lying to everyone!"
As the door shut, we saw Eddie and Morelli scuffle in the parking lot before he was placed in the back of Eddie's police cruiser. Steph was visibly shaking. The second adrenaline rush of the day taking a toll on her body.
Hal, spoke to Steph, breaking the awkward silence. "Well, that went well. Everyone knows you're together, but Morelli was beyond pissed. Steph, we're going to have to be extra careful. He would have wrung your neck if we weren't here. I didn't like the way he could switch back and forth from furious to friendly, back to furious. It's classic abuser behavior."
"Thanks, guys. I appreciate you being here. It's time I took my life back! Did you see how mad he was? I thought smoke was going to start spewing from his ears." She looked at her lap and back up at us, "In all seriousness guys, I will be careful and I'll be happy to have company when I go out, but I can't let him control my life anymore. For the first time, I'm experiencing true happiness, and I'll be damned if I'm going to hide it one minute longer or let him ruin it for me."
"Proud of you, babe." It was all I could think to say. So damn proud! Most women would have cowered at the conversation she just had with Morelli, but it only seemed to make her more determined to get on with her life.
She gazed up at me with fire in her eyes. "Now, weren't you going to take me somewhere that I could scream?" The guys looked at her oddly, probably figuring she just needed to vent some frustration. If they only knew. I was certainly a lucky bastard!
"Let's go, Babe." We all headed out together, the guys leading the way to the parking lot, making sure it was clear. I am so glad I took voice messaging off of Steph's cell phone. The rumors flying and hundreds of calls she would surely receive would only defeat the progress she was making. I would have Hal listen to them just to make sure there were no threats from Morelli we could use against him. Otherwise, the people that mattered would get a phone call from Steph tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be staying in the building to touch base with her friends and father and maybe squeeze a little work in since she played hooky with the boss today.
We are off to Rangeman for some much needed stress relief. "When we get home, find the red heels in the back of the truck. We can bring the rest up later."
'Oh, boy. I can only imagine what he has planned for those shoes. I should take him shopping more often.'
"Yes you should, Babe."
"Shit! I said that out loud, didn't I?"
I simply nodded. I love it when she blushes so innocently.