Freedom

Chapter 11

SPOV

I feel as if a bit of weight has been lifted from my shoulders. We finally have some evidence against Joe. I have a feeling there's more to go before this nightmare with Joe is over, but if we continue to take little steps we'll eventually reach our goal of putting his sick psychotic self away for a long time. I have great comfort in knowing if anyone can plan a good take down, it would be my guys. I grabbed a bottle of water and a granola bar from the break room and went to my cubicle, but someone else was there. I saw Lester and asked him who was in my spot and why. He said it was a new hire and walked away, suspiciously dodging the rest of my question. Huh? Why would Carlos give away my space? It's been mine, albeit off and on, for years. Trying not to get too miffed until I knew what was going on, I marched into Carlo's office, not bothering to knock. I walked right up to his desk and asked why he reassigned my space when he came around to the other side of the desk and put his hands on my shoulders, turning me around. Behind me, on the other side of his spacious office was another desk, a feminine, pretty desk with a pretty stained glass lamp on it, a phone, desk supplies and a large stack of folders. There was a name plate on the desk, right by the in-box that read 'Stephanie Plum.'

"Carlos!"

"I want you with me, babe. You're my partner in every sense of the word, I need to be near you. When you're out there working at that damn cubicle, I end up pulling up footage of you and watching you work, anyhow. This way, you're right in front of me and we can talk in privacy any time. Plus, we'll need to spend time discussing clients, both before and after meeting with them, so you may as well have your things in front of you when we do. Do you mind?"

"Mind? Mind! You ask me now if I mind? Of course… I don't mind! I love it!" I just love making him sweat.

"I'm glad. I wasn't sure what your reaction was going to be. I'd hoped you'd see the practicality of it, but also share in my desire to be near each other. How about you get settled in and organized, we have an hour before we need to go upstairs to get ready."

He swatted my behind as I walked to my desk. It was a beautiful wooden desk stained a honey color with curvy legs and a striking engraved design around the top's edge. Looking around the rest of the office for changes, I notice in the middle of the office is now a round table with six chairs, so we could have small meetings or planning sessions and be able to spread out. To say I was surprised by Carlo's gesture was an understatement. I was honored that he wanted to share his grand office with me. I wanted the same thing. To be close to him, and for him to share everything with me like this was something I never thought he'd open himself up to. I'm on such an emotional high. Being spoiled like this is something I would never get used to, but would always appreciate with my whole heart. I haven't felt this empowered in months!

It took the whole hour to settle in, unpack my things and arrange them to my liking. Besides the shapely desk, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful bouquet of peonies, my favorite flower. It is the perfect addition of femininity to the otherwise masculine office. I have a feeling more changes would be made to the building as Carlos embraced having a woman in his space permanently.

The Advil I had taken earlier for my sore ribs had more than worn off and by the time we got to the apartment and I started to undress I was uncomfortable. I was unsure of how much fun I could have this evening with the pain I was in. Reading my mind, as usual, Carlos walked into the dressing room, handing me three more Advil and a bottle of water. It was such a simple, but thoughtful, loving gesture. Attention is in the details and this man doesn't miss a detail in showing his love for me.

"Babe, let's take a shower together. I can help you with some of the hard to reach areas." Thinking he was fooling around, I looked up at him and saw his eyes were as black as night. Oh boy.

"Sure, but no funny business, I have a hot date!" He laughed, he actually had the nerve to laugh at me! I'm serious, we women have to do so much more in the shower than men.

Without having to ask, Carlos helped me out of my clothes and into the shower. Thinking we would just soap up and rinse, I was astonished when Carlos sat on the beechwood bench seat in his spacious shower and picked up my foot to set on his knee. Lathering up my leg and shaving it, he then repeated the same with the other leg. He helped me sit me on the bench and kneeled down on his knees in front of me, producing from the basket in the corner a bottle of shaving cream. I watched intently as he liftedg my legs so my feet were on either side of me and spread my legs as far open as they would go. He looked at me, silently asking for permission. I nodded, knowing I would probably enjoy what he had in mind. He proceeded to lather the shaving cream between my legs, shaving my entire bikini area and mound until I was completely bare. I have never shaved myself bare before. Oh my god! This is such an erotic gesture! I had never spread myself so open wide with another man in full light like I have been doing with Carlos lately, and to have him cherish me like this… No one had ever attempted to treat me with the depth of love he does. Then again, I would've never let anyone come near me with a razor before Carlos. I trusted him unconditionally, the feeling of being treasured so strong, tears are forming in my eyes. Noticing, but not stopping, he rinsed me, taking extra care so there was absolutely no shaving cream and then soaped me up and rinsed again until there was no soap and I mean no soap left between my legs, having a little too much fun doing so, I might add. I watched the whole procedure, mesmerized, in awe of his talents. He stood me up and proceeded to wash and condition my hair, massaging my scalp until I was putty in his hands. By the time he was done I was in such a state I was seeing crossed eyed! He again sat me down on the bench, adjusting the jets in the shower so I wouldn't get sprayed, and began to wash himself.

My hormones are is such uproar that when Carlos leaned back under the shower stream to rinse his hair and the lower half of his body was positioned right in front of me, I couldn't resist touching him anymore. He was clearly as effected as I was from the looks of his impressive erection. I leaned forward, carefully lowering myself to my knees in front of him and took him in, filling my mouth. He wasn't expecting this from me and he jerked, standing up straight and looked down at me. I grabbed his ass cheeks, holding him into me, keeping him from pulling out and he relaxed allowing me my fun. He grabbed onto the shower walls behind me for support as he leaned into me. Every time we're together, I think I can't get more turned on by something we do together. This experience proved me wrong. Having this much power over him, feeling him tremble and moan, I was Wonder Woman! I took my time licking and sucking his entire length. I'm enjoying taking just his head in quick motions, with great suction, then taking all of him, to the back of my throat, excruciatingly slow. My eyes jerked open when I felt his hands go on either side of my head and he used great care to pump himself in and out of my mouth a bit faster. Concentrating on breathing through my nose, I relaxed my throat and let him penetrate my mouth deeper than I'd ever been able to before. I took the control back over and quickened the pace, finishing him off and enjoying the sound of his animalistic roar as he came, deep and pulsating down the back of my throat. I never enjoyed blow jobs before Carlos, so I avoided them all together, but with him, I'm happy to bring him pleasure and I now enjoy giving them.

Carlos carefully lifted me back up to my feet, keeping his hands on my hips so I wouldn't fall as he guided me onto the bathmat outside the shower and dried me off. He led me to the bed and laid me back, rubbing the most luxurious vanilla lotion all over my body, including my freshly shaved private area. Between Carlos and the pain relievers I was feeling no pain… anywhere.

"Babe, if we weren't running late, I would make love to you right here and now. But we don't have time for all that I want to do to your beautiful body. That whole shower was one of the most incredible most intense experiences of my life. Thank you. I like this more exploratory side of you."

"Carlos, I want you to know that I've never shaved there before and I would never let anyone else do that to me in the past, even when they asked, hell, begged me. I trust you with everything, my life, my love, my soul. I know you would never hurt me or do something that I wouldn't like which is why I will do and try anything you want. I am yours."

"Thank you, your trust and openness means the world to me. I will do and try anything you want as well, things I never trusted anyone else to do with or to me. I am yours."

I'm on top of the world. I feel like what I just experienced with Carlos bonded us on a level I didn't know possible. And this is only the beginning of our night together. I'm going out on a date! Now… what to wear?

I'm standing in the closet, debating when Carlos stepped behind me, all dressed and ready in a black Armani suit. Damn him… men have it so easy! "Babe, can I help you choose?"

"Sure, have at Batman! Just make it something I can step into and zip up, I can't lift my hands over my head right now." He gave me a look of duh! and I realized I was preaching to the choir. He's probably injured more ribs than I care to know about.

He loosened my towel, making it fall to my feet and took a short, red dress from his side of the closet. Hmmm, I've never seen this one before, and it is gorgeous! It has little cap sleeves that were sheer, the bodice which is low cut and showed ample cleavage hugged my torso, making my waist look remarkably slim. The skirt also hugs my body until just below my hips where it flares out, with two layers of fabric, one being tight against my legs, the outer layer being sheer and full and flirty. I hope there will be dancing on this date, I can't wait to twirl in this gorgeous dress. I feel pretty.

"That's because you are pretty, babe. Pretty, beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking…" I cut him off, giving his mouth something better to do… kiss mine.

"Thank you Carlos. You make me feel like a princess, a well cared for, thoroughly loved, princess. Thank you."

Finishing off my outfit, Carlos slipped a pair of red three inch FMP's on my feet and helped me up. We were ready to go. I'm not even nervous. This trust thing is pretty freeing.

Taking the elevator down to the garage, I wasn't even slightly surprised to find Tank, Bobby, Hal, Lester and Hector waiting for us. They had three black Escalades, windows tinted so dark you couldn't see inside, pulled out, freshly washed and ready to go.

Tank got into the middle SUV and Carlos and I joined him, but in the back seat. Bobby and Hal got into the lead SUV and Lester and Hector in the last SUV.

I was dying to know where we were going but decided to just enjoy the night I knew would be unforgettable, unfold before me. I don't like surprises, but only because I was insecure of the motivation of the person doing the surprising. With Carlos, I know his intentions are in my best interest.

We took back roads, winding down streets I've never been on before when we stopped in front of a restaurant on the outskirts of town called 'Celia's.' Carlos turned to me and took my hands in his. "Babe, this is my sister's restaurant. She just opened it five months ago. I helped her a little with the construction when you were with… well, when I thought I'd lost you. It kept me busy. She's been doing very well and has asked me to bring you here repeatedly. We've got the place to ourselves for the night. The guys will be eating too, but in pairs, seated near the front and side entrances so they can keep their eyes on us, but far enough that we'll still have our privacy. Relax and enjoy, my men have our backs. Tonight… well, tonight is about us. I love you, babe."

It's a Friday night. I knew this had to be costing a lot for her to give up a Friday night's revenue. I felt a tear run down my cheek and finding myself unable to reply, just hugged Carlos for all I was worth, pouring every ounce of love I had into our embrace.

"Thank you, Carlos. I love you, too."

After being escorted, or should I say cocooned within a barrier of Merry Men, the guys dispersed and a beautiful woman who shared a resemblance to Carlos approached us. "Stephanie, I am so pleased to finally meet the woman who's held my brother's heart for so many years. Carlos has told me so much about you, I feel like we're already close friends."

"Thank you so much Celia. I hope we get the chance to become friends and maybe hear a few stories about Carlos."

We chatted for a few minutes and the nervousness I didn't realize I had before about meeting Carlos' family had dissipated. Celia was just delightful, and so excited to 'finally' meet me. I can't believe Carlos has told her so much about me. If the rest of his family is as warm and welcoming as his sister, I was going to enjoy meeting them also. Celia gave me a quick tour and I told her how much I loved the vibrant colors she chose for each different room in the house that was converted into a restaurant. It feels so homey and inviting, the lighting intimately low and plants and potted palms scattered throughout made the place feel alive. Carlos explained the décor as being fairly traditionally Cuban, much like what he grew up with. I feel at home.

Eating dinner quickly became a sensual encounter. Instead of ordering from a menu, Celia insisted she would bring out a few dishes she knew we would enjoy. I was excited to try Cuban food like Carlos had grown up on.

We started our meal with a refreshing Mojito. This yummy drink was minty and the perfect opening for the rich menu that was surely to come. My taste buds were awake and left me wanting food and just as that thought entered my mind, Celia's waiter, Alejandro brought us a basket of Croquetas which were little breaded rolls filled with pulled pork mixed with a slightly spicy sauce, Papas Rellanas which Carlos said is a potato ball with shredded beef inside, all served on top of what Alejandro said were fried plantains. They looked like a sliced banana, but were a crispy, melt in my mouth savory surprise… yumm. After our first course we were able to talk more about Carlos' childhood and how he got along with his four siblings growing up and in present day. Not surprisingly, he's not especially close with any of them, except for Celia. He's closed himself off for so long, it naturally extended to his family as well. He said Celia and Ella have been telling his mother, Maria stories about me as well as changes they've witnessed in him and she and the rest of the family are anxious to meet me and get reacquainted with the new and improved Carlos. I'm flattered.

Our main course arrived and looked delectable. It was a platter divided into three sections, each section having a different entree. We dug into Lechon Asado, a traditional Cuban roast pork, Picadillo, a Cuban staple which had raisins, olives, ground beef and other tasty ingredients I never would've thought tasted good together, but did. Finally, I tried the Seafood Paella which Carlos fed me. He said it was his favorite growing up. I had to admit it was my favorite of everything I'd tasted so far, too. Enjoying everything so much, I'm hoping Ella will incorporate a few more Cuban dishes into her repertoire for us.

Needing to burn off a few calories and make room for dessert, Carlos stood and took my hand, leading me to the dance floor which was a floor space opened up by tables that had been pushed to the side. The soft romantic music that had played during our meal had changed to a harder, Cuban beat. "Babe, are you up for this?"

"I'll let you know when it's too much, just take it easy on me."

I'm having the date of a lifetime. If I could freeze time, I would, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning of many wonderful experiences I was going to have on a regular basis with this incredible man who loves to spoil me.

I glanced at the guys every now and then. I could tell they were on high alert. They were watching outside, glancing around the restaurant and occasionally looking our way too. I could see through the window that another team had arrived shortly after us and were patrolling the grounds. I couldn't feel safer.

Carlos is a perfect dance partner. He makes it effortless and sensual. After a few songs, I needed to take a break. Sensing my need, Carlos asked if I was ready for dessert.

And was I glad he did. Dessert was unforgettable. Celia brought it out personally and said it was called Flan de Coco, a traditional flan with caramel sauce on top, but her twist was adding coconut liqueur in the delectable body with toasted coconut sprinkled on top. It's what heaven must taste like. Flan de Coco is my new favorite dessert.

Even Carlos indulged. Then again, feeding each other, I think he'd accept anything I offered him. I think we both moaned. For once, I'd actually like to learn how to make a dish, especially one that could make even Carlos moan with pleasure.

I knew we were winding the evening down and I couldn't bear for it to end.

"Babe, one more dance before we have to go?"

I extended my hand into his. "I'd like nothing more."

It was a slow, romantic song that we danced to with perfection, our bodies molded together, like making love on the dance floor, our bodies were made for each other. When it was done and the restaurant was silent, Carlos stepped back, holding me at arm's length. Our gaze into each other's eyes lasted for the longest time, the world melting away around us before he went down on one knee and with tears in his eyes said, "Stephanie, Babe, I never knew this hardened, dark mercenary could love until I met you. And what I thought was love was just the tip of the iceberg. You have shown such acceptance of me, of my men and compassion for everyone around you, your heart knowing no bounds. If I know what unconditional love is, it is because of you." He pulled a ring box out of his coat pocket. "Babe, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Of letting me love you for the rest of our lives?"

"Oh, Carlos! Yes, yes, I'll marry you!" I fell to my knees, and we stayed there, holding each other until we were interrupted by large hands lifting both of us, and we were drawn into the Merry Men's arms, congratulating us. Celia stood off to the side, awaiting her turn, tears streaming down her face. When she finally got to us, she hugged me first. "Welcome to the family, Stephanie. I'm so glad my brother found his soul mate. Thank you, thank you for saving him, for loving him."

"Thank you, Celia. But he saved me too. We're blessed we found each other and not only become each other's best friend, but allowed for our love to surface, not deny ourselves anymore. I love him, more than anything."

"It shows. Congratulations, you two." She hugged us both once more before disappearing back into the kitchen.

RPOV

"Babe, let's go home. We've got some celebrating to do." She blushed, three shades of red at me mentioning celebrating. Like my men didn't know what we'd be doing later anyway.

"Let me check in with the guys first. Why don't you go ask Celia if she could pack us up some flan to go?" Again, with the blushing. I'm going to have to get her past this.

I met with Tank, Lester and Hal by the front door. "Report."

Tank started. "Despite our efforts, we were followed. We were able to chase them off though. They've been persistent, but are gone for now."

"Morelli?" I wanted to know if he was spotted as well.

Hal let me know, "he was one of them. It's been quiet for the last fifteen minutes. Almost too quiet, I think it's best we go back. Now."

I nodded in agreement. "Let's change up the drivers and the formation, just in case. This time, Steph and I will ride in back with Lester and Bobby at the wheel… in the lead SUV. I'll go get Steph."

We arrived back home with no incident. Thankfully. I couldn't stand the thought of Steph's perfect evening being ruined by the likes of Morelli and his lackeys. I didn't plan on telling her about him staking out the restaurant, unless of course she directly asked as I would never lie to her. But I think she'll have better things to think about after our evening together than Morelli.

SPOV

It was a perfect, magical, romantic evening. And I'm engaged! I want to shout if from the rooftop, hire a skywriter, call everyone I know! I'm so excited! Stephanie Manoso. It sounds… perfect! I can't wait…

"Babe, are you ok?" We are on our way back to Rangeman, and Carlos interrupted my thoughts.

"Ya, why do you ask?"

"Because you're shaking. Are your sure you're alright?"

"I'm more than alright! I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin, I'm so excited! I don't know what to do with myself, I have so much pent up energy." I could hear the guys snicker from the front seats and adjust themselves, looking uncomfortable.

Carlos leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I can think of some ways to spend some of that energy, Mrs. Manoso." Mrs. Manoso, I like the sound of that. Looking up into his eyes, sheer lust was staring back at me. This is going to be a fabulous night.

And it was… a fabulous night. Carlos has always been exceptional in bed. Hell, he's pure magic, everywhere he touches. I knew he'd been with other women in his time, but I also knew none of them were around for more than a night or two, him being the one to not allow for anything more. But I don't think about them. They were mere stepping stones to get him to the man he is today. I'm glad for where we both were in our lives when we met, thankful for becoming best friends before lovers and grateful he's mine and that I'll be the only one benefiting from his attentiveness in bed and out for the rest of our lives. I had sex with Carlos that one time, eons ago, but since moving in with him, we'd made love each and every time. Tonight though, tonight was beyond love, beyond making love even. Tonight was the joining of souls. With or without a piece of paper, we are already united for life.