To all of you who posted a review on the FanFiction website: I'm sorry for not responding to your reviews, but FanFiction wigged-out and won't let me respond. Ugh! I so greatly appreciate the time you spend reviewing my story. My husband laughs at me - after I post a chapter, I check my cell phone e-mail constantly for reviews and get overly excited when I see one in my in box. So keep the reviews coming, they give me a dose of happy and make me want to write all that much quicker. Thanks, Lori

Freedom

Chapter 18

TPOV

We had a successful take down but not without sacrifice. Cal took a bullet to the side, missing any vital organs. Lester had been sliced by a knife in the shoulder, fortunately just needing stitches. Damn, I'm getting too old for this shit.

I realized half way through our op that I'd taken the core team away from the building, effectively taking away the men that protect Steph. I'm hoping she kept her wits about her and stayed in the apartment until we got back. I know she wouldn't leave the building without us, but with Steph's luck, an emergency call from a loved one would have her bolting without a second thought to her own safety. Seems unlikely, but with Steph, the unexpected is what we've learned to expect.

The rest of the team stopped off to remove their gear and clean up, and I went on up to the seventh floor to check on Steph. I knocked and not getting an answer, went on in. She must be taking a nap. The lights were out, and heading to the living room, I found it empty. Ranger's office was also vacant and entering the bedroom and peeking in the adjoining bathroom, they too were empty. Shit!

I took the stairs down to the monitor room. "Hector, where the hell is Steph?"

"What you say? She's in the apartment. That's what she say."

"I just came from there, it's empty. Did you see her on the monitors?"

"No, I monitoring clients and listening to your take down."

"Pull up the building, I want eyes on all levels." Hector did as told and after careful examination, Steph was nowhere to be found.

"Fuck!" I went to my office, straight to my desk and put my head in my hands. What was I going to tell Ranger? I took a deep breath and picked up the phone to dial him. Glancing across the room, my eyes landed on a very lumpy blanket on my couch. Looking more closely, there was curly, brown hair coming out of the top of the blanket. Stephanie. Thank goodness. The monitors don't normally pull up mine and Ranger's offices for privacy reasons, no wonder we couldn't locate her.

I walked over to where she laid and picked her up, holding her on my lap. Just a few moments later, Bobby chose that moment to walk in. He was immediately on his knees in front of Steph. "What happened? Is she hurting?"

"No, she must have come in here while we were gone and chose to take a nap while she waited for us. I panicked when I couldn't find her anywhere in the building, thinking we'd lost her. Then I came in here, and found her asleep. I just needed to feel her presence to reassure myself that she's really here and…"

"I understand, man. Hell, we're all on guard trying to keep her safe from that asshole. We all know what will happen if we fuck up. She's not impulsive though, she's smart, she won't just up and leave without us. She knows the stakes just as well as us…no, more so."

"I know that in my head, but I also know she's such a huge piece of all of us, and if we lose her…" Holy, hell, I haven't talked about such mushy crap in years!

"Why don't you wake her up after I leave and ask her to come upstairs. I'll check on her stitches and see if we're still on track to remove them tomorrow."

SPOV

I woke up in arms that I knew weren't Ranger's and got a little panicky until Tank said in his familiar and comforting baritone voice "it's alright, I've got ya." I looked up at Tank's smiling face. We talked for a little while and he explained the events leading up to him holding me so tightly to him. These guys have got to relax a little bit. I mean, I can't blame them for being on edge in regards to my safety, but really.

Tank and I talked and he told me Lester invited us all over to his place tomorrow night since he was injured and knew the pain relievers they gave him in the hospital would leave him feeling groggy. I asked if he and Lula wanted to join me for dinner and a movie tonight. After calling her to find out if she was interested, he nodded their acceptance. Ella seems to like it when I'm not alone, so she was eager to accommodate when I asked her to bring up a little extra food for my company.

And bring up extra, she did. I don't know how much she thought we'd eat, but we enjoyed her food, which I can always taste the TLC in. I can't wait to do this again when Carlos is here, it will be even more fun with the four of us next time. We had a great evening chatting and listening to Tank share stories about Ranger and himself and all the mischief they got into growing up in the service when they weren't 'on duty'. I didn't know they'd known each other as far back as enlisting. No wonder they could do that silent communication thing so well. Maybe Lula and I should try working on that skill. Hmmm… I looked over at Lula, concentrating on sending her a message requesting a Mocha Latte tomorrow morning. She of course looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I was constipated or something. Figures!

Speaking of Lula, it was so good to see her again. I know it's only been a few days, but dammit I need to spend more time with my own gender. Seeing the two of them together, so loving, it made me wonder about their plans for the future. We called it an early night with the exhilarating events of the day. I promised to call Tank in the morning and talk about the day.

Carlos called this morning and said he should be home tomorrow. He found the perpetrator of the break-ins on the three big accounts in Boston. The new security company, Trusted Response, which just opened their offices in Boston had hired a couple of local hoodlums to do a little breaking and entering to make the companies lose trust in the services Rangeman was providing them. Their big mistake was hiring a couple of idiots. Part of the reason Ranger is the best in what he does, is he's observant, he can read people's body language and he thinks outside the box. When he was watching the security feeds from the break-ins, he noted that the perps simple body gestures were the same at each location, so he knew it was the same to guys for each job. When he interviewed the owners of the three companies that were broken into, they admitted that the competition in town had been trying to schmooze them into signing with them. After a little surveillance last night, Carlos and two of the guys from the Boston office, Hank and Chase, found the same two idiots that did the B&E, exiting Trusted Response with the owner of the company. They of course turned them in to the authorities and Carlos was going to spend today visiting with his clients, ensuring them of our high standard for excellence. I'm just glad it's over and he's coming home tomorrow. He told me I would've been helpful to him, with my instincts on reading people. But not knowing if the trip was a trap, he wanted me home where I was safe. I'm so glad his fears were unfounded and the cause of all the trouble was just a little business competition. It sounds like it all worked out in the end. We talked about me going with him in the future when he had these business dealings. I told him I'd be happy to.

I tried to hurry through the breakfast Ella brought me, but oh my god! I swear I have a new favorite food… eggs benedict. When I called her to tell her how much I adored it, she said there's even a healthy version with spinach, tomato, and avocado. I hate to say it, but it sounds just as good and I can't wait to try it.

As soon as I was done putting the dishes in the dishwasher, I ran down to Bobby's office. Laying on the exam table in Bobby's office, I was so glad when Hal walked in and held my hand. Knowing how squeamish I am, Bobby asked Hal to join us and keep me company at the head of the table while he removed the stitches from my side. I can't wait to get them out and be released to work part time again. Hal of course did a great job of distracting me by telling me more about his sister. What he told me caught me off guard though. He said that before she married her abusive husband, they only spoke a few times a year, mostly for holidays and occasions. But when she got married, their communication was slowly severed. Now that she's divorced, they talk every other month or so, but for short spurts as she's still resentful to how overprotective he became when he found out about the abuse. He said their conversations tended to be superficial. He told me the relationship he has with me is better than it had ever been with his real sister, and that he was grateful he and I were able to forge such a close relationship. I didn't know what to say when he said I'd helped to heal some of the demons he's been battling. I wish I knew how I did all these nice things the guys tell me about.

It wasn't until Bobby cleared his throat and I looked up that I noticed he was done and my stitches are out. What a relief to not deal with the bandages anymore when I showered. Wait… now I can take a bath again! Yeah! Bobby said he would call Dr. Albritt and update him on removing the stitches and the healing progress of the wound. He didn't think it would be an issue releasing me back to work part time until the course of antibiotics were done, but he has to wait for the e-mail officially releasing me. If I go to work before it's in writing, and Rangeman's insurance company gets wind of it, we're in trouble.

I decided to take a nap and hang out in the apartment before I go down to Les' apartment to help him get set up for our little party tonight. I went down about 5:00 and enjoyed having some company and being useful. So far, we know that Hal, Tank, Bobby and Hector will be joining us. Cal is on monitors, since he can't be on active duty because he's healing from his gunshot wound. He offered to watch the monitors so the guys could be with me which I thought was really nice of him. I had asked Tank to keep it small and was glad he agreed.

Les actually made dinner himself tonight which shocked me, simply because I didn't know he could cook! He made fajitas, Spanish rice and black beans with cheese on top served with tortilla chips. It was actually quite good. We decided to forgo movies and instead play some poker. As it turns out, I suck at poker since my face is so damn transparent, and it was no longer fun for all of us, so we moved onto Truth or Dare. In this version of the game, instead of a dare, we had to drink a shot of tequila. Well, shit! I either have to bare it all, so to speak, or get hammered. Maybe it's not too late to start working on my blank face and resume playing poker again.

Lester told me, "Steph, since getting together was your idea, why don't you ask the first question. For those of you who haven't played this before, you have to decide quickly if you want to answer the question or take a shot. You're up Steph. What's your question?"

"If Ranger had kept his original stance of not wanting a relationship with me, would any of you have pursued me?"

Hal: "Wow, let's just ease right into this, huh, Steph? Truth. You're better off being my sister."

Tank: "Truth. I need a woman with a little more to love, physically, I mean. I woulda crushed you, honey."

Bobby: "Dare." And Bobby slammed his shot. Interesting that he didn't choose truth…

Hector: "Truth. I got my eye on someone else. Sorry Bonita." I've heard Hector is gay, but was trying to find out with my question. Damn him, I still don't know!

Lester: "Truth. In a heartbeat beautiful, in a heartbeat." I was afraid he'd say that.

Lester's turn was next. I have to say I was a bit nervous about his question. "What is your favorite sexual position and least favorite?"

Hal: "Truth. On top, Is there such thing as least favorite?"

Tank: "Truth. From behind, Don't have a least."

Bobby: "Truth. I'm an old fashioned kind of guy. I like to be in control, so on top. And I've never found a position I don't like."

Hector: "Dare." Can't say I was surprised, Hector is a private man.

Myself: "Dare." I don't think Carlos would want me giving those kind of details… ya, that's why I didn't answer truth.

Tank was next and I could tell he was thinking hard. "Have you ever been in a threesome?"

Bobby: "Truth. No."

Hector: "Truth. No."

Bobby: "Truth. No."

Hal: "Truth. No."

Myself: "Truth. No."

Lester: "Dare." Dumbass, now we know he has.

Hal went next and he had a wicked grin on his face. "Tell us one thing that you are hiding from or previously hid from your girlfriend/boyfriend and intended to hide it forever."

Lester: "Truth. When Cindy asked how many sexual partners I'd had in my life, I told her seven." We all laughed out loud, hysterically at that one, knowing that number was closer to seventy… or more!

Bobby: "Truth. The last girlfriend I had, I just couldn't tell her I'd taken a life. It seemed hypocritical considering I'm a medic who's supposed to only save lives. She didn't want to hear that I was a soldier too. I think she watched too much MASH growing up."

Hector: "Truth. Me abuela asked what tears on cheek mean. I tell her times my heart are broken. I have no boyfriend right now." Yes! Finally, he tells us and from the looks of the rest of the room, I'm the only one that didn't know. That's ok, though…I know now."

Myself: "Truth... No, no, I choose dare."

"No, Steph, once you choose, you can't go back. I asked a question and you said truth, so spill it."

"I wasn't thinking. I can't…" They all just stared at me, waiting.

I downed the shot in front of me, my third of the night, took a deep breath and blurted it out without thinking. "Right before I broke up with Joe, we were at his house and Joe's cousin, Mooch was over watching a hockey game. Mooch's divorce from Shirley was just finalized and Joe said he wanted some company. We drank a few beers, and since he drank too much to drive, Mooch was going to stay in the guest room for the night. I didn't realize how much I'd had to drink because Joe kept switching my beers before I had a chance to finish them. Joe was trying to get me to have sex and I kept saying no. He kept pushing and even though I was resisting, managed to get my clothes off. Before I knew it, he was naked and had me tied to the headboard…" I don't know why I'm telling them this, I should've just quit the game and let it go at that. Dammit, I hate crying in front of the guys, and I'm trying so hard to choke back the sobs, but I feel the tears running down my cheeks.

"Steph, I'm so sorry, when I asked that question, I had no idea…" Hal reached across the table and put his hand over mine.

Lester got up and got me a tissue and after handing it to me said, "That's not all, is it Steph…"

"No, it isn't." I took another deep breath and looked down at my empty shot glass as if drawing strength from it. "After Joe tied me up, he opened the bedroom door and there stood Mooch, naked." I heard a several gasps of breath and one growl from the guys but continued without looking at them. "His cousin told Joe he never thought I'd agree to it and Joe admitted I hadn't but after they 'showed me how much fun it could be' to have them both at the same time, I would want it again in the future, they just had to be 'extra convincing with their performance'." Like I'd ever agree to that!

I stood up. "You have to promise to let me tell Ranger this. I don't want him hearing it from you guys. I would've taken this to the grave, you know. Anyhow, I was crying and telling them to stop when they both started putting their hands on me. When Joe put his hand, well…you know…at that forbidden spot… I knew what they both wanted and… well, I just couldn't take any more and I threw up. And I didn't just turn my head and throw up, I threw up on them!" The guys snickered, trying to cut through the awkwardness in the room which felt like a cold fog. "Joe untied me to let me go to the bathroom and clean up, and when I came out, he told me the room smelled like puke and the mood was ruined, that we'd try it again soon. I grabbed my clothes and left. That was the last time I was in his house."

Tank looked at me and opened his arms. I walked over and sat in his lap, accepting his comfort.

The rest of the guys got up to refresh drinks and refill the chips and guacamole. I appreciated them giving me a moment to let me compose myself. "This is the second time today you've held me, big guy. You think Lula will be mad?"

"I think Lula would be mad if she knew you needed comforting and I didn't offer myself to you. She knows how loyal you are not only to Ranger but your friends. I am too." I knew what he was saying. No matter what, neither of us would cross that friendship line. And no matter what, we would remain loyal to each other as friends and coworkers. I love this guy.

We sat back down at the table, me still on Tank's lap and Lester asked if I was able to continue. "Of course! You've got to get my mind off of the past! Let's have some fun!"

Hector, who's turn was next, asked a question that had us all saying "Dare!" He asked if we'd ever kissed someone of the same sex. I have to say, it definitely lightened the mood!

I returned to my seat and the game continued with some of the questions continuing to be of a sexual nature, and some of the questions revolving around things we did as younger adults. It was fun and although I was worried I'd ruined the mood, you'd never know it from how the guys were whooping it up. I'd learned a lot of interesting things about them tonight and had half a notion to ask them all to make a pact to keep what was said in Les' apartment, strictly hush, hush, but I knew they'd never betray my trust and didn't want to offend them by asking.

We'd been at it a couple of hours and I'd already had at least six shots. Being a lightweight, I didn't think I could handle any more, and when Lester's turn came up again and he asked, "What's the best part of being a girl/guy?" and I said 'Dare,' I almost took Tank's gun and shot myself with it. Stupid, stupid, stupid! That's such an easy question! The best part of being a girl in this building is the love Carlos' men show me without judgement. The best part of being a girl in general would of course be dressing up.

Lester slid me the shot and I looked at it, and trying my hardest not to whine too much, I said, "Lester, no more, I can't take it. Please Lester, you don't want Carlos to get mad when he finds out we…" And just before I finished my sentence Les' apartment door burst open, the doorknob almost lodging itself in the drywall behind and there stood Carlos, looking furious, fierce and downright sexy!

Of course, before he even saw us all standing there, he shouted, "What the hell is going on…"

I ran across the room and launched myself in his arms! "My knight in shining armor! Les was forcing me to down another shot because stupid me said dare when I shoulda said truth, and I've already had too many shots, and I know you don't like it when I drink too much, and you're gonna be mad when you get home tomorrow and I have a hangover. Wait, you're here! My stitches are out, and I'm so horny, and now we can…"

"Babe!"

All the guys were laughing at me! Even Carlos!

"What?"

"Babe, you've had too much to drink, and you were rambling. I think it's time I took you upstairs and sobered you up."

Carlos scooped me up and after thoroughly inhaling his luscious aroma, I barely remember hearing my voice agree with a simple, "Mmhmmm…"

RPOV

Tank called this morning, thinking we were already up and about. I told him Steph was out cold and asked if one of the guys was free to go get 'the cure' for her when she woke up. I asked him what happened to Steph while I was gone. Needing clarification, I told him about the nightmares and tossing and turning she experienced during the night. I knew something was wrong because she hasn't had such a restless night's sleep since the day of the kidnapping and car accident.

I heard Tank breath deeply and finally, he said, "You gotta talk to her, man."

"I'm talking to you! Tell me what happened!"

"You know we were playing Truth or Dare, and even though it was fairly risqué, it was innocent. One of the questions left Steph revealing something that happed the last time she was at Morelli's house."

"Dammit, Tank, tell me!"

"I can't. We promised. Plus, it was pretty bad and it's private. She was embarrassed to tell us but did so because she has a high code of honor. She needs to be the one to tell you. Go easy on her, man. She's one tough woman to have survived all that she's gone through in these last few months, but I think she appears tougher than she really is sometimes."

"Shit! Thanks for the warning, I'll approach it delicately." We disconnected, and I looked down at sleeping beauty in my arms. When is she going to catch a break? I've never known someone that's survived as much as she has, and remain so positive and loving to everyone around her. It makes me wonder what it would take to break her to the point that she loses those qualities. I will do my best to make sure we never find out.

SPOV

"What is all that god forsaken pounding going on? For the love of all that's good in the world, make it go away already!"

"Steph, open your eyes, babe."

"Ugh! Too bright!" I pulled the covers over my head, trying to retreat within myself.

"No, babe, it's time to get up." Carlos pulled the covers off me and just as I was gearing up to tell him off, I smelled it… the cure!

"God bless you!" I sat up and greedily ate the greasy, salty goodness that could only be McDonald's fries and when I drank those first few gulps of Coke… ahhhhh, heaven. I didn't even care that I was completely naked in front of him, my modesty not as important as my desire for the salty treat.

"Thank you Carlos! I'm so sorry you came home to a drunken fiancé. And I couldn't welcome you home properly because I passed out. I hope you're not mad at me!"

"Babe, of course not. I'm glad you had some personal time with Mary Lou, Lula & Tank, and then the guys. It helped me concentrate on getting the job done and back home to you, knowing you weren't going crazy with boredom."

"But when you walked in last night, you were so angry! And then I passed out and that's all I remember before waking up just now."

"I wasn't angry. I was livid! I heard what you said to Les when I was in the hallway, and my mind betrayed me, thinking the worst.

"But you know I'd never betray your trust, never cheat on you. I couldn't do that to you Carlos, you have to believe me."

"I do, babe. It's actually one of the traits I love most about you. Your fierce loyalty. I know you would never betray my secrets, my business, our vow of monogamy and soon our wedding vows. I thought about it this morning while I watched you sleep. I've never been so happy in all my life and I'm afraid of losing you in any sense of the word."

"I understand. I guess I keep waiting for the proverbial 'other shoe to drop,' too. I don't exactly have the best track record with men. We just need to reassure and love each other, no matter what the outside world throws us!"

"Tank said you had a rough moment last night, something about the last time you were at Joes. You know I'm here for you, right?"

"He told you?"

"No. I called him this morning to ask him what happened last night after I witnessed you being plagued with nightmares."

"Oh. Any chance I could get some coffee, take a shower and we could talk at lunch?"

"I can make that work. Why don't you hop in the shower and I'll make you a latte. First though, can I see your wound?"

I got out of bed slowly so my head wouldn't feel like it was going to explode and walked over to Carlos standing before him, still naked. His sharp intake of breath let me know I was affecting him in a very good way. By the time his eyes made it to my side, he was sitting on the bed in front of me, his fingers gingerly tracing the incision. He kissed all around and finally where the stitches used to be. He seemed pleased with the light colored scar. Dr. Albritt said he could give me an ointment to help reduce the color of it until it was nearly invisible. Carlo's hands went around my waist and down to my hips.

"Babe, if you don't get in that shower right now, I will not be responsible for my actions." I looked into his eyes and what reflected back at me were pools of desire. I ran to the bathroom, and took a quick shower, enjoying the warm water and intoxicating smell of Carlos' Bulgari shower gel. Who am I fooling? Ella buys it just as much for me as she does Carlos' use. There's just something so sensual about smelling like my sexy Cuban.

When I stepped into the living room, Carlos was sitting there with a latte for me and a bottle of water for him. He's so damn disciplined.

I sat down opposite of him on the sofa, legs crossed in front of me. "I need to make this clear first. I was not trying to keep something from you. I trust you implicitly. When I first came here with you a couple of months ago, we were so preoccupied with my safety and collecting evidence against Joe that I subconsciously put it on the back burner… until last night. What I'm about to tell you is so terribly embarrassing."

"Take your time. No judgments, babe."

It took me a little longer than last night to tell Carlos what happened, but I gave him more details and told him how I'd felt about it all. I could tell he was raring to go beat on something, or a certain someone, but he had patiently waited and like promised, let me take my time telling him without interruptions.

"Babe, they were going to rape you." It was a statement, not a question, and it was spoken with a cold, angry voice.

"I know. And Joe knew I wasn't into any butt stuff and he didn't care! I knew by how he was touching me and the oil he brought out that they were going to take me at the same time."

"What were your dreams about last night?"

"Them touching me… me feeling helpless. I'm so glad you woke me up when you did or they would've…" I don't know how, but I'd managed to keep my emotions in check until this moment, and it all flooded in on me. Carlos sat and held me, rocking back and forth. I heard his phone ring, and I heard the apartment phone ring, but he was giving me his full attention, ignoring the outside world.

I wasn't surprised a few minutes later with Tank knocked on the door and came in. It's so unlike Carlos to ignore calls, and as much as I appreciated it, I can see where it would raise concern. Tank stood before us and looked at me. "You told him?"

"Ya."

"Everything ok?" He asked, looking at Carlos, raising an eyebrow.

"We're good. Was there something you needed?"

"You have a meeting in half an hour, just wanted to make sure if you were going to take it or if you need me to step in."

"You should go. I'll collect myself up here and stop down to say hi to the guys in a bit. Please… for me? We can finish talking tonight." I pleaded with him, more with my eyes than anything. I didn't want to keep him from his business, and he knew that.

"I'll be there. Give me five."

We held each other and kissed for another few minutes before Carlos went to the bedroom as the love of my life and stepped out, bad ass business owner. His transformation as impressive at Batman himself.

RPOV

I needed to be at that meeting. The owner of a local jewelry store that just moved into town is finishing construction and needs a security firm that knows the area. It was an easy account to sign and would be profitable for Rangeman. Although we weren't trying to obtain new clients, this account was too simple to pass up. I believe in compensating my employees well for their commitment to Rangeman and accounts like this helped make that happen.

I called Ella to have dinner delivered shortly, before I gathered Steph from her visit with Hal in the monitor room. It's funny to walk in and watch them converse while not taking their eyes off the monitors. Hal was talking when I walked in. "Thanks again Steph for giving me a break. With Binkie calling in sick, we're a bit short staffed."

"Anytime, Hal. I like to be needed, so don't hesitate to call me any time."

"Ready to go, babe? Ella should be upstairs any minute."

"Yes! I'm starving!" She bent over to give Hal a kiss on the cheek. "Bye, Hal! See you tomorrow!"

Ella outdid herself again. She made her signature lasagna alfredo, a dish I even pollute the temple for. Steph was killing me with the moans she was making. The things she makes me want to do to her with just a simple moan…

"Steph, you've had some time to think, is there anything else you'd like to talk about from earlier?"

"No. It helped to get it out and tell you about it. Are there any questions you have?"

"One, but not about Joe. A few weeks ago we talked about giving each other all of ourselves. I know you've let me pleasure you in that 'forbidden area' once during sex, but I wondered if you'd ever want…" How can I ask this without turning her off?

"Anal sex?" I nodded. She hit the nail on the head.

"I would like to try it, actually. I've heard and read that it can be over-the-top good, I've just never even considered it a possibility before. Dickie and Joe always pressured me to do it, Dickie going so far as to try to trick me the only time he talked me into trying doggy style. I never trusted either of them enough to give them all of me. That's just a whole other level of trust, you know?"

"Babe, I would never do anything to hurt you or break your trust. I would like for us both to have firsts with each other and would be honored if you'd explore this with me."

"What if I had said no?"

"Then I would have dropped it and never brought it up again. I respect you too much to pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with."

"Well then, let me make this perfectly clear for you. I give you all of me. I trust you without reservation and know you'd never do anything to hurt me. Take me, Carlos." Dios mio! How I love this woman. To be given her trust is such a gift.

"Babe…"

"Don't babe me. I said take me, Carlos, and I mean now…" Before she could even finish that sentence, I had covered her mouth with my own, consuming her like a starved animal. I picked her up, cupping her ass with my hands, pressing her hot womanhood into my ever growing groin. If I could freeze this moment, remembering this fervent need to be inside her, to possess her, for her to possess me, our passion a burning fire rising from between us.

I laid this woman who holds my heart in the middle of our bed and started peeling her clothes off, kissing each inch of skin that I'm exposing. Seeing her in nothing but her Rangeman panties and bra, her official undergarments when she needs courage, only spurred on my passion. I removed her panties with my teeth, watching Steph's expression go from hot and bothered to desperate. "Something I can help you with there, babe?"

"Fuck me! Please, Carlos, fuck me!"

Understanding Steph's need to join our bodies, I happily complied, crawling up the bed, resting my weight on my forearms to keep from crushing her. Slowly, to torture her and drive her insane with need, I inched my way inside her, taking my sweet time. Her hips were bucking, trying to push me further inside her hot channel. I pulled out. "Something wrong?"

"Carlos!"

"Babe…"

"Carlos, so help me, if you don't fuck me hard right this minute, I think my head will start spinning around!"

I pounded into my woman's sexy body mercilessly, focusing on the tremendous sensations overtaking all my senses. Trying with all my will to make this moment last a little longer. Steph had already climaxed, but I didn't relent, pounding into her as another orgasm took her higher and higher.

"Carlos… I'm going to… I've got to… oh shit, I can't…"

Three more hard thrusts, I came, roaring her name.

"Steph? Steph, baby…"

I killed her. It was so good, I killed her. Not really, but I did give her a la petit moir, or little death. I always thought it was a myth, that an orgasm could be so powerful that a woman could pass out. I'd never seen someone experience such a response to pleasure. To say I'm honored is an understatement.

"Babe, wake up, honey… I need to see your gorgeous eyes…" Stroking her face tenderly, she stretched her body beside me, driving me crazy as her breasts lifted to my face.

SPOV

"Carlos… What happened?"

"It's alright Querida, my wild little lover. Your orgasm was so strong, you passed out for a few moments."

"Holy shit!" I sat up straight, excited. "Are you serious? I've heard of that, but never thought I was capable… I mean, I know you're a tremendous lover…"

"And you're a tremendous lover as well, my love. Everything we do together keeps getting better, making love included. I've heard of it too, but never thought I'd witnessed such a flattering response to lovemaking. Thank you, babe."

"No, I'm the one that should be thanking you. I can't wait to try for that again…" He's laughing at me! What does he think this was a onetime wonder or something?

"You never disappoint, babe. I have a feeling we will never get bored together… in anything we do."

Last night was beyond memorable. I looked in the mirror this morning and realized everyone who sees me today will know what we did well into the morning. I'm glowing like a frickin' light bulb! And I have hickies in very visible places. I can't say I could care less though. Carlos can light me up any time he wants. I'm a goner.

As much as I'd love to enjoy each other's company today, I have a super secret meeting with Tank at 11 o'clock this morning. Carlos has a meeting outside the building, so he should be none the wiser, which is all part of the plan. Although Tank has been in on my plans for the super secret surprise gift for Carlos, it is finally time to let the rest of the core team in on the plans.