The reviews from the last chapter helped me make some hard decisions in this one. Thanks for your feedback! It's always appreciated and I love hearing what you guys want to have happen. Sometimes it even clears up my writers block by offering a perspective I hadn't considered.

RPOV

Pissed didn't even cover it. I spent an hour sitting in her parking lot, making sure Morelli wasn't going to make an unexpected appearance. Truth be told, part of me wanted him to show up so I could beat the shit out of him.

Stephanie had enough to deal with, she didn't need Joe to come over and make things worse. It was hard for me to understand everything she had endured while I was away. Here I was expecting things to be the same 8 months later. Stealing kisses from her in the alleyway, watching her go back and forth with Morelli, saveing her when she would get in over her head with an FTA. Instead, I came home to a broken woman who was trying her damndest to move on with life. And there were no stolen kisses, hell she gave into me as much as I wanted to take from her. She deserved to know that I wasn't looking for more than another one night stand.

I owed her a better conversation than I had given her so far, one where I used my words to tell her what I wanted rather than my body.

I glanced up at her dark apartment and pictured her in bed, probably crying. Part of me wanted to drive over to Morelli's and show him with my fist how much he had hurt her tonight. The other part of me wanted to join her and show her I wasn't walking away this easily.

I knew what I needed to do and I quickly got out of my car and headed up to her apartment, taking the stairs 2 at a time. No need for knocking, even Steph said she knew I always let myself in.

The sight before me made my heart break. She was curled up on the couch, blanket around her quivering shoulders, looking through a photo album. I was standing behind her, not ready to let my presence be known and saw pictures of her grandmother in various stages of life. What a horrible time for Edna to pass away. She was the only person in Stephanie's life that wasn't scared to stand beside her in every decision she made.

When she got to the end of the album there were a couple ultrasound pictures she ran her fingers across. "I should have asked for a ride home that night, Ranger." It shocked me that she knew I was here, but I just placed my hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed.

"Everyone blames me for what happened, my mother, Joe…" she shook her head, "Tank was there, he would have driven me home, I know it!"

It took me a minute to digest what she said. "Steph, you say everyone blames you, but you only name two people. That doesn't sound like everyone babe." She scooted over so I could sit next to her; she curled up to my side, resting her head on my chest.

"I blame myself Ranger. Even if they didn't isn't that enough?" If I could take away her pain I would. "I wished for it all to go away and it did. But by that time I was excited and ready to be a mother. Yeah, I was scared, more so because I had already planned on leaving Joe and I wasn't sure how to do it all on my own but, I didn't want to lose her like I did." I held her close and just let her talk. "When they told me I lost her, God help me, a part of me felt relieved. Relieved that Joe wouldn't have that control over me anymore, and then I immediately felt guilty and knew it was thoughts like that, thoughts about not having her, that made God take her away from me."

"There are no words to help make this easier on you Stephanie. If I could take away your pain right now I would. Please, anything you need me to do just tell me." I moved her so she was looking at me, "But one thing I need you to stop doing, right now, is blaming yourself for losing your daughter. It is NOT your fault that you had to drive home that night. It is NOT your fault that the man in the other car was drinking and driving, and most importantly, it is NOT your fault that your baby didn't make it." Her head was cradled in my hands and I wiped her tears away with my thumbs. "I'm not going to blame this on anyone, because horrible things happen to people in life that we have no control over, but Stephanie, it was Joe's job to make sure you got home that night. He shouldn't have taken that call into work. If it was truly an emergency then he could have at least dropped you off or asked someone to drive you home."

She began to play with the blanket and I knew it was difficult for her to accept what I was saying. "Look at me Quierda." Her eyes moved to mine. "If someone else had driven you home what makes you think the same thing wouldn't have happened? What if the accident still took place and not only did you lose your baby but someone else was critically injured? Babe, what happened is no one's fault. There is no explanation as to why it had to happen to you, but it did and I'm so very sorry for that."

I held her close when she threw her arms around my neck. "Ranger… " she choked out, "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that." I felt tears soak into my shirt and rubbed her back trying to sooth her. She pulled away from me, "I know it's not my fault Ranger but I feel like I need to blame someone. Joe and my mother have nothing nice to say to me about everything that happened and I started to feel like they were right, it was my punishment for… God knows what." She took a deep breath, "But this is what I was missing. Someone who wasn't afraid to put me in my place. If it truly was my fault you would tell me right?"

I nodded, "I've never lied to you babe."

"I know. Thank you. I feel like so much has changed between us, but you've only been home for a few days now. Am I reading too much into this?" She looked apprehensive and I knew it was time to tell her how I was feeling.

"A lot happened while I was away Stephanie, with me too. I would love an opportunity to tell you about it. Whenever you are ready."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Ranger. Here I am going on and on about everything that happened to me and I haven't even taken a moment to ask about you." As usual, she was worried that she had offended me. The woman could never do such a thing and I hid my amused smile, not wanting to upset her anymore.

"Quierda, what I need to tell you is not even close to as important as what you went through. Nothing horrible happened to me. It's all exciting news and I just want a chance to share it with you."

Seeing her smile return made my heart clench, she was beautiful and sexy and I loved when she looked happy. "I think now is the perfect time, I need some exciting news."

Clearing my throat I began to tell her about the first mission, not the details of course, but some of the things that made the mission last so long. "I was ready to come home when they asked for volunteers for a second mission. If I took it, it would complete my contract with the military and I could retire for good."

"You took it didn't you? That's why you were gone for so long."

I nodded, "Lester and I both took it. I hated being away for so long. Especially now that I know everything you were going through but, when I was away during the first mission all I could think about was you Steph. I wanted to come back to you so bad and tell you how stupid I was for putting limitations on our friendship. I wanted to beg you to be done with Morelli and give me a chance. But I knew, until my contract was complete, I would never be able to commit my life to you, and that's what I truly wanted to do." Her eyes were huge and I could tell I surprised her. "When they offered me the last mission not only would it finish my contract, but it would let me come home and be with you, completely."

"I don't know what to say" she whispered.

"Say you want to be with me Hermosa. I never thought I'd meet someone who would make me want to live again, and you did, you do. I know you still have a lot to work out, but let me stand by you, let me be your support." Never have I been nervous around women, hell, most of the time women won't leave me alone and I'm trying to find away to make them go away. Boy how the tables had turned. Here I was, practically begging this woman to let me in her life.

She beamed at me and I felt myself let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, "Do you know how many times I've fantasized about you changing your mind?"

Grinning in return I shook my head and leaned in to kiss her. My goal was to go slowly, not wanting to rush things with her, but she pushed me back on the couch and deepened the kiss, forcing her tongue into my mouth.

My hands roamed down her arms, her waist, her legs. They were silky smooth and I wanted to feel all of her. Not breaking the kiss I unzipped her dress and pushed it off her shoulders, exposing her black lacy bra. Her hands tangled in my hair and I groaned as she tugged pulling me closer to her. I made quick work of her bra, exposing her soft breasts, and broke the kiss to take a nipple into my mouth, using my hand to show the other one just as much attention.

"Mmmmmm… god that feels good." She moaned making my dick throb. Wanting more control I pushed her back so I was lying between her legs, still sucking on her nipple. The dress was bunched around her waist and I tugged until it was free from her body, throwing it to the floor.

I sat up, taking in her beauty. She was breathing hard and I could see the need in her eyes, I'm sure mine reflected the same. My shirt and pants landed in the same pile as her dress, leaving me completely nude. She reached out to run her hand along my shaft but I stopped her, "I've had my turn babe, now it's yours." I flung her panties off and, still sitting up between her legs parted her slick folds.

My fingers rang up and down, from pussy to clit making her writher beneath me. She was mesmerizing and I fought with all my control not to take her right then. No, I wanted to watch her the first time. I slid two fingers in and felt her immediately clench around them. Slowly I thrust them in and out the entire time never taking my eyes from hers.

I moved her legs so one was draped over my thigh and the other up on the couch, giving me the best angle to watch. My thumb moved to rub over her clit and her hips bucked off the couch. She began moaning with each thrust and I sped my movements up wanting to hear her scream my name. Her walls would clench around my fingers and release, though never letting her completely fall over the edge. I needed to do something more, she needed to feel how much I loved her.

Removing my fingers she groaned at the loss. I settled back on my heels, grabbed her hips and gently embedded myself inside of her. I had to close my eyes for control; she was hot, tight, and so wet. I continued to stroke in and out, slowly, until she begged me to go faster.

I adjusted her legs over my shoulders and rested my arms by her head. Leaning over her the access allowed me to go deeper and harder than I had planned, she lifted her hips meeting each of my thrusts sending me closer and closer to climax.

I wanted to ask her if she was close but I was afraid it would make her feel too much pressure. There was no way I was going to cum before her though so I really needed to know how long I had to hold off. Every time I slid inside her I had to hold my breath to keep from releasing.

She moved her legs and wrapped them around my hips, pulling me further inside of her. "Fuck Steph… Fuck" I pounded into her, grunting and groaning. God please be close…. I could feel her walls tightening around me, each thrust fighting to push through the snug fit. My hand went to her sweet spot and I drew circles over her clit.

"Please don't stop… oh god… please…." Her words became incoherent and her legs tightened around me. Grabbing my neck she crushed her mouth to mine, our kiss becoming primal. We were moaning into each other's mouths when I felt it, it was like a vice grip on my cock and she let out a primal scream, as her walls pulsed around me. Growling her name I let myself release into her.

I lowered my head to her shoulder, trying to catch my breath. I could feel her heart racing making me feel more alive than I ever had before.

Her breathing slowed and I knew exactly when she fell asleep. Gently I picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, climbing in beside her. My last thought before falling asleep was that there was no other place I wanted to be than right beside my babe.

We both woke to her alarm and decided to shower separately, not wanting to be late for work. I made quick work of her coffee pot and threw on my usual, cargo pants, black Rangeman shirt, and boots. It made me smile to know she had extra sets of my clothes still at her place.

When we got to Hayward Stephanie headed right to her office to prepare for an early morning meeting. Tank had made an excellent decision when he gave her the new client accounts.

He was at his desk behind the monitors and I waved for him to follow me to my office.

"What's up Ranger?" Tank asked, taking a seat across from my desk.

I had shared my new business plans with Stephanie last night, and was hoping to discuss it some more with her today, but Tank needed to be filled in so we could start the hiring process. "I want to tell you about a business decision I've been considering. I discussed it with Stephanie last night but we didn't get to talk out all the details." Tank listened as I explained the new building and how I wanted Stephanie to take over all the client accounts, not just the new ones. I added, "I'd like you to take over as manager of the Trenton office. Having Lester run the behind the scenes operations at the control center will help, but I'd like you to be in charge of hiring and putting out the schedules. Pretty much run things as if you were me"

"Ranger, I'd be honored. But if I take over all that, what will you do?"

This was the part I hadn't shared with Stephanie last night, "I've received quite a few requests to do some high end security up in New York. I want to focus on that… see if there is enough business to open a new office."

"And Stephanie will take over all client accounts?"

"That's what I proposed to her." I remembered her response when I offered her the promotion, she seemed a little apprehensive. "You think that's a good fit for her right?"

"Absolutely," he quickly answered, "It's a lot of work though. She's already overloaded with just the new clients."

"That's why I want you to take over the hiring process. You and Steph can work together if you want. You know what to look for in the security side of things, while Steph can help find some new office help. There will be plenty of room at the new place and I don't expect her to do it all on her own. Let her hire a couple people to help with whatever she sees fit. She can just oversee it all."

Nodding Tank smiled at me, "Damn Ranger, who would have thought that a couple thugs like us would end up like this?" I laughed. When Tank and I first met we were always in trouble in and out of school. Our teachers always told us that we would end up in jail if we kept up with our antics. It's partly why we joined the army. By the time we graduated from high school we had both been involved with gangs, drugs, and guns.

While we still enjoy playing with our guns, the Army taught us that there was a special need for people like us and we both took the opportunity and ran. It was nice to look back on it now, having become a multi-millionaire with security companies in 3 different cities, looking to expand into a 4th one.

Lester happened by the office and joined us while we reminisced about our troublemaking years for the next hour.

"Do you boys plan on doing any work today?" Stephanie said, leaning against the door frame. I cleared my throat, and motioned for the guys to head on out. She took Tank's seat across from my desk and I moved around so I was leaning against my desk next to her.

"I finished running the background checks for you." She handed me a folder and I glanced through the paperwork, smiling at her notes.

"Thanks Babe." Going with my instincts I sat down next to her and took her hand. "We need to talk about last night." She grimaced and I knew I would have to push the issue. Before Lester joined us Tank discussed the night Binkie and Zero had to go take Morelli out of her apartment.

"I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to do. But I've talked about it with Tank and we both agree Morelli needs to have some repercussions as to his actions towards you." By repercussions I meant an ass beating but I knew Stephanie would rather go through legal channel.

I saw her surprise at my comment and then her face broke out in a smile, "I thought you were going to back out of what we talked about in my apartment." What? No way was I going to go back on what I said to her. I meant every word.

"Babe, I love you. There's no going back after last night." Her whole body relaxed and I felt guiltily for playing with her emotions all these years. Of course she thought last night was a onetime shot. I would definitely need to show her with my actions that I meant everything I said. But right now we needed to discuss Morelli. "I understand you filed a harassment charge against him but then backed off when he started to leave you alone." She nodded so I continued, "Do you think maybe you should push the issue again?"

The last thing I wanted to do was tell her what she should do. She was a grown woman and was fully capable of making her own decisions. I was just here to help her along and give her whatever support she needed or wanted. Her answer surprised me, "I know you said what happened wasn't my fault, and I'm trying to accept that, honestly. Joe and I are done, I'm not in love with him, but I do care about him, and I know when I, we, lost the baby he was devastated and pissed at himself. He said more than once that he should have just driven me home but he doesn't know how to deal with the loss of both me and the baby. He's so angry and upset I really think he's just trying to find and outlet, and I'm the easy target. If I press charges against him then he loses his job too."

How in the world she could be so compassionate towards a man who has humiliated her in front of not only me, but Zero and Binkie too is beyond me. But I understood what she was saying and it all made sense. "How can I help then Steph? It seems like he hasn't quite given up on harassing you but other than reporting him or beating the shit out of him, I don't know what to do."

She giggled "Part of me would love to see you kick his ass batman." My heart soared at her calling me batman. As much as I gave her a hard time and my guys teased me about it, the way she said it made me truly feel like I could save the world. "Maybe it's time Joe and I actually had a conversation. We never really discussed anything that happened." I could tell she was still working an idea out so I stayed quiet to hear her offer. "Do you think he would come here? I would feel safer knowing that there were people around to step in if need be, but it would allow us to have a private conversation."

"If that's what you want then I think it's perfect." I really wanted to push the kick his ass idea but knew that would just earn me a glare. "We need to talk about something else though too. Remember at dinner, I told you about wanting to expand?"

"Oh… yeah. Um…" she cleared her throat, "I'm still just learning this new role Ranger, and I honestly don't know if I can take on all that and keep up with everything."

"That's what Tank said too, so I'm thinking I was a little unclear last night. I don't expect you to do it all Steph; I just want you to oversee it all. Tank is going to meet with you and the two of you are going to interview a few people to hire to take on those responsibilities. You can personally handle whichever accounts you want, but you'll have two or three people under you to help with anything else."

She was doing her famous fish impression and while it was cute, I knew inside she was second guessing her ability to take on what I was asking. "Stephanie, you can do this. You are amazing and intelligent and my clients love you. There is no way I can expand without you and Tank beside me along the way."

"There's a lot for me to learn but…" she reached out and squeezed my hand, "it sounds amazing and I would love to work beside you."

"Good." I kissed her lips, "will you look at the new building with me? It's right across the street and I want to get your opinion on it before I sign papers."

She glanced at her watch, "Give me an hour? There's a new client that should be here in a few minutes and then I'm free."

I nodded and swatted at her ass as she walked away giving her a wicked grin. "See you in an hour!" I called after her. Time to get back to work, I thought grabbing the new hire files she had given me. I couldn't wait for her to see the new office and get the ball rolling on expanding in Trenton.

Without Stephanie there was no way I could do this. We were rolling in new client contracts. Hmmm… I bet she could seal the deal on some of the inquires up in New York. I'd have to ask her about that later too.

I spent a few minutes going through my e-mail and setting up interviews with the applicants Steph and had run when my cell phone rang. "Yo."

"What's this about you and Stephanie?" A shrill woman's voice broke through the phone.

"I'm sorry, who is this?" I asked, glancing at the number on my phone. Plum Home, it read. Ah, so this was Stephanie's mother. "My apologizes Mrs. Plum. I didn't recognize your voice. How can I help you?"

"You can help me by sending my daughter back home. While you were away your thugs stole her from Joeseph, more than once I might add. And she's been cooped up in that office of your doing god knows what!" Okay, so maybe I should have asked Stephanie about her current relationship with her mother. Sounds like there hasn't been much in communication there.

"From what Stephanie tells me she asked for help in leaving Joe, nobody stole her. And she is currently working in a management role here in the company. Doing an excellent job I might add." Her mother's sobs were clear through the phone.

"I miss my daughter. Please… I know she listens to you. Tell her to come see us."

"I'll let her know you called." I sighed, "And that you would like to see her. But other than that, I'm not going to force her to do anything she doesn't want to do."

"I understand. Thank you." I hung up and stared at the phone for a minute. I had never lied to Stephanie before, but if I just forgot to mention something, would she consider it lying? It was clear from what she told me her mother was one to blame Steph for the loss of her baby. Sometimes family is good to have, and other times, there are people whose blood alone will never make them family. Stephanie's mother was never 'family' to her. Sure she was her mother, but never had she lifted her daughter up or encouraged her to live her dreams.

I had 30 minutes to decide what I was going to do. Great.