I have a great Beta named MrlocTideHunter.

Chapter Three

I fought to wake up, I was having a bad nightmare. I was kicking and thrashing around but someone was holding on to me. I was trying so desperately to get away from Joe, I couldn't let him touch me again.

"Babe it's me you're having a nightmare."

I froze instantly coming immediately awake at hearing that voice and my nickname. My body calmed and I felt so safe. I turned inside Ranger's arms reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck. I nuzzled as far into his chest and neck as I could get just wanting to feel comforted. Breathing hard I felt his fingers slide down my back as he whispered against my ear.

"Tank said there something we need to talk about. I am sorry about Morelli how are you holding up?"

My heart stopped, and I slid away from him wiping tears from my eyes. I looked into his eyes and let out a sigh. I guess the guys hadn't told him anything about what happened with Joe. I didn't have the strength to lie to him, even though I was worried he would be disgusted by me now.

"The night before Joe died he came home drunk. He had just gotten back from a seven month undercover job. I knew something was wrong with the job. Anytime he called me while he was under I could just tell."

I took another deep breath wishing I was anywhere but here. I felt Ranger's fingers slide along my face removing the curls that had settled there. He was silently encouraging me to continue. I was going to have to bite the bullet and tell him everything, I wouldn't want him to learn it from one of the guys.

"He came home that night drunk like I said. I asked him if he wanted me to warm up some Michelle's I had picked up for him. I was his favorite. He walked straight towards me with a coldness in his eyes I had never seen before. He punched me, almost knocking me unconscious. He yelled at me and told me that I should learn to cook his dinner. He told me I should learn to do everything he needed."

I felt Ranger stiffen momentarily; before I realized what he was doing I was in his lap. He eased my head against his chest and ran his finger's gently through my curls. I inhaled the scent that was uniquely Ranger, and that always made me feel safe.

"Then he drug me upstairs cuffed me to the bed and gagged me. Then he...raped me."

I had to take a few deep breaths as I shook in his arms. He was pulled a blanket over me and whispered softly against my hair.

"He's dead and gone. You are here at Rangeman. You're safe, breathe for me Babe."

I continued. "After he raped me that first time he punched me a few times in the ribs. I think he raped me a couple of more times and beat me again. When he couldn't find any new places to hit that he hadn't already bruised he decided to uncuff me. He passed out right after that and I escaped. I drove home and locked myself in my apartment and packed everything I could and came here. Its the only place I could think of that I would feel safe."

I felt his gentle fingers cup my face, he looked into my eyes and kissed my forehead.

"In this building you are safe from any danger. You are welcome here as long as you want Babe. I will never let anyone do this to you again. If Joe were still alive, I would have beat the shit out of him then killed him."

I noticed Ranger was breathing a little hard, but he was talking as calmly as he could. I looked at him and realized I needed to finish telling him.

"Tank called when he saw me come up here. He asked if I was okay and I told him to send Lester up. When Lester got here I broke down told him what happened, everything except the rape."

I took a breath and nuzzled my head against Rangers chest.

"He called Bobby to come and check me out. When Bobby tried to lift my shirt to check my ribs I lost it. I told them both then that Joe had raped me. Bobby made a call and he and Lester took me to see a doctor friend of his in Newark. She checked me over and ran a few tests. She put a cast on my arm and wrapped my bruised ribs."

I knew the last part of my story would make Ranger hate me but I had to tell him. I moved off of his lap to put some distance between us. I didn't want to be in his arms when I saw the look of disgust I knew was coming.

"Earlier today I went back to the doctor so she could check me over again. Please don't hate me! Because of what Joe did, I'm now pregnant"

In a heartbeat, I was back in his lap with his arms wrapped around me. He was hugging me tightly to him. He cupped my chin in his hand and tilted it up so he could look me in the eye. His voice was whisper soft and sounded like it was breaking every few words.

"I could never hate you Babe you mean too much to me. This was not your fault it was that bastard's fault for everything that happen." I had never seen this much emotion from Ranger before. His blank face was gone and I could see every emotion he was feeling.

My body sagged into his. The only thing I could think was that he didn't hate me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him to me. He slid his hands down my back and pressed his face into my curls. I took a shaky breath and whispered into his ear.

"Ranger it's not the baby's fault. I want to have it and raise it. It does not deserve to be punished because of his father's sin."

Rangers slid his fingers lightly over my stomach.

"Of course it's not the baby's fault, and when it is born it will have a home here at Rangeman. You are the mother so of course this child is going to be fantastic." I laughed as I nuzzled my head into his chest as he held me.

I fell asleep safe in the cocoon of his arms. When I woke my head was on Ranger's chest and his arms were around me. He was breathing softly and his face was completely relaxed. I eased myself up off of him. I didn't make it out of his arms all the way before he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him. He leaned forward and kissed me softly. I froze for only a second before responding.

"Can I tell you something Babe?"

He was asking me if he could tell me something. This was new. I nodded at him. He stroked my hair before speaking

"This was my last mission for the Government. My contract is up and I won't be resigning. My only focus now is on you and Rangeman."

My heart skipped a beat. I wouldn't have to worry about him going in the wind anymore? It made me feel good. He touched my face and cupped my chin to get my attention again.

"All those times that I told you that I couldn't be in a relationship was mostly because of these missions. I did not want to be in a relationship with you and not be able to come home to you."

A few silent tears escaped my eyes as he spoke. He wiped them away with his thumbs. I never wanted to think of him not coming home to me. It was a thought that terrified me every time he went in the wind.

"I thought that Morelli could give you what you needed, a steady home, and a family. Now that the missions are done I want to give us a shot, when you are ready. Babe I've told you I loved you in my own way, but I love you in every way. You are my heart and my home."

Fuck, he was talking a lot and I was shaking. I could tell by his face was he telling the truth. I moved to kiss his cheek and I whispered

"I want to be yours Ranger, but I am not ready right now I am sorry."

He looked at me with understanding in his eyes.

"Babe I understand. Take all the time you need. I want you, and I am a patient man."

He lay back on the bed taking me with him. I rested my head on his strong chest and listened to his steady heart beat. I felt safe with him, I felt like I was home. I loved Ranger, and maybe once the wounds from Joe weren't so raw I could think about being with Ranger. I wanted to be his girl. With these thoughts I drifted into a contented sleep.