They are not mine...

Chapter 7

Carlos' POV

I took an early flight down to Miami a few hours before Steph would arrive. I hated flying commercial even if it was in first class. I would much rather fly the plane myself then have to deal with a pilot having my life in their hands. I like to be in control of every situation I am in. Although I hate commercial flights it would be worth it to know my babe was having a blast in my private jet. I knew I was going to be yelled at when she sees the new car I purchased for her. She always tells me I bleed money on her but I don't care.

I love Stephanie and I want to show her off. I know she doesn't like to be flaunted because she thinks she isn't pretty or smart enough to be with a man like me. What she doesn't realize is I'm not handsome or smart enough to be with a woman like her but she wants me anyway. When Connie called and asked me to help a rookie bounty hunter I thought the person would be everything except my babe. The way she gets in and out of situations that should have killed her are beyond me. I got closer and closer to her and the more I learned the more I felt like I had to be close.

As there came to be more and more stalkers I felt the need to protect her and by doing so I let down my guard and let her into my mind and heart. When I created the deal I only wanted to see what she would be like in bed and hopefully grow farther from her thinking I only liked her because of the sexually attraction I had towards her.

When the deal was completed and I sent her back to Morelli I felt like a piece of me died. That night I think I left a piece of me in Steph. I have Morelli to thank for all the fuck ups he did that sent her straight to me. When I get my hands on him he will wish he were dead between the physical pain and his reputation in the toilet. Hurting my babe was the worst decision of his life. For now I want him to think he is safe and when the time comes I will strike while his guard is down. I couldn't wait till that time came.

I deplaned, grabbed my garment bag, and saw my black Lamborghini waiting for me in a dark corner of the parking garage where no one would dare touch it. I made my way to my Miami home and took a deep breath as I entered the driveway. I felt calmness wash over me that only I felt in a few places, here in Miami, wherever Stephanie is, my childhood home and my Abuela and Abuelo's home. I parked the car outside the entrance and made way into the house. I haven't here in nearly a year and knew the place would need airing out, the plastic furniture covers removed, and the pool chemically shocked.

First things first I ran upstairs and hung up my garment bag before meeting the pool people to take care of cleaning it. I had Marisol, the Miami version of Ella, put fresh sheets on the beds and stock the bathroom with all of Steph's favorite toiletries. I had a big surprise for Stephanie tonight. It was the big U.S. Army ball and I wanted to treat her to those dates she never got from those boys that call themselves men. I also wanted to take away from the Burg. I knew by now her phone inbox was full and Steph has not thought of her phone for a second since she got up and discovered her first letter. In fact her phone is locked in my desk drawer along with my laptop. I'm that good.

I decided to have a quick snack and run along the beach. Stephanie along with Lester should be here within the hour and I haven't had a chance to do my run. I wanted Steph to explore the house a bit and read my letter before she sees me. I did my normal five mile run and headed back to the house. When I approached the back yard I stopped to look at the pool and saw that the company I hired did a good job. I felt an electric like current go up my spine and I knew my babe was inside. I looked at the back wall of the house that was all glass and saw her enter the house with Lester.

I saw the curiosity in her eyes as she looked over every inch of the house. She stopped at each picture and laughed at some but as she went on a frown came on her beautiful face. I knew what she was thinking. I didn't have a single photo of her or us. That was when I saw Lester lead her upstairs to where he knew I dedicated a whole wall to my babe. I waited ten minutes and decided to run upstairs and greet my babe.

I made it up the stairs and greeted Lester. "You are one lucky bastard." He said shaking his head. I shook his hand and patted him on the back.

"Man don't I know it." I said continuing up the stairs as Lester went out the door. He was more than likely going to his hotel room. Tank, Lester, Bobby, Hal, Cal, and Hector were also here in Miami for the ball. All the core and leadership teams were going to be in attendance tonight and I wanted to be sure I introduced Steph to them.

I made it outside the door to our room and opened it slowly. My babe had her back to me and was looking at the letter I wrote her. She set the letter down on her dress. I wrapped my arms around her waist and felt her relax into my embrace. "Please say yes." I whispered in her ear.

She turned in my arms and wrapped her arms around my neck and smiled. "Of course I will Carlos." She put her lips closer to mine and kissed me. Usually I loved to be in charge with intimate this but this was kind of turning me on.

Stephanie POV

Carlos and I shared a heated kiss and I felt loved. I didn't want to get rid of the feeling. Carlos is a spectacular kisser. After sharing such a heated kiss he pulled back.

"I guess we can skip the ball and do something else at the house." Carlos whispered in my ear. I pulled out of his arms and headed towards the bathroom. I still had my stupid cast on and many bruises, thankfully none were on my face so I asked Carlos to 'help' me in the shower, to save water and all, and we got out happy. I took off the plastic bag for my arm, wrapped a towel around me, and heard my stomach give a loud roar. I heard chuckling behind me and was pushed downstairs.

I felt weird walking around the house in just my towel but almost passed out from lack of oxygen when I saw Carlos walking around in nothing. I just stared all his muscles moving as he walked and did a mental happy dance knowing he was all mine. Carlos must have used his ESP and turned around when we reached the kitchen.

"Babe you're starring." He said with a smirk. I smiled and sat down on one of the tall stools and pulled it up towards the island.

"Well get used to it because I'm pretty sure it will happen a lot." I said smirking. He laughed and started to prepare a little something to eat to hold us over until the party. I noticed Carlos has been smiling and laughing more and more since I told him I loved him. I loved the fact that he felt relaxed around me.

I watched him move round the kitchen with practiced precision. He sure knew what he was doing in the kitchen. It will come in handy for whenever Ella can't cook for us.

Whoa, hold on. Where did that thought come from? Sure I am in a relationship with Carlos and work for him but I do not live with him. I didn't want to move too fast with Carlos because what we have is too special to me to mess up. Living with me would do just that.

"Deep in thought, babe?" Carlos asked as he kissed my temple and placed my plate in front of me.

"Yea," I said digging into my dinner of Carlos' favorite, chicken and vegetables. It was better to tell the truth than to lie to him because he would only use his ESP to find the answer anyway. He knew when to let me ponder in my own mind rather than pester me for answers. We are both that way.

I ate my dinner and set the plate in the sink. Carlos did the same and scooped me up into his arms. "I know you can walk but I know something is bothering you and plan to erase that frown from your beautiful face." He kissed me and brought me upstairs to the bathroom.

"It is six thirty now and we need to be there by eight. I need you ready in an hour. Can you do that?" He asked setting me down in front of the mirror. He took my casted arm into his hands and kissed my exposed fingers. I nodded and kissed him one more time. "Hopefully we can get you out of that cast and at least into a brace."

"That would be wonderful." I said holding my casted hand. "It itches already." Carlos smiled and left the bathroom to get ready. While I was curling my hair with a new curling iron I found in the duffle Carlos brought in my garment bag. He smiled at me and left.

When I finished my hair I moved on to my make-up. I decided to do a dark blue smokey eye with a pale lip stick and clear gloss. I was putting on my final coat of mascara when Carlos came in.

"Babe, can you check if my tie is straight and help with my cuff links?" He asked from behind me. I turned around and gasped at what I saw. Carlos looked handsome in his uniform. I love men in uniform.

"Sure," I grabbed his tie and pulled it up tighter and adjusted it. I put on his cuff links and made sure they were nice and shiny. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and swatted my towel covered ass as he walked out of the bathroom. I unzipped the garment bag and duffle. The duffle had all the make-up and hair products I used along with some sexy lingerie. I was guessing the lacy thigh highs, dark blue garter belt, thong and bra were all for tonight.

Once that was on I slipped into my dress and turned to look in the mirror. I looked like and felt like a princess. That was what Carlos always made me feel like. I realized I didn't have shoes and was about to go find Carlos and say something but a sparkle caught my eye. In the duffle were a pair of black sequence FMPs. I slipped them on and loved how they molded to my feet. They were better than the cheap pair of Macy's heels I buy, so much better that I was afraid to check the brand.

I looked inside the duffle to see what else Carlos had given me. I found three beautifully wrapped jewelry boxes and opened them fast. Inside one was a sapphire bracelet. It sparkled when I moved my hand. Inside the second was a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace. It had diamonds on one side and sapphires on the other that met at a single tear drop shaped sapphire which dipped into my cleavage. The third box was a little bigger than the rest and I was positive it wasn't jewelry. I opened it to reveal a black sequence clutch to match my shoes. Carlos just knew how to spoil a woman.

When I was finished playing dress up I threw away the wrapping paper, place my make-up and id into my clutch and headed downstairs. As I walked down the stairs I saw Carlos waiting at the bottom for me. He pulled me into his uniformed arms.

"There are no words created to describe the way you look right now. You are like my personal Cinderella." He said kissing my cheek. "I don't want to mess up your make-up."

"Thank you Carlos. You make me feel like a princess. You spoil me but I have nothing to give in return." I said with tears in my eyes.

He put one hand on my cheek and looked into my eyes. "Your love is all you have to give me and it is the only thing I will ever want. You deserve to be treated like a princess better than a princess even. You should be treated like a queen." He offered me his arm and I took it.

We went into the garage and Carlos chose to take his Lamborghini. Out of all the cars Carlos owns I think my new favorite had to be the Lamborghini followed by the Porche. When Carlos started the engine and revved it up I almost had an orgasm on the spot.

"Glad you love it babe because I hope to buy one for back home too." Carlos said pulling out of the drive way.

We drove for a half hour and pulled up to a security block and Carlos showed his military credentials and was allowed to enter. We pulled up in front of a gorgeous restaurant and Carlos handed the Valet his keys before helping me out of the car. I saw him slip the kid a hundred dollar bill as a tip and the kids eyes lit up. I looked up at him and smiled. Who was this man?

As we entered the ball room I glanced around in hopes to see at least one person I knew. Standing all by themselves were a few of my very own Merry Men. Tank was standing by what I knew had to be Lula. Alongside them were Lester with Connie, Cal, Hal, Bobby, and Hector. They were all in their uniforms and I barely recognized my Merry Men.

Carlos wrapped an arm around my waist and led me over to our circle of friends. As we approached everyone turned around and gasped.

"Damn white girl," Lula said looking at me surprised. "You look gorgeous." I gave Lula a hug and took in her outfit. She was wearing and orange floor length dress that showed off her cleavage in an elegant way. She looked beautiful too. Connie was wearing an eye popping red dress that was knee length with a key hole front.

"Thanks Lula," I said snuggling into Carlos' side. "Carlos actually picked it out. I had no idea where we were going until this morning." Carlos kissed my cheek and smiled. "You too look stunning your selves."

They continued to stare at me with wide eyes and immediately took me by my arms and away from Carlos. "We will be right back. We girls just need to go to the restroom and freshen up." Connie said giggling. I looked back and saw Carlos shaking his head and taking a beer that Tank was offering.

Once the bathroom door was closed the inquisition began.

"Girl how could you be shacked up with Batman and not tell us? You and Batman are on a first names basis now too? Plus what is that black cast doing on your arm. You didn't have any skips before you left. Believe me I know because I need more cash to buy these new Via Sprigas I have my eye on and I would have been there with you." I let Lula ramble before explaining everything. Connie was just standing with her arms crossed giving me an eyebrow.

"A few nights ago I caught Morelli cheating on me and things took a bad turn. Long story short I ended up over the stair railing and with a broken wrist and badly bruised ribs. I'm not quite sure what Carlos did to Morelli but I'm sure it wasn't pretty. Carlos brought me to his home and after a while we confessed our love for each other. I was taken off of field work and given a new position at RangeMan so I'm not sure if I'm going to return to the bonds office. I told Carlos I had never had a real date so here I am on a date with him." I looked at the girls and they looked at each other.

"So you finally got your head out of your ass, dumped Morelli and got Ranger?" Connie asked trying to sort out her thoughts.

"Yes," I said smiling. The girls looked at each other and took out their phones. Their fingers were flying across their key boards. "What are you doing?" I asked hoping they weren't telling the Burg. They hit send and looked at me with on eyebrow raised.

I did the only thing I could think of incase the texts weren't sent yet. I grabbed their phones and threw them into the nearest toilet. I couldn't tell you how mad I am at the two people I called friends. They were going to tell the largest gossip mill about my relationship with Carlos before I had a chance to tell anyone and ruin what Carlos and I had built.

The girls ran and grabbed their phones and tried to dry them off. "What were you thinking? That was my phone!" Lula said wrapping her phone in paper towels.

"Yea Steph I can't afford a replacement!" Connie said doing the same as Lula.

"I'm sorry, it's just I can't stand the Burg knowing the details of my life before I tell them. I plan on telling my family what happened when I return home and possibly meeting Carlos's family. If there is something wrong with your phones I will replace them but I couldn't stand the fact that the Burg would hear what is going on from someone other than me." I said taking a deep breath. "Now can we please return to the party?"

The two girls looked at each other and hung their heads. "Sure, but we want you to know a few things." Connie said still looking at the floor. "One is I'm with Lester now. Ever since Ranger took you away he hasn't been by to pick up the RangeMan skips so Lester has been. We have been on a few dates and we connected right away."

"That's great!" I said smiling but the girls weren't smiling. "What's wrong?"

"Well we want you to know we love you very much but, the texts were already sent when you threw our phones into the toilet." Lula said looking remorseful. I didn't know what to say.

By now I'm guessing my Grandmother is telling my mother how it was a pip that I snagged the man with the great package. My mother is probably ironing and drinking herself numb while my father ignores the phone and watches a ball game in his recliner. My sister would come over once she hears the news and all hell will break lose with the girls there. I was not looking forward to going home. I could feel the tears start to build in my eyes and left the bathroom.

I walked out the back door of the restaurant and down a path leading to a fountain lit up by solar lights around the paths. I sat down at a bench and let the tears fall. I felt a pair of arms scoop me up and place me in their lap. I could tell it was Carlos by the way he smelt and the tingling on my neck.

I kept on cry into his uniform jacket. I was just so tired of everyone in business. I need to get away from the Burg for a while. Or at least have a place I can escape and not think of anyone or anything besides what was right there in the moment.

"Tell me when babe and I'll run away with you." Carlos whispered in my ear while moving a piece of my hair out of my face. "I'm tired of the Burg being in your business too. It is slowly hurting you inside. The neighborhood you grew up in should be a comfort and make you want to come back but instead it's driving you away." After a while of crying I stood up and faced Carlos. He took his handkerchief and wiped my running make-up and gave me a kiss before escorting me inside.

Lula and Connie tried to apologize all night but I waved them off and said it was fine. We all laughed and danced the night away. The dinner was the best part. They had the best tiramisu. I moaned throughout the whole meal and watched all the men squirm.

Carlos leaned over to me and whispered. "Babe, when we get home you owe me, big time." I frowned at him and he pointed his eyes down. He was sporting quite a pair of tight pants. I giggled and continued to enjoy my food.

One point in the night I was brought over to a few of the RangeMan Miami men to meet. They all said they had wanted to meet me. I couldn't remember a single name even if you paid me too. Carlos said he planned to bring me down soon to get to know the men better.

The night was coming to a close. Some speeches were made, some annual speeches were read and finally the photos were taken. I guess every couple had their photos taken as a memory. Carlos wanted one just as bad as I did.

When we made it over to the setup it looked like a prom photo shoot setup. The background was grey marble with an American flag on one side and the US Army flag on the other.

"Hello, I'm Craig and I'm your photographer." Said a short skinny man with brown hair and green eyes. He offered his hand and when I took it my spidey senses went haywire. I ignored it hoping Carlos didn't pick up on my sense.

"I'm Carlos and this is my beautiful Stephanie." He smiled at me and I smiled back.

"Well I think you two make the best couples I have seen so far. Your dress Stephanie is what I expected for a ball. Not a cocktail dress half the women are parading in." Craig said setting us up for the picture.

Craig placed me so I was on the right and Carlos was on the left. "You would probably want to show off your wedding ring in the photo right?" He asked with a curious look on his face.

I looked over at Craig and shook my head. "We aren't married or engaged. I'm just his girlfriend." I said with sad eyes. It had hit me tonight that I wasn't Carlos' like he said I was. In the eyes of the law if I were to be in the hospital no information would be given to Carlos or god forbid should I die my family would be in charge of my remains. It kind of hurt to know that it was the same for me with Carlos.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Craig said frowning.

"It's ok." Carlos said pulling me into his arms. He rested his forehead against mine. "Babe, if you want me you can have me." He whispered in my ear. I looked up at him shocked and he smiled. "All I have to do is ask." He said smirking. I didn't want to get my hopes up but I nodded my head anyway. These few days I have been jumping into things by going with what my heart and spidey sense has been telling me and ignoring my thoughts. Marriage with Carlos would be like an eternity of mysteries to solve. I learned something new about him every day.

We had at least ten photos taken of us and paid to have them shipped to RangeMan back in Jersey. Before the night was through Carlos pulled me to him and we started to slow dance. I rested my head against his chest and took a deep breath.

"I would do anything to stay here in your arms." I said snuggling into his embrace. Whenever I had a bad day chasing skips I know Morelli would come by and see how I was but it didn't make me feel safe or comfort. When Carlos stopped by to check on me he would hug me and tell me how proud he was of my accomplishments. These arms encourage me not discourage me and in them I find my reason to fly.

"I would do anything to keep you in them. I was serious when I said all I have to do is ask a question. But, is it something you would want?" I looked up at him and smiled.

"I would never find another who makes me feel as special as you make me feel." We kissed and he pulled me off the dance floor. I gave the guys, Lula, and Connie hugs and kisses on the cheek before I was pulled out to the parking lot.

I was pushed up against the car and kissed passionately. I felt Carlos' hands wander to the back of my dress and start to unzip it. I pulled back from him and placed our foreheads together. "Can you wait until we get home?" I asked giggling. Carlos groaned but helped me into the car.

On our way home I placed my hand on Carlos' thigh and inched closer and closer to what I wanted so badly. He sucked in a quick breath and grabbed my hand. He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. We had to have broken every single speed limit on our way home but Carlos didn't seem to care.

Once the car was secure in the driveway Carlos opened my door abruptly and wrapped my legs around his waist. We had a heated kiss all the way into the house. He opened the door and pushed me against the way. When we heard throat clearing behind us Carlos placed me behind him and went into his fighting stance.

"Ricardo Carlos Manoso III why are we just now hearing you have yourself a girlfriend?"

Oh boy this was going to be interesting.

Please R&R:D