Disclaimer: All the characters you recognize from the Stephanie Plum books belong to Janet Evanovich. The Inferna Angelus' on the other hand are solely mine as is the tiny terror tiger that rules them.

A/N: I'm very, very sorry for the long delay. Never did I imagine how hard it would be to wrap this story up; but geez... tying up all those lose ends is a real challenge. Anyway, this is the second to last chapter. I hope you like :)

Chapter 58 – Coming Home

Great Falls, Virginia, two months later

Who would think that so much would change in the short seven month span since beginning preparations for the mission in Trenton. Uncovering the shrouded veil of NISE led to the discovery of traitors among trusted colleagues, people suffering harrowing injuries at the hands of madmen and the loss of countless lives. Esme's heart grew heavy as she thought over the price they all had to pay. Not one member of the team was the person they'd been before this assignment. To top all that, the American government was rocked by one of the biggest scandals of all times; the damage still not calculable. NISE was history, thank God; but sadly several suicides of prominent political and government figures occurred in the wake of its downfall.

The crisp air of late October accentuated the picturesque beauty of the autumn sun glowing through the leaves. Bobby pulled the Panamera through the huge ornate steel gate onto the pathway leading towards the mansion. He laughed audibly when Esme impatiently wedged herself between the front seats like an anxious puppy on a long car ride. Majestic ancient oaks, maples and elms lined the small road, their yellow, orange and red leaves covering every surface. Following the old winding lane was breathtaking, no matter the season; but the abundance of colors shining around them left any fairy tale scenery envious. To think of all the generations of Beauregards and Torres' growing up on these grounds since 1735 was humbling. Esme tried to breathe through the butterflies filling her stomach. With one hand over her heart, she soaked up the sight of the path stretching ahead of her as she searched for the cherry, apple and pear trees scattered over the estate.

Emse's POV…

Home. I am finally home. God, my heart fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird. A few more turns and … and … the mansion. The only home I'd ever known standing proud and welcoming amid all the surrounding beauty. Letting loose of a breath I didn't know I was holding, I plopped back into my seat and scooted over to one of the doors. Bobby hadn't completely come to a halt before I leapt from the car and into the brisk Autumn air. With my arms stretched wide and my head tilted back facing the sun, I joyfully spun around in circles silently laughing. I had survived. I was home.

From the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of quick movement. The mansion's front door flew open as Agony and Rev came sprinting full speed over to me with the rest of my brothers closely at their heels. Aside from Furor, the guys hadn't seen me since they left the Wallace Ranch seven weeks ago. I knew when the Department of Defense took Furor and me into protective custody that they were majorly concerned and scared for our safety. Just because the government claims to protect you, doesn't necessarily mean you won't turn up at Guantanamo or someplace equally as glamorous and accommodating. Grabbing me mid-stride and whirling me around like a rag doll, Agony eventually settled me against his firm abs and muscled chest. My legs automatically wrapped around his waist and my arms around his neck. Within a second, Rev plastered himself to me from behind which essentially sandwiched me between them. I wasn't able to think or sign at that moment. I just clung to them and let the feeling of relief take me away. When Rage jostled between the two and peeled me out of their hold, I was a crying mess.

"Angel," he whispered on a shuddering breath while hugging me hard against him. "Sister mine."

Every one of the guys had misty eyes as I was passed around among them. We'd been a tight knit family before; but the last seven months had made us a stronghold, impregnable from the outside. When I was finally back on my feet, Agony and Rev, who had stepped aside, parted revealing a sight which caused my knees to wobble. There, right behind them, stood Pain. My beloved Pain whom I hadn't seen in… like forever. Stumbling over my own feet, I fell into his arms.

Angel, I heard him think while his chest strangely quivered. I'm so proud of you; so unbelievably proud. Your Dad would be a bawling mess beaming with pride, were he still alive.

I couldn't believe he was here. Admittedly, he was a shadow of his former self looking almost as though the tumor was eating him from the inside out. His once sculpted body was now gaunt with no muscle tone. The dark shadows under his sunken eyes along with his sickly bald head reminded me of death warmed over; but he was here and that was all that mattered.

Sobs wracked my body as I clung to him and squeezed as tight as I could.

Hush, my little Princess, Pain tried to calm me. There's so much I need to tell you; but we have time. We have all the time we need to cuddle and talk and enjoy ourselves. His weak arms squeezed me; but the feather like grip was only a whisper of a touch.

Taking a step back, I wiped the tears off my face and broadly smiled at him so much so that my cheeks began to hurt.

Bobby's POV…

Rubén and I chuckled as Esme catapulted herself out of the Panamera before I had even applied the parking brake. We soon followed her and made our way to the side of the vehicle. As Esme danced blithely in the sunshine, my heart swelled with joy. Her beauty and innocence at that moment took my breath away. All the drama of the past several months had successfully chiseled away her carefreeness and I worried that it would be gone forever. I had never been so thrilled to be wrong.

When Rubén entwined his fingers with mine, I turned my head toward him for a gentle happy kiss.

"She's gorgeous, isn't she?" He whispered against my lips.

I couldn't agree more; but instead of a reply my tongue passed gently over his lips seeking entrance into his mouth. I moved to stand in front of Rubén and pressed my body into his continuing the slow dance with our tongues. The pressure of our joined hips and the massaging of our lips overwhelmed my senses until I felt him freeze. His whole body went rigid and a fraction of a second later he pushed me away with a menacing growl. Ángel has emerged and his coal black eyes, cold and promising death, were staring at some point behind me. With an enormous thud his body slammed into mine. I felt my boots slide a few inch over the ground before they found hold and stemmed against the brute power. My arms wrapped around his middle and deterred him from surging forward.

"What the fuck. Ángel. Stop," I panted as I shoved him backward against the side of the Panamera.

It felt like wrangling a bull whose cock was stripped back for bull riding. Somewhere in the back of his mind, however, he must have realized that he was in the wrong; otherwise he'd never let me manhandle him. Chancing a quick glance over my shoulder, I saw Agony and Rev sandwiching Esme and the rest of the IAs jostling with each other jockeying for position to be the next in line.

"Listen to me," I pressed through clenched teeth, throwing all my weight and strength into keeping him in place. "They are her family, her brothers. They are no threat to her."

Ángel drew quick, shallow breaths, his bulging muscles tensed as his fists clenched and unclenched. The internal war raging behind his eyes reached fever pitch. I continued to physically restrain him through this inner conflict and watched rationalism battle against his body's instinctive urge to attack. As the tension in his body began to ebb, his growling subsided and his breathing slowly deepened.

"That's right big guy," I cautiously eased away from him trying to soothe him with a passive voice. "You stay right there. Everything's gonna be okay. Look at me."

When his eyes didn't break away from the welcoming scene unfolding behind me, I cupped his face persuading him to look at me.

"It's okay," I cooed low and calm. "There's no threat, just her family welcoming her home. Everything is under control."

Gradually, I could see his eyes clear and the lethal expression evaporate.

"Come on, buddy," I rubbed his neck. "I'm right by your side. You know you can trust me to have your back."

I continued talking to him for a few more moments waiting for my own adrenalin to stabilize. Thanks to a whole lot of therapy sessions, calming Ángel was no longer the ordeal it had been in the beginning. Internally wincing I thought back on all the bruised ribs and fat lips I took in stride just to reach this point. Ángel and I worked arduously on our relationship succeeding to build a solid comradery over the last two months. He conveyed a huge sign of trust by permitting me to talk him out of his conviction.

Once all the hostility subsided, we stood next to each other leaning against the Porsche. Our legs crossed at the ankles and our hands casually stuck in the pockets of our cargoes, we watched our love being passed around for an unending stream of hugs and kisses.

Furor's POV…

To hell with who started it; but following a shitload of playful pushing and shoving between Agony and Rev, a basketball appeared out of nowhere. 'The three pussycats against the mighty brothers,' I heard someone shout and in a blink of an eye, a game broke out. I walked over to Pain shaking my head at the kids.

"Are they ever gonna grow up?"

Pain's snort mirrored my own assumption. Nope, no such luck. Great Falls Mansion would forever be home to grown Kindergarteners. Stretching my arm around Pain's shoulder to help steady him, we slowly made our way toward the pillars at the entrance.

"They need the release," I said, turning my gaze back at the mayhem unfolding under the hoop. "Esme must be stir-crazy after being cooped up in a car for nine hours." Pain grunted in response.

The short walk from the house to Esme and now back had utterly exhausted him maneuver his body down into a sitting position on the entrance's marble steps, I took a seat next to him.

"Not much going on in that battered body of yours, huh?" I bumped his shoulder with mine.

"I tell ya," he groaned. "Not for nothing; but when they told me chemo and radiation therapy would kill the tumor, they never mentioned anything about killing my body, too. I'm glad it's over and I have a couple months of recovery before the next round starts."

Relentless cussing filtered over from the garages where the hoop was mounted causing us to turn our heads in that direction. Apparently, Esme had hit a three-pointer and was now doing a strange, eye-brow-raising victory dance. Next to her Bobby was hunched over with his hands on his knees shaking with laughter while Rage and V glowered at them.

"You need to tell Esme about your therapy. She'll be on cloud nine to know you're giving it a try even though the doctors said remission was improbable. Hell, she will be even more jubilant with your Fuck You attitude toward the cancer and the docs. I say keep fighting, Brother."

We bumped knuckles and grew silent for a while watching the fun in the distance.

"I'm not happy, you know? About the whole love triangle with Rubén," Pain sighed eventually. "Don't get me wrong, Rubén is our friend and I support him in everything he needs; but I worry about Esme. From what you all tell me she and Bobby are a perfect match, complementing each other in every aspect. I fear that the addition of another man, one suffering from an identity disorder no less, will jeopardize their happiness rather than enhance it. I mean, did you see how Bobby had to fight Rubén, or probably Ángel, when the guys were greeting Esme?"

"No," I furrowed my brow thinking back to the exuberant welcome wagon. I hadn't seen anything; but then again I was totally focused on our girl.

"He was downright explosive, fervently trying to get over to our guys and start a fight. It took Bobby all the strength he could muster to hold him back and calm him. Look over at Esme and Bobby now. Their eyes are constantly searching for Rubén, always keeping him in view as though preparing to step in at a moment's notice."

Almost as though it was purposefully orchestrated to corroborate Pain's opinion, Esme barreled into V, bounced off him and landed straight on her ass. Bobby instantaneously positioned himself in front of Rubén, screening him, until Esme was safely back on her feet. Every one of the guys had stopped dead in his tracks and waited for the situation to ease; but even after the game continued Bobby and Esme moved cautiously, watching Rubén closely.

"See what I mean?" Pain asked me. "They are both acutely aware of the fact that Rubén is a powder keg waiting to explode. Tell me something, what's gonna happen to the carefreeness of their love when the strain of being constantly vigilant and protective over Rubén and his alter egos becomes too overwhelming? He will probably need lifelong special care. I don't want her to forever shoulder such an immense burden."

Sighing, I put my chin on my left shoulder and watched the man next to me. We all loved each other dearly, like a blood related family, and I understood his concern for our sister.

"I know exactly what you mean, man; but that may not be an area where our exertion of influence will be necessarily "welcomed". It's Bobby's and Esme's decision and theirs alone."

"Is it really Esme's choice or is Bobby in the driver's seat of their relationship?"

"No, man," I shook my head having already discussed this very subject with Esme. "They both want this relationship. When Esme and I were in protective custody, we recognized the benefits of staying fused at the hip. Where one was the other followed, there was no separating the two of us. The suits were none too pleased; but we firmly asserted, since we were not their detainees, our prerogative was to remain in contact with our team every four hours. Failure to do so without Esme at my side… and all the evidence about NISE would be sent to all the leading newspapers in the country. God, what a bunch of dumb ass suits. Threatened us to hell and back; but in the end they bent like the wilted little pansies they are. Anyway, back to my original point, Esme and I shared a room and had ample time to discuss the relationship between the three of them. I agree with you and worry, too; but after talking to her I have a much clearer picture."

Pain looked at me and waited patiently. I put my hand on his forearm and squeezed gently, letting him know that everything was fine and I was sure of my words.

"Listen, I know this type of relationship is unconventional and seems complex; but it's pretty simple. Bobby loves her and she loves him." I swear I could see his mental eye roll. "Bobby exudes the tranquility and strength that nurtures Esme's thirst to embrace life and shoot for the moon; but there are elements of her life he'll never fully comprehend. Rubén's/Ángel's empathy toward her growing up on the streets in absolute poverty as well as the torture and rapes during her imprisonment is emotionally stabilizing. The knowledge of having somebody present when the demons of the past haunt her is liberating. Each one of them finds parts of his/her past soothed in the others' presence. As a triad, they feel whole. It works for them."

I looked in my best friend's and brother's eyes and saw acceptance in them.

"Give her a chance to explain their unique symbiosis to you. I promise, once you hear her out, you'll see the peace and fulfillment within their bond. Honestly, Pain, I believe in them; but let's face it, when push comes to shove, we'll all be there to pick her up and envelope her with our love."

Behind us the grand entrance door opened and Toby discreetly acknowledged Pain and I, "Gentlemen, breakfast is ready. Shall I round up the others or let them continue their game?"

Esme's POV…

Breakfast is always a wonderful affair for my senses. I drifted toward the glorious scents into the aromatic haven better known as the kitchen. Sean once again outdid himself showing his joy for my return home by preparing everything I loved to eat. Since he wasn't one for hugging, he stood off to the side taking in the chaos descending upon his domain. I greeted him with a warm smile then launched myself at Toby, Timothy and Brian who all blushed. The table groaned under the weight of all of my favorites. In the corner of the kitchen a fire was burning in the antique stove and Toby's dog, Emma, snoozed peacefully in front of it. Cozy; everything felt cozy. I wasn't aware how much I missed my home and my family until I sat down at the head of the massive oak table. A blanket of relaxation and security fell upon me as I looked around, blissfully happy, surrounded by my brothers and the two men I loved.

The guys boisterously bantered with each other, their minds carefree and merry. The energy they emanated was a wave of joy I could surf for the rest of my days. To my right sat Rubén, next to him Bobby. It was safer to surround him in case something triggered Ángel. Not only was Pain's apprehension toward him palpable; but I could read it in his mind. I had no doubt he would soon come around and see all the wonderful aspects of Rubén.

The longer we sat together and ate our way through all the yumminess the more serenity spread over us. The playful razzing slowly transitioned into serious conversations and Che popped up surprising everybody with his smart and farsighted input and conclusions. I was so proud of him. Bobby and I shared a quick look and I could see my pride mirrored in his eyes. When discussing our own futures, Che had become an invaluable counselor for us. His lack of emotion and strict neutrality made him solid as a rock insusceptible by my temper or Bobby's insecurities.

After two hours of eating, chatting and laughing fatigue washed over me and I could see the strain in Bobby's face to keep awake. Rubén's dissociations were still unpredictable, so Bobby and I had shared the 550 miles through the night. Now stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys, exhaustion crept up with us.

Che, Bobby and I have to lie down for a while. Are you comfortable alone with the guys or do you want to join us?

The man to my right cocked his head to the side, scrunched his brow and leveled a flabbergasted stare my way as though he was offended by the question.

"Of course I'm fine. What a superfluous question! Don't you worry about me. You two go about your business. No need to make a fuss."

Inwardly I rolled my eyes. Why did I even bother to ask? Shaking my head I bid everybody goodbye and Bobby and I were on our way to my fourth floor kingdom.

Entering my room let another wave of assurance and happiness wash over me. This was mine, all mine. I laughed as Bobby shucked off his sneakers and clothes making his way over to the bed and crawled in languidly.

Oh no, Mister. Don't even think about curling up in my bed.You are smelly. I want a well-scented man with me in my bed.

Ugh, too tired, too full, he mentally groaned.

Smiling, I went into the bathroom and started to fill a tub with warm water.

Come on, my man. Stand up, I shook his shoulder to no avail.

Le'me sleep, woman.Too tired.

I knew he was playing me so I grabbed him by his feet and pulled with all the strength I had in me. When he was half off the bed, I flipped him onto his back, grabbed his arms and struggled to heave him up piggy-back style. His chest was twitching with his chuckles; but he kept pretending to be asleep. When I finally managed to pull his huge body onto my back, his arms in front of my chest, he was shaking with laughter. I staggered two or three strained steps under his weight before suddenly letting him crumble to the floor.

"Shit, Baby, that hurt," he complained behind me.

I just said I don't want a smelly man in my bed. Now, you're welcome to sleep on the floor or you can join me in the tub. I grinned playfully at him, turned on my toes and with a swing in my hips seductively started to shed my clothes as I slowly retreated to the bathroom.

"Sweet Jesus, Baby. Please, you're killing me here."

I turned just my head toward him, wiggled my butt and stuck out my tongue.

"You are so gonna pay, my naughty little vixen," Bobby growled while he pulled himself up from the floor.

Mmmm, this is exactly what I needed, Bobby thought as we got comfy in the tub. He wrapped his arms around me and cupped my breasts, gently massaging them. A relaxing bubble bath, my woman in my arms and the promise of…

I swatted at his hands and chuckled, Down boy.

A nap… I was gonna say a nap.

Snuggling my back even deeper into his chest I sighed in content.

Did you see how comfortable Che was with the others?

A vibrating Mmmmhmmm was all I got back.

Pain is apprehensive, I started again after some minutes of comfortable silence.

What do you mean?

He worries that our relationship with Rubén will be a strain rather than blissful.

Give him some time to get to know Rubén and the others. Marco and Che shouldn't be a problem and Ángel… well, he'll need a bit more effort; but Pain will see the good in him, too, Bobby pushed back while his hands soothingly caressed my arms up and down.

The past two months our relationship had beautifully grown and I felt as secure, loved and supported as never before in my life. One night right after we arrived at the Wallace Ranch I told Bobby about what happened during my captivity.

We lay in our bed snuggling, one word led to the other, and suddenly I was unconsciously sharing every last gruesome detail with him. There were no taboos. I told him about Linho and I working on a ranch and living over in the next village. I was thirteen at the time, my body developing at a faster rate than my mind. Linho feared leaving me alone at night surrounded by 'hungry men' as he called the ranchworkers. Each night, after I fell asleep, he left for his commitment to the local underground organization. I often worked as their lookout during secret meetings; my uncanny ability coming in handy as an early warning system.

One night during a very important meeting, somebody within the organization ratted them out. The local police stormed the venue before I could alert anyone. There was no need to shoot Linho. He was unarmed, running toward me to keep me safe; but the police chief shot him anyway right there in front of my eyes. I watched in horror as the bullet tore through my brother; his lifeless body staggering to the ground and finally dropping at my feet. Meanwhile, the pig holding the smoking gun stood laughing the whole time as I screamed and wailed struggling to gather Linho in my arms. My world shattered in a matter of moments. It was that night, at the tender age of thirteen, I lost my voice and hearing; but that was only the beginning of my nightmare.

Frozen in place, I watched as some policemen wandered over, grabbed me by my hair and dragged me to their police car taking me into custody. Uneducated in all areas encompassing sexuality, I never anticipated the atrocities my immature body would soon endure. My captivity lasted eight months before they released me by throwing my body into the sewer in front of the prison. Eight months of unending hunger pangs, continuous rapes and torture including all imaginable objects being inserted into the orifices of my body. Eight months of absolute hell at the hands of mad policemen ending when they humiliatingly discarded me like a piece of trash. Later I learned that a man from Amnesty International, who was assigned to my case, found me and admitted me into the nearest hospital. He brought me there to heal. Instead, I suffered through inhuman, cold-hearted procedures from the hospital staff. Feeding tubes were forced down my throat, gynecological exams performed roughly on my already brutalized body; but looking back, that was the dawn of my freedom. The beginning of my life thanks to Grief ultimately finding and adopting me.

After I'd finished my story, Bobby held me tight in his arms and cried with me for everything I lost or could never discover. Our relationship changed once I shared all my history. The knot in my heart and head dissolved and I could finally relax and begin the next stage in my life. The following morning he applied for a membership with Amnesty International and has taken his work for the local group very seriously ever since.

Coming back to reality I realized that the water in the tub was getting cold. Behind me Bobby had fallen asleep and was dreaming. Cautiously turning in his lap, I pressed soft butterfly kisses all over his face until the corners of his mouth started to lift and he groggily replied,

Mmmmmm, is it time for our nap?

We gently assisted each other out of the tub and dried off before sliding between the sheets. Soon after we were comfortably snuggling in bed, sharing the occasional kiss and caress, Rubén stepped silently into the room.

"You still willing to share?" He asked with a boyish grin when he saw us awake.

It didn't take much in terms of an invitation for him to shuck his clothes and slide in behind me clad only in some boxers. The last two weekends we had started to share a bed when Rubén stayed overnight at the Wallace Ranch. While Bobby and I were coming close to sharing the last step of sexual intimacy, the three of us never did anything other than cuddle and tenderly making out. We all were comfortable with taking things slow and allowing everything else to come with time. With my head on Bobby's chest, my arm and leg thrown over his body and Rubén spooning me from behind I couldn't help the drowsiness quickly overcoming me in my warm cocoon.

Bobby's POV…

The few hours sleep had done wonder on my condition. Geez, I was getting old; I swear I saw a gray hair when I shaved yesterday. I was just thirty-six dammit. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I first became aware of a heavy weight on my chest and then a furnace next to me. Waking up in a puppy-pile was fun as always. This time Esme lay straight on top of me and Rubén had crawled all the way over and was snuggled against my side. It felt good to have him with us, though there was still a distinct difference between togetherness just with Esme and quality time for the three of us. Rubén dictated the pace in which our relationship evolved and that was more than fine with Esme and me.

Slowly rubbing soft circles on her back I tried to wake her up without startling her. Next to me Ángel's black eyes abruptly opened, scanning our surroundings.

"It's okay," I tried to soothe him. "We're in Esme's bedroom."

Appeased he closed his eyes and a moment later Rubén watched me with a smile on his luscious lips.

"Hey honey," I greeted him just as I felt Esme come awake.

Rubén moved backward a little and I turned over placing our little tigress right between our huge muscled bodies. Being sandwiched by us gave her a feeling of security which Rubén and I willingly fostered. Her smile as she opened her eyes made my heart swell in my chest and I knew Rubén would feel the same. I leaned over Esme and placed a light kiss on Rubén's mouth. My lips tingled and he smiled, tracing them with his tongue, causing me to moan. We were lost in the taste of each other when Esme broke our rhythm and slid her soft tongue into the kiss. She was delicious and I was instantly hard. The two people I loved most in the world joined together with me locked in a passionate kiss, chests heaving and hands exploring. Magically our mouths continued to find each other and soon enough our arms and legs were tangled. Half an hour later after appreciating each other thoroughly, we decided to get out of bed and head outside for some serious romping. Time to let our inner kids have some fun.

I shaved while Rubén showered and yep, the gray hair was still there and it had company. Letting my head hang I worked hard not to get depressed. I know I shouldn't care; but…

Hey Baby, what's wrong? I felt Esme's arms wrap around my middle.

How was I supposed to explain to her the effect that new discovery had on me. She was ten years younger than me, far away from any signs of getting older.

I love those gray hairs on you, you know? They make youmy wise ol' man, I felt her smile.

Of course she would know. Chuckling, I pulled her to my front and kissed her breathless before leaning my forehead against hers.

One day you will turn around and I'll be old while you are in your prime. What then?

None of that, Robert Brown. Your body might be a few years older; but your mind is right here with me. We'll be aging together and we'll have a house full of kids that will keep us on our toes. What with Rubén and you longing for my love, I will probably beglad when things startto slow down one day, Esme smiled and kissed me softly.

Just as I was about to disagree, Esme and my eyes glazed over when Rubén stepped out of the shower naked as a jaybird.

"Oh no… no… no, O-U-T, both of you. We've had our fun for the morning. Stop salivating. I am not a zebra and you are not lions. Let me dress, shoo-shoo!" Shaking with laughter, Esme and I left the bathroom and sadly waited while our man hid his tempting body under some clothes.

On our way out, we passed Sean in the kitchen. He was already working on another fantabulous meal and the smells wafting through the room left our mouths watering. The three of us made fast work scurrying around him and looking into every pot and pan on the range and even risking a glance into the oven. I grabbed a spoon to taste some of the delicious bubbling concoctions when suddenly a rolled up dishtowel sailed down on my hand. Yelping, I leaped to the side and came face to face with one seething Irish cook.

"Missy, don't you dare go putting your grubby hands to my dishes. Whatever you three are up to, flock off and be back at six o'clock sharp. Should you be late you can starve," he glowered at us in his thick brogue.

Laughing, we stumbled through the sliding door out of the kitchen and held our sides while we made our way down to the Potomac. The afternoon sun dripped its warm autumn light into the river and filtered a deep colorful glow through the trees giving the foliage a cascading brilliance. I couldn't help the contentment consuming me as I watched Esme and Che deep in discussion in front of me. They were mulling over Esme's new business plan and I stayed a few yards back, watching them in their element. The leaves were crunching under our boots while the two were lost in projecting Esme's future. I was suddenly overcome with the desire for some exuberant fun. Forgotten was my earlier mystery; I wanted to laugh and be silly. Cunningly I devised a wickedly, sly scheme.

I recommend an LLC, I heard Che's characteristically calm voice in my head. You and Santos can be equal partners with him being the face of the company. Deciding with whom the organization contracts with, whether it be the government, police, Inferna Angelus or private people, you'd be independent and the decision all yours. No outside influences.

Santorres LLC, Esme nodded approving. That has a nice ring. We'd need a network of experienced, specialized lawyers on call to have our back. I am sure we will encroach upon many gray areas in the law.

That shouldn't be a problem. Washington D.C. is right around the corner.

Listening to the exchange I couldn't help but smirk. Typical Esme, euphorically planning out Lester's life without stopping once to ask him whether he was even interested in her business idea. Grinning I took a run, threw Esme over my shoulder and slapped her firm round ass.

Before you sign any contracts my love, shouldn't you ask Les what he thinks about all this?

A painful pinch on my own behind was all the answer I got. Before I could recover, she slapped me soundly and gave me another pinch. At this rate I'd be unable to sit down at the next meal. Making sure she landed softly, I threw her off my shoulder and started tickling her mercilessly. Esme wriggled under my hands like an eel. The soundless laughter I enticed from her was an endearing sight. I barely registered the moment she was suddenly ripped out from under me while at the same time I was roughly pushed on my back. Cold black eyes drilled through me and a menacing growl emanated from Ángel. Every muscle in me clenched, ready for his attack; but then a deep rumbling laugh slowly bubbled out of him. Mr. I-attack-first-and-ask-questions-later had just pulled a prank on me. I couldn't believe it. Playfully shoving him backward, he let himself be jostled down. In the blink of an eye, the three of us were tussling, throwing foliage at each other, laughing and enjoying life. I was still speechless. Àngel had just made the next big step toward a healthy relationship between the two of us.

Whatever serious 'business stuff' was left to discuss would have to wait for later because Esme, Ángel and I began chasing each other through the brush along the river. God, it felt so good to be silly and carefree. At some point Ángel changed to Rubén and whenever one of us caught up to the other a heated make-out session followed. By twilight the three of us had landed in a panting, laughing heap in the foliage.

It's time we get back. Sean's gonna have our asses cuz' we're late, Esme propped her arms up and looked at us.

"'Don't you dare go putting your grubby hands to my dishes. Whatever you three are up to, flock off and be back at six o'clock sharp. Should you be late you can starve,'" Rubén imitated Sean's growl in a mocking tone. "He needs to get the stick out of his ass, true?"

He and I grinned and bumped knuckles. I knew Sean belonged to the extended family; but damn, he didn't make it easy to like him. Getting up and brushing each other off, we realized we'd lost track of our surroundings. Thank god for our little Tiger and her built-in radar. She quickly located the minds of her brothers and guided us home. Suck it up Sean, your threat of starvation won't be coming to fruition tonight, I thought when we finally reached the mansion's grounds. We crossed the massive lawn with Rubén carrying Esme piggy-back and holding my hand, our fingers entwined. It felt wonderful. Like a family returning home after an excursion.

You happy, Baby? I turned toward Esme.

Her blinding smile and feverish nod warmed me from the inside out.

Tomorrow Marvey, Tank, Lester and all the other Rangemen involved were coming to celebrate the end of the mission nightmare. I couldn't wait to see my friends and thank them for bringing my woman back and making this happiness possible after all.

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