CHAPTER 7: BOXES OF RED

The final chapter. A Babe HEA, still based on an earlier holiday, Valentine's Day.

"Hector, you may take our beautiful lady and escort her inside. Let's roll! And heads up."

Lester was first to step out of the Hummer limousine into the cold night air and held his hand out to me. With a flourish and a bow he helped me down and allowed Hector to take the lead.

I was looking forward to this event, more importantly, the middle or final part of this awesome day. Everything had been set in motion and I was ready to rock and roll. I have all my Merry Men with me, looking fabulous I might add.

What could possibly go wrong?

Manny's POV

As they entered the lobby of the reception area, all eyes turned to our girl. Even covered in that velvet cloak she had an aura, a presence of beauty and grace. Hector took off her cloak in a gentlemanly manner to hand in at the cloakroom. Audible gasps from the on-site team were heard over the comms as Stephanie made her turn to face Hector smiling that stunning smile that has us all bowing eagerly to her will. She looked so elegant and radiant. My Wifey was H-O-T, HOT! Between the gasps were "Fu-uck!", "Fuck me!", "Mercy, Lord!", "Madre Dios!", "Holy shit!", "Shit hot!" and other moans and groans until a distinctive growl from Ranger made his presence felt with his "Heads up!" command instantly silencing our accidental utterances. But it was worth it. Besides, I'm sure one of those spontaneous utterances escaped from his own lips. Stephanie was the epitome of desire, dare I say, every red-blooded male's dream. But we had her back and brothers can, after all, admire their sister. She just knocked our socks off and totally wiped the floor clean with them.

Our men were relatively easy for us to spot, yet discreet and unnoticeable to the crowd, as they dispersed and mingled quickly in different directions making it unapparent that they had arrived together. We all had red kerchiefs, black bow ties and the classic black tuxedo, with satin lapels of a dark charcoal, allowing us to blend into the crowd as any of the regular guests. Our masks were all some form of Venetian filigree, imported, and less likely to be available to the general public here at this event. Red, white and black was the theme but most of the ladies wore black, some white and a couple of the older ladies had a deep dark red. A few younger guests also wore red but they were not in the same league as my Wifey. None looked as vibrant and beautiful as our Bomber. Stephanie Plum was elegance personified.

My task was to track her every move from the west side, the Central Command Post. I had the best view, clear and uninterrupted of their tables, the dance floor and the main entrance opposite. My cover was the lights, spots and dimmers. In actual fact I could manipulate them if needed but I had the cameras, our cameras which we installed especially for this event, at my fingertips. From this balcony I was not conspicuous and was positioned on a firmly sectioned off area to avoid curious bystanders who might interrupt or distract my critical role in this taskforce.

Hector escorted her down the stairs to the cocktail area. He looked so smooth in his tux and looked like he belonged. I smiled when I noticed his matching black nails. He caught the eye of a few of the ladies and some of the men but he was there for Stephanie leaving no doubt to his priorities.

The evening went smoothly. Stephanie danced between courses with her Merry Men. We kind of like it that she has a group nickname for us, well, we feel blessed that she does. She just spotted me and gave me a little finger wave.

Every now and then calls came over the comms as rooms were checked and cleared. I noticed one of the seats from their tables was empty for a while. Vince was also on the pulse.

"Where's Zip?" Vince remarked somewhat casually but there was that distinct edge to his voice.

"Yeah. Just spotted that, too. He's not come back for dessert and coffee and he's not on the dance floor either," I observed, keeping my eyes more closely on Steph.

"Did he go to the bathroom perhaps?" The music had changed to Latin numbers. She was a good dancer and it was easy to watch her. She moved so well from dance to dance, partner to partner. Mostly her partners were her Merry Men. I didn't realise that she danced so well.

Her posture changed with the tango. She smiled. I think she likes to tango. Hmm, something to file away. Note to self: Tango for Stephanie.

"All clear. There he is. He's on the dance floor with Steph." Vince reported. Sure enough, I confirmed his mask on the screen and he was dancing with Stephanie, a nice slow tango. She was smiling and chatting and then her body language altered, just ever so slightly.

I watched her moves intently. He was talking to her, whispering in her ear when the dance moves made it possible. It was the tango after all. Her reaction altered slightly and her smile momentarily faded. Curious. She kept the tango true but her partner was trying to lead her, as you would expect. But her head was always swung or dipped in Hector's direction. Stephanie looked a bit agitated but only in a manner that we would notice. However, the fact that she was glaring at Hector had me instantly on alert. That really was strange.

I made the observation over the comms with the two quick clicks coded AMBER alert. In between her moves and lunges, she caught Hector's eye. I could tell instantly when he understood. He was directly below me but just to the right so I could see his expression change as I had a visual on both of them. I read her lips.

"Fuck! She's trying to catch Hector's attention. It looks like she's saying, 'This is not Zip!' "

What the fuck?! I double checked the screen and a few different camera angles watching her partner more intently.

"If that's not Zip, then who the fuck is he? He's wearing Zip's mask. She is trying to appear calm but in between her moves she's trying to convey a message. Junior! Have you got a better line of sight?"

"Negative, Manny," came the immediate reply from Junior.

"Negative." was the response from Miguel and Binkie in quick succession.

"Woody! Ram! You're on the floor. Can you get in close? Heads up team! RED alert! All eyes on Steph! Code RED! I repeat. We have a Code RED!"

To the keen observer, it may have appeared that a lot of men were intrigued with the lovely vibrant lady in red.

"I think Stephanie's dance partner might be our man. She knows him. Yep. She has confirmed recognition." Oh Shit! "She just said, "… 'Silver Fox.' Dios! He has Zip's mask on." Ranger swore a number of times and the team went instantly into action. Silver Fox was her code name for our target.

"Ranger? Do you have a visual on our target?"

"Affirmative. Aw fuck! Fuck! Shit! Plan C. She's in the mix! How does she do this?" Ranger sounded none too happy.

All the while Stephanie maintained her composure, smiling at her partner, talking briefly and then moving with the appropriate degree of intensity and passion as the next tango began. Hector tracked her and I knew immediately when he recognized that in fact, it was not Zip with whom she was dancing the tango. Hector was in hunt mode.

Plan C was the back-up plan if Steph was with the target. It was not expected, nor anticipated to be an issue. However, with Stephanie we had to consider all contingencies. Our team placed themselves evenly around the perimeter of the dance floor with the seconds covering the main exits. They were on full alert but their masks hid their fierce looks whilst maintaining an apparent relaxed stance so as not to alarm guests or, perhaps, alert his allies.

The tango allowed her to turn her head away from her partner. In the meantime, Woody and Ram had their dance partners and were working their way towards her. She was mesmerizing to watch. Her leg lifts so smooth, her kicks so precise. He too, was an accomplished dancer.

"We've found Zip, unconscious but alive in one of the store rooms. Sneaky fucking bastard swapped masks. He's okay. His vitals are responsive." That was Zero over the comms.

Ranger and the team were closing in. Stephanie was looking around. You could tell that she sensed him: a knowing smile and she visibly relaxed, breathed and composed herself, seemingly at one with the music. It was like she went into a Zen zone. Silver Fox eyed her curiously and she smiled that radiant smile. There was mischief in those eyes behind that stunning mask. As she neared the edge of the dance floor, her partner went down with one of her kicks gone wayward. Ha! Take that you fucker! No one messes with our girl! I watched as he staggered forward clutching his chest and slumped slowly to the floor.

"He's out! Lights are off. Target has been downed. Way to go Wifey! Bobby has him."

"Bomber you're the Bomb! She Lipstick stunned him!" Fuck yeah!

Bobby sounded elated as he promptly went into medic mode, reassuring the guests that he was indeed a doctor and needed assistance to get this man to a quiet area. Two men 'volunteered', Hal and Cal, and carried him by the shoulders and followed the doctor's orders as they took him away from the curious crowd. Tank and Lester reassured the guests that he was in good hands and that he may have had a heart attack.

The guests soon dispersed giving concerned, consoling looks to Stephanie. In the meantime, as smooth as silk, Bear lead her away continuing the tango but I could tell she had a full head of steam. He was slick and strong. It was obvious that he knew how to handle her without fear. His induction was complete. She was talking animatedly in time with the music. He allowed her to get it out of her system without interrupting. Smart man. The adrenaline rush eased visibly as he danced confidently and assertively keeping her away from the action, Woody and Ram shepherding them closely. Bear smiled and responded appropriately when her radiant smile re-emerged.

In the background, Ranger swooped on the Silver Fox once they were outside the main ballroom area. The Core team hustled him out through one of the side entrances as he was cuffed and secured into a waiting Rangeman SUV. Bobby had given him a dose of sedative. Outside surveillance reports confirmed the escort vehicles were indeed making sure that he was not slipping out our hands.

Ranger's POV

It was the tango from Roxanne, passionate and powerful and young Bear was proving to be very adept at handling a fiery Stephanie. She looked amazing, beautiful, absolutely stunning, a wet dream in a red dress her long luscious legs flashing with her steps, leg lifts and kicks. The dress was certainly very flattering as I watched her dance gracefully across the dance floor. Young Bear had calmed her down. He's a good fit for the team. Stephanie trusts him. The young cub was dancing with my Babe and enough was enough. I needed to hold her, touch her and feel her. I had been denied far too long with this Silver Fox bullshit routine.

As the tempo changed I intercepted the dance and her touch was electric. She felt it too. Her eyes were ablaze and sexy as hell in that exquisite mask through which her eyes glowered at me. Oh fuck!

"Babe."

"Don't you Babe, me!"

I spun her into a high lift and she gasped but kicked her legs with true tango flair. Our moves were strong and reflected the music powerfully. I had to restore her faith in me. Her trust was so important. I was not begging, nor pleading. I took control of the dance and moved her powerfully, almost fiercely across the dance floor. She was assertive and forceful, matching my every move with contained aggression. A few more high lifts, lunges and wide throws and then I drew her in close once more. It seemed like I also had to relieve some tension through the dance.

"So! Not bait, huh? Just the old triple A: Allure, Attraction and Appeal? Was this a set up? Just another distraction just to get the job done. It's all about the job, isn't it, Ranger?"

Oh boy. This was not how I visualised it. Sweeping her off her feet was not about to happen at this moment.

Sarcasm.

Anger.

Fire.

Passion, from those pouty lips. God, I love this woman. Madre Dios! She was all kinds of sexy when she was all fired up like this. A real spitfire that made me love her all the more. I had to maintain control of my feelings, my desire to plunder her mouth right here and now on the dance floor was about to take over. But that wasn't going cut the mustard. Our dance moves reflected the passion in the music and the passion in our hearts even more.

"Carlos, Babe. Not Ranger, Carlos. It was not about the job, Stephanie. Please listen to me. Let me explain? Please?"

She glared again but I felt her relax a bit in my arms when I pulled the Please card.

"We had to have a contingency plan. I did give you fair warning that he may find his way to dance with you. Have you seen how absolutely beautiful and vivacious you are? How stunning you look in this red dress? I am totally enraptured. I love you in red. You are totally alluring, enchanting and ravishing. Do you see all the men looking at you with desire and lust?"

She blushed and looked around the periphery of the dance floor which we almost had to ourselves. Thankfully some of the men had chosen to take up space so that we were less obvious, given that she was wearing this hot as hell sexy red dress.

"We were not expecting things to go this way but we had to be prepared, Babe, if he pulled a fast one and used you."

"It wasn't my fault. He knew you were here. He teased me. Said you were no match. I pretended I had no idea what he was talking about. He was cocky and said he was too slick for the likes of you and your men. He tried to provoke me and I maintained my cool as you suggested. I could sense you were nearby. It made me feel safe and strong."

"I know. I could tell. I felt it too. I had to contain my jealousy to not leap off the balcony like a raging jealous caveman and rip his arms off you and beat him to death with them."

She laughed a luscious heart melting laugh. Ah. The fire is contained. As the tempo changed again, I brought our foreheads together and dipped her low into a deep lunge, kissing her lightly on those lips. Her eyes widened and she stole another kiss as we slowly rose when the music stopped. The Argentine tango that followed allowed me to hold her closer. No words were spoken and she sighed and relaxed letting the music wash over her as we danced cheek to cheek.

"I was so proud of you, Babe. You did well, really well. You stunned him, your technique so polished and discreet that people were convinced he'd actually had a heart attack."

She smiled up at me. I kissed her neck and beautiful bare shoulders lightly and held her closer as a bachata began to play. Perfect. I looked up to see my cousin winking at me. Well timed, hermano. She followed my moves in this sexy, hip swinging dance of love.

"You know, Babe? I have been longing to hold you close like this for so long. I was ready to tell them to stuff it but they had me hoodwinked. Have I told you that I love holding you; feeling your warm sexy body close to mine; that I love you so much it hurts? I missed you so much. And now you are here, in my arms, to love and to hold."

"Carlos?" She stopped dancing and looked at me, her eyes glistening and her mouth in a coy smile, chewing and worrying her bottom lip in that sexy way that she does.

"Babe?"

I resumed the dance moves, bringing my hips in closer to hers as the bachata dictated. She blushed but responded in time with the music, our eyes fixed on each other, leaning close, my hand in the small of her back, her other hand on my heart, my hand over her smaller one, swaying to the sexy rhythm.

"You were saying …?"

"Babe?"

"Carlos, to love and to hold?" She looked directly at me with a cheeky flirty smile turning the tables on me whilst pulling the tiger's tail. I smiled at her, the full 1,000 watts.

I stopped dancing, sinking down to one knee. She licked her lips, as her eyes widened but her hands never let go of mine.

"Babe? Stephanie?"

She nodded minutely and swallowed visibly watching me intently.

"I promised to take you to Atlantic City when I came back."

"Yes," she responded quietly, "you did."

"Well, seeing it's after midnight, and we have all the time in the world since I have now fulfilled my contract with the Government and have chosen not to re-sign …" I left that hanging there for her to come to terms with the ramifications of what I just disclosed. Realisation hit her and she grinned and then smiled that radiant, vibrant smile of hers.

"Stephanie Michelle Plum. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife, to have and to hold forever, from this day forward? Will you marry me, Babe? I want to start our Someday, today. I even have the paperwork here," I patted my pocket which held the registration papers, "so we can do it today if you want."

I smiled up at her and felt an overwhelming emotion run through me from my heart to every nerve ending in my body. She was smiling and nodding ever so slightly but no words escaped her lips, now tightly sealed.

I pulled the ring box from my pocket, a red box with a black bow and her eyes lit up.

"It's red."

I nodded.

"With a black bow."

I smiled and nodded again. A Cartier red box.

She stared at the red box, a single tear slowly sliding down her cheek.

"Breathe Babe. Do you have an answer for me Stephanie? Will you marry me?"

"It had to be red, didn't it?"

I smirked and nodded again with a wink. "Of course it did, Babe. Have I told you how much I love you in red?"

She began to jiggle on the spot and then looked at me with a look of pure joy and ecstasy, and finally breathed out, "Yes! I will marry you, Ricardo Carlos Manoso," in that sexy breathy voice of hers that I love to hear.

Slowly I stood up placing the ring on her finger then I kissed her with such deep passion, such raw emotion like I have never felt before, that it took us a few moments to realise that we were not alone. The ballroom had erupted in cheers and squeals of delight amid resounding applause.

"She said YES!" Lester was iterating to our captive audience. Suddenly we were being congratulated from all sides and I held her close as she laughed and chuckled. Hector was the first to grab her from my arms and embraced her tightly then kissed her fully on the lips.

"Welcome to our crazy family, Chica. We all love you. But Carlos is a lucky man, a very lucky man. You are the most beautiful woman, inside and out. Congratulations! And … Happy Valentine's Day!

The Merry Men, as she calls them, made a pathway to the entrance. Hector held her velvet cloak open for her and together we walked outside hand in hand to the Hummer limousine to start our Someday.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Sigh … Well! There you have it. I had originally planned this as a one shot and posted it in February on the 13th but it came on the board on the 14th.

I hope there are not too many cavities but I am a romantic at heart and just love me a Babe HEA.

Oh. And these are Janet's but the young Bear cub is mine.

My story is now complete. My Muse is sighing contentedly in a seemingly post coital haze. Very pleased with herself she is. Even though these last two chapters were so long in coming, I was still on the board with some challenges and some shorts as well as some beta-ing and co-writing. It has been an exceptionally busy year. Thank you for staying with me.

May you all have a safe, happy and wonderful Christmas and a Happy and healthy 2016. Happy holidays!

xox