Chapter 11: Trouble in Paradise

by Jo Ann

Series: Lessons in Love

Altnernate Universe Into The Fold

The seven of them had just signed the partnership papers and were now treating themselves to lunch in town. "What we need to decide now is what needs to be done first," Ezra said and pulled a tablet out of his briefcase.

"We can do that once we get through eating," Vin told him with a smile.

"I see no reason why we cannot do both."

"Because not all of us want to talk business while we eat," Nathan put in.

"This isn't business . . . it's your future," Ezra countered.

"He's got a point," Chris said. "I'm thinking we need to replace the fencing and then we'll work on the barn."

Ezra nodded his head and he wrote that down.

"What about a horse trailer?" JD asked. "We could use a new one."

Buck nodded his head and swallowed a bite of his cheeseburger then said, "It would be great if we could manage to get two."

"What we really need is a drive thru shed we can park them under to keep them out of the weather," JD said.

"And we need at least one new truck. Spit and a prayer is the only thing holding the old one together," Josiah added with a shake of his head.

"We need to get the tracker fixed so I can cut the hay field," Vin threw in.

"Oh, and don't forget we need to replace the roof on the hay barn," Nathan reminded them.

"We need a new computer and a fire proof file cabinet," Ezra told them. "Didn't you say something about wanting to purchase some new stock?" he asked looking at Chris.

Chris nodded his head then with a smile said, "Well, there goes all our money. We'll get the most important stuff done first then worry about the others later."

"If you think of something else then just write it down and I'll put it on the list," the Southerner told them. "In the mean time, I'll see about paying off any outstanding bills."

~/~/~

The next morning Vin stopped in his tracks upon entering their room. "Did you shower without me?"

Ezra grinned then finished buckling his belt. "Good morning to you too," he said. "And yes, I did."

"Why?"

"I'm going truck shopping with Josiah. Remember?"

"You know I don't like showering alone," Vin pretended to whine.

Ezra rolled in his eyes and asked, "Do you want to come with us?"

"Wish I could, but the guy's coming to fix the tracker in a couple of hours."

"Oh," Ezra said as he walked up to Vin and didn't stop until he had him pushed him up against the closed bedroom door. "I'll make it up to you," he whispered in between kisses. Then with a deep sigh Ezra pulled back and rested his forehead on Vin's shoulder. "I'll fix us a special supper, for just the two of us, and then we can make love on the kitchen table."

Vin grinned and said, "Deal."

"I have to go," he said then gave him another kiss. "Love you."

"Love you, too."

Four hours later Josiah drove up in the yard with a brand new shiny red truck.

"Damn, Josiah," Buck said with a smile as him and the others stepped out of the house. "Now that's a pretty truck."

"You should have been there," Josiah told them as he got out of the truck. "Ezra had that sales man so confused it wasn't even funny."

"The man was very rude," Ezra told them with a frown. "Josiah and I took great pleasure in putting him in his place."

"What's in the bag?" JD asked.

"Here," Ezra said and handed them each a cell phone. "These have excellent reception so we should be able to reach each other any where on the ranch."

"Cool," JD said. "I've been wanting to get one of these."

"Chris were you able to get all the wire and posts ordered for the fencing?"

"Yeah, I got it. I even hired a couple of teenagers from town to help out."

"I hope you weren't planning on working on that thing tonight," Vin said looking at the new computer sitting in the cab of the new truck.

"Oh no, I have something much more stimulating planned for tonight," Ezra told him with a wiggle of his eyebrows causing Vin to blush.

After the computer had been unloaded and placed in the study Ezra and Vin headed for the bunkhouse. And as soon as they open the door the phone started ringing. "Hello," Ezra said, "yes, ma'am he's right here. Hold on just minute." Placing his hand over the receiver he said, "It's Ms. Nettie."

Ezra grabbed Vin's ass as he walked behind him making him jump. Then standing just out of his reach he kicked off his shoes then inch by inch began removing his shirt. Revealing first his flat tapered stomach, then his well-muscled chest before pulling the shirt over his head. Once he had the shirt off Ezra held it in front of him then blew Vin a kiss before tossing the shirt at him.

He had just started unzipping his jeans when he heard Vin say, "Yes ma'am, I'll be there as soon as I can."

With a sigh Ezra zipped his pants back up and flopped down on the sofa.

"Ezra . . ."

"It's okay, Vin, I understand," he said. "I know Ms. Nettie is like a mother to you."

"I'm sorry. Will supper keep until I get back?"

"Do you have any idea when that will be?"

Vin just shook his head and sat down next him. "I'm sorry . . ."

"Don't be," Ezra said and drew him closer until the Texan was straddling his lap. "Just think about all the fun we'll have once you get home."

"I love you Ezra."

"I love you too. Now go before I loose what little control I have left and take you right here and now."

Vin shivered and pressed closer for a moment then reluctantly got up.

~/~/~

It was really late by the time Vin got home and he barely had the energy to shower before crawling into bed, spooning up behind Ezra, and promptly falling to sleep.

Early the next morning Vin moaned in his sleep. He was dreaming that Ezra was making love to him. It was so vivid that Vin could actually feel the hot wet trail left behind as Ezra kissed and licked his way down Vin's chest. He arched as he felt Ezra's tongue in his navel and hands caressed him seemingly every where at once. Vin cried out as he felt himself being surrounded by a wet heat. With a moan he spread his legs as he felt Ezra's fingers gently enter then begin to prepare him. It felt so real that he groaned out loud in disappointment as the fingers were removed.

"Vin, may I?" He heard Ezra's husky voice whisper in his ear.

Vin blinked his eyes opened and smiled because the first thing he saw was Ezra. "Ezzrraa," he moaned and reached for him.

"It's about time you woke up," Ezra said as he settled on top of him. "I was beginning to think I'd have to do this all by myself," he went on to tease.

"I thought I was dreaming," Vin told him. Then kissed him on the lips, "I should have known better though . . . 'cause this is better than any dream I've ever had." Vin shifted and wrapped his legs around Ezra's waist. "Take me Ezra. Make me yours," he whispered in his lover's ear.

Ezra didn't need to be told twice and spread Vin's legs wider apart then breached his already prepared opening and they both caught their breaths at how right their joining felt. Leaning down Ezra then took Vin's lips in a mind melting kiss and began to move, hitting his lover's secret spot over and over again, making Vin gasp and whither beneath him in pleasure.

Vin whimpered against Ezra's lips and tried to draw him closer still. Before long he felt the tightening in his groin and clutched his better half to him as he went over the edge. "Oh, God!" he cried as pleasure flooded his body and coated their chests. "Ezra," he whisper over and over again as he felt himself being filled with Ezra's essence. Vin wrapped his arms tighter around Ezra as he melted on top of him. "No!" he cried as he felt Ezra shift. "Don't move."

"Never," he sighed then kissed the side of Vin's neck. "Let's do that again," Ezra suggested with a grin playing at his lips.

"I'm game if you are," the Texan teased him. Then shivered as Ezra stuck his tongue in his ear. Running his hands down Ezra's back he squeezed his ass before slipping a finger between his cheeks to caress his opening. Vin gasped as he felt Ezra surge back to life within him. "My, my, my aren't you full on surprises this morning," he teased.

"I'm not the only one full," Ezra teased with a laugh. Then rotated his hips and brushing against Vin's prostate causing him to gasp.

Vin grinned and slapped him on the ass. "You are so bad."

"You have no idea just how bad I can be," he said between deep lazy kisses all the while slowly thrusting his hips.

Vin matched Ezra's easy rhythm wanting to make it last. But like all good things this too came to an end much too quickly. They both erupted at the same time and quickly fell back to sleep.

Over the next two weeks there was a flurry of activities going on around the ranch and the two lovers saw very little of each other.

With the tractor fixed Vin was up at dawn cutting hay and didn't return until late in the evenings. JD, Buck, and Ezra went in search of horse trailers. After three days of searching they got lucky and found two used ones that were in excellent shape. Nathan and Josiah had just returned from a two-day trip to Texas where they purchased a couple of new studs horses. Chris and about five teenagers from town were out repairing fences. And in between all this Ezra was busy setting up the new computer and making sure every cent was accounted for.

Vin had finally finished cutting the hay and was now helping Chris repair the fences. After snagging his pants for what seemed like the hundredth time Vin swore in frustration and said, "It's to damned hot out here!"

Chris nodded in agreement. "Okay, fellas let's call it a day. We'll see ya on Monday."

The Texan helped Chris gather their tools then climbed in the truck, tore his gloves off, and threw them on the dashboard. "As soon as we get home, I'm gonna kidnap Ezra and we're gonna spend a little time alone."

"That kidnaping may have to wait," Chris said a few minutes later as they drove up in the yard.

"Dammit he's gone!" Vin fussed and threw the door opened. "Shit!" he swore. Vin was already tired, hot, and sweaty and this didn't help his temper any at all. By the time he reached the kitchen door he was spoiling for a fight. "Where the hell's Ezra?" he asked as soon as he walked into the house.

"Him and JD have gone to Denver . . ."

"DENVER!" Vin bellowed. "Son of a bitch!" he swore. "What in the hell did he go there for?"

"Ezra found a home for Daisy . . ." Daisy was their mother's horse. She was getting old and they hated to up her down, so Ezra suggested donating her to a petting farm or somewhere where she'd be useful again.

The sound of a truck driving up caught all their attention and while one brother scowled the other brothers grimaced as they saw it was Ezra and JD.

Vin pushed the door opened and stomped outside to meet them. "It's about damned time you got home!"

"Excuse me?" Ezra asked as he stepped from the truck.

"You heard me! And that had better not be for me!" he warned his lover about the bag he was holding. Every time Ezra came back from one of his trips he brought Vin home a present. Vin hadn't minded them at first, but now it was starting to bother him. He didn't want Ezra buying him all these things. Especially since he couldn't afford to do the same. All he wanted from Ezra was . . . Ezra.

"It's just something I thought . . ."

"Well, you thought wrong! Quit buying me all this shit, Ezra!! I don't want it!" Vin told him. "I'm not gonna wear half of it anyway . . ."

"You never know . . ."

"Where the hell am I gonna wear a silk shirt? Or that chain? Or pajamas? Hell, we usually sleep in the nude anyway," he fussed with a wave of his hand. "And can you really see me wearing a bracelet?"

"I meant you no offense, Vin," Ezra apologized. "But let's get one thing straight . . . this is my money. And I will spend it as I please."

"Not on me you won't!" Vin shivered as he saw the fire in Ezra's eyes suddenly turn to ice.

"Fine," the Southerner said in a quiet voice that made Vin nervous. "Fine, if you don't want the things I bought you then you can take them back. Or burn them for all I care," he told him as he removed his wallet from his pocket.

"Ezra . . ."

"Here are the receipts," Ezra said interrupting him.

"I don't want them." Vin watched as his lover threw the receipts on the ground.

"Well, then do whatever the hell you want. I don't give a shit anymore," he told him then turned on his heels and headed for the bunkhouse.

Vin felt his temper drain away and he sighed as he realized that they'd just had their first fight. And what was worse was that it happened in front of his brothers.

"Well, I hope you're happy," JD said as he brushed past him. Then turned back and tossed him the bag that Ezra had given him to hold. "You might have at least looked at it before you condemned him for it."

The Texan felt tears sting his eyes as he removed the tan colored leather jacket from the bag. It was the most beautiful jacket he ever saw. He flinched as it was suddenly snatched away from him. "What are you doing?"

"Putting it back in the bag," JD explained. "After all, you don't want his gifts. Remember?" The younger man stuffed the jacket back in the bag and with an exasperated sigh asked, "Do you want to know why he bought it?"

Vin nodded his head yes.

"He said it reminded him of your hair," he said. "Do want to know what else he told me?"

Again Vin nodded his head.

"Ezra said he was glad he finally had someone to share his money with. Someone to spend it on," JD told him. "But you don't have to worry about that anymore. Do you?"

Vin felt his temper once again flare to life, but this time it was directed solely at himself. Reaching out he snatched the bag away from JD and snapped, "Give me my damned jacket." With the bag clutched to his chest he headed for their house.

~/~/~

Ezra shook his head. I don't know why I thought Vin would have been different, he thought to himself. Maybe Vin was different. He reasoned with himself. If Vin didn't want him for his money . . . then why did he want him? It couldn't be just him Vin wanted. Could it? No one's ever wanted him just for himself. There was always a price to be paid. Be it money or blood or a piece of his soul.

He was so lost in his musings that he didn't hear Vin come in and Ezra jumped when he heard him speak.

"Ezra?" Vin tentatively said.

He turned away from the window and looked at Vin. "Look Vin I don't want to fight with you any more . . ."

"Good 'cause I don't want to fight neither. I . . . I was hot and tired and I had no right to take that out on you. I'm sorry."

Ezra didn't say anything just looked at him and waited for him to continue.

Vin sighed and took one step closer. "I need you to understand that it's not the presents that I mind so much . . . but the fact that I can't do the same for you," he told him.

"So this was all about your pride?"

"In a way yes," he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I know you buy me these things because you love me, but I'd . . . much rather just have you instead."

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"Just me?"

Vin closed the distance between them. "Of course, just you. I love you Ezra. Not your money. Not all these little gifts. Just you," he told him. "Well, I really like this jacket, but the other stuff I can do without."

Ezra blinked back his tears and wrapped his arms around Vin and held him tight. "You want just me," he whispered. Pulling back he placed a kiss on Vin's lips and smiled, "I guess I did go overboard just a little."

"I'm sorry I overreacted," Vin said as he lowered his head. "Forgive me?" he whispered against Ezra's lips.

"Only if you forgive me as well."

"Deal. So are we okay?"

Ezra pulled him closer and then fell backwards on the bed. "We're better than okay. We're great," he replied and drew Vin's head down and captured his lips. "Do you know how long it's been since we made love?" he asked after a minute then tore Vin's shirt open.

"Too long," Vin said then moaned. "I've missed you."

With a grin on his face Ezra undid Vin's jeans and slipped his hands inside and gave his ass a gentle squeeze. It was his turn to moan as Vin began grinding himself against him. Ezra shuddered and clutched Vin tighter as he bit him on the side of his neck. "Viiinnn," he whispered then had his lips captured in a hungry kiss. Ezra worked a hand between them and just as he was about to touch Vin the phone rang.

Ezra groaned in disappointment as Vin pulled back and he grabbed his hand as it reached for the phone. "No," he whispered. "Don't answer it. Let it ring."

"It might be important."

"Then they'll call back," he argued.

Vin looked from him to the phone and with a sigh said, "I'm sorry." Then answered it.

With a sighed Ezra sat up then crawled over and sat behind him. Then began kissing the back of Vin's neck.

"Ezra," he whispered and pushed him an arm's length away and kept his hand on Ezra's chest.

Ezra took the hand from his chest and sucked two of its fingers into his mouth causing Vin to shudder.

"You are so bad," he said, but didn't remove his fingers. "No! Not you, Ms. Nettie. I was talking to Ezra . . ."

Ezra laughed and pulled the fingers from his mouth. Then scooted closer so he could wrap both his arms and legs around Vin. With his chin resting on Vin's shoulder Ezra began rubbing his chest. He skimmed his finger tips around each of his nipples then grinned as he saw Vin to bite his lip. While Vin was distracted, Ezra ran his other hand down past his stomach, over his navel, and was about to slip his hand inside Vin's still opened pants when he felt Vin tense in his arms so he stopped and just sat there waiting for him to finish up.

"Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can," Vin said then hung up the phone then sagged back against him.

Ezra pulled him down on top of him as he went to pull away. "Where are you going?"

"Nettie needs my help . . ."

"Can't you tell her no?"

"Ezra . . ."

"Vin we just had our first fight," Ezra reminded him. "This is the part where we get to have hot and wild make up sex."

Vin groaned and promised, "I'll be back before you know it." He then pressed a kiss to his lips and asked, "Will you wait up for me?"

"I'll try," he said then pushed him away and got to his feet.

"She needs me."

"So do I," Ezra whispered causing Vin to flinch. Just once he wanted to be first in someone's life.

"Ezra . . ."

"Don't worry about it Vin," he told him then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Just go. The sooner you leave the sooner you'll come home."

After Vin left Ezra showered, fixed himself something to eat, sat on the couch, and watched a movie. Then promptly fell asleep.

~/~/~

It was after eleven when Vin tentatively opened the door to their house. He sighed as he saw Ezra stretched out on the couch fast asleep. Vin felt a pang of regret for having kept him waiting. For having disappointed him. His lover looked so inviting sleeping there that Vin hurried as fast as he tired body would allow into their room where he stripped his clothes and had a quick shower. Pulling on a clean pair of boxers he grabbed the bed spread and returned to the living room.

Kneeling in front of the couch Vin eased the remote from Ezra's hand and turned to lay it on the table. When he turned back he saw that Ezra was awake.

"You're home."

"I'm sorry Ezra. I tried to get away sooner, but couldn't," Vin tried to explain.

"It doesn't matter . . ."

"Yes it does, Ezra. It matters . . ." Vin stopped talking as Ezra pressed his finger to him lips.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay," Ezra said as he sat up. "Right now I just want to go to bed."

Vin didn't say a word as he got to his feet then pulled Ezra to his. Then he stretched out on the couch and patted the cushion beside him. It was a wide couch and they both could fit on it very easily. He smiled as he watched as his lover placed his hands on his lean hips.

"Why do you want to sleep on the couch when we have a perfectly big soft bed to sleep on?"

"This is cosier," Vin told him as he let his tired hungry eyes feast on Ezra's chest. Once again his blue eyes lingered on the jagged scar above his heart. With a shake of his head and a smile playing at his lips, Ezra laid down next to him. Vin pulled him flushed against him and whispered, "Tomorrow night will be just for us. No phones. No brothers. No nothing . . . just you and me."

Ezra smiled and turned around so that he was now facing Vin. "It's a date."

"I love you, Ezra," he told him then pulled the spread up over them.

"I love you too."

When Vin woke the next morning, he discovered that Ezra was already up and gone. With a huge yawn he stumbled into their room and got dressed. Then went in search of food.

"I saved you some biscuits," Josiah told him as soon as he walked into the kitchen. "There in the oven."

"Thanks . . ."

"You'll have to bring them with you," Buck told him. "We're suppose to help Chris do a head count of the stock this morning. Remember?"

Vin groaned and dropped his head on the table. "Where's Ezra?"

"He said something about having to sign some papers at the bank," Josiah reminded him.

"Oh, yeah, I remember now," he said with a nod of his head. Ezra had decided that since he lived here now that it would make more sense to transfer his accounts in Denver here.

"You boys ready?" Chris asked as he walked into the room.

"Ready as we're gonna be."

Four hours later they returned hot, sweaty, and hungry. Vin headed straight for the study so he could see Ezra and was surprised to see Josiah sitting behind the desk. "Where's Ezra?"

"He's not back yet," Josiah said with a frown.

"You'd better not mess those accounts up," Vin warned him. "You know how hard Ezra's worked to put everything right."

"There's some money missing."

"What? How much?"

"Ten thousand dollars."

"What about ten thousand dollars?" Chris asked as him and Buck walked in.

"It's how much the books are short," Josiah told them. "Vin did Ezra tell you where he got the money for all those presents he's been giving you?"

"No and I didn't ask," Vin said. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"I'm just trying to figure out what might have happened to the money."

"Well, Ezra ani't no thief. He wouldn't steal from us," Vin told them all.

"Then where'd he get the money for the all those gifts and the cell phones and the new computer?" Chris asked.

Just then they all looked up as the man in question walked in. "Gentlemen," Ezra said in greeting. "Is something wrong?"

"We got the bank statement in and I thought I'd help you out," Josiah told him. "And I noticed that there's some money missing."

"How much money?"

"Ten thousand dollars."

"Ten thou . . . " Ezra trailed off and hung his head for a moment. He raised it he looked a little sheepish. "Oh, you found that did you. I was going to tell you . . ."

"So you did steal it," Buck suddenly said.

"What?! I've never stole a thing in my life!" he exclaimed.

"Then where'd you get the money for all that stuff you brought?"

"Out of my own personal bank account," Ezra told them.

"What about the ten thousand?" Chris asked.

"I gave it to charity . . ."

"You gave ten thousand dollars to charity!"

Ezra nodded then walked up the desk and sat his briefcase on top of it then popped it opened. "Here's the invoice," he said handing it to Josiah. "You told me you didn't care what I did with the money so long as the bills were paid."

"No one gives ten thousand dollars to charity," Chris argued. "So what did you really do with the money?"

"I gave it to the Saint Frances's School for Disabled Children. It's the same place I brought Daisy," he told them.

"You expect us to believe that?" Buck questioned. "You know, Ezra if you needed the money all you had to do was ask for it."

Ezra shook his head. "So now I'm not only a thief, but a lair as well." He looked at Vin and asked, "Do you think that too?"

Vin hesitated only for a moment and apparently it was a moment too long for Ezra's taste, he thought as he saw the shudders come down over his lover's eyes. "No, if you say you gave it to charity than I believe you," he finally said, hoping it wasn't to late.

"We want that money back Ezra," Chris said. "And until we do nothing leaves this office without approval from me or Josiah. Understand?"

"Don't worry, you'll get back every penny," Ezra said. "In fact, you'll have it first thing tomorrow morning." Having said that he turned on his heel and left.

Vin and the others watched him leave. "Why do I get the feeling that we just made a big mistake?" Josiah asked.

"Because we did," Vin whispered. "Ezra's not a thief."

~/~/~

Ezra stormed from the house. He couldn't believe that they would think for one minute that he'd still from them. Throwing open the door to the bunkhouse Ezra headed for his desk and pulled out his bank statements. He then reached for his checkbook. Just as he was about to sign his name, Ezra suddenly realized that he probably would have thought the same thing. After all, he hadn't told anyone except JD that he had money. A lot of money. Ten thousand dollars wasn't anything compared with the amounts he'd given to charity in the past. Especially to this particular one. With a sigh he signed his name and clipped the check and statements together.

Looking down Ezra noticed that he hadn't dated the check. Glancing at the calendar he froze as he realized what the date was and he couldn't believe he hadn't realized it sooner. With an unsteady hand he wrote the date in.

"Two years tomorrow," he whispered and unconsciously rubbed the scar on his chest.

How long he sat there Ezra didn't know, but he did jump as he felt a hand touch his shoulder.

"Ezra are you all right?" Vin asked.

"Yeah," he said with a nod of his head and shrugged off the hand. "I . . . yeah." Ezra took a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves. Tried to rein in his memories.

"Ezra?"

"What?"

"I'm sorry about earlier," Vin told him. "I don't think you're a thief."

"But you doubted me. Didn't you?" It always comes back to that doesn't it, Ezra silently said.

"No . . ."

"Oh, please! We promised to always be truthful with each other," Ezra reminded him. "Even if it stings. Remember?"

Vin nodded his head. "I remember and you're right I did doubt you for just a moment . . ."

"I can't deal with this right now Vin . . ."

"Ezra we need to talk . . ."

"Not now . . ."

"Why are you being so stubborn?!"

Ezra felt the memories nibbing at his mind and he started to tremble. "Vin, please, not now . . ."

"You know if your gonna be like this then you can do so by yourself!" Vin cried and slammed out of the house.

The Southerner felt his temper surge to life and he rushed to the door and screamed, "FINE!!" He slammed the door shut then locked it. Ezra then walked into their bedroom and sank to the floor and wrapped his arms around himself then began to slowly rock back and forth. Closing his eyes, he gave into the memories . . .

Ezra's one good eye snapped opened and he cringed as he found himself in a dirty smelly warehouse. He refused to show any other emotion. Refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing him suffer. Ezra arms were being held by two men while another tried to beat the shit out of him.

"Enough!" a rough voice said.

The Southerner winced as his head was yanked back.

"I was this close," the man sneered as he held his forefinger and thump about an inch apart, "to trusting you. This close!" The man then backhanded him across the face.

Ezra blinked his one eye and he watched as Recco Garrett, a.k.a. 'The Serpent' paced back and forth in front of him. He was called 'The Serpent' because of the tatoo he had his arm. The tatoo was done in such a way that it looked as if the snake had swallowed the man's arm and only his hand remained. Fangs could be seen on the top and bottom of the wrist and the tongue appeared to slither up the palm of his hand.

"So what's your real name?" Recco asked. After a minute when Ezra didn't respond Recco said, "It does not matter what your name is . . . you'll still die a pig's death."

"At least, it's a noble death," Ezra whispered. "Can you say the same? Look around you Recco! This is where you and your men will die as well . . . if you're lucky," he told them then laughed. "Other wise, you might wind up some guy's bitch in prison."

"Shut up!" he screamed and hit him again. "At least, I have someone watching my back. Who the hell's watching yours?"

Ezra had no response to that because he knew the other man was right. He'd gone to his supervisor and told him that he thought his cover had been compromised, but the stupid ass wouldn't pull him unless Ezra had some hard facts and not just suspicions. Ezra had even gone over his head and spoken to Travis directly, but the Judge had stated the same thing. They both told him that he was being overly cautious and for him not to worry that they were keeping an eye on him. An eye my ass, he silently fumed. A blind eye, was more like it.

The breaking of a bottle broke him out of his musings and his one eye widened in fear as Recco approached him with a jagged piece of broken glass. Ezra struggled to get free, but they only tightened their hold on him. His shirt was ripped off and he screamed as the glass tore through his flesh.

"There that should do it," Recco said then motioned for his release. "I don't want you dying right away. I want you to suffer."

As soon as Ezra hit the floor, they started kicking him. After a few minutes they stopped and Recco lifted his head and said, "I'll see you in hell." Ezra barely heard him over the roaring in his head. God, he hurt all over. He knew by the burning his chest and the shallowness of his breathing that he must have some broken ribs. It hurt like hell, but Ezra managed to turn over so that he wouldn't drown in his own blood.

He pushed the darkness away and tried to get to his feet only to have his body scream in agony at the effort it took. Ezra could no longer fight the darkness and finally gave in to it. He lay in that dirty warehouse all night. A city employee found him the next morning and called an ambulance, but Ezra didn't remember any of it. The next thing he knew he was in the hospital with tubes and wires sticking out of him.

Ezra jumped back to the present as he heard someone beating on the door. He blinked his eyes and tried to regain control. After a minute the beating stopped and in a weak voice he called for Vin, but knew his lover wouldn't be able to hear him. Releasing a shaky breath Ezra remembered that was the first time he'd escaped from the hospital. Well, here in Denver anyway. He also, remembered that, that was when he'd buried what little faith he had left. He buried it so deep that even he hadn't been able to dig it out. It had taken a long haired, blue-eyed Texan and his six mismatched brothers to help him.

"Vin," he whispered, "help me." Ezra then curled into himself and began to cry.

~/~/~

Vin pressed his forehead against the locked door and fought back his tears. "Don't shut me out," he pleaded. After he'd slammed out of the house Vin stormed up to his old room and paced around like a caged tiger. As soon as his temper began to cool down, he replayed his and Ezra's conversation and realized that his lover hadn't looked so good. He suddenly remembered seeing him rubbing that scar on his chest.

Over the last few months Vin had been awakened as Ezra thrashed about on the bed, reliving a nightmare. A couple of times Ezra had screamed out in such pain that it brought tears to his eyes. Then he would sit up, clutched his chest, and just stare into space. All Vin could do was hold him until he snapped out of it.

Vin thought that maybe they both needed some time apart to cool down before they wound up saying something that would be hard to forgive. He'd finally laid down on his old bed and fallen into a fitful sleep. A little while later Vin sat up as if he'd heard Ezra call his name. He didn't know if it was some kind of sixth sense or what, but he knew that Ezra needed him. So here he stood leaning against the door trying to decide if he should kick it in or not. As the feeling intensified Vin stepped back and with one kick had the door opened. He then ran into their room and gasped as he saw Ezra curled into a ball on the floor crying.

"Ezra," he whispered as he dropped to his knees next to his lover. "Ezra," he said and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, not wanting to startle him. Vin gathered the smaller man in his arms, picked him up, and carried him over to the bed. He threw the covers back and laid down with Ezra in his arms and simply held him.

"Vin?"

"I'm here Ezra."

"Hold me."

"I got cha and I'm not letting go."

"Hold me," he pleaded.

"Forever, Ezra. Forever," Vin vowed and pressed a kiss to his head.

~/~/~

Ezra jumped in his sleep and winced as he eyes opened against his will. As contented as he felt in Vin's arms he couldn't stay there. He had to much running through his mind. Easing out of his arms Ezra gave Vin a brief kiss on the cheek then got up. He grabbed his shoes, his keys, and headed for the door. On the way to the door he retrieved his bank statements. Once outside he sat on the porch and pulled on his shoes. Getting to his feet, he walked over to main house and into the kitchen.

"Morning Ezra," Josiah said from where him and Chris sat at the table.

Ezra didn't say a word just slammed the papers in his hands on the table then turned on his heels and left. He headed straight for his car, jumping in he quickly started it, and drove away.

~/~/~

Vin jerked awake as he heard a door slam shut and reached for Ezra only to find him gone. The sound of the Jag starting had him leaping out of bed and running for the door. He reached it just in time to see Ezra's tail lights disappearing down the road. Vin ran back inside to get his boots only to swear as he remembered he left them in his old room. Grabbing a shirt he hurried out of the house and was about to go past his brothers when Chris stepped in front of him.

"Have you seen these?" he asked.

"I don't have time for this now," Vin snapped. "I have to find Ezra."

"He didn't steal from us . . ."

"I know that!"

"You have to help us put things right," Chris told him.

"I'll have to find him first!" Vin told him and shouldered past him only to stop as he heard someone drive up. Turning he frown as it was only JD. "Did you see Ezra?"

"Yeah," JD replied. "Why didn't he wait on me?"

"Wait on you?" Vin repeated. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Ezra and me were suppose to go see those kids again . . ."

"At Saint Frances's?"

"Yeah . . ."

"Ya reckon that's where he's headed?" Vin wanted to know.

"Pretty sure. Ezra wouldn't disappoint those children," JD told him.

He ran in the house and up the stairs, grabbed his boots then thundered back down. "Well, come on then let's go!" he said as he ran to the truck.

An hour later, Vin breathed a big sigh of relief at seeing Ezra's car. He jumped out of Chris's truck before he even came to a stop. Running through the gate Vin stopped the first person he came to and asked, "Do you know where I can find Ezra Standish?" The person pointed him toward the stables.

~/~/~

Ezra looked up as he heard someone running toward the barn and he bit his lip at seeing Vin.

"Dammit Ezra I was worried about you!" Vin cried then took him in his arms and gave him a fierce hug. "Please don't leave me like that again," he pleaded.

The Southerner pulled away after a minute and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

"Are you all right Ezra?"

"Do you know what doubts do Vin?" Ezra asked him instead, but didn't give him a chance to answer. Pulling his collar down he showed him his scar. "This! This is what doubts do!" he cried.

"Ezra . . ."

"Doubts leave you jagged, torn, and lying in a filthy rundown warehouse in downtown Denver choking on your own blood!"

"I'm sorry . . ."

"Two years ago, yesterday, I told them I thought my cover had been compromised, but they didn't believe me. They doubted me. They sure as hell didn't keep an eye on me. And two years ago today . . . I was proven right."

"Is that how you got that scar?"

"What is with you and this scar?" Ezra asked him. "Every time I take my shirt off your eyes go straight to it. Is . . . is it so ugly?"

"NO!" Vin cried and stepped closer to him. "No, Ezra. I thank God, for that scar. An inch lower and it would have k..killed you," he said in a watery voice. "I . . . I can't imagine my life without you in it Ezra. I meant what I said before . . . I'm nothing without you. Nothing. This isn't a scar, but a badge of honor. All your scars represent another chance you were given."

Ezra closed his eyes and rested his head on Vin's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Vin" he whispered. "I don't expect you or your brothers to believe everything I tell you. God knows, I'm far from perfect. Hell, my mother would be the first one to tell you that. She'd be glad you tell you all my faults."

"Your mother's still alive?"

Ezra snorted, stepped back, and held up his hand, "Please, Vin, let's just deal with one crises at a time. My mother is an entity all on her own. And is not a subject to be discussed without a stiff drink."

"How badly were you hurt?" Vin asked after a couple of minutes.

He ran a shaky hand through his hair and sighed before answering. "I had four broken ribs, one punctured lung, a dislocated shoulder, both of my eyes were swollen shut, there were cuts and bruises all over me, and of course this," Ezra told him and showed him his scar. "I was in the hospital for two months." He closed his eyes and pushed the memories away. "I tried. God knows I tried, but I couldn't take it any more . . ."

"Take what?"

"The hospital. I was one miserable son of a bitch, Vin. And I took great pleasure in letting those around me know it. Finally I just left. I walked right out."

"Like you did this last time?"

He nodded his head. "This was my sanctuary the first time," Ezra said with a sweep of his hand. Reaching out he took Vin's hands in his and said, "You, Josiah, and your brothers were my saving grace this last time."

"I'm sorry you suffered the way you did, however I can't help but be a little glad because if you hadn't then we might not be together now," Vin told him. "I love you Ezra Standish."

"Scars and all?"

"Badges and all," Vin corrected.

They held each other for a long time neither was ready to let the other go just yet. Their bodies which were pressed tightly together began to come alive as pulses started racing, palms began to sweat, hearts were beating in rhythm with it's mate, and lips meshed as tongues began to an age old duel causing them both to fight for control.

Vin pulled back and in a breathy whisper asked, "You want to go home and fool around?"

Ezra laughed and tightened his hold then said, "Yes."

~/~/~

Unfortunately they weren't able to leave right away. As soon as they joined the others the children nearly ran over Vin trying to get to Ezra. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry as he watched the kids drag his lover away from him.

"You must be Vin," a female voice said from behind him.

Vin turned and nodded his head yes. "Yes, ma'am, and you?" he asked holding out his hand.

"Anne."

"How'd you know?"

The lady smiled and explained, "When Ezra and JD were here the other day a couple of our aides started flirting with him, well both of them actually, but mostly with Ezra." She paused and shook her head, "I don't know, there's just something about that voice of his and those green eyes."

Vin laughed at that and said, "Don't I know it! They hooked me from the start."

"Anyway, Ezra was real quick to tell them that he was taken," Anne told him. "But some of our more determined ladies asked him if he had a wife or a girlfriend. Ezra said neither . . . he had a boyfriend." She laughed, "You could hear their heartbreaking as Ezra went on to say that, Vin wasn't a boy, but very much a man."

The blue-eyed man grinned and ducked his head. "Well, better their hearts than mine," Vin told her. He had to laugh as he watched Ezra with the children.

After excusing himself, Vin walked toward his lover intending to whisk him away and have his wicked way with him, but as he neared Ezra, Vin overheard a couple of women sigh and say something about it being such a waste that Ezra was gay. For some reason that bothered him and he stepped right up to them and said, "What you consider a waste, I consider a treasure." Vin saw the question in their eyes and clarified, "That's right, I'm Vin and Ezra's mine. So get used to it." Having said his peace Vin walked up to Ezra and kissed him for all the world to see.

"Let's go home," he said and to his delight Ezra bid the children goodbye and took his hand. Vin kept his hand on Ezra's thigh as he drove them home.

Stepping out of the car they both groaned as they saw their front door hanging on by one hinge.

Ezra grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the house then walked over to the recliner and began pushing it toward the door. Together they pushed it flush against the door to keep it closed. "There, that should hold it until tomorrow," Ezra told him then began tugging his shirt free.

Vin felt his breath quicken and he took a step closer. As soon as he touch him the phone began to ring causing them both to groan. "Hello," Vin said as nicely as he could manage. "We're fine Ms. Nettie, no need to worry." He felt Ezra tense in his arms, but refused to let him go when he tried to step away from him. Vin cocked his head to the side and held the phone to his ear with his shoulder then reached for Ezra's shirt and quickly yanked it off him to keep Ezra from pulling it back down. "Tonight? No ma'am I'm sorry, but I can't make it . . . I have other plans . . . No they can't be canceled . . . Are ya sure? . . . Okay, but ya can't say I didn't warn ya . . . I plan on making love to Ezra for the rest of the afternoon and well into the night," he told her. Then grinned at the shocked look on his lover's face. "Bye, Ms. Nettie I gotta go," Vin said and hung up the phone then unplugged it.

"I'm sorry I put her before us Ezra," Vin told him. "No one will ever come before you in my life again. Not Nettie or even my brothers. You're number one in my life."

"I love you Vin," Ezra whispered. Then tugged his shirt out pants and ripped it opened.

Vin laughed as buttons went flying everywhere and Ezra's eyes widened. "We'll find them later," he said and bent picked his lover up and carried him into their room and placed him in their bed.

They quickly stripped and stood there enjoying the sight before them. Vin reached around Ezra and pulled the covers back then crawled between them and patted the spot next to him and said, "Hey, Green Eyes ya want to fool around?"

Ezra bit the inside of his cheek to keep form grinning and pretended to think about it for a moment.

"Ezra?"

"I'm thinking . . ."

Vin growled then reached out and yanked his lover down on the bed causing Ezra to cry out. "Has anyone ever told ya you think to much?" he asked with a mock scowl on his face. Then dug his fingers into Ezra's ribs making him squill with laughter.

Ezra tried to grab those maddening fingers, but wasn't able to. "Two . . . can play . . . this g..game," he said and began his own assault.

They rolled around on the bed laughing and tickling each other, falling even more in love. Finally Vin grabbed Ezra's hands and pinned them above his head. "Now I got ya," he said more than a little breathless.

With his own chest heaving Ezra asked, "So what are you going to do with me?"

Vin looked into those green eyes and cherished the love he saw there then whispered, "Love you." He then lowered his head and, at first, softly nipped at Ezra's lips then slowly deepened their connection.

Ezra pulled one of his hands free and cupped the back of Vin's head then twined his fingers of his other hand with Vin's.

"Love me, Ezra. Love me," he whispered.

"Forever, Vin. Forever."

With his free hand Vin reached down and drew the covers up over them, enveloping them together and blocking out the world . . . at least for now.

Continues in Calls at Midnight