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Learning to Improvise…
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Chris had gone in search of Nathan, ready to put his plan into action. He scowled when he’d found the clinic empty. It was usually the best place to find the man. Chris knew he wasn’t in saloon having come from there. He’d past the restaurant on his way to the clinic so he knew Nathan wasn’t there either. Damn. Got a plan and now I can’t even set it in motion. He sighed, venting some of his frustration and disappointment in that simple gesture.Okay, fine. Guess I’ll just have to do it another day. Don’t mean I can’t watch Ezra work the horses though.
Generally the gambler rode whatever horse he was working with on patrol or when he went on rides with Vin, combining the training sessions with his other pastimes. It was a sound practice once a horse had been broken to accept saddle, bridle and rider. It made sense to simply ride the horse when all he really wanted or needed to teach it was to respond to its rider. Simple things really, like adjusting and maintaining gait, recognizing the commands of heel and rein. But when he worked in the corral it was worth watching. It was then that Ezra turned a basically trained animal into a well-schooled mount.
As a devout student of horsemenship, he could readily appreciate the effort and skill that went into turning out a truly polished steed. So whenever he had the time, Chris made sure he was there to observe the spectacle. There was no doubt in his mind that Ezra had been the one to teach Chaucer all the tricks the gelding knew.
Chris closed the door to the clinic and headed down the stairs. He passed through the livery to the corral in back. He stopped cold in the doorway. Leaning casually against the wall, hidden in the shadow it cast, was Nathan.
Looks like I don’t need to get him here after all. Chris smirked. Might work better this way.
The dark clad gunslinger sauntered over to stand nearby. His eyes focused on Ezra. The gambler was dressed as simply as he had yesterday. Having seen Ezra working in the corral before, his garb didn’t surprise Chris at all. He realized that there was a practical aspect to the gambler that Ezra normally took pains to keep carefully hidden. There is definitely more to that man than meets the eye.
Ezra was working with a blood bay filly. Chris took time to admire the clean lines of the horse, and the smoothness of her gait. She was small, stocky, built for short burst of speed, and sudden moves. Ezra was taking advantage of her responsive nature by putting her through complicated footwork that Chris realized would make her a top-notch cow pony.
Ezra was working her at slow trot, moving in a figure eight pattern that became progressively smaller. He started by utilizing the entire length and breadth of the corral, and then gradually worked inwards before widening out again. He encouraged her to change direction with subtle shifts in body weight and heel cues. Chris was pleased to see Ezra’s touch on the rein was light, not sawing on her mouth or jerking her head.
Many young horses found the pattern and direction changes to be awkward, clumsy even, especially when asked to do them quickly. They tended to baulk, making jerky and uncoordinated transitions instead of easy, natural ones. But Ezra had her moving smoothly, offering reassurance and encouragement with both body and voice, helping the filly find her feet comfortably and move confidently.
Even with a well-trained horse that possessed good balance and agility, the gunslinger knew how much work it took to maintain a steady seat when your mount was changing direction so frequently. Ezra made it look easy. Little shit could be on a cavalry parade ground.
Chris cast a sly look toward Nathan. He spoke quietly, not wanting his voice to carry any further than the man next to him. "Man seems to know what he’s doing. Doesn’t he?"
Nathan started sharply. He obviously hadn’t noticed Chris’ arrival, or realized anyone was standing quite so close. His hand had partially raised to reach for the knives he wore on his back before stopping with a sheepish smile when he recognized Chris.
"Damn, Chris. You’re getting as bad as Vin sneaking up on a man like that."
Chris smirked. "I didn’t sneak, Nate." He pointed with his chin toward the corral. "Seems ta me your were just otherwise occupied."
Nathan sighed, his gaze returning to Ezra. "Just wanted to see for myself…" He glanced over to Chris again. "You knew about him doing this?"
Chris nodded. "Yep. Been watching him train the horses whenever I get a chance. Always a pleasure to watch someone who can do it right."
Nathan shook his head, a bemused expression on his face. "Who else knows about this?"
Chris figured the healer was trying to gauge his level of ignorance, find out if he was the only one who didn’t know. "Other than me, Vin and Yosemite…think JD probably knows. Kid seems to be up on a lot of what goes on around town." There was a touch of pride in Chris’ last statement. Kid has come a long way from the greenhorn I met a year ago.
He cocked his head to one side giving the former slave a measuring look. "It wasn’t your not knowing that made Vin mad, or upset Ezra, Nate. Was your assumption that he lacked the skill or wherewithal to do it.""I know." Nathan grimaced and hung his head. He had the good grace to look embarrassed. "Wanted to say I was sorry about that. Tried to tell Vin, but he didn’t want to hear it. And Ezra…well, he sort of brushed me off. Told me yesterday when we were in here not to worry about it. Said it didn’t really matter."
Chris nodded. That fell in line with what Ezra had told him yesterday. The conman had brushed it off as being unimportant, trival, nothing to worry about or cause a fuss over. He’d dismissed the incident as a simple misunderstanding while relating even fewer details than Vin had. He’d been quick to assure Chris that it would not affect their working relationship. He was also quick to tell Chris it would not endanger the other lawmen or Four Corners in any way. As if that’s all I was worried about. Damn fool.
Nathan shook his head. "He apologized to me, like it was his fault. Any other man would have belted me one or shot me. But Ezra…he actually said he was sorry for losing his temper. Said he had overreacted, and that I didn’t have cause to worry, that it wouldn’t happen again." He sighed heavily, dark eyes anxious, confused. "I just don’t understand that man."
Chris chuckled softly all too familiar with that feeling. "Don’t think anyone but Vin really does." Chris smiled slightly, pleased to see the healer was starting to see come around. He raised an eyebrow. "You come here ta tell him that you don’t understand him?"
Nathan shook his head. "No. Just wanted to say I was sorry. Wanted him to know I know I was wrong. That what happened yesterday wasn’t his fault. It was mine. Meant ta tell him ‘fore he got started." The healer sighed again, a note of surprise in his voice. "But he started earlier than I thought he would."
"He is always prompt when it’s important." Chris casually observed. In the time he’d known Ezra, the gambler had only ever been late for morning patrol. His timing for everything else was impeccable.
Chris leaned against the wall, settling in to get comfortable. He still intended to enjoy watching Ezra work. Ezra let the filly slow to a walk and blow for a moment or two before resuming the pattern. "How long you been watching?"
"About half an hour or so."
"You learn anything?"
Nathan’s expression turned wry. "Just that the man is a damn sight better with horses than I realized."
Chris resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He had hoped the healer might have come to some greater insight than that. Well, it’s a place ta start anyway. Man is learning something. Better than nothing.
Nathan turned to watch Ezra work, studiously avoiding looking at Chris. "Beginning to see there was a lot about him I never realized." He said it almost as though it were a confession.
"Like what?" Chris kept the question casual, as if the answer were of only passing interest. It wouldn’t do for Nathan to know just how important the answer was. He didn’t want the healer to stop talking, nor did he want the other man to feel cornered.
Nathan sighed softly, brown eyes still tracking Ezra’s movements as he again slowed the filly to a walk. The gambler let her circle the corral at a walk. "Figured every jacket the man owned was bright, colorful. Never really thought he’d own anything…plain, ordinary. Never figured he’d be sensible about stuff like clothes. Half expected him ta be working down here in that fancy red coat he likes so much." Nathan’s tone was enough to convey just how inappropriate he thought Ezra’s favorite jacket was for his current activity.
Chris shrugged one shoulder. He never really gave clothing much thought. Although, he did admit to cursing Ezra’s distinctive jackets on more than one occasion when their bright colors made the gambler an easy target. He’d also had cause to be grateful for them when it made the man easier to locate.
"Sort o’ stands to reason he’d have something ta wear that he didn’t mind getting ruined." Even if we don’t see it very often. Chris’ lips twitched, fighting a smile, remembering something Ezra had said. A gentleman must maintain appearances and dressing like a common saddle bum is not conducive to doing that.
"Quality clothing is tough ta come by out here and I don’t think anyone knows that better than Ezra. Only natural that he’d want to take care o’ what he has."
Nathan grimaced. "Always figured he had so much he didn’t value it same way you and I might."
"And you don’t think so now?" Chris pulled a cheroot from his pocket. He didn’t light it, just held it between his teeth.
"I don’t know." Nathan admitted. "But Vin was right when he told me I’d been assuming a lot about Ezra. I just figured he grew up in a big, fancy house with a passel of servants. Never really asked the man a thing ‘bout his past until yesterday."
"And what did he tell ya?" Chris was genuinely curious. Neither Vin nor Ezra mentioned that.
"He moved around as a kid. A lot." Nathan shook his head. "Only mentioned two places though. One was New Orleans, the other was Virginia. Weren’t at all what I expected. He didn’t grow up as some spoiled rich kid, Chris."
The fact that Ezra had moved around a great deal as a child was not news to Chris. Vin had shared that detail several months ago when he’d explained why it was that the gambler had reacted so badly to Josiah’s repeated reference to him as ‘son’, and why Ezra tended to keep some physical distance between himself and others. While Vin had not mentioned specific places, Virginia came as no surprise to Chris. Just listening to Ezra speak one could figure out he’d spent some time there. What did surprise him was Nathan’s conclusion that those frequent moves invalidated his assumption that Ezra had lived well. Moving around doesn’t mean they were poor. Not necessarily. So…what else did Ezra say that made Nathan realize he was wrong?
Chris waited. He knew the healer would keep talking if he just held his peace. Nathan shifted his weight, settling more solidly against the wall, eyes still following Ezra as he worked the filly. The black man chewed on his lower lip.
"He stayed in a whore house when he was in New Orleans." Nathan swallowed hard. "He was six years old."
The former slave glanced over at Chris. "Said it was one of the most profitable in New Orleans. Got the idea it was a pretty posh place, but it’s still a cat house. Said the lady who ran the place was some kind of family friend, and that Maude didn’t mind him being there. Never would have imagined he’d have anything like that in common with Buck."
Chris nearly bit his cigar in half in astonishment. "Maude worked in a whore house?"
Nathan’s eyes widened, and then he chuckled. "Don’t know if she did or not. Can’t quite see her doing that." He sobered. "Sort o’ got the impression that she wasn’t there. Was just some place she could leave him for awhile."
What sort of mother leaves a child at cat house? I mean, Buck’s momma worked there, she didn’t have anywhere else to go. I’m sure she’d have taken him some more appropriate for a child if she could have. Christ! Larabee, when are you gonna learn? You already know what she did to Ezra when he was thirteen. Vin told you that, you stupid SOB. He also told you she left him with people that weren’t fit to keep a dog much less a child. You really shouldn’t be surprised by this bit of information
Chris took a deep breath, and then another. "He…uh…he say if he liked being there?" Oh please tell me that he wasn’t subjected to abuse there. Please.
Nathan shrugged. "Seemed like he did. Got the impression he was real fond of the lady who ran the place." His expression turned rueful. "Sure was quick to defend her."
Chris raised an eyebrow, wondering about Nathan’s last statement. He chose not to ask. He was relieved to know that the gambler appeared to like the place. Chris found it heartening that not every where Ezra had stayed as a child had left scars.
"And the place in Virginia he mentioned?"
"Stayed with his uncle. From the way he talked about him, I’m pretty sure he liked him a lot. Got the impression his uncle was fond o’ Ezra too."
Chris nodded, digesting that tidbit. He was beginning to think maybe he should spend some time alone with Vin and Ezra. It seemed like Nathan learned more in one day than he had in one year. Chris almost felt jealous.
Focus here. The whole point of this was ta see if you couldn’t bring Nathan around to really seeing Ezra. Course, seems a bit like Ezra might just have done that on his own. Chris smiled. He reminded himself, yet again, to not underestimate the conman.
He looked to the corral. Ezra had stopped the filly in the center. He had her back up several steps. She tried to turn, uncomfortable with moving backward, but Ezra had her well in hand, getting her to do what he asked without having to force it. She snorted, tossing her head when Ezra allowed her to stand still. He patted her neck. Chris could see the gambler’s lips moving, but whatever he said was too soft to be heard.
Ezra used a steady pressure from his right leg, while keeping a tight rein, signaling that he didn’t want her to move forward, but rather to pivot her hindquarters, turning in place. When he’d gotten her to turn a full circle, he then sent her around in the opposite direction. He let her step out in a walk, moving once around the enclosure before turning her toward the gate.
"Nate…why don’t you get that gate for him?" Chris suggested, pulling a match out to light his cigarillo.
The healer stepped forward, reaching the gate the same time Ezra did. Ezra had just shifted his weight to step down, but resumed his seat at seeing Nathan’s approach. If he was surprised to see Nathan, it didn’t show.
"Let me get that for you, Ezra." Nathan offered even as he opened the gate.
"Thank you, Mr. Jackson." Ezra tipped his head politely. The filly moved easily through the gate and into the livery. The gambler raised an eyebrow when he noticed Chris leaning against wall, just inside the doorway, but he didn’t comment. Ezra dismounted and looped the reins around a nearby post.
When Ezra dismounted, Chris was surprised to note the saddle he’d been using was not his own but a McClellan Cavalry saddle. "Joining the army, Ez?"
"Pardon?" Ezra turned from where he was undoing the cinch to look at Chris.
The gunslinger pointed to the saddle. "If I’m not mistaken that’s a McClellan."
"You are indeed correct." Ezra smiled, dimples appearing for a moment. "However, I have no intention of joining the rank and file of the military, Chris. I simply find the lighter weight of this saddle to be easier on younger animals, such as this pretty little lady." Ezra patted the filly’s shoulder. "And its minimal nature makes greater connection between mount and rider easier to accomplish."
"She one of Yosemite’s new ones?" Chris asked even though he already knew the answer. He had seen Nathan lurking in the doorway and thought keeping the conversation going might draw the other man all the way back into the livery.
"She is indeed a recent acquisition." Ezra lifted the saddle from her back, and moved to place it on a near by rack. He retrieved a set of brushes that lay near by. They were not the same ones he used on Chaucer. Chris figured these belonged to Yosemite.
Ezra’s hands moved in sure, deft strokes. Chris knew it helped to add some sort of treat to the training, encouraging the animal to look forward to being worked, rather than being afraid, or hostile. If the filly’s stood hip shot posture, and half-closed eyes were anything to go by, she clearly enjoyed the attention.
"What’s her name?" Nathan asked. Chris was pleased he’d finally joined them.
"I believe the moniker Yosemite intends to ascribe to her is Rusty." Ezra made a mou of distaste, hands continuing to move in a steady rhythm. "Such a name is hardly fitting for a lovely lady. I believe I shall have to convince him to allow her to be graced with a more appropriate appellation."
"What ya got in mind, Ez?" He couldn’t resist asking, curious as to what name the gambler would come up with.
The gambler smiled. "Carmine."
Chris felt an answering smile tug at his lips. The name seemed to fit her far better than ‘Rusty’. He puffed on his cigar, content to wait and see if Nathan would say anything.
"Will she be as nice to ride as Buster?" Nathan asked.
"Better. Once properly schooled. " Ezra answered confidently. "Her gait is smoother. She is more responsive, more agile, and sure-footed than Buster. Although, Buster makes up for that by being stronger, calmer and having greater endurance." The conman shrugged one shoulder. "So to be fair, Mr. Jackson, which one is better depends on what task you intend to perform."
The gambler stopped brushing for a moment. Eyes flickered between Chris and Nathan before his hands resumed their task. "Was there something you gentlemen required?" Ezra raised an eyebrow, green eyes shuttered, giving away nothing but friendly curiosity.
Chris decided to answer honestly. Well, more or less. Okay, less than more. "Just like watching you work."
Ezra’s blatant look of disbelief lasted for less than a second, but Chris saw it. His next expression managed to somehow convey the same look Chris’ mother used to give him when she knew he’d lied. The gunslinger scowled. How the hell did he know I didn’t tell him everything? He was not going to feel guilty. He hadn’t done anything wrong.
Ezra ducked his head for a moment, and Chris suspected the other man was hiding a smile. He glared, knowing it was a futile gesture. He couldn’t really put as much heat into that look as he normally would. Ezra knowing him that well somehow didn’t seem like something to be upset about.
The conman turned his head, green eyes meeting Nathan’s darker counterparts squarely. "And you Mr. Jackson? You have come to satisfy your curiosity no doubt." Ezra’s tone was neutral, no sarcasm or hostility, a simple statement of facts.
Nathan nodded. He glanced toward Chris. The gunslinger could almost feel Nathan’s reluctance, knowing the man probably didn’t really want an audience when he apologized. Chris considered leaving, giving them some privacy when Nathan hesitantly admitted, "Wanted ta see ya work the horses for myself."
"And did you see enough to satisfy you?"
"Yeah." Nathan took deep breath. "I am sorry about yester—"
"I’ve already told you, Mr. Jackson, it isn’t necessary." Ezra made a dismissive motion with one hand.
"Yes it is." Nathan insisted firmly. He stepped forward, closer to Ezra. "I was wrong. About a lot of things." The last was offered quietly, contritely. "I know it. Know you do to."
Nathan sighed. "Just let me apologize. Please."
Ezra studied the other man for a minute. Chris didn’t know what he was looking for, but he kept a wary eye on Nathan, ready to intervene if necessary. Don’t say anything stupid. Just don’t. Let him think…You’re off to a good start here…Don’t push.
The gambler tipped his head. "Very well, Mr. Jackson. If you really feel so strongly that you need to--"
"I do." Nathan was quick to interrupt, not giving Ezra a chance to change his mind. "Never should have been so quick to jump to conclusions. It wasn’t fair to you." He smiled ruefully. "Wasn’t fair to me either."
Both of Ezra’s eyebrows rose. "Unfair to you? I’m not certain I follow."
"Thinking I knew who you were means I was missing out on the chance to really get to know you." Nathan explained quietly. "I’ve been thinking I’ll like the man I never met better than the one I thought you were."
"You might be mistaken about that." Ezra’s voice was soft, but the self-deprecating tone was readily apparent.
Chris frowned. He wanted to tell Ezra he was wrong, to convince him that there was nothing wrong with who and what he was. Since I finally got my head on straight about him, I’m right proud to call him friend. He couldn’t help but smile when Nathan beat him to it.
Nathan spoke resolutely, leaving no room for doubt. "Seems to me, underneath them big words, fine clothes, and fancy manners is real good guy. One I’d be proud to call friend." He hesitated for a beat. "That is if ya still want to be."
Ezra smiled easily, warmly. He casually tossed one brush to Chris who caught it without thinking. Ezra stuck out his right hand. "Ezra P. Standish, Sir."
Nathan grinned, shaking Ezra’s hand. "Nathan Jackson. Real pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure, Sir, is mine."
Nathan chuckled. He sobered quickly though, brown eyes earnest. "Can’t promise I won’t slip up now and again, Ezra. But I really am going to try my best not to. You have my word on that."
Ezra nodded. "That is all any one can ask of another. Your best, Mr. Jackson, will be more than sufficient."
"Ya think that since we’re starting fresh here…well sorta…that you could call me Nathan?"
Ezra’s expression did not change but his eyes sparkled, giving away his pleasure at hearing Nathan’s request. "Certainly, Nathan."
Chris breathed easier, fully relaxing for the first time since he’d spotted Nathan in the livery. This had gone better than he expected. He wasn’t naïve enough to believe there wouldn’t be further misunderstandings, but Nathan was no more inclined to give his word lightly than Ezra or Vin. He’d try to keep it, and Ezra knew it.
"You done for the day, Ez?" He asked. "I’m thinking a drink in the saloon would be good about now."
"There is a roan gelding that I’d like to work with before calling it a day. I have been lax in my responsibilities lately. But I do appreciate the offer."
Chris snorted. "Don’t think lax is how I’d describe it. Nothing wrong with giving yourself time to heal up."
"Nonetheless, there are tasks that remain to be completed."
"You mind if we stay and watch the show?" Nathan asked.
"You are more than welcome to observe." The gambler shrugged one shoulder. He pulled the filly’s reins loose from where he’d looped them earlier, putting his remaining brush on a nearby shelf. As he started to lead her toward the side corral where Yosemite usually turned the stock out he commented, "Although, I fail to see what could possibly be so interesting. This town really suffers from a dearth of quality entertainment."
Chris shook his head. He shared an amused look with Nathan. They waited for Ezra to return. He came back leading the roan gelding he’d mentioned.
"What’s this ones name?" Chris asked, wondering if Ezra thought the gelding might need a name changes as well. He suspected he did. Yosemite just isn’t real imaginative when it comes to naming his horse.
"I believe he as been dubbed ‘Freckles’." The gambler laughed, patting the horse on the shoulder as he did so.
Nathan grinned. "You gonna recommend something better for him too?"
Ezra cocked his head to one side. "I will leave it to you gentlemen to find a more fitting moniker." He winked. "We can discuss what you come up with over a drink when I have finished with ‘Freckles’ lesson."
"Sounds good, Ez." Chris smiled.
+ + + + + + +
Vin sighed, comfortable and content. He sat on the floor, with his back braced against the bed, legs stretched out in front of him, crossed at the ankles. Ezra sat on the bed, legs spread almost cradling Vin in a warm embrace. The gambler’s agile fingers gently worked their way through Vin’s long hair, freeing knots and tangles smoothly, without tugging or pulling. Vin had washed it earlier, but had done no more than run his fingers through it, preferring to let Ezra do a more thorough job with it. His hair would shine when Ezra was finished, the curls temporarily tamed into smooth, cascading waves.
Were it possible, he’d stay where he was forever. Of all the pleasures Ezra had introduced to him, few rivaled simply letting Ezra brush his hair. Vin sighed again, enjoying the feel of soft bristles running over his scalp, massaging slightly as they did.
Ezra told him about his meeting with Chris and Nathan in the stable, his hands never halting in their steady, almost hypnotic rhythm. Vin made a small sound of approval. He was pleased with how well things had turned out, having not expected Nathan to come around so soon.
About time they are on first name basis. Makes Chris, Buck, JD, and now Nathan. Still gonna keep an eye on Nate for a bit though. Just in case. Not that I think he’ll go back on his word. Nate ain’t the kind o’ man to do that intentionally. But the man has a lifetime o’ habit ta overcome, and well shit happens. Best to be prepared for when it does. And speakin’ o’ being prepared, we still got Josiah ta worry about.
"You think o’ some way ta tell Josiah ‘bout us?"
Ezra’s hands stilled for a moment before resuming their task. "As yet…no." The gambler chuckled softly. "To be honest, Cheri, I was more worried about how things would turn out with Nathan since you seemed rather bent on that course of action."
"Worked out all right." Vin felt compelled to point out.
"It did indeed." He felt Ezra place a kiss in his hair. "But I am still not sure it was worth the risk. He and I had…if not an equitable relationship, at the very least an understanding. It was not absolutely necessary to force the issue."
Vin snorted. "Understanding…yeah, right. That’s what ya got now, not what ya had then." He squeezed one of Ezra’s legs. "You are worth any risk. And it was necessary." He kept his voice low, but firm. He wanted his lover to believe that. He received a quick squeeze of his shoulder by way of acknowledgement.
"Do you think it might be wise to involve the others in finding a way to inform Josiah?"
Vin considered that. Chris had been helpful with Nathan. He might be able to help with Josiah as well. And I already told Chris that we might have ta tell Josiah rather than wait for him ta ask.
"Might not be a bad idea." Vin chuckled dryly. "Especially since neither o’ us seem to know how ta do it."
Ezra laughed softly. "Call up reinforcements?"
"Sure." Vin agreed easily. "What good is having the other four knowing and being in our corner if we ain’t gonna make the most of it?"
"A good point." Ezra agreed. Vin could hear the smile in his lover’s voice even if he couldn’t see it. "However, I think it might be nice if we just allowed ourselves some time to enjoy the fact that for the moment, all is right with the world."
"Sure, Ez." Vin could understand that sentiment. It was one he shared. Be nice to just sort o’ relax. Not worry ‘bout it. Don’t gotta jump from frying pan to the fire right this minute. An’ I know he isn’t trying ta avoid the whole issue…any more than I am. Just want to breath for a bit. "It’ll keep."
Ezra’s arms came around to circle his chest in a loose hug. The gambler’s lips brushed against his ear. "We are agreed then?" That question was whisper soft, little more than a puff of warm air.
Vin shivered when Ezra’s warm, wet tongue that traced the curve of his ear. "I think enough of today has been focused elsewhere, Cheri." Another soft whisper. "There are better, more important things for us to devote our energies on."
The lanky tracker swallowed hard, his buckskin pants suddenly way too tight. The only thing better than letting Ezra brush his hair, was making love. "You…ah…think there is something else we should maybe spend some time doing."
"Definitely." Ezra’s lips found that spot on his neck that made him go weak in the knees. The gambler sucked lightly, and then oh so gently nibbled. "Something far more…enjoyable. Don’t you agree?"
Vin grinned, turning just enough so that he could make eye contact. Like I’m gonna say no to that. "Definitely."
Chris had not yet put Ezra back on the patrol roster, telling the gambler to take one more day before resuming his full duties. That meant they had the rest of the evening, and the wee hours of the morning to focus on each other. Would have ta be a damn fool to not take advantage o’ that. Neither one o’ us is fools.
Vin smiled as he reached up to pull Ezra close enough to kiss, intent on making the most of the time allotted, starting now. Anything else would just have to wait until later. Much later.
The end
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