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Dawn had come to waken the world as Ezra was finishing up his self- appointed chores in the saloon. An interesting game had kept him up quite late, enough for him to send the fading Inez home with a smile and a wave. The senorita had gone easily, trusting the gambler to see to the operation´s needs before retiring up to his room. He threw the small hand towel onto the kitchen counter and strolled back into the barroom, enjoying the silence and calm that pervaded the deserted interior. The southerner thought to step outside for a moment, to get in a few deep pulls of the fresh morning air before going to sleep for a few hours. He was to have dinner with Vin and the others tonight, and tomorrow was their anniversary. He could hardly wait. He thought again of the gift he´d gotten, his certainty that it was right still with him. The gambler was anxious to present it.The southerner was almost out the batwing doors when the sound of hooves fast approaching made him draw back inside, hands firm about the tops of the swinging panels to still them shut again. Without thinking he sucked in a breath and held it, crouching against the doorframe so he could peer outside using the narrow gap the hinges made to observe the street. It wasn´t long before a group of men could be seen, riding low, the unmistakable air of being ready for violence surrounding them. Ezra licked his lips and finally let his breath out on a soft exhale, mentally figuring the odds and how best to overcome seven well-armed men on his own. With any luck Vin is up and moving but not yet gone for patrol. That makes two of us…I shall just have to hope that a few of the others are roused into action as well.
On silent feet he crept backwards into the saloon, turning only after he was well in the shadows and darting out the back door. He went around the far side of the building, moving so he was now at the gang´s rear. Carefully the gambler leaned out past the corner of the building, surveying the men as they moved about. So far they had made no efforts to move towards the bank, which was the most likely target in the small town for a band of outlaws. Either they are waiting for something before they strike, or the bank is not their quarry… His thoughts took him to the events of the past few days; the men that had ridden into town, gotten liquored and fled, up only to be chased down and jailed. Ezra exhaled sharply. No doubt they were here for a jailbreak, and they were probably waiting as one of them went to scout and secure the lockup before the rest moved in. More than one of them had been killed as well. That would only add to the ire of the attackers.
He was moving to creep back around the building, thinking to make it to the jail and assist Nathan, who was on duty at the moment. He didn´t like the idea of the healer facing the angry mob on his own. When he stood he encountered a bit of bad timing – just as he moved one of the men had wheeled about on his horse to check their unguarded back, and for a second their eyes locked. Ezra cursed and dove back behind the wall, body low to the ground as shots were fired towards him, a few taking small half-circles out of the wooden corner just above his head. He listened as the horse shifted and moved, knew the rider who had discovered him was coming his way. The cardsharp remained in position, his only weapon of surprise being that he was nonthreatening. He hoped it would be enough. Soon he could feel the animal looming over him, the hot breath surging from the moist nostrils tickling his exposed left hand. Still he remained, waiting for the other man to act. He moved slowly to obey the harshly barked,
“Iffen yer alive Mister, best ya jes git up…gots ‘nough goin´ on without havin´ ta deal wit some fancy man pokin hisself where he don´t have business bein.” Ezra turned, hands raised at about shoulder level. He smiled charmingly, laughing a little as he spoke.
“My fine Sir, I do apologize for hindering you in the course of apprehending your cohorts presently detained in our fair burg.” Brows furrowed over a dirty face, and the man spit.
“Jes here fer a jailbreak, Mister. And iffen ya don´t wanna get broke yerself, I´d suggestin´ ya move out the way.” Now that the gambler had the confirmation he needed he steadied his nerves, taking in a last long breath before acting. He inclined his head.
“I merely apologized as it is gentlemanly to do such. And I must counter your considerate directive with one of my own, seeing as thwarting your attempt is my job.” He rose so he was on his knees, back fully extended. The southerner narrowed his gaze, green eyes becoming dangerous slits against his pale skin. “You have this one warning, Sir, to surrender where you stand, or I shall be forced to take action against you and the rest of your troupe.” The man on horseback shifted a little, throwing his head back in a bark of laughter. Ezra watched his hand tighten on the gun held in his hand, knew in moments the cretin was going to be taking his shot. An evil grin curled the man´s stubbled face, and he drawled,
“Sure, Mister.” Ezra threw his right hand forward, fingers automatically closing about his released derringer. He fired one of the small bullets, landing it squarely in the criminal´s forehead. The southerner snapped to his feet, catching the lurching body and easing it to the ground. With a shout he mounted up on the slain man´s horse and urged the animal to ride down the center of the street towards the remaining cluster of invaders. As he neared the gambler turned the beast so they approached at a slight angle, and he threw his right leg over so his whole body was on the far side of the big gray from the gunmen he was riding towards. He thrust his booted heel into the dangling stirrup from underneath the moving flanks, left hand gripping the saddle horn, the weight of each keeping him relatively balanced in his precarious position.
As they trotted he fired his Remington, working to provide distraction if nothing else hoping his comrades would soon come to his aid. The air next to his ear burned, and he looked down long enough to see a frayed hole had been punctured through the bunched fabric of his coat. He clenched his teeth and cursed, moving to take aim at the man who had damaged yet another fine jacket. Before he could fire the man fell, the fatal gunshot sounding to his right and above. He looked up to see Buck leaning out of a window above the saloon, chest and shoulders bare, gunbelt draped around the curled arm that held him suspended outside of the open portal. The mustached man didn´t even pause, and Ezra turned back to men he was rapidly gaining ground on while the rogue continued firing.
They had abandoned their attempts to shoot him off the horse and were now working to gain entrance to the jail. The southerner pulled up on the saddle and righted himself again, bearing down fast. Two of the felons were off their mounts and at the door now, one holding a gun at the ready while the other kicked at the sturdy wood panel. When it broke in Ezra urged the animal a little faster, wanting to get there before Nathan´s position would be completely compromised. He knew relief when the man who had entered the jail staggered back and fell, one of the healer´s long knives pointing towards the sky where it quivered, buried in the now unseeing eye socket. The gambler pressed on, kicking out as he rode past one of the men turning in his saddle to fire back at Buck´s position. He heard the man grunt and fall. The sharp thunder of a rifle broke through the chaos and he watched as one more of them were felled, and he knew the shot could only come from his lover. Now only two remained. Making the first sound decision of their morning both men dropped their guns and raised their hands in surrender. Ezra dropped from the saddle in a running dismount, fast steps carrying him the rest of the distance to the jail. He looked to his left to see Vin running close as well, and they nodded at one another, approaching the small building together. The southerner lifted his hands to cup around his mouth, and he called,
“Mr Jackson?” When there was no answer Vin took to one side of the kicked-in door, Ezra to the other. He watched as the tracker bobbed his head once, then twice, knowing they would move on the third. He tensed his body, ready to strike, when the healer came to the door, one of his long knifes in his hand. Dark eyes took in the scene outside of the jail and his tall frame relaxed. He grinned widely as he replaced the blade to his back harness.
“Ez, Vin – thanks.” The gambler lifted two fingers to his hat, smiling, the tension from his own body alleviating now that he knew everyone was accounted for. He was relieved the former slave had been unharmed, and a quick glance towards his lover told him the Texan was uninjured as well. All three men turned sharply when Buck approached, the lanky man now in pants and his guns. He wasn´t even wearing his boots. The ladies man huffed a little, rolling his eyes, coming to a stop to stand in the street in front of them.
“Son of a bitch – two mornings in a row now. How do ya figure.” The rogue shook his head, hands busy as he finished securing his gunbelt around his waist. Ezra took a step away, remembering the men who were still needing to be dealt with. With efficiency they loaded them into the jail cell with the survivors from yesterday´s escapades, the mustached man grabbing one by the arm, and Vin dragging the other while the Nathan and the southerner kept the others pinned into the cell. One of the men who had been locked up overnight snarled,
“Ya goddamm lawmen! That´s my brother ya killed out there!” The gambler shook his head while clucking his tongue, shoving the angry man aside so the new prisoners could be added to the barred room. When the door was closed and locked he stepped away, turning back to comment,
“There would be no cause for your sibling to be here, Sir, were it not for your actions of yesterday.” The scoundrel pursed his lips then spat out at the cardsharp, who neatly sidestepped to avoid the flying spittle. Ezra shook his head disdainfully and turned on his heel to exit. The true shame is that none of them see how unnecessary a loss all this is. It was something he´s mulled over many times after dealing with such men, and he found himself unable to fully understand or forgive the thoughtlessness. Once outside he surveyed the street, not looking forward to dealing with the bodies strewn there, or running after the now spooked horses that were and pacing nervously about. Buck shook his head and muttered,
“Why do these fellas always gotta have brothers?” Ezra couldn´t help it – he laughed aloud, the sound open and easy, making his companions laugh as well. It was a question he often asked himself. He sighed and shook his head, taking the few steps back down to the street to start about the business of clean up. Before he´d made it very far Nathan´s voice called after him,
“You just get the horses, Ez. You´re the best with them, and I´d appreciate that. Far as the bodies go – me and Buck will take care of ‘em. Know how tired ya gotta be.” The gambler stopped in his tracks, angling his head to look back over his shoulder at the healer. The words and sentiment behind them warmed his belly, and he just inclined his head, lifting his fingers again in a salute. The ladies man grunted, leaning over to grab the ankles of the corpse still in front of the jail, Nathan hurrying over to help him. Ezra listened as the healer added to his instructions, “Vin, why doncha help Ez. Then you can see he gets to his room and rested. Don´t want him out here longer than necessary, what with a full jail and not knowing what else might be coming. He´ll need his sleep.” The tracker had agreed wordlessly, and now the two men were easing their way towards the anxious animals, crooning and doing their best to soothe while they secured the riderless mounts.
They went slowly but it paid off, and finally all seven horses were rounded up and delivered to the livery. Yosemite appeared and took them easily, shooing the peacekeepers away, saying he and the stable hand could take it from there. Ezra didn´t argue – the adrenaline rush and necessary actions of the morning after being awake for nearly two days had him quite ready to clean up a little and crawl into bed. He glanced over at his mate, the lean man matching his stride as they walked towards the saloon, and he smiled softly. Even tired as I am all things feel right when Vin is around…with him here I couldn´t be happier. As if reading his thoughts the tracker looked back at him, and Ezra watched as a spark flared to life in those blue eyes, and suddenly his wrist was being held in a tight clasp, the sharpshooter dragging him to the side of the saloon instead of the main door. Once in the alley the Texan pushed the southerner´s smaller frame against the wooden wall, cursing as he lowered his head.
“Jesus, Ez – why do ya gotta go and do stuff like that? Thought I felt my heart stop when I watched ya riding towards them like ya did, jus´ one big and open easy target.” The gambler put his hands on each of the tracker´s shoulders in a firm grip, working to stop the man from coming any closer so he could answer. For a moment he couldn´t, as seeking lips found his own, capturing him for a long kiss. When he was finally able to move away he answered breathlessly,
“It was what I deemed necessary action considering the circumstance.” He watched as Vin shook his head, blue eyes very dark now – a mixture of anger, concern and passion.
“Ya saw how fast we all were able ta come and help ya. Coulda stayed behind the saloon once ya popped that guy, then we could have taken them out together.” Ezra pursed his lips and shook his head,
“Vin, Nathan was vulnerable. I had no way of knowing that Buck would be sleeping in that room overlooking the street, nor that you hadn´t gone on patrol yet. I did what I believed was required.” The ex-bounty hunter pressed closer, hands roaming under the green coat, on up the muscled chest until a finger could poke out of the bullet hole. Blue eyes looked at him meaningfully.
“Don´t gotta take such chances with yer life, Ez. We´d have gotten it worked out. I know ya were thinking of Nate, and ya should and I admire that. But ya also gotta think about me…please,” he whispered hoarsely, leaning close to nip at Ezra´s face, working his way towards the gambler´s lips. “Don´t know what I´d do iffen I had ta watch ya getting gunned down in the street. Understand?” The question was never answered, as the Texan stopped any reply by covering the southerner´s mouth in a hard, demanding kiss.
Ezra closed his eyes, for a moment forgetting everything but how good it felt, how right it always was to be loved by Vin. He too had been afraid, those very thoughts flashing before his eyes as he´d ridden down the street. But it wasn´t possible to leave Nathan in such a position when he wasn´t certain more help was available, so he´d done what he felt he must, and prayed that once more Lady Luck would guide her favored son. He groaned when the tracker pushed even closer, feeling his lover´s burgeoning erection grinding against his hip. The sound of Buck yelling pulled him from his haze, and he worked away from the persistent lips. Vin simply pressed on, moving down his cheek to nibble at the spot behind his ear that always made him water- kneed. The ladies man called again, and though the gambler was aware it was a conversation between the rogue and the healer, it was a sudden, cold reminder of where they were and what they were doing. He stiffened and pushed away, and for a minute the two men tussled a little. When Vin stepped back Ezra shook his head, grabbing the reaching hand to still it. He bit out,
“Not here.” Lacking all of his usual grace he simply drug his lover behind him, making quickly for the back stairs to escape to his room.
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Vin heard the door shut and he turned immediately, throwing his hat to land somewhere to his left, shouldering out of his coat as he advanced. In moments he had Ezra wrapped in a tight embrace, lips tasting every bit of skin they could find as he blazed a trail to the southerner's mouth. Comin´ up here´s a better idea…Ez is right…be damn uncomfortable in the alley…and hafta get up ta come up here ta snuggle anyway… He was walking them towards the bed, thinking to get his lover on it. Strong hands clamped around his arms just below the elbows causing the Texan to finally yelp a little, feeling suddenly weak when the fingers dug into a pressure point. He involuntarily fell away from the compact form he was holding.
The gambler took advantage and gave him a slight shove, and Vin landed with a grunt in the rocker pulled next to the bed. His arms shot out and he snapped a hand against the bed and the wall, preventing him from falling back completely, then rocked forward again. Ezra's foot planted right at his crotch, stilling the chair from further motion. When the seat had come to a stop the southerner stepped away and looked down at Vin, green eyes intense. The tracker bit his lip and closed his eyes for a minute. He knew his mate was angry but didn't really know why. After a long silence he asked hesitantly,
"Ez? Something bothering ya?" He watched as the southerner moved about the room in precise but slightly jerky movements, removing his hat, sliding his jacket off and hanging it in the closet, removing the cufflinks and placing them on the dresser. As the conman rolled his sleeves a few times he stepped closer to the sharpshooter again, eyes still piercing into Vin's. When no answer came the Texan said, "Yer mad at me." Ezra closed his eyes briefly and let out a sigh through his teeth. The tracker watched him as he came the last step closer then crouched in front of him, and hands reached out to hold the ones he'd let drop into his lap. Green eyes held his steadily.
"I will admit I am a little, yes. But mostly right now I am trying to fight back my own want of letting you do what you'd intended after we'd come up here." His head tilted to the side, regarding Vin seriously. The hands holding his tightened. "We can never again do what happened in the alley just now, do you understand me? Never." The longhaired man felt his face flush hot with anger and a touch of embarrassment he worked to push away. He tried to jerk his hands out of the firm grip but failed, then asked,
"Why not? Ya didn't argue when I wanted it from ya yesterday. Seem ta remember ya being more than willing ta let me do what I wanted." He watched as Ezra licked his lips, could tell his lover was trying to compose his words.
"That was different Vin." When he scoffed a little the southerner shifted, going onto one knee and boosting up, brow raised. He didn't look like he was happy to be having this argument, and Vin thought for the first time he was going to be given a stern dressing- down by the southerner. But after a long pause the green-eyed man sighed and continued in a reasonable tone, "Let me address that first, then I'll get to what I mean about today - though I suspect you already know what the issue surrounding that is." The gambler stopped long enough to back his way onto the bed, sitting on the edge, hooking a booted foot under the rocker to drag Vin closer. He settled himself then reached out to recapture one of the tracker's hands. "The desert was different because it was more or less safe. We knew where everyone was, and which direction they were heading. We had also just scouted that area and knew there to be no one else around. There was little chance for discovery -something I knew very well, so it seemed small risk to indulge as we did. Today...” He trailed off, and he pursed his lips. Vin watched him rub at an eye with his free hand, suddenly struck by how tired his lover looked. He'd forgotten the southerner had yet to get some sleep. His mate sighed, and said in a faintly chastising voice, "Vin – today was in town. You hauled me into that alley and would have done much more than I allowed if you'd had your way.
How would you have felt if JD ran around that corner thinking one of us had been harmed and was coming to investigate? Or JD and Buck as well...with maybe even Miss Wells trailing behind?" Vin felt his face grow even hotter, an uncomfortable tightness closing about his chest. Still his lover continued. "Better yet, what if Mrs Wells had come charging back and discovered you with a hand down the front of my pants?" The tracker closed his eyes, not wanting to think about that image at all, visions assailing him despite his best efforts. The gambler finished, "If every time we experience danger you want to drag me away for a quick fuck, it will be extremely difficult at best to conceal our relationship." Vin nodded, eyes still closed. He said hoarsely,
"I know, Ez. Jus' that...seeing ya doin' what ya were, and thinking ya shot...I was jus' so worried, then so relieved. And I had all this extra energy jus' buzzing through me after the fight. All I could think about was making sure you were all right, getting close enough ta touch ya and check fer myself." He opened his eyes to stare at his love. "Ain't like yer always forthcoming iffen you've been hit, especially if ya decide it ain't no big deal." The gambler inclined his head, conceding the point, but before he could say anything Vin held up his free hand. "But yer right. It can't happen in town, no matter what. And it can't even happen if we're on the trail with only the others as company. Can't see wanting to explain ta them what I'm doing and why anymore than I do ta Nettie." He paused, then looked away, blue eyes downcast. He said on a whisper, "Real sorry, Ez. It was a mistake. A big one. Knew that when I grabbed ya, but still I wanted it." To his surprise the southerner leaned forward and kissed his forehead, then eased back onto the bed. Vin turned back to look at the beloved green eyes, now gentler then they'd been since the gunfight.
"I know, Love. I get worried too - never believe otherwise. But we simply cannot afford to take such a risk." Green eyes grew darker, a slight trace of desperation visible in their depths. "I could not bear it if we were discovered, and because of it you were taken from me. Were all fair and equal I'd shout from the rooftops of Four Corners that we were lovers and the rest be damned, but it isn't. I've known of men being drummed from their homes for this...and much worse. I won't see it happen to you." Vin nodded. He knew what the gambler was saying, had heard -and seen such instances himself. It was something he'd fight with his last breath against letting happen to his mate. But Ez is right. Gropin' him in an alley ain't exactly the best way ta keep this under wraps. Damn, Tanner...thought ya knew better. He squared his shoulders.
"Won't happen again. I promise." Ezra smiled, dimples peeking out, charming Vin completely despite his distress. The southerner nodded and repeated,
"I know, Love." Vin expected more; a query of reassurance, a vow of some sort to be agreed upon, but the conman demanded nothing else. His belly warmed with how easily his spirit had trusted and believed him, and the tracker knew he wouldn't let his lover down. He made to push out of the chair but was prevented. The Texan slid back into it and quirked a brow in question. Ezra swallowed once but held the sharpshooter's gaze evenly, voice clear as he spoke.
"There is something more - something I think should be addressed before this matter is resolved." Vin nodded encouragingly and the southerner continued. "Your passion for me is rather more...intense following altercations. And though I understand that your rationale at this time comes predominately from your concern for me, I fear it could grow...” The tracker made a clicking noise with his tongue, causing the conman to stop. His mate tilted his head, green eyes a little wider. Vin moved so he could balance on the edge of the seat, and tightened his hold on the hand in his.
"Iffen we always indulge after fights, when my blood is going and my heart just pumping like mad, yer afraid that our lovin' will grow inta something ain't neither of us are gonna like after awhile - something...” He paused, trying to think of the way to phrase his feelings. After a beat he started again. "If I do always drag ya off and we have something quick and good on that kinda high, yer worried that we'll start ta hunger fer that, need the rush jus' fer the sex ta even start - which makes it jus' fucking – or even less – and that ain't what we do, ain't what we are." His mouth teased in a grin. "Don't get me wrong, Ez - I like the times we go at it fast and hard, but I understand what ya mean by this. I'd never want ta get taken over by that kinda kink, have it overshadow my want of ya otherwise." Green eyes were warm open, and his smile grew when his heart grinned at him. The gambler nodded his head.
"Exactly." An elegant brow waggled over those dancing green eyes. "Which is not to say all kinks are bad - but one like that can get dangerous, and as you said, we could eventually come to a place where it adversely affects our relationship." Vin nodded back. The southerner leaned close again and they shared a satisfying kiss. When his lover pulled away he simply boosted himself further onto the bed, reaching up and freeing the comforter from where it was tucked next to the headboard. With efficient movements sure feet kicked out of shiny black dress boots, then the smaller man was getting into the bed. Chestnut curls eased down onto one of the fluffy pillows, and a green eye winked while a hand patted at the other pillow. Vin stood up and toed out of his own boots, then climbed into the bed, grinning back.
"Good thinking Ez. Nate did say fer me ta make sure ya got some rest." He settled himself, drawing the muscled form so it fit tightly against his own. Trying to shift as little as possible he felt for and found the edge of the blanket and tucked it around them. For a time they just breathed together, enjoying the contentment brought about by proximity. Vin pulled back so he could gaze at the handsome face resting against his chest. "Ez?" Lids fluttered open to reveal sleepy green eyes, and the gambler hummed a little in a questioning noise.
"Jus' so ya know...I've never needed a gunfight or something else ta get my blood goin' about ya. Iffen I see ya walking down the street, those perfect hips a yours jus' swinging and swaying as ya go, sunlight sparkin' in your green eyes, face relaxed or smiling if your talkin' with JD or somebody - that's enough. More than enough ta curl my toes right up inta my boots, make me wanna run inta the middle of the street and mark ya, claim ya for my own." He chuckled softly. "It's a wonder we've made it this long without giving someone in this town the surprise of their lives." He watched as sensuous lips pulled into a pleased smile, green eyes glowing with love as they gazed at him. The gambler pushed forward and they shared a long kiss, hands moving lazily along each other's bodies. When at last they broke apart the chestnut curls nuzzled back against his chest, coming to rest on his shoulder. He heard on a drawled sigh,
"Thank you, Vin." It was simple and unexpected, but it made his heart dance happily. There was nothing that compared to giving his love confidence and pleasure. He pulled Ezra closer and said quietly in a husky voice,
"Ya go onta sleep now. I know how tired ya are. We'll join the boys for some dinner in awhile. How's that?" His only answer was a bare vibration on an exhale right before his lover surrendered completely. Vin cupped his chin around the top of Ezra's head, rocking it a little to make a comfortable spot for his head on the pillow they were sharing. His eyes closed easily, and in moments he too was enjoying a deep, dreamless sleep.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra moved about the large room, setting things out, positioning them to be ‘just so.´ He was working at preparing the welcome for his lover, their anniversary day now upon them. It was just after breakfast. He´d waited in his room until he knew the sharpshooter had gone on patrol then sprang into action, wanting the whole of his surprise to be in place when the other man returned. The southerner exited the large room and headed down the hall, setting the things in his arms down as he went, arranging his and Vin´s personal belongings here and there. After awhile more of puttering he´d finally found a place for everything and he made himself stop, not wanting the place to feel too settled when the Texan arrived. It was something that should be completed together. He nipped down the set of steps to the kitchen, intent on working as much as could be done ahead of time for their dinner.
He knew Vin had already approached Chris after the group had shared a meal last night, had asked their leader about switching patrol. The idea was for the two to have a leisurely time the following morning, wake up together with no impending distractions. The tracker had returned to their table with an easy nod, the cardsharp knowing immediately that the blond had agreed. The rest of the evening he´d spent keyed up, his anticipation derailing his interest in card playing. Instead the gambler had made his usual rounds about the town, stopping into the places to check on the final arrangements he´d set up for the next day before settling into his room to read. He´d been lucky to sleep the few hours he´d managed. He couldn´t remember a time he´d been this excited about an event, and he wanted to make it perfect for them. A quick glance at his pocket watch told him he had a few more hours before Vin was due back, and he upped his pace a little. There was plenty to be accomplished, and he still had to speak with Josiah. He´d decided to get everything as organized and ready as possible before his brief assigned stint at the jail, then he´d have plenty of time for a bath and would be able to get back to await the return of his lover.
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