Disclaimer: Magnificent Seven does not belong to me and never will. This story is for enjoyment only.
Author's Note: All spelling and grammar errors are mine. I am not an English teacher. This is for fun.
These stories could contain the following bondage, violence and always-graphic m/m sex. If this is not your cup of tea do not read it.
Main Characters: Chris and Vin
Feedback welcome, no flames. Thanks
Vin hurried into the livery and saddled Peso. After he had tossed his full saddlebags over the horse Vin climbed into the saddle.He was done with this town. Granted it would be completely dark out in a few hours but at least he would put some distance between him and this town and the men he used to call friends. The bullshit had been going on for almost four days and he was tired of being treated like he was a fool, a liar or a stupid idiot. He'd ride out and say goodbye to Nettie and take off. Maybe give Nettie a message to pass onto Buck and JD. He wanted them to know he appreciated them believing him.
It was all David Earlson's fault. David Earlson was an old friend of Larabee's from the war; a former doctor who was so smooth it made Vin sick. The rest of the guys had fallen for the bastard's smooth oily charm. No not all the guys, Buck and JD believed that Earlson wasn't a good guy
The rest of the guys just thought he had been imagining things with Earlson. Of course Vin had to admit that if it hadn't happened to him, he'd have a hard time believing himself to.
Earlier in the day
Vin had to admit that when the older man had cornered Vin in the alley by his wagon the former bounty hunter had been shocked and furious. He could not believe what the guy wanted to do to Vin and what he wanted Vin to do to him.After he had told the guy to back off, Vin had turned to leave. He should never have turned his back, but he thought what with Earlson being Chris's friend, the guy would just leave him alone.
Wrong! The next thing Vin knew a foul smelling rag was slapped over his nose and mouth and darkness descended. When he awoke he was in his wagon, gagged, his wrists and ankles tied, and his shirt undone. His wagon was closed up so no one just walking by could see inside. Besides hardly anyone every came back to the corner of the alley where he had parked his wagon.
Earlson was sitting next to him. The larger man was letting his eyes rove over the lithe form tied up and at his mercy. Damn the boy was the hottest thing he had seen in awhile. He wanted that ass to close around his cock and squeeze him dry, but this wasn't the place for that activity, he'd have to bide his time. He just wanted to play right now. He just wanted to terrify the young man.
There was very little room in the wagon, certainly not enough for two men when one was the size of Earlson. Earlson was taller than Buck and had shoulders bigger than Josiah did. There didn't seem to be an ounce of fat on his big frame.
Vin had frozen when the man had stroked his fingers through his hair, down his cheek and then began to move down his chest. When Vin had started to struggle, Earlson had pulled out Vin's own knife and laid it across the bound man's crotch. Vin knew that even though he thankfully had his jeans on, the knife was sharp enough to cut through the fabric easily.
As Vin stopped struggling, Earlson had smiled. He praised Vin for being so smart to know who was in control. Earlson had kept the knife in place letting the other hand drift back up the chest. As Vin felt his nipples being touched and pinched he moaned in fear and shame. He turned his head to the side so the big man could not see tears filling his eyes.
Earlson shifted and placed his arm across Vin's throat, holding the young man in place. Vin was totally helpless. The knife at his crotch and the arm threatening to cut off his air terrified him.
Vin jerked as he felt Earlson lean down and start to lick and gently bite at his nipples. It would have surprised Vin's friends to know that Vin had not been with a woman for years. The bounty had stopped any intimate moments. The young man had never been with a man before. Oh men had asked, but they had always been turned down. No one had ever pushed or just taken from him.
Vin shut his eyes, praying for the animal to just leave him alone.
Earlson put the knife in his other hand and placed it against Vin's throat. He quickly undid Vin's jeans and pulled out the limp cock. When Vin jerked in response, Earlson had pressed the knife into the tanned throat, but he had been very careful not to draw blood.
Seeing Vin surrender to the inevitable, Earlson began to suck and lick the cock he held. Vin was fighting the sensations, but it had been to long and Earlson knew just how to manipulate him. Vin arched up as he shot his seed down the older man's throat. The bastard actually licked him dry nibbling on his cockhead.
Lying back limply, Vin waited for Earlson to take him or kill him. To his surprise, the older man had tucked his cock back into his jeans and buttoned up his shirt.
Patting Vin on the cheek the man had said, "That was just a sample, Vin my boy. I just couldn't wait to taste you. Just to let you know no one will believe you if you tell them what happened. After all I have a wife and three kids waiting for me back east. I am a successful lawyer and an upstanding member of the community. Who are you? A former bounty hunter, tracker, sharpshooter and you used to live among the Indian. Compared to me you are nothing. Even your friends won't believe you. You've made it plain you didn't like me from the beginning. They'll think you're just jealous because of my long friendship with Chris. Have to give you credit. No one has seen through me as fast as you did. Of course I noticed you right off. Trying to hide in clothes that are to big and hang on you. Wearing that hat that hides those big blue eyes and that gorgeous face. The whiskers to make yourself look older. Your disguise might fool others, but not me. I knew you were one fine looking boy and that before I left Four Corners I would have you. Now I'm going to leave, but I'll be back to finish this. Next time I'll be balls deep inside you fucking you through the wagon floor. Now I'm going to leave and you just stay right there. If you try anything I'll have my partner kill that lady reporter and her kid. Didn't know I had a partner…huh…yeah I do and only I know where he's at."
Vin paled and began to shake as Earlson made his threats.
Earlson had untied the younger man and made sure that no one was watching as he left the wagon. Unbeknownst to him, Ricky Townsend was playing behind some barrels and saw the man leave Vin's wagon. Hearing noise coming from inside the ten-year-old crept over and peeked into the wagon. He saw Vin curled on his side crying. As Vin shifted to sit up, Ricky took off for home.
The ten-year-old was scared. He had never seen Vin so upset, he and Vin were good friends. If that man had hurt Vin then that man must be real mean. Ricky figured if that man would hurt Vin then he would hurt Ricky to so the boy decided not to tell anyone what he had seen. Besides, Ricky reasoned, Chris Larabee was Vin's friend and the gunfighter would not let that man get by with hurting Vin.
Unbeknownst to Ricky, the black clad gunslinger did not think anything had happened to Vin.
When Vin got control of himself he decided that he needed to let his friends know what kind of man Earlson was. No matter what Vin just knew that his friends would believe him and not some stranger.
He found Nathan and Josiah at the church. After getting out what had happened, Nathan had made Vin sit down and checked him out.
There were no marks on Vin to show that he had been sexually assaulted. Earlson had used Vin's bandannas to tie him with; they had left no marks. Vin realized with a sinking heart that kissing, and licking wouldn't leave any marks either. Nathan and Josiah tried to be nice, but is was clear to Vin that they wondered if he had made it up because he didn't like Chris spending so much time with his old friend.
Next were Chris and Ezra, he found them both in the saloon. He got the same response, just not as nice.
Ez basically told him that since he was not used to cultured people that was why he did not like Earlson. He suggested that Vin just wander off into the wilderness and commune with nature and the animals until he relaxed and quit stirring up trouble.
In desperation Vin looked to Chris, the one man he thought would believe him. Chris just glared at him and told him to grow up. Said that he couldn't expect Chris to spend all his time with the sharpshooter. Chris said that Earlson was a great guy and Vin was just suspicious of everyone.
Vin felt his eyes fill with tears, he had hurried out of the saloon and down the alley towards his wagon. Blinded by his tears, and wounded by his friend's disbelief, Vin was not aware of the man following him.
The next thing he knew Earlson had slammed him up against the wall of the saloon, pinning his wrists above his head with one hand. Earlson held the much smaller sharpshooter immobile with ease. Not only was he larger and stronger, but Vin was upset and tired.
'Where ya going pretty boy. Friends didn't believe you, told you they wouldn't. Gonna make you mine, boy…all mine. Ride that tight ass then try out that hot mouth…Chris is so slow…can tell he wants to fuck your ass…must not want to loose your talents as a sharpshooter and tracker…otherwise he would've taken you by now…I just need a taste of that hot mouth…and if you struggle I'll just go take that boy JD and fuck him till he dies…keep those hands right there."
Vin suffered through the kiss and Earlson's groping hands. Earlson pinched and twisted the nipples he found under Vin's flannel shirt until he heard the young man moan in pain. Earlson bit down on one nipple. He covered Vin's mouth with his hand as he bit down even harder on the nipple through the shirt and pulled the sensitive nub up with his teeth. Vin jerked and cried out, the sound muffled. Using one leg Earlson forced the slender thighs apart and grabbed the vulnerable cock and balls through the jeans. Squeezing and rubbing Vin's crotch, Earlson made sure Vin realized that Earlson could do whatever he wanted and no one would help Vin escape.
After several minutes of torment, Earlson stepped back and watched as Vin dropped to the ground unable to look at the bigger man.
Laughing Earlson stalked out of the alley and into the saloon. He was soon at Larabees table joking and carrying on with his old friend and Ezra.
Vin staggered out of the alley and ran into Buck and JD. Buck took one look at Vin and ushered him into the jail. Buck handed Vin a drink and watched in worry as Vin drank the whiskey in one gulp.
Vin looked at Buck and JD and decided to try one more time to get someone to listen to him.
Thankfully, Buck and JD believed him. In fact, they were ready to go shoot Earlson right then.
Vin talked them out of it. He explained how the others had not believed him. Buck was livid at the others especially Larabee.
Buck knew Earlson the same as Chris. No not the same, Buck hated the man. Earlson had always made his skin crawl. Buck remembered a young man during the war who had made some allegations against Earlson, the next day the boy had been shot supposedly by the enemy. Buck had always wondered about that. Chris had never seemed particularly close to Earlson, and it surprised Buck that Chris welcomed the man with open arms while he treated Vin badly.
Vin had told Buck he was heading out of town for awhile and wanted Buck to keep an eye on JD. Exacting a promise from the sharpshooter not to stay away long, they watched as Vin headed to the livery.
Current Day
As Vin rode out of town he knew he would not be going back. He had not wanted Buck and JD to worry over him so he had pretended he was going to come back.Vin had to handle a lot of things in his life, but he would not tolerate being treated like he was a liar and not to be trusted, especially by men who said they were his friends.
Vin was so wrapped up in his feelings of sadness, betrayal, anger and fear that he never noticed the man following him. David Earlson kept Vin in sight, but not to close. He would wait for his moment to grab the young man and take him to Larabees cabin. It was perfect, no one would think to look there for the tracker. With the bad feelings between Tanner and Larabee no one would think that Tanner would head to the cabin. There he would put the rest of his plans into motion. Oh he would definitely fuck the tracker over and over again. He would enjoy watching the big blue eyes widen in pain and fear. Raping the blue eyed beauty was just icing on the cake. He planned on using Tanner as leverage against the other six men. Gold was coming in on the next stage and he wanted it. When he had arrived in town he was surprised to see Chris Larabee and Buck Wilmington. Oh, he knew Buck hated him, but he thought he could manipulate Larabee. He watched and when he realized that Larabee had feelings for the young tracker he had planned his strategy. When he got the gold he planned on taking Tanner to Tascosa for the five hundred dollars. Of course he would have to tie the young man up every night after all he was a fugitive. Earlson felt his cock harden at the thought of the handsome man being at his mercy. Yeah, tie the boy up and fuck that tight ass all night long. No one was going to care if the boy was dripping blood on way to the gallows.
+ + + + + + +
Back in town, Buck stormed into the saloon and stalked over to Chris and Ezra. JD had seen how angry Buck was and took off to find Nathan and Josiah. He hoped that the two men could control Buck before he actually shot someone.
Thankfully there was no one in the saloon but the three men.
"Where the hell is your good friend, Earlson? Out abusing more vulnerable young men? Oh no wait he has his sights set on Vin. You remember Vin don't you Chris? The young man that was your best friend, the one that can finish your sentences for you, the one that has saved our asses more times than we can count. The man you can talk to without opening your mouth. And you Ez, surely you remember Vin. The first one of us to trust you. The man who has always treated you like a friend. The two of you make me sick. When have you ever known Vin Tanner to lie, especially to us? Hell, Ez you yourself have made comments about how Vin was a lousy poker player, because he couldn't bluff to save his life."
Ez flushed as he remembered all the times that Vin had stood up for him. Thinking back Ez realized that he had let Earlson sweet-talk him. The man had offered to become a partner with him on the saloon. When Ez had heard that all else had flown out the window. Now that he thought about it, Vin had been very pale when he had been talking to them earlier. When Ez had made his smart aleck comments to Vin the young man had visibly shrunk in on himself, averting his eyes until he had looked over at Larabee. Vin had looked hurt, not unlike the time Ez had laughed at Vin's poetry.
Chris wasn't so easily intimidated by Buck's comments. He still felt Vin was to sensitive about Earlson and subconsciously resented the other man for being Chris's friend. Chris did feel a pang of guilt when he remembered the betrayed look in Vin's eyes. The blue eyes that seared your soul had been haunted and hurt when Vin had hurried out of the saloon.
Chris refused to acknowledge the real reason he had pushed Vin away since Earlson had come to town. For the last few weeks Chris had noticed his feelings towards his young friend were changing. Then when the fiasco with Charlotte had occurred he realized that he was jealous. He was mad that Vin would even think of going off with someone other than himself.
Chris fought against the feelings, after all it was wrong to have those feelings for another man. Oh it was okay to have sex when out on the trail with your buddy. After all not many women out there. But to care about a man like you would care about a woman, no way.
Chris uncoiled from his seat and stood right in front of Buck.
"Just who the hell do you think you are, questioning me about what I said to Vin. He's a big boy he can take care of himself. Where is he, by the way? Off licking his wounds because no one believed his bullshit."
Buck started to lunge at Chris but pulled up when Josiah yelled at them. Turning around the three men saw Josiah hurry into the saloon.
"Now's not the time brothers. Young Vin is in a powerful lot of trouble."
"What kinda trouble? Damn Josiah, now they got you believing David Earlson is some kind of perverted animal."
"He is,Chris. When Vin left Nathan and I, we went and telegraphed back east concerning your old friend. Vin was real upset and we believed what he said, but had no proof to help with his allegations. We didn't tell Vin because we didn't want to get his hopes up we'd find anything, but we did."
Chris swallowed as a cold feeling of dread and fear settled in the pit of his stomach. He began to feel that he had made a dreadful mistake and that Vin was going to pay the price for his damn pride.
"What did you find out?" Buck asked glaring at Chris and Ez.
"Earlson was married, his wife was granted a quick divorce and sole custody of their three children. It seems that several young men were found raped, tortured and murdered. One of the young men lived long enough to identify Earlson as the killer. The police had some clues and an elderly woman witnessed Earlson in the company of several of the young men. It seemed he kept an apartment on the bad side of town for his illicit meetings. The woman lived down the hall. She had reported the strange sounds and muffled screams to the police, but since Earlson was an upstanding member of the community they just let it go until dead bodies started showing up. Guess they thought it was just a rich lawyer living on the wild side once in awhile. They arrested him but he escaped from jail and they have been looking for him ever since. They have been following a trail of bodies and robbed stagecoaches across the country trying to catch him."
"Looks like Vin is his next target. He fits the description. Mid twenties, good looking, shy, quiet and exudes a kinda innocence as least at least where sins of the flesh are concerned. The men also tend to be loners. The only difference is that Earlson's previous victims, while being loners, had no real friends, Vin does. We figure that's why Earlson has been trying to come between Vin and the rest of us," Nathan took up the narrative.
"Where is Vin? We need to keep an eye on him. I have to talk to him and apologize for my thoughtless words," Ez asked almost frantically. He felt guilty and very upset that he had let Vin down in such a dramatic fashion.
JD ran into the saloon.
"Just went to the livery and Yosemite said that Vin left about twenty minutes ago. I thought I might catch him in time before he left."
"Left, where the hell did he go?" Chris shouted as he led the men out the door on their way to the stables.
Buck snarled "I'll tell you where he went, to get the hell away from his so called friends who thought he was lying just to get some attention. Whatever happens to that boy, Chris is on your head."
As the men reached the stables, Ricky ran up to Buck.
"Mr. Buck are you going to save Vin from that mean man?"
The men became ashen and very quiet as they processed what the boy was saying.
"What do you mean, Ricky? What man?"
Ricky glanced at Larabee and in a stage whisper said "You know Mr. Larabees friend, that great big scary man. I was playing in the alley and I saw him get outa Vin's wagon. I heard a noise and peeked inside, Vin was crying. He didn't know I saw him. Momma says men don't like people to see them crying. I didn't worry cause I figured Mr. Larabee would take care of that mean man, cause he's Vin's friend."
Chris groaned as he realized that Vin was in danger, big danger and he had all but called his best friend a liar. Earlson had hurt or scared Vin bad enough to make him cry. Chris was devastated at what he had put his young friend through.
"We're going to help Vin now, Ricky. Thanks son," Josiah said patting the child on the back.
As the men headed into the livery, Ricky called out, "You better hurry then, that mean man got his horse and followed Vin."
Yosemite couldn't remember the last time he had seen six men move so fast. Five minutes after entering the stables the men galloped out headed after Vin.
+ + + + + + +
Vin stopped by the creek and decided to stop for a few minutes. As Peso drank his fill of the clear fresh water, Vin knelt down and filled his canteen. He was still thinking of Chris and his friends and how they had treated him. Vin heard a twig snap and whirled around, pulling out his mare's leg, he wasn't fast enough.
Earlson yanked Vin up against his chest, tossing the mares leg to the ground. As the sharpshooter struggled, Earlson slapped a rag over the young man's mouth and nose. As the chloroform fumes did their work, Vin slumped unconscious in the large arms holding him tightly.
Earlson held the rag to the unconscious man's face for a couple of minutes then threw it to the ground. He knew that he would have use of the knockout drug, which was why he had stolen it from Nathan Jackson's clinic.
Earlson let Vin drop to the ground. The big man knelt down and yanked Vin's hat and buckskin coat off tossing them to one side.
He ripped Vin's shirt off and let the buttons pop everywhere. When he had Vin naked from the waist up he turned and pulled off the trackers boots and socks. He figured it would make it harder if Vin tried to escape him if he was half-naked and had no boots. Besides no shirt meant all that soft skin was his to touch, pinch and grope all he wanted to.
The big man tied Vin's wrists behind his back then pulled the rope up and around Vin's neck making a noose he tightened around the slender neck. In this way he could grab the rope and not only keep control of the tracker but choke him into submission or into unconsciousness.
Earlson tossed Vin over his shoulder and strode over to his horse. After he had Vin in the saddle, Earlson climbed up behind Vin, wrapping one massive arm around the slim waist he headed towards Larabees cabin. Earlson was so focused on the man in his arms and what he had planned to do to the young man that he forgot that Peso was still at the stream and he had left Vin's hat, coat, boots, socks, gun and ripped shirt out in the open.
On the ride to the Larabee cabin, Earlson could not help but touch the body he held so tightly. Leaning down he nibbled on the bare neck biting down on the shoulder blade. Hearing Vin moan, but not regain consciousness he bit down harder on the other shoulder blade. Keeping one hand on the reins he allowed the other one to pinch and twist the nipples. One handed he unbuttoned Vin's jeans pulling out the limp cock. He shifted Vin's ass forward slightly so he could take advantage of Vin's position and proceeded to pull and pinch the cock and balls. He rolled the furry balls around in his fingers cruelly pulling on the ball sack causing Vin to whimper and try to shift away from the pain.
As Vin moaned and tried to rouse up, Earlson pulled on the rope cutting off Vin's air. When Vin began to choke Earlson kept the rope tight until Vin again passed out.
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at Larabees cabin. Earlson climbed off and yanked Vin down after him hauling him into the cabin. Dumping Vin on the bed, Earlson yanked the jeans and underwear off the semi-conscious man. Now that Vin was naked Earlson gazed down at his prey.
Licking his lips he was trying to figure out how he wanted to do Tanner first. Deciding he reached for the vulnerable man.
+ + + + + + +
At the crossroads outside of town the six peacekeepers stopped. It was decided that Josiah and JD would head to Netties. Nathan and Ez would head out to Kojays village. Chris and Buck took the road that headed towards the next town. They figured that way they would cover all the places Vin might head for.
Twenty minutes later Chris and Buck heard a horse. Galloping towards the creek they came upon Peso.
Chris strode over to Peso grabbing the reins so he wouldn't run off.
"Chris, we better find that boy in a hurry."
Chris turned as Buck spoke. Buck was holding the chloroform rag in one hand and Vin's buckskin coat in the other hand. The blond then looked down at Vin clothes lying on the ground.
"This smells like that stuff Nathan uses to knock people out when he has to fix them up. Earlson probably used it on Vin to take him out."
Chris picked the torn shirt up and just looked at it. He slowly brought it up to his face, inhaling Vin's unique scent. Chris slowly bowed his head clutching the shirt to his chest.
"I have so fucked up, Buck. I love him and I was too afraid to say anything, to proud to admit that I loved another man. Vin's paying for my pride and my fear. He will never forgive me for allowing this to happen…for…for not believing him."
Buck snatched up Vin's hat, boots and socks and stalked over to his long time friend.
"Now you listen to me, Chris. That boy loves you to. I've watched him while he watch's you. You know Vin will forgive you anything, though I expect he'll make you grovel first. But you listen; you can have your self-pity party later. Right now we find Vin. We kill Earlson, don't care if it's in cold blood or not. That bastard won't be hurting anyone else."
Chris swallowed and got a grip on himself. Straightening up he tucked Vin's shirt inside his own shirt next to his heart. Buck grabbed Peso reins and handing them to Chris climbed on his own horse and the men headed out following Earlson's tracks. It wasn't long before the two friends realized where the tracks were headed and picked up the pace.
+ + + + + + +
Meanwhile, Earlson was having fun. He was so anxious to get inside the hot body he had lusted after for so many days and nights he didn't bother to undress.
He grabbed up a tin of grease to use to ease the way, more for him than for Vin. Although, fucking his new toy to death wasn't what he wanted to do at least not yet.
Vin was flipped over on his stomach and his legs were spread wide. Groaning he tried to rouse up, but the chloroform made him sluggish and disoriented.
Earlson jammed two fingers covered in grease into the tight channel. Vin yelled and tried to pull away from the pain. A fist to his ribs took his breath as his body tried to adjust to the invasion.
Another finger joined the first two, as his rapist continued to jab and twist the fingers inside of him. In the muddled recesses of his mind, Vin remembered someone telling him that for men to have sex with each other they needed to try to relax their muscles. As Vin tried to relax, knowing that the rape was inevitable because his friends certainly wouldn't be looking for him.
Earlson felt the muscles around his fingers ease. Laughing to himself he pulled the fingers out and unzipped his pants. Pushing the pants out of the way he pulled out his cock and coated it with grease.
Grasping Vin around the waist Earlson pulled Vin backwards until his ass was raised and his chest was resting on the bed. Placing his cock at the puckered entrance Earlson paused savoring the moment. He knew this was going to feel so good, Tanner had such a nice ass. Tanner's ass had gripped his fingers so tight, like it didn't want to let go. That tightness was going to be heaven on his dick.
"Here it comes, Vin baby. Gonna ream your ass, rip it wide open and fuck you through the mattress. Make you bleed when my cock splits you in half. Have a surprise for you, Chris is coming soon and he wants a piece of your ass too. After all, this is his cabin. We get through fucking you, gonna take you to Tascosa to hang. Gonna fuck you all the way there and then Chris and me are gonna share the bounty and celebrate over your dead body. Like I said Chris is on his way to mount you himself, but I think I'll just take my part of your ass right now."
Carlson was so wrapped up with his dirty talk he never noticed the dark shadow that entered the cabin.
"Chris is already here and you're already dead."
The lethal hiss penetrated Earlson's brain just before the first bullet hit him.
Chris emptied his gun into Earlson even after the man was dead. Buck slid by his friend and hurried over to Vin.
Buck quickly cut the ropes off the unconscious sharpshooter. He gently removed the noose around the slender neck and cursed under his breath at the red welts scarring the tender skin. The wrists were in a similar shape.
Chris holstered his gun and slowly approached the bed. He was afraid of what he might find.
"Chris, I need some clean rags, hot water and soap. Hurry, I want to finish before Vin comes around."
A few minutes later, Buck was gently wiping Vin down. Chris had drug Earlson's body outside and dumped it off the porch. As far as he was concerned wild animals could drag it away.
Buck instructed Chris to wipe Vin's wrists and then wrap them in clean soft cloth. Since Chris had no lotion Buck instructed him to use a small amount of grease to soothe the irritated skin.
As Buck spread the limp legs and reached to see how far Earlson had gotten in his plan to rape the young man, Chris reached out and gripped Buck's wrist.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? I don't want anyone touching him like that," Chris hissed his green eyes flashing. In his mind he silently said No one but me.
"Listen, old pard. I need to see how bad Vin is hurt. There's not any blood so I don't think he had time to rape him, but with that grease sitting on the floor I need to see exactly what was done."
Startling both men a soft voice replied "He didn't…rape me…he was ready to. He…he put his fingers in me…told me what he was going to do and that Chris was going to join him later."
Both men were shocked and their hearts broke as Vin began crying and said "He said that…that…Chris and him were gonna take me to Tascosa for the bounty…and rape me on the trail. They wanted the bounty."
Raising his head Vin looked at Chris and glared as tears ran down his cheeks.
"I thought we were friends…how long you been planning on fucking me over…just waiting until your good friend showed up…you just couldn't wait…to…to tell him about the bounty."
Vin dropped his head back down on the bed sobbing quietly. The emotional, mental and physical turmoil of the last few days had all but destroyed the young man's peace of mind. The normally modest and shy young man was so upset he did not even register that he was naked.
Chris shut his eyes as he felt tears threaten to fall. This was his fault, all his fault. He had brought Vin to tears and had wrecked the young man's world. It was up to him to correct the situation; it was up to him to make Vin feel safe again.
Chris motioned for Buck to leave the cabin and shut the door. Hesitating briefly the easygoing man nodded and left the cabin. Buck gave Chris a glare that said eloquently 'Fix the situation, help the boy or I'll plant a fist in your face.'
Chris put his arms under Vin, gently turning him over. Chris wrapped the unresisting body in a blanket then pulled Vin into his arms. Chris rested his back against the wall and situated Vin in between his legs. Vin curled up and rested his head on Chris's chest. Part of Vin had not believed Earlson when he had said Chris wanted to rape him…but he couldn't figure out how the man had found out about Tascosa. Vin had been lied to so many times in the past and he was so confused that he really didn't know what to believe. He knew that Buck had left him in the cabin with Chris so maybe Chris did believe him now like Buck did. Vin knew that Buck would not have left if Vin was in any danger.
Chris rested his cheek on top of the tousled head of the shaking man in his arms. Slowly he stroked through tangled curls and gently rubbed the quivering back.
After Vin had calmed down, Chris dropped a quick light kiss on top of the golden brown head.
"I don't know how he knew about Tascosa, Vin. I sure as hell didn't tell him. I would never hurt you like that. I can be a real bastard like I was back in town, but I'd never hurt you like he was going to. I'm so fucking sorry, Vin for not believing you. I should have, you've never lied to me. I just didn't want to believe you and used the situation to push you away. I just hope one day you can forgive me for being such a prideful and cowardly bastard."
The two men lay quiet for a few minutes. Chris could tell that Vin was processing everything he said.
In a soft hesitating tone Vin said "I didn't believe him when he said you wanted to rape me and take me to Tascosa. I…you just really hurt me in town when you ignored me and then you thought I was lying to you. I just don't know why you did that…the pride thing and…you aren't a coward…so I guess I'm just real confused."
Chris took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He realized with sudden clarity that this moment would make or break his future and his future with Vin. He had to forget all about any preconceived ideas of why it was all right to be in love with someone as long as they were the opposite sex.
Chris shifted slightly until he could get his hand under Vin's chin. He gently lifted Vin's face so he could watch Vin's eyes. He could always-read Vin's eyes. He wanted to see how Vin reacted when the younger man heard what he had to say. Chris felt his heart clench as he saw the tear drenched blue eyes gazing back at him.
"Vin I can't say often enough how sorry I am for the way I treated you in town. I was trying to push you away because I was scared about how I felt about you. I realized a few weeks ago that I was falling in love with you."
Chris felt Vin jerk slightly when he heard the declaration of love. He carefully tightened his arms around the slender body.
"I fought the attraction…it's one thing for friends to help relieve each other with sex on the trail, it's something else to fall in love with another man and want to spend your life with him. Earlson was never a close friend; I just used him to put up a wall between us. Today when you came to us…I just didn't want to believe you…the whole thing of Earlson wanting you was what I was feeling…I took the cowards way out and threw it back in your face. Then when I realized what was happening I panicked. I had to find you, protect you and pray that you would not hate me."
As Chris wound down, Vin lay quietly mulling over the words the blond man had said. To say that he was surprised would have been an understatement. Even though he ached and his ass hurt real bad and he had the hells worse headache, Vin felt good. He had felt deeply for the blond hell raiser for a long time, he had just never thought Chris would return the feelings.
Vin tucked his head back under Chris's chin as he began to talk. He just couldn't look Chris in the eye as he said what he needed to say.
"I understand how you feel, because I've loved you for a long time. Just to afraid to say anything. Then when you were so cold to me in town I figured it was time for me to leave. You gotta know Chris that what Earlson wanted from me and to do to me is different from what you want. Loving someone is real different from wanting to rape them. I don't hate you…just not real sure how to go on from here. I never have let a man touch me like that. Never trusted anyone enough."
Chris put his hand against Vin's cheek and held Vin's head close to his chest.
"We take it one day at a time. I want to be with you, I want to live with you. When we were looking for you I actually was thinking of the future we could have. I just prayed that we found you so I could put the plan into action. We could start a horse ranch and that would give us a reason to live together, no one would be the wiser. The guys wouldn't care and if they did that's their problem. We don't have to rush into anything. In fact I think that we'll just…well I guess we'll just kinda see how things go. Have no plans on making love to you yet. It's way too soon and I want to make sure you're okay when we do take that step."
"Sounds…good, Chris. It's just that…only Buck and JD believed me about what happened. Don't…well…know if I want to stay. Can't stay where I'm not trusted," Vin said sadly.
"Nathan and Josiah believed you. They sent a message back east to check up on Earlson. They just didn't want you to get your hopes up, that's why they didn't tell you what they were going to do. As far as Ezra, well you should have seen the look on his face when Buck reamed us both. He was real upset when he figured out he had been duped and remembered that you had never lied to him. All the guys are behind you and worried about you."
Sighing deeply Vin replied, "I guess since I've made my share of mistakes I can let it go. Glad Nathan and Josiah did believe though."
"I'm glad they did to. I don't want you to let it go Vin. I want you to be mad. You've been hurt by Earlson and by us, especially Ez and I."
"Just want to forget it. I was so scared, Chris. But you and Buck got here in time. I care about you Chris, but I just can't rush anything right now. Too much has happened. I hope you have a lot of patience."
Chris tugged the young man closer. He tucked the tousled head under his chin pulling the blanket closer around the slender body.
"For you, cowboy. I got all the time in the world. We take it as slow or as fast as you like. Just a warning, I'm not giving up on us. I can be real stubborn that way."
Vin chuckled "Damned if I don't know that, Chris. Thanks though for giving me some space and some time."
"You just rest now, Vin. I know you haven't had much sleep lately. I'm here and Buck is outside. You get some rest because I have a feeling the rest of the guys will be here before long."
+ + + + + + +
Vin sighed deeply, but before he could respond he fell asleep wrapped safely in the arms of the one man he still trusted above all others.
Chris looked up as Buck hesitantly poked his head in the door.
Seeing that Vin was asleep, Buck approached the bed. He reached down and brushed some hair off Vin's forehead. Glancing up he saw Chris glare at him.
Chuckling he said, "Calm down, old pard. I don't have designs on the boy. Figure from the looks of things you got everything settled between you. He sure looks mighty happy and relaxed in your arms."
Buck raised his eyebrows as he said your arms. Buck knew Chris swung both ways. Hell the two of them had their share of mutual sexual gratification on the trail. He was just surprised it had taken Chris so long to figure out that Vin belonged with him.
With Buck's help Chris got Vin laid flat on the bed. He tucked the blankets around the sleeping man and then followed Buck outside leaving the door open so he could hear when Vin woke up.
Lighting up a cheroot, the old friends sat down on the front porch.
+ + + + + + +
"Gonna have to take it slow with Vin. He's never been with a man…"
Chris was interrupted as Buck exclaimed, "With those looks and no one had ever gotten close to that boy. Damn, Chris you are one lucky son of a bitch."
"I know it. He said he never trusted anyone enough to let them get close. Now with the attack by Earlson he's even more skittish."
"Tell ya what, Chris. I think you need to court the boy. I know that sounds funny since he's a man and all, but you know everyone likes to think someone desires them. Hell, I bet he's never had anyone pamper or take care of him since his mother passed on and he was just five years old then."
Chris mulled over Buck's words and decided his old friend was right.
"Good idea, Buck. That's just what I'm going to do. Drive Vin crazy with attention and little touches. Hell, just might get him to make the first move and let him jump my bones first."
"You must really love that boy, if you're thinking of letting him have a taste of your ass. As I recall you prefer the top," Buck said.
"Yeah, guess I really do love him. I want this to be an equal relationship. Told him we could start up a horse ranch right here and he seemed to like the idea. Give us a reason to be together out here and no one would think anything about it. What do you think the guys are going to think."
"I don't think they'll mind at all. In fact they'll probably welcome it unless I miss my guess. Josiah and Nathan been dancing around each other for months. JD is wrapped up with Casey; in fact I think he plans on asking her to marry him. With you and Vin together I hope Ez will quit shying away from me. I surely want to get that man in my bed and have my wicked way with him. I think, as much as you love Vin, I love Ezra. Funny isn't it. We both found what we were looking for in a dusty little town."
Chris after having absorbed everything Buck said not without some surprise replied, "Yeah, but with the exception of Earlson getting hold of Vin I wouldn't change a thing."
"Nor would I, old pard, nor would I."
The two men sat there quietly enjoying each other's company. Chris was busily planning how he would woo Vin to his bed. Then his thoughts went to how they would pleasure each other.
Buck was having similar thoughts concerning a certain southern boy.
Looking up at the sound of horses, the two men watched their four friends approaching at a gallop.
Nathan and Chris entered the cabin so that Nathan could check Vin out. Chris figured it was best that Nathan check Vin out as soon as he could. While the gunslinger was pretty sure that Vin was doing okay, he wanted to make sure.
Meanwhile, Buck was telling the rest of the men that Earlson was dead. He also told them that Vin had not been raped, they had gotten there in time. He didn't think it necessary that they know how close it was or that the bastard had shoved his fingers inside the young sharpshooter. Buck knew that Chris was going tell Nathan everything, but Nathan wasn't one to gossip.
Vin woke up during Nathan examination, but Chris was able to quickly get him to drink some of Nathan nasty concoction. It wasn't long before Vin drifted back to sleep.
When Nathan finished with the exam, the two men wandered out onto the porch where they found four men anxiously awaiting the diagnosis.
"He's going to be just fine. Got some scratches and bruises. A little edgy and skittish, but that's to be expected after being in the hands of that animal."
The men heaved a sigh of relief. That was the best news they had all day. All of the men felt varying degrees of guilt concerning their friend.
Buck and JD felt they should have kept a better eye on Vin. Hell one of them should have gone with him when he left town.
Nathan and Josiah figured if they had told Vin they believed him, they just needed to get information to back up him up, then maybe Vin would have stayed in town where they could watch over him.
Ez was very upset and mad. Oh he wasn't mad at Vin, he was mad at himself. He should have been able to see right through Earlson. He knew Vin wouldn't lie to them. Ez figured he would be lucky if Vin ever forgave him for his words and his doubts. He did know one thing no matter how long it took he would make it up to the hurt man.
Buck was watching and figured he knew what the southerner was brooding about. Ez had more of a conscience than he liked to admit. The fact that he had doubted Vin was weighing heavily on his mind.
Taking Chris to one side, Buck whispered that he thought they should all head back to town. Nathan said Vin would be fine and the healer could come back out the next morning and check on their young friend.
Chris immediately agreed. After all it would give me some alone time with the man he loved. He had a feeling his worry and hovering and the fleeting touches he had given the sleeping man had not been overlooked by the others.
Watching carefully he saw the glances flying around the five men. Nathan and Josiah were sharing looks that spoke volumes.
Buck had been watching Ez so close that the southerner had a perpetual blush on his face.
JD just smirked. He had wondered how long these so-called older wiser men would figure out they had their perfect mate next to them all along. Damn and they thought he was the naïve and sometimes-dense one. At least he knew he was going to marry Casey and settle down. Maybe it was time the old guys followed his lead.
After promising that they would all check in on Vin the next day the five men rode out.
Chris watched until he could his friends no longer and then went inside the cabin.
Chris started fixing up something to eat. It wasn't to long before Vin woke up. Hearing the young man let out a groan Chris hurried across the room.
The blond gunfighter helped Vin out of bed and then to the outhouse, Chris then got Vin to eat a little.
"I'd like to sit on the porch if that's okay, Chris," Vin hesitantly asked. He was a little uncomfortable at the change in their relationship. While he knew that Chris would not force him into anything he wasn't ready for, he wasn't sure how to act around the blond.
+ + + + + + +
"Just stay right there and give me a minute."
Vin sat at the table and just watched as Chris carried blankets and pillows outside.
In just a few minutes the blond was back. Chris put his arm around the slender waist of his future lover and ushered him out onto the porch.
Chris had put the blankets down on the porch. The two pillows he had leaning against the wall of the cabin.
Chris sat down against the pillows and spread his legs. He helped Vin sit down between his legs. When the younger man leaned back against him Chris put his arms around Vin's waist.
The two men just sat quietly and enjoyed the peace.
Chris leant down and breathed in Vin's scent. The sharpshooter's hair had always fascinated him. It was so beautiful; the golden brown color that caught the sunrays, the curls that he knew Vin hated. Rubbing his cheek against the soft silk he now knew that it felt just as soft and wonderful that he thought it feel like.
"Love your hair Vin. Want to run my fingers through it and never let go. I can't believe I was so stubborn that I had to let something so bad happen before I approached you. I'll never forgive myself."
Vin turned around so he could look into Chris's eyes. He faced the gunfighter still sitting between the long black clad legs.
"You have to Chris. We all make mistakes. We can't have a future until you get by this. I let it go after our talk earlier. I've had so much shit happen to me that I learned you just gotta let it go or it'll eat you up," Vin said the blue eyes never leaving the green ones of his best friend. He had to make Chris understand and accept reality.
"I'll try, Vin. For you I'll try. I know you feel a little uneasy right now. That's to be expected, but I'm not gonna just toss you to the ground and hurt you. Loving between two men doesn't have to hurt, especially when it's between two men who love each other. Okay?"
Vin felt a blush rise up in his cheeks, he dropped his gaze no longer able to look into the blond eyes.
"Okay, just…well not ready just yet."
"After what happened you probably won't be ready for awhile. I'm not some kid who can't control themselves and I'm not Buck."
Chris laughed as that got a laugh out of the nervous man.
"We do this on your schedule, though that doesn't mean that I can't steal a little kiss now and then, right?"
Chris watched as a pink tongue slipped between Vin's full lips. He groaned to himself wondering if he was as in control as he thought he was.
"I'd kinda like to kiss you," Vin replied still not looking at his friend.
Chris reached out and put his hand under Vin's chin. Raising the beautiful face he slowly leaned down giving Vin plenty of time to back off he wanted to. Chris watched as the vivid blue eyes slid shut and the luscious mouth slightly parted. Heat pooled in the blonde's groin at the erotic sight. Obviously he was going to be spending a lot of time down in the cold creek until he could make love to Vin.
As Chris's mouth touched his, Vin put a hand in the blond hair urging the blonde's mouth closer.
Chris slipped his tongue inside Vin's hot mouth, moaning when he felt the younger man's tongue start a duel with his. Carefully Chris wrapped his arms around the slender body and pulled him closer deepening the kiss.
Several minutes later the two men broke apart. They gazed at each other their eyes wide.
"That was real good, Chris. We can do that a lot," Vin said smiling.
Thankfully he was unaware that right now all Larabee wanted to do was toss him down and rip his clothes off then thrust inside that hot body.
Chris took a deep breath. He would do nothing to scare his angel, his life, and his soul.
"Yeah it sure was. And we can do it as often as you like. However, right now you need to go to bed. Nathan said you needed plenty of rest."
Despite Vin's arguments he found himself tucked back into bed.
"Where are you going to sleep?"
"Just gonna toss a bedroll on the floor. I'll be fine."
"NO…I won't take your bed," Vin argued trying to get out of the bed.
Chris gently pushed him back down and tucked the blankets back around the sore body.
"You stay put. I'm fine."
"Then…then the beds big enough for both of us. Either we share or I sleep on the floor," Vin stated. The way his eyes were shooting sparks and his chin was set in stubborn mode, Chris knew his love meant every word he said.
+ + + + + + +
"Okay, scoot over. However, I'll sleep on top of the blankets and you sleep under them. My bedroll will keep me warm."
Vin nodded his head, pleased with the results.
Chris lay down on his back and tried to relax. He wasn't surprised when Vin scooted closer.
"Can I rest my head on your shoulder? Want to be close to you."
Chris smiled and tugged the lithe body closer. Vin snuggled in close throwing one arm over the blonde's waist.
It only took a few minutes before deep even breathing told Chris that the younger man was asleep.
It took Chris longer to go to sleep. Just holding the hot body was hard. Vin was such a good man. Oh he could be just as deadly if not deadlier than he was, but Vin was just a good person. He had the soul of a poet, just look at the poems he wrote. The younger man always was willing to help and the older women loved him for his manners and gentleness. The younger women loved him for his shyness and flat out gorgeous looks. Well they could look all they wanted; no one was touching his lover except him.
Chris fell asleep planning his seduction of the man sleeping so trustingly and safely in his arms. The future finally was looking brighter for the two men.
End
Continues in Claiming the Heart.