Through Sunshine and Shadow by Debra Hicks

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8

Fourteen

"What you think?" Buck questioned.

Chris looked back down at the letter, shame and pride warring for his thoughts. Vin and Ezra were still guarding their backs, despite the way they had been treated.

"I think it could be another trick to get us out of town," Chris said.

"Perhaps Judge Travis could offer some help," Josiah volunteered.

"When's he due in?" Buck asked.

"Last letter to Mary said two days," Chris answered, staring thoughtfully down at the note. "Yeah, I think we should telegraph him."

The door to the jail creaked open and JD joined the other three lawmen. Josiah nodded welcome to the younger man. Buck remained silent and unmoving. The tension in the room went up a little.

"Yeah," Buck agreed. "He could have some of the other lawmen check in their towns."

"At the least, he could narrow it down to the places that have printing presses," Josiah agreed.

"If he finds one close by," JD volunteered, "couple of us could ride out to--"

"No one leaves town alone," Chris said firmly. "We don't give her a chance to pick us off one or two at a time."

"Hell," Buck said. "She's done got two of us."

Cold silence claimed the small group for a minute. Finally, Buck cleared his throat. For a reason he didn't understand, the same feeling of dread that had hit Chris when Vin made his way out of the saloon that damned day, now filled him again. He looked across at his oldest friend but Buck refused to meet his gaze.

"I... ah, been thinking," Buck said with forced lightness. "You know I've done enjoyed the company of most of the lovely ladies this town has to offer, so once this is all said and done with Ella... I think I'll be moving on."

Chris heard the gasp of shocked hurt from JD and watched Josiah nod. He glanced out the window, wondering what other sacrifices the town would demand.

"Buck," JD started, "I don't understand."

Starting out, Buck gave JD a sad sort of smile and a pat on the shoulder. "I know."

The door closed behind the big man.

"Damn it!" JD slammed his hat down on the table. "Why is Buck being... so, so disagreeable! Ezra's not normal and he cain't expect folks to put up with that."

It was Josiah who stood now, put his hat on and headed for the door. "Brother Buck," he said quietly, "considers betrayal a far worse sin than anything Ezra or Vin have done." Just before he stepped out, he turned back and told JD, "And I think he might be right."

During all of this Chris had not offered comment, but had merely stared at the empty cell. When they had come back from their first encounter with Ella, it had been JD who observed that something was missing between the seven. Afterward it was also the young sheriff who noted its return. It had been trust then. Now? Now, Chris was not sure what they had lost. A sense of loyalty? A sense of family? He sighed. There would be no getting it back this time.

"Chris?" JD said quietly, sitting down in the chair where Buck had been.

He looked over at their youngest member, saw hurt and confusion in the dark eyes.

"What we did... it ain't... it ain't like I wanted them hurt or anything," JD floundered. "Ezra was wrong to be... to consort with men... to choose that way. And Vin...."

"When did you choose Casey?" Chris asked.

JD blinked at the change of subject. "What?"

"When did you say to yourself, ‘Casey's the one I'm going fall in love with'?"

"I didn't, exactly," JD defended. "It just sort of happened."

Standing, Chris nodded. "Guess that's how it is with most folks."

Closing the door behind him, Chris knew he hadn't answered JD's real question, his need to know whether what they had done was right or not. The only one who could answer that was JD.

+ + + + + + +

Stretching his legs out in front of him, Ezra leaned back into Vin's arms, staring up through the pinon pines and oaks. "It is even better than you described, Vin."

A deep chuckle moved the chest under his back. "Yeah, ‘piece of heaven' is what Buck called it."

"I should be jealous that you brought Mister Wilmington here before me," Ezra joked.

Vin's hand trailed down his chest over the light white shirt he was wearing. "Weren't exactly for the same reason," the soft voice whispered. "Though I reckon you could say we was both fishing."

Ezra laughed as he turned in Vin's arms, kissed across the soft lips, down along the square jaw. "What type of bait would you recommend using on reluctant gamblers?"

Vin squinted at him, tilted his head back. "Well, think I'd start with some poetry, then maybe a little necking..."

Ezra leaned forward, kissing down Vin's throat, hands roaming down the flannel shirt. Looking up, he smiled. "Staring into beautiful blue eyes?"

Shaking his head, Vin said, "Green's my favorite."

Reaching for the buttons on Vin's shirt, Ezra jumped in surprise when Vin slapped his hand away. "Stop that."

"Why?" Ezra said silkily.

"'Cause I'm tired of eating out of a can," Vin said. "Figured I'd go round us up some real food."

"Am I to understand," Ezra said thoughtfully, "my options are real food or continuing to kiss you?"

Vin was starting to edge away, climbing to his feet. "Now, Ezra..." he said with a little nervous laugh. "Don't be looking at me that way or we're gonna be eating beans and...."

Ezra wrapped himself around Vin's waist, holding him still as he kissed along his arm. Noting the rising bulge in the tight tan pants, Ezra smiled and kissed over it. A low moan answered him and Vin's hand tangled in his hair.

"Hell, Ezra, we ain't even set up camp proper yet," Vin continued to protest.

Stopping his pursuit, Ezra stood and placed his hands on his hips. "You, Mister Tanner, are entirely too practical."

The tracker took a deep breath, eased it out and smiled at him. Ezra returned the smile, both recognizing the teasing for what it was. It was daylight in an open field and they both knew Ezra was not yet ready to try that. When he looked into Vin's sparkling blue eyes though, he remembered the whispered promise Vin had made himself. A heated blush started up Ezra's body at the idea of seeing Vin in the clear, clean light. He took a step forward but Vin held his hands up again.

"Camp first," he warned.

Ezra turned away, heading for the wagon. "Entirely too practical," he muttered loud enough for the other man to hear. "Lord help me, I am in love with a man who would rather set up camp--"

He was grabbed around the waist from behind, spun around and kissed until he was dizzy. Vin let him go slowly, making sure he had his balance. Ezra stood there with what he knew must have been an undignified, silly smile. Vin leaned back in close, tongue teasing at his ear.

"Tonight," was all he whispered.

With a quick, almost chaste brush across his cheeks, Vin picked up his rifle and headed into the thick woods that bordered the south end of the river canyon. Ezra stood there for a long time lost in fantasies for what that night would bring. He shook himself out of them and with a smile turned to make camp.

+ + + + + + +

"A veritable feast," Ezra said with a smile, leaning on Vin in the same position he had held much earlier that day.

"Weren't nothing but rabbit." Vin's voice held a touch of embarrassment at the praise. "Your turn to cook tomorrow."

"A decision you will no doubt come to regret," Ezra promised.

Vin's answer was to kiss slowly along his neck. Ezra sighed, tilting his head to allow more access. When Vin paused, Ezra stretched back, listening to the night growing from dusk around them. The night birds were already calling, joining the crickets and frogs. He had never really appreciated being outside at night, at least not in the wilderness. The sounds of town were more to his liking. But leaning against Vin, with the pink sunset turning blue and the first stars starting to burn, he felt a contentment he would have never thought possible.

"Ezra?"

"Humm?"

"You did a right good job on the lean-to," Vin said. In a mischievous tone, he added, "For a city fellow, that is."

Strong, warm hands kneaded his shoulders. Ezra moaned softly. "That's wonderful."

"Don't go getting all relaxed on me," Vin cautioned. "There are parts of you I kind of need stiff."

A spark of light shot though Ezra's blood, like the stars in the gathering darkness. He shifted around until he was nearly sitting in Vin's lap. With a devilish grin, he said, "And what nefarious thoughts are you entertaining concerning my person?"

Action suited Vin better than words. Callused hands tugged Ezra's shirt free of the pants, dropped the suspenders off his shoulders. He slipped the shirt carefully off. When he looked back up at Vin, his breath stopped. The last of the daylight was caught in Vin's eyes, the light coloring his face. He leaned forward and kissed Vin, sliding his tongue slowly into hot welcome, pressing closer, hands smoothing down the lean, strong back.

But Vin pulled back slightly, a touch of worry in the dusk blue eyes. "You sure? It ain't late."

"I would trust anyone traveling this country to have already reached camp," Ezra said levelly. Kissing along Vin's slightly scratching chin, he said, "I want you. I want to feel you inside me again. Want to...."

Vin's mouth covered his, stealing his breath and leaving him moaning softly. "No," Vin said quietly. Before Ezra could protest, he whispered huskily, "My turn tonight. Want to see if I was right about those ridges. Want to feel your cock in me."

Ezra let his head fall forward to Vin's shoulder, arms tightening around the narrow waist. He could feel his cock swelling, straining against the suddenly too tight pants. "God, Vin...."

"Undress for me," Vin ordered.

"It would be my considerable pleasure," Ezra purred. He came to his knees, stripping off the fine cotton shirt. "It would be even more pleasurable, if you were to do the same."

With a smile, Vin jerked his boots off, grabbed Ezra's foot and pulled his off, pausing only to tickle one foot through the thick sock. Ezra protested by knocking the lighter man over on to his back and kissing him until they were both gasping. Ezra stood, offering his hand to Vin, not to help him up so much as to pull him into a hard hold and hot kiss. Vin's hand teased over his full cock through the tight pants. The rest of their clothes were jerked off, neatness lost to the drive to feel the soft brush of warm skin. For a long time they stood together, caressing and kissing, desire growing with the gathering night.

Ezra eased away just as the last of the light faded. The fire now cast its soft glow over the small camp. He kissed along Vin's cheeks, down his throat.

"I love you by firelight," he whispered against the pale flesh. "All gold and ivory and shadows."

Vin's strong hands cupped his face. "And you say you ain't no poet."

Ezra smiled, and with slow deliberate words, began to kiss and recite his way down Vin's strong body.

"HOW do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

"I thought you said you didn't remember many poems," Vin accused quietly.

Ducking his head, Ezra said, "I have attempted to commit a few more to memory for you."

Vin smiled. "I love you."

Ezra's answer was to sink slowly to his knees, kissing his way down the lean, strong body. As he reached for Vin's full, dark red cock, his lover stepped away. Without a word, he moved to the wagon, returning a minute later with the small vial of oil. A shot of pure lust went down Ezra's body as Vin handed him the container.

Dropping down next to him, Vin claimed his mouth. Moaning softly, Ezra sucked and swirled around Vin's tongue, playing with it as he had intended to do with Vin's cock. A moan from Vin told him that Ezra knew what he was thinking. Ezra eased away, pausing to control the fire running through his nerves, letting himself look at the man he was going to spend his life with. The warm light etched Vin's pale skin in gold and red, made his eyes dark and alluring.

"You are beautiful," he whispered.

The flickering flames didn't give enough light for Ezra to see Vin's blush but he knew it was there. A half-smile of endearing shyness lifted Vin's mouth. Ezra leaned forward, unable to resist claiming the gentle smile for his own. One hand ran down Vin's chest, teased at the small nipples; his other hand clutched the bottle like a talisman.

Vin moved, stretching out on the thick pad of blankets. Ezra followed him, lying in front of the taller man and continuing to play along his chest. The wind around them picked up for a moment, raising goosebumps under Ezra's fingers, making him shiver as it countered the heat building along his skin. Needing to fan the flames, Ezra rolled over Vin, taking the moment to kiss along the square shoulder, over a puckered bullet scar. Sliding as close to Vin as he could, he kissed along the strong neck, over Vin's ear

Soft moans filled the night as Ezra let his hands roam down the strong back and knead the tight muscles of Vin's ass. Vin slid his leg forward, inviting Ezra's touch.

"Come on, Ezra," Vin urged. "You know what to do."

Smiling, Ezra licked along Vin's neck. "Oh yes, I studied with the best. But sometimes the student does get revenge on the master."

Growling, Vin reached for his own cock, only to have his hand slapped away in a perfect repeat of what he had done to Ezra the first night he'd taken him. But Ezra took pity on him and grabbed the jutting shaft. He pumped slowly, reveling in the feeling of power that doing this to Vin gave him. When Vin started thrusting into his hand though he stopped. A soft whimper sounded from Vin's throat.

Ezra put one hand on Vin's narrow hip to steady himself, then shifted to bring the stoppered vial to his mouth. He pulled the cork free, a slight scent of the oil flaring at him before being lost to the cool breeze. Dropping the cork into his palm, he lay it aside before filling one cupped hand with the clear liquid. Slowly, almost reverently, he reached between Vin's legs, spread the body- warm oil from the tip of his cock to the small puckered muscle.

"Yeah," Vin breathed softly.

The dance had become part of him, and Ezra let the unheard music fill his veins, guide his hand. He licked along Vin's back, down his spine before sucking on the junction of shoulder and neck. Vin moaned, pushing back against the finger that was just teasing through the tight ring of muscle. Ezra gave a small whimper as he eased the first finger into his lover. He refused to think of what the next finger would do, or the one after that, refused to let the tempo increase. If he gave into images of where this was leading, he knew the final chorus of the song would occur too soon.

Vin started thrusting back, driving the single invader deeper. Ezra chuckled, realizing that Vin was seeing the same images. "How long's it been, love?" Ezra whispered, twisting the two fingers.

"Too long," Vin said softly. "Wanted this since that day in the saloon."

Ezra was startled, though he kept up the rhythm into Vin's body. He pushed up higher on his elbow, leaning forward to see into Vin's eyes. There was a wicked smile on his lover's face.

Shifting slightly, Vin met his gaze. "Didn't love you then," Vin admitted. "Just thought you had a great ass. Figured it'd be good on either end."

With a quick laugh, Ezra leaned down enough to kiss lightly along with side of Vin's mouth. "I must confess also to having had a few wayward thoughts on your anatomy early in our adventures."

"Well," Vin gasped as he shoved harder back. "I reckon my anatomy is ready for a few of those wayward thoughts now."

Laughing and kissing Vin's ear, Ezra pushed a second finger through the slightly resistant muscle. Vin moaned, rolling his head back toward Ezra's chest and gripping the blankets hard. Now Ezra began giving into the music, pulling his fingers free to slide between Vin's legs and roll the solid balls. Vin's groans filled the soft night around them, filtered like a drum beat into Ezra's blood. He trailed back to the oiled hole, thrust three fingers as far as he could into the willing body. Vin cried out, rocking back and forth. Ezra held his hand still, watching the way Vin's body responded to his touch, writhing in need and lust.

When Vin next pulled forward, Ezra removed his hand. Putting the other hand back on Vin's hip he grabbed his cock, holding it steady against Vin's next move back. As Vin came back, Ezra moved forward, breaching the muscle. Twin gasps echoed through the area. Ezra stopped moving, stopped breathing, let himself feel Vin around him, let himself sink completely into the incredible sensations of heat and tightness.

"Oh, dear Lord...." he groaned against Vin's neck. "That's..."

The stillness of the body under him jerked his attention away from the indescribable pleasure. Vin was rigid, every muscle locked.

"Vin?" Ezra moved to pull out. "Have I hurt you? Oh, Lord...."

"Stay there," Vin ordered in a rough whisper. "Ain't hurt--hell, anything but... just like feeling you there, feeling us together."

Ezra sagged over Vin's side, through he noticed a little guiltily that his cock had not flagged in the least. Taking several deep breaths, he began to move deeper into the tight, slick passage.

"Damn, Ezra...." Vin breathed again.

Pressing slowly forward, Ezra looked down, entranced by the slow progression of his shaft through the dark muscle. The scarred foreskin, rolled back tight, gathered the oil, sliding easily. Vaguely, Ezra thought of asking Vin if he could indeed feel the ridges of scars. But forming a sentence over the high notes of lust was impossible. He stopped, not all the way in yet, and eased back out, the oil giving the perfect amount of friction. This time he shoved back in a little harder, going deeper.

Vin gasped, slamming back, driving Ezra's cock as deep as it could go, pressing his balls against the tight ass. Ezra threw back his head, only stopping the cry of pleasure by biting down hard on his lip. He knew that he had hit that spot that Vin had shown him. Again they both paused, completely joined, sharing everything they were.

"Stay with me," Vin ordered.

Moving carefully Vin came up on all fours. Ezra followed, kneeling behind him, cock still embedded in the hot body. Vin shifted a little and immediately, Ezra slipped deeper.

"Vin!"

An earthy chuckle filled the beautiful night, sent little pulses of pleasure down Ezra's cock. Ezra rested his forehead against Vin's back, gritting his teeth. The smell of oil and Vin's warm body, the taste of his skin, the unbelievable tightness and heat surrounding his cock was creating a song of need, a passion to move, a driving beat to thrust into the body under him. His hips started to rock even as he tried to stop.

A low groan sounded from Vin. "Do it, Ezra, hard and fast. Let go and fuck me."

Ezra moaned, knowing he couldn't hold out, feeling the rhythm, tempo and sweet notes sounding through his blood. "Vin... I can't... I've...."

"I'm with you," Vin said, sliding forward, dragging Ezra's cock out and shoving back. The soft sound of their hard breathing filled the small clearing.

It was too much. With a cry of desire, Ezra started thrusting, hard and long and deep; plunging into the willing body with all the passion he'd held in check for most of his life. The world and even Vin vanished around him, leaving only the instinctual answer, the ancient song. Ezra closed his eyes, let himself go with the beat, let himself soar up higher and higher on the song, breathing hard in counter beat. He was there, as high as the music could take him; the crescendo crashed through him as he pumped his offering into Vin's hot body.

Reality came back with the sound and feel of Vin's approaching climax. Ezra opened his eyes, saw that Vin was balanced one- handed, the other moving on his cock. Leaning forward, Ezra joined his hand over Vin's. His touch was all that was needed. The strong body in his arms went rigid as Vin's cock sprayed white fluid over their hands. The heat Ezra was buried in tightened around his shaft, sending another jolt of pleasure through him.

Moaning softly, still breathing like a winded horse, Ezra entwined their fingers, holding Vin's hand as a lifeline. They were still for a long time, until Vin shifted forward, letting Ezra's softening cock slip from his body. Ezra gasped at that much stimulation. Vin lay flat, then rolled to face him, smiling. Sinking down, Ezra curled around him, holding tight.

"Got some fancy words for this time?" Vin questioned.

Ezra opened his mouth, closed it, thought for a minute then merely shook his head, leaned forward and kissed Vin gently across the lips. He pulled back to see the twinkle in Vin's eyes.

"Reckon that says it all," Vin said.

Flopping back on the blanket, Ezra lay staring up at the stars, smiling. Vin shifted, resting his head on Ezra's chest. There was no need for words; Ezra let the soft glide of his hand along Vin's chest say everything that was needed. His answer was the gentle brush of Vin's mouth across his arm. The night grew a little darker and cooler around them.

Ezra was almost dozing when the thought from earlier came back. He laughed, jiggling Vin's head enough to shake him from the complete lethargy he had given into.

"What?" he asked.

"I can not believe my mother gave her blessing to this union," he laughed.

Pushing up on one elbow, Vin said seriously, "Well, reckon she knows I'll...."

Ezra waved his hand. "No, no. You are definitely not the type she had in mind at all, sir. No, I'm sure she would have picked someone much more suited to the lifestyle to which she has become accustomed, a businessman or a banker."

The sudden image of himself wrapped girlishly around the arm of an older, banker type filled Ezra's mind and he laughed again. After a minute, he wiped his eyes to find Vin frowning down at him.

"You're crazy, Ezra."

Opening his arms in invitation, Ezra said, "Another of my many endearing traits."

Shaking his head, Vin once more stretched out with his head on Ezra's stomach this time. After a long, comfortable silence, Vin asked, "How long you want to stay here?"

"Forever," Ezra answered without hesitation.

That gained him a chuckle. "Nah, pretty soon, you'll be wanting a feather bed, a bottle of good liquor and a game."

"I would give those all up for you," Ezra stated matter-of-factly.

He watched Vin swallow, throat moving in the just raising moonlight. "Yeah, but you ain't got to. We just need to figure out a place we'll both be happy."

Ezra sighed, knowing by the tone of voice that Vin would not let it go until they had discussed it. Slipping his hand under Vin's shoulder and urging him up, he said, "Shall we clean up, imbibe the remainder of our good liquor and discuss our future options?"

A dozen minutes later they sat next to each other facing the dwindling campfire. Ezra took a sip of the whiskey. "Tell me what plan you believe we should follow, Vin."

"Way I got it figured, we're better off takin' on Tascosa when Chris and Buck can help."

"Which will not be until such time as the Gaines problem is resolved," Ezra said in understanding.

"So, I reckon we need to find a place to sort of settle in, one we can go back to after we got that Texas mess cleaned up."

Ezra found himself drawn to the idea. For as long as he could remember, Ezra had wanted to own a saloon. Now, with Vin's quiet statement of being together, Ezra wondered if it were a saloon he desired--or a home. But he knew that he and Vin didn't agree on what they considered comfort.

"What did you have in mind?" he asked carefully.

"A place like Chris'," Vin said.

Ezra was vaguely surprised. "A ranch?"

"Have to be in the right place," Vin continued. "Close enough for you to get to town to play, far enough away for no one to bother us."

Something in the idea, in the simple description reached a part of Ezra that he avoided all his life, the part that wanted somewhere to ride toward and not away from.

"It is not unusual for two men to share a house in order to maintain a successful cattle ranch," he agreed.

"I know enough to raise a few head of cattle, do some hunting." Vin leaned over and kissed Ezra lightly. "You can earn enough for all the fancy things we might want."

"We, Mister Tanner?" Ezra joked. "Are you telling me that you might be persuaded to enjoy some of the finer things in life?"

Vin's eyes crinkled with the smile he gave Ezra. "Did kinda take a liken to that feather bed. And the good liquor."

Laughing, Ezra asked, "And where shall we search for this paradise?"

"Been thinking on that too," Vin admitted. "What say we head for California? Not saying we have to go that far, just sorta head north- northwest and see where strikes our fancy."

Despite the sorrow Ezra could still sense in the other man, there was a note of adventure in his voice, a tone that spoke of being together and making their own life. Ezra was suddenly smiling, kissing along Vin's strong jaw and soft lips.

"Everything my fancy needs is here, but the idea of finding someplace to live happily together is a worthy pursuit. When did you wish to start?"

Vin's expression grew serious. "Be winter soon. We ain't supplied for that. I guess we'd better stay right here long enough for me to take some game and fish, put up some meat and greens. We could go into Apache Wells, buy whatever else we need. Then see where things stand."

Vin didn't say "with Ella"; he didn't have to, Ezra knew that despite their leaving, she would be a force to be considered until the others were free of her. Once that was done, they could go to Tascosa and finish that travesty.

Ezra nodded his understanding. "Perhaps we should ride into Apache Wells in a week to see if there has been a reply to our missive."

Fifteen

Stepping forward, Chris grabbed Judge Travis by the arm. "Judge."

The older man gave him a fairly outraged look but allowed himself to be lead into the jail. Chris released him as soon as the door closed behind them. The curtains were drawn and the four other lawmen were sitting around in various places in the small room. Chris watched the judge's mouth pull into a tight line.

"Mister Larabee," Travis said. "To what do I owe this abrupt tour of the jail?"

Chris pulled out a chair, moved a bottle of whiskey closer and said, "Better sit down, Judge, this is a long story."

Buck handed the judge a slip of paper. "Did you send this, sir?"

Travis took the paper, glanced at the single line and frowned. "No." Exchanging a quick glance with Buck and the others, Chris said, "We got that in reply to a telegram we sent you yester--"

"I didn't get anything from you yesterday," Travis said a little peevishly.

"Yeah," Chris continued. "We know."

"Nor did you get one concerning Ella Gaines, currently using the alias of Ella Larabee," Josiah said, obviously already knowing the answer.

Travis opened his mouth to say something, stopped and looked up at Chris. "You gonna play games or get to the point of all this?"

Once more in answer, despite the disgusted look the judge gave him, Chris handed over the letter from Ezra. Travis read it through, anger and annoyance vanishing as he did. Taking off his hat, he looked up at Chris.

"And this telegram to me was a test?" he asked.

"Yeah," Buck picked up. "We sent a telegram asking for you to bring the wanted posters for Ella. We got that one back, saying they weren't printed yet."

"I take it Mister McGurter doesn't know I was due into town today," Travis reasoned. "Which explains my sudden familiarity with the jail."

"We thought surprising him might make him confess his sins a little quicker," Josiah replied.

Picking up the letter once more, Travis smiled. "It would seem that Mister Standish is a detective as well as a conman."

"We should have suspected," Chris admitted. "McGurter started working here just as things got started up with Ella."

"And he's the one that led the mob that attacked Ezra," Buck said.

Chris glared up just as Buck realized his mistake and squeezed his eyes shut. It was too late. Judge Travis was already staring at Chris.

"Someone attacked Mister Standish?" he asked.

Silence answered him. It was finally JD who spoke up. "The townsfolk saw this."

This time Chris didn't even bother glaring as JD handed over a copy of the list of accusations. What was done was done. Ezra and Vin were gone and that was the end of it. Once more the judge did a quick scan. He lay the paper down on the scarred table.

"Where is Mister Standish now?"

"He left," JD said. A little defensively, he added, "It was true so the townsfolk run him off."

"Tanner went with him," Chris said, feeling the judge deserved the whole truth.

Travis' eyes met his, searching, asking why the two very different men would ride on together. Chris let him see the answer. Travis gave him a short snort of disbelief before shaking his head sadly. "After all they had done for this town to be--"

"The folks were worried about their children, Judge," JD said sharply, coming to his feet next to the window. "Men like Ezra... I mean, it ain't right for him to... and I mean he might have--"

Judge Travis stood, his movement cutting off whatever JD had planned on saying. "Mister Dunne, I have served the law in one capacity or another for nearly thirty years. In that time I have learned one thing about men who molest little boys and girls--they do so because they are attracted to little boys and girls--not because they love other men."

If Chris hadn't still been angry over JD's treatment of Vin and Ezra he might have found the bewildered look on his face amusing.

Standing, Travis picked up his hat. "Now, gentlemen, I suggest we go talk to Mister McGurter."

Chris led the way, followed by Buck. His oldest friend was wearing a look that Chris had only seen a few times in his life, the same look that he'd had after JD had been shot by Mattie. If McGurter were involved with Gaines, they would have their answers very shortly. Judge Travis walked behind them with Josiah and Nathan following, leaving a very subdued JD to hold the jail.

Halfway down the street, Chris watched a flock of women emerge from the mercantile. Missus Potter stood in the door as the other women stopped on the boardwalk. One of them pointed toward Chris. Cursing inwardly, Chris wondered what the hell was going on now. Two of the women started across the street toward them. Before Chris could say anything, Buck turned away to intercept the ladies. Without breaking stride, the other three men continued toward the telegraph office.

As Chris reached for the door, Travis grabbed his arm. Now that he was close to his prey, the hunter in Chris was screaming at him to hurry. He started to shake off the older man, stopped only by the stern look in the older man's eyes.

"Mister Larabee, I have on occasion, necessary occasion, looked the other way when you have, uh, questioned prisoners."

"Good," Chris said calmly, "then you won't have any trouble doing it again."

The grip on his arm was surprising strong. "Mister Larabee!" Travis snapped. "If you want Ella Gaines brought to trial and hanged, then you will need to prove all the accusations. For that you need Mister McGurter to be a cooperative witness, rather than a terrified one."

Nathan stepped forward. "He's right, Chris. Jury ain't gonna be very sympathetic if they know you beat on him."

Chris nearly growled at that, but he took a deep breath before gripping the doorknob. The bell jingled as usual and McGurter stepped in from the other room.

He took one look at the three of them; his mouth dropped open, then snapped shut. Some vague part of Chris thought the man's reactions were funny. Another small part of him hoped the man would do something stupid like go for a gun. Despite needing him alive to convict Gaines, Chris would gladly kill him.

"Can I help...?" McGurter tried to cover.

"Now, son," Travis started, "let's not waste time here. We know what you've been up to, we know who you're working for. You have two options here;, cooperate with us, and I'm prepared to be lenient. It's one thing to be bribed into passing false messages or missing a few. It's quite another to be a partner to murder and attempted murder."

The words were a mere recitation of facts, the tone one of firm understanding. McGurter stared at the judge, then at Chris. For just an instant Chris saw him think of escape. Chris narrowed his eyes, letting the threat go unspoken. It was all it took. McGurter dropped his gaze to the floor.

"What do you want to know?" he muttered.

"Not very brave without a mob behind him," Nathan said.

Chris' anger was close to the surface, looking for release. Tossing away the board that served as a gate, he reached through and grabbed McGurter by the collar. "Ella Gaines," he hissed.

"I don't...."

The judge's warning completely forgotten, Chris' gun was in his hand and cocked at McGurter's head. No one said anything, not even Travis.

"Don't tell me you don't know where that bitch is!" Chris said coldly, voice low and level. "Now, where?"

McGurter had turned white behind his freckles. "The telegrams go to Gila Flats. The money she's been sending comes from a bank in Tucson."

"Gila Flats?" Nathan said quietly. "That's only a couple days' ride. Ezra was right, she wanted to be close."

The heat was still flowing hot and bright through Chris' veins. He pressed the gun closer to McGurter's temple. "You caused some friends of mine to have to leave town. You got a couple shot. You got the town shot up. Tell me why I shouldn't kill you?"

The only answer was the abrupt drop of the bigger man to the floor in a dead faint. Stunned silence claimed the three, then Nathan snickered.

"Brother Chris," Josiah shook his head. "You would make one hell of a preacher."

Travis bit his lip to keep from smiling. "Yes, well, Mister Larabee, if that is your meaning of not terrorizing a prisoner, I am glad I have never witnessed your normal method of interrogation."

Chris ignored the comment and Nathan's look of amusement. "Josiah, get this snake to jail, then go saddle the horses." He looked up, gazing at the other three men. "We're riding to Gila Flats."

"No, Mister Larabee, you are not." Travis moved directly in front of him, blocking the door.

Josiah cast a quick look at the two, yanked McGurter over his shoulder and headed out. Chris didn't notice the concerned exchange of glances between the preacher and the healer.

Chris met Travis' gaze and was surprised to find it level with his. Chris could see the steel in the blue eyes, could see where once this man had been every bit as dangerous as any of the seven lawmen. With a jolt, Chris acknowledged that he probably still was. But Chris wasn't going to be stopped, not when he was this close.

"I know where she's--"

"Do you?" Travis cut him off. "She's sending the messages from Gila Flats. She could be anywhere between here and there. She could have someone sending them for her."

"Could be relaying them," Nathan added. "Like before."

"And if I question the telegraph operator there," Chris said coldly. "I'll know which."

Chris took a step forward and the judge stopped him by putting a hand in the middle of his chest. "If you ride into Gila Flats, Gaines will know that you are on to her. She's outsmarted you at every turn because she knows how to goad you."

"Seems to me," Nathan said, "now we in control of the telegraph, we could bring her to us."

Chris' attention snapped over to Nathan. "What?"

It was Travis who answered, seeing where Nathan was leading. "We send a message to Gila Flats from McGurter, trick her into coming here."

"That would work," Nathan said firmly, warming to the idea. "She probably done knows 'bout Ezra and Vin leaving. We can just tell her the rest of us did to."

The fact that Nathan had so casually brought up the other two men added to Chris' still-smoldering anger. "Who you gonna get to send that telegram, Nathan?"

Nathan looked blank for a minute, then frowned. It had taken nearly a month to find McGurter as a replacement. "There must be someone in town--"

"There was someone in town," Chris growled. "Ezra."

A sharp breath from Nathan let Chris know that he understood the irony of the situation. The man who had given them their best lead, the person who would have been able to help trick Gaines into a trap, the man who might have helped finish it, was the friend they had driven off.

"Mister Larabee," Travis suddenly spoke up. "There are other operators. I can have a man in from Eagle Bend day after tomorrow."

Chris could feel every muscle tightening with anger. He wanted her; more important, he wanted her dead by his hand. "And I can be in Gila Flats by tomorrow night."

Travis was no fool, he knew very well what Chris had in mind.

Softly, the older man said, "Chris, don't give up what you have here for revenge. Let the law take care of her."

The picture of Ezra as he'd walked out of the saloon suddenly came back to him. The man had given up a home and friends so that Chris could keep what he had regained. Chris, in turn had given up Vin and Ezra for the same selfish reason. Going after Ella, killing her, would lose him all of it. But if he didn't go after her, he was breaking a pledge he'd made over Sarah and Adam's graves. He stepped back, took a deep breath.

This was what it came down to--the past or the future. He thought of all seven, of Mary, of Sarah and Adam. Did he betray Ezra and Vin's sacrifice, tarnish what they had done for revenge? Or did he break a promise to himself and his dead family? When he opened his eyes, it was to find Nathan and Travis, watching, waiting. He caught the judge's determined gaze.

"I'll wait," he promised.

Travis nodded solemnly.

Chris was already headed out the door, not wanting to think about his decision, wishing again that Vin was around to talk to, or not talk to, to just sit in silence with. He nearly walked into the two of the ladies standing on the boardwalk in front of the office. Stopping, he started around them, too lost in confused thoughts to notice.

The smaller of the ladies stepped in front of him. "Mister Larabee, a word with you please, sir."

It was only the force of his upbringing that stopped him. He looked over his shoulder but didn't say anything. The woman hesitated at the look of impatience on his face. He now noticed several other ladies standing around. Mary and Buck were to the side, near the telegraph office, looking mad and amused at the same time. Nathan and Travis stepped out, drawn by the strange commotion.

The lady, Chris thought it was Missus Glover, took a deep breath and said, "The Ladies Society would like to thank you and the others for serving the town so well over the past three years."

Not sure where this was leading, Chris turned, crossed his arms over his chest and waited. He had to give the lady credit, she charged right on.

"We understand that you've all made great sacrifices to protect the town. Some of us were quite leery at first of--"

His patience was dwindling rapidly, but before Chris could say anything, Nathan stepped up next to him and said, "Ma'am, we sure don't mean to be impolite, but we're in a hurry."

She gave him a look that said she was not impressed but finally nodded. "I understand, Mister Jackson." Looking back at Chris, she finished by stating. "We just wanted to express our appreciation that in light of recent information, you choose to back the town by asking Mister Standish to leave. We are happy to see that we are all in agreement that men like him aren't needed or wanted here."

The anger shimmering in Chris' blood suddenly had a target. Chris gazed down at the women through narrowed eyes. He heard Buck curse quietly and Mary take a breath. They understood the look.

"Not needed?" he said in a low tone.

Missus Glover paled a little, and Chris enjoyed seeing it. He stalked around the lady, slowly, carefully studying her from all sides. Following a slow winding course, he went through the rest of the ladies. They all watched him nervously.

"Not needed," he repeated, almost to himself. "Missus Harrelson?"

The woman jumped, put a hand delicately to her cheek as she flushed. Before she could actually answer him, Chris asked, "Wasn't it your son that Ezra fished out of that well?"

"Well, yes but--"

"Missus O'Conner." He continued his slow walk, voice low, cold. "When your husband was laid up, Vin brought you game, didn't he?"

"Don' ;t forget Missus Malandy," Mary said helpfully.

"Missus Malandy," Chris said with a smile that would have frosted steel. "Ezra saved your daughter when that carriage team ran off, ain't that right?"

Missus Hurst stepped back in, trying to regain control of the situation. "Nevertheless--"

Chris whirled around, black coat flapping dangerously behind him. Taking a step closer, he watched her shrink back in open fear. Leaning in, he said, "And what about Vin and Ezra lifting that broken beam off your brother's leg? Reckon they were needed then?"

The last came out a low growl that carried through the whole crowd. He was pleased to see several of the women were looking ashamed. Several more were shaking their heads but he didn't know what they were thinking and didn't care.

"They were needed when Stuart James attacked the town," he said with ice in his voice. "They were needed during the fire at the feed store and after that twister last summer." He very slowly let his eyes touch each of the women and gathering crowd of men standing in the street. Most would not meet his gaze. "They've been needed for over three years, yet one sheet of paper from someone you don't even know and suddenly -- They're. Not. Needed."

His voice grew colder, harder. "You're all a bunch of damn hypocrites." Lowering his head, he whispered, "And I'm the biggest goddamn hypocrite of all."

Forgetting the crowd, he spun and stepped up on the boardwalk right next to Buck and Mary. They were smiling widely, obviously pleased with Chris' handling of the crowd. Looking down the street, he saw Josiah leading the saddled horses. Chris smiled, tight-lipped, and started toward where the preacher was tying the animals off in front of the jail. Behind him he heard the stomp of Buck's boots on the wood. Another pair of hurrying feet joined him and Chris looked over his shoulder at Nathan.

He didn't even acknowledge Josiah and JD as they stood on the walk. Moving toward his horse, he checked the cinch.

Nathan gave him a worried look; obviously thinking he had changed his mind about going to Gila Flats, he demanded, "Chris, where you going?"

Swinging up into the saddle, he met Buck's eyes. "To bring Vin and Ezra home."

"Yes!" Buck yelled joyously. "That is more like it!"

Leaving a silent JD and Nathan on the walk, Buck jumped the water trough, jerked his horse's reins free, and vaulted into the saddle. Chris nodded to Buck and started to turn his horse.

"Chris?" Josiah said. "Would you allow a repentant sinner to ride along with you?"

A very slight smile tugged at Chris' mouth. "Ain't no one I'd rather ride with."

"Josiah?" JD questioned. "I thought the Bible taught...."

"There's another verse I should have remembered earlier, JD," Josiah said as he grabbed his coat off the rail. "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned."

JD looked even more confused. So Nathan tried, started to speak, only to be cut off.

"Nathan," Josiah interrupted. "You recall that Cherokee holy man I told you about?"

"Yeah," Nathan said uncertainly.

With Chris and the others listening, Josiah started toward his horse. "Once we found a settler's baby that had been left in the woods to die. It had been born with a twisted arm. Tsula was saddened and asked why they had done that. I told him that some folks considered it wrong, a sign of the devil."

"The man looked at me real puzzled-like," Josiah continued as he untied his horse and swung up. "He said, "‘How can it be wrong when it is as it is supposed to be.' You know, wasn't till just now that I understood what he meant."

"Let's ride!" Buck said impatiently.

They spun away, trotting by Mary and the judge. She was smiling, having heard what was happening. Travis also had a pleased look on his face.

"Don't worry about anything here," Travis promised. "I'll take care of it."

Chris tipped his hat. "We'll be back."

"Bring them home," Mary said firmly.

"Damn straight," Buck agreed.

They started off again, Chris leading as they left town behind. Only when they hit the open road did Buck ask, "You know where to look?"

"Nope," Chris admitted.

Buck gave him a big shit-eating grin. "I do."

Sixteen

Vin frowned. It wasn't that he minded doing most of the hunting, but he had hoped Ezra might bring in a few fish they could salt down. Near a spot where the river had formed a sand flat the gambler was lying on a dark green blanket. As he watched Ezra yawned and stretched. Any annoyance at the gambler vanished at the little boy way Ezra rubbed his eyes. A touch of something else formed as Vin admired the way Ezra looked in the bright fall sunlight. He had stripped down to just a white shirt, sleeves rolled up; his boots were off and even his pants were rolled up, revealing white, strong legs. Forcing the frown back on his face, Vin stepped closer, clearing his throat.

Ezra merely rolled over and gave him a lazy smile. Still trying to hold on to his look of displeasure, Vin stepped closer, laying the prairie chickens and potatoes at Ezra's feet.

"Excellent," ; Ezra said with a smile. "Something different to add to our growing larder."

"See you've been busy," Vin said with a touch of sarcasm.

Apparently that only served to amuse the other man since he smiled widely and stretched back out, hands under his head. "Yes, well, I have managed to procure several items."

The statement confused Vin enough that he dropped his pretense at being mad. "Ezra, you ain't even got a fishing pole."

Green eyes looked at him as if he were completely crazy. "A pole, Mister Tanner?" Ezra said in amazement. "Were you under the mistaken belief that I would employ such a primitive, slow and unproductive item?"

Scooting to the end of the blanket, Ezra snagged the end of a stringer that was wrapped around a stick in the ground. With a slight grunt of effort, Ezra hauled on the leader and pulled a dozen large trout out of the chilled water. Vin's mouth dropped open. Ezra exploded in laughter.

By the time Vin got his mouth closed, Ezra had stood and wrapped his arms around him. "How did you do that?" Vin demanded.

Ezra stepped away into the knee-high grass that had grown on the bank. He held up a small seine net. Again, all Vin could do was stare. After a minute, he asked, "Did you bring that with you?"

"No," Ezra said with a touch of pride. "I began the item last night while you were enjoying no doubt highly salacious dreams. I finished the task this morning after you departed on your expedition."

A slow smile found its way to Vin face. "I wouldn't have thought you'd a had strength to do anything after we got done last night."

Smiling in pleasure, Ezra admitted, "It was only thoughts of the arduous duty I had planned today that forced me to recover enough."

Vin nodded toward the net. "Where'd you learn that?"

"One doesn't spend his youth on the river without learning something besides how to swim and never to play poker with a man named Ace."

Laughing, Vin said, "Reckon we'd better get these cleaned."

"Oh yes," Ezra said with an exaggerated sigh. "My favorite way to spend a lovely afternoon, plucking chickens and gutting fish."

He picked up the stringer again and started past Vin. Vin couldn't resist; he reached out and pulled the shorter man to him. Kissing lightly along the soft cheek, he suggested, "Can always have a nice bath afterwards."

For an instant Ezra stiffened. He'd been taking his baths at night. Before Vin could apologize for the mistake, his mouth was claimed hard and hot. Dropping the fish, Ezra slipped one hand up Vin's chest, kissed along his jaw.

"Vin," he whispered. "Do you think this is sufficient sunlight?"

For a minute Vin was puzzled, then his softly-spoken promise came back to him. Lust and worry shot through him. Easing away, he stared down into Ezra's beautiful green eyes. The demons were there, still lurking in the shadows.

"Are you sure?" Vin asked.

"We have been in this lovely location nearly two weeks and seen no one," Ezra said. When he looked up, the hope and love had pushed the shades into the corners; Ezra's eyes were dark from passion, not fear. "You are not the only one who desires the clear vision only daylight can offer."

Vin nodded, entranced by the love in the jade-colored eyes. He ran his hand through Ezra's hair, liking the feel of the longer strands as they flowed through his fingers. A twinge of future disappointment hit him as he realized that Ezra would probably get it cut when they rode into Apache Wells for supplies.

"I can leave it," Ezra said. "If you prefer it longer."

The insight didn't surprise him; the offer did. He could see the effort that volunteering that change of appearance had cost his fastidious lover. Smiling, Vin let the one hand not covered in chicken blood trail down Ezra's cheek. "I like you just the way you are."

Slipping closer, he tilted Ezra's chin up and took him in a long kiss. When he started to raise his other hand to Ezra's waist, though, the man slipped from his hold.

Arching an eyebrow at Vin, Ezra pointed to his hand. "I am willing to compromise on quite a few things, but getting blood on my attire is not one of them."

"Oh yeah," Vin said with an evil grin.

Hand out like a sword, he lunged at the shorter man. With a laugh, Ezra dodged away. The chase was short and fast, weaving from the sand flat to the rocks that marked the rivers turn into a deeper canyon. Ezra popped up behind a large boulder and dodged toward the water. Vin circled, waiting for him to come out. They were both laughing too hard to really get up a good run.

Ezra took a sharp left around a boulder, while Vin went right, hoping to cut him off. He never got a chance as there was a loud splash and a string of cursing.

"Ezra?" Vin called.

He came around the rock to find Ezra sitting in a muddy hole about chest deep. Vin chuckled heartily at his bedraggled lover. Ezra looked up at him, hair hanging limply around his face, white shirt clinging to the muscled chest, black pants highlighting the fine legs. Vin's thoughts gave him away.

This time it was Ezra who raised his hands. "Practical, Vin, remember."

"Practical?" ; Vin repeated. "When you are the best looking thing I've ever seen?"

Extending his hand, Vin helped Ezra climb out of the hole. The other man moved closer, wrapping Vin in a tight hold, easing his tongue past Vin's lips and deep into his mouth.

When they pulled apart to breathe, Vin closed his eyes and whispered, "Ezra...."

"Yes," Ezra said seductively.

"You're getting me wet," Vin complained.

"Yes, I know," Ezra said in the same silky tone.

Vin eyes opened to see the smirk on Ezra's handsome face. Before he could do anything, Ezra kissed him on the nose and sprinted back to camp.

They made short work of cleaning the game, with only a few feathers making their way into Vin's hair and Ezra's wet shirt. It was the next couple of hours of slicing and salting that seemed to take forever. The sun was past its zenith when Vin sealed the salt barrel with a bang of satisfaction.

Ezra was examining his dirty, stained shirt, shaking his head sadly. The look on his face was so truly regretful that Vin felt guilty for not giving him a chance to change into something already ruined. Though he still didn't understand how clothes could be so important to someone, Vin tried to be sympathetic.

Stepping in front of the gambler, he once more slipped a finger under Ezra's chin and tilted his head up. "I'll buy you a new one," Vin promised between brushing kisses across Ezra's lips and cheeks.

Very seriously, Ezra said, "Don't fret. It was only a shirt. A new, spun silk, shipped in from Chicago shirt...."

Vin kissed him, feeling the mouth under his lift in a joking smile before opening in invitation. Ezra's arms came around Vin's back, one hand sliding into his hair to urge his tongue deeper into Ezra's mouth. He answered the silent request by sliding his tongue across Ezra's, savoring the taste, the wet heat. Ezra moaned.

Stepping back, Vin began to unbutton the ruined shirt. "Fact is, I'll make you a new shirt."

Ezra blinked, clearing the haze of desire from his expression. He looked down, watching Vin's hands. "I did not know that tailor was another of your many talents, Mister Tanner."

The shirt came open and Vin leaned forward, kissing along Ezra's chest, across his collarbone. "Learned with the Kiowas. Ribbons shirts." He looked up into eyes that were sparkling with sunlight. "Make you a green one, maybe with blue ribbons."

"Well," Ezra said sarcastically, "I suppose if I am to become a mountain man, I should at the least dress like one."

Vin's fingers dropped lower, easing the black pants open. "Not a mountain man, a warrior, all decked out in feathers and beads. Lots more color than just a red coat."

Laughing, Ezra slipped his hands off Vin's back and started on the laces at the top of Vin's white loose cotton shirt. Vin smiled, determined to finish undressing the gambler before the other man could get him started. He bent his head, licked over one exposed nipple. Ezra gasped, hands freezing in mid-move. Unrelenting, Vin slipped his hand into the open pants, grasping the rapidly-filling cock.

"Vin...." ; Ezra whispered, kissing along his neck.

Realizing that he was going too fast for what he had in mind, Vin eased his hand out and pushed the pants down over Ezra's narrow hips. Stepping away, he smiled.

"Last one to the river's a yellow dog," he yelled over his shoulder as he sprinted away.

He had time to catch the look of outrage before Ezra dropped to the nearest rock to finish stripping. Vin jerked his shirt over his head and started fumbling with the buttons on his pants. Ezra had his boots off now and was gaining his feet. Vin flopped down in the sand and jerked the first boot off. Ezra's stained white shirt landed on the red sand in front of him. He managed to get the second boot off before looking up. Directly at eye level was Ezra's partially risen cock, but further up, Vin saw mirth dancing across the handsome features.

"I believe the term was yell--"

Vin came to his knees, licking at the head of Ezra's shaft, teasing his tongue over the cut foreskin. Gasping, Ezra dug his hands into Vin's hair. The narrow shaft swelled as he played across it, barely touching. Surging up, Vin grabbed Ezra by the waist and tossed them both into the chest-deep water.

"Yiii...." Ezra came up with a cry of outrage at the cold water.

Controlling his own shiver, Vin asked, "Little chilly there, Ezra?"

"You are not a yellow cur," Ezra said. "You are a dangerous, overgrown child."

Vin stuck his tongue out at him. The water temperature took away the tiredness from working. Kicking further into the shallow river, Vin laid back and let himself float with the rapid current. At the bank, Ezra was using the sand to scrape the dried blood off his hands and arms. After relaxing back for a few minutes, Vin waded back to the bank and did the same. With a sigh of enjoyment, Ezra ducked, scrubbing at his hair. He surfaced with an explosion of water.

The sight stopped Vin from his cleaning. Ezra's hair lay dark and wet around his face, water cascading down his cheeks and shoulders. The sheets of water caught the sun, turning Ezra's fair skin into glistening alabaster. When he smiled over at Vin, the light sparkling off the water dulled compared to the love shining in his eyes. Vin only stared, thanking all the spirits for the man smiling gently at him.

Climbing the sloping bank, Vin lay down on the blanket with a low sigh of pleasure. He looked back to where Ezra was climbing out of the water. Long-forgotten tales read to him by adoptive aunts now returned, stories of ancient men tempted by creatures made of water and light. Vin smiled as he glanced down Ezra's muscled body. This was no imaginary creature, no ethereal being; the wicked light in Ezra's green eyes told him that this was a man who knew what he wanted and intended to get it.

Ezra walked slowly up the steep bank, eyes never leaving Vin's. He reached out, stroked his hand down Vin's arm. A shiver went through Vin's nerves, turned into a tingle of sparkles as it neared his groin. Vin couldn't wait any longer. Grabbing Ezra by the shoulders, he pulled the other man in and claimed his mouth, driving his tongue deep into the wet haven. Ezra moaned, grinding against Vin's groin. The feel of Ezra's eager cock turned the single trickle of light into a sun-bright explosion.

Vin answered the sharp moves with a low moan of his own, before lowering his head and sucking hard on one nipple. The moan from Ezra was deeper, his hands skimming down Vin's sides, over his ass. Pushing up, Vin felt his ready cock collide with Ezra's, felt the sweet sun climb in his blood. He moved back to Ezra's mouth, sliding sensuously against Ezra. Ezra thrust up, sucked on Vin's tongue. The brightness rose too quickly again and Vin broke the kiss.

Running his hands through Ezra's wet hair, he said huskily, "I'll never get enough of kissing you."

"Then why did you cease?" Ezra joked quietly.

"'Cause we need a couple things 'fore I get too carried away."

Stepping back, Ezra slid his damp body along Vin's. "I rather enjoy your getting carried away."

Vin kissed along his cheek, over one ear. "Yeah, but you'll like this even better," he promised. "Grab that blanket and carry it over to the other one."

With a dimpled grin, Ezra turned away to gather the blanket while Vin walked to the wagon. By the time Vin returned to the river bank, Ezra was stretched out on the green blanket, eyes closed, one hand tucked under his head, the other one idly playing with his cock, a wide smile on his handsome face. Once more, Vin found himself just watching. A smile reached from the bottom of his soul to cover his face and he laughed out loud.

The jade eyes looked over at him in confusion. "You find something humorous here, Mister Tanner?"

Sitting down next to him, Vin ran his hand down Ezra's flat stomach. "Funny? Nah. Happy."

Startled, Vin watched Ezra's smile fade a little. He reached out and stroked one finger along Ezra's collarbone. "What?"

The crooked smile touched Ezra's mouth. "I am still quite overwhelmed that you are here with me."

"Over... whelmed?" Vin asked, returning the smile. "Is that anything like swamped?"

Ezra stared at him, sat up, and kissed him. "It is exactly like that."

Wrapping his arms around Ezra, Vin held him tight while he laid light kisses along the gambler's face. "I was right; you're even more handsome in the sunlight."

"And is that all you are going to do?" Ezra questioned. "Sit there and admire what's yours?"

The word ‘yours' swelled Vin's heart as well as lower parts of his anatomy. Locking Ezra in a hard kiss, Vin lowered them both to the blanket. He broke the kiss with a moan, sitting back so that he was straddling Ezra's waist. The sun shining in his eyes made Ezra blink and squint a little at Vin. The heat of desire was cooled to perfection by the love that sparkled through Vin's blood.

"I love you, " he whispered, stroking along Ezra's strong shoulders.

"Then demonstrate," Ezra demanded.

Vin's laugh died into a growl of lust as Ezra's small, nimble hand took his cock, began to pump easily. He leaned back, giving the man more room, feeling Ezra's stiff cock nudging at his ass. Reaching behind him, Vin gripped the slender shaft, pumping in the same rhythm that Ezra was using. Vin let his eyes drop shut and tilted his head back, enjoying the sun on his face, the feel of Ezra's hand, the soft breeze on his skin. He heard a low moan from Ezra.

Looking down, he smiled. During the four times he'd taken Ezra, he'd never been able to see much of his face. Now, he watched the fair skin darken with passion, watched Ezra's eyes narrow to slits of jade, smiled at the wet hair clinging to his temples. Sliding back, putting his cock out of Ezra's reach, he brought Ezra's hand to his own shaft.

The complicated green eyes flashed open and there was still the merest hint of hesitation, before the shorter man gripped the hard flesh and began to stroke. Ezra's eyes stayed open though, returning Vin's intense gaze. A sly smile lifted his lips as Ezra played to his audience of one. He arched up into his hand, mouth open slightly. Vin took a sharp breath at the way the hard muscles moved under the pale skin, at the contrast between slightly tanned hand and blood red cock. He leaned in to claim Ezra's mouth.

Moving further back, until he was on his knees straddling Ezra's legs, he lay full on him, kissing him slowly, sliding his tongue into wet welcome. Ezra moaned again, trying to thrust up against Vin. Vin sat back and Ezra moved to roll over. Vin put a hand on the narrow hip, held him in place.

"Hand me the blanket," Vin asked.

Looking puzzled, Ezra gave up his makeshift pillow. Vin smiled at his confusion; kissing along the strong chest, he sucked hard on both nipples, bringing moans from deep within Ezra's throat.

Moving his hand under Ezra's fine ass, Vin said, "Shift up."

Pushing up with his heels, Ezra raised himself off the blanket, allowing Vin to slide the other blanket under his ass. Vin rubbed along Ezra's thighs, touching gently over the small scar inside his right leg.

"This way gets too much on your back, you tell me."

Ezra's tongue flicked over his lips, the simple move sending a jolt of lust down Vin's back. Putting his hands on Ezra's ass, Vin shifted his hips up, stroking slowly over the soft skin. The pale flesh contrasted with the nearly-black hair that surrounded Ezra's dark cock. Vin lifted Ezra a little, bringing the cock to him as he bent over. Ezra tried to thrust into his mouth but the position allowed him little room to get purchase. Vin smiled. He knew he was frustrating his partner; he had learned that Ezra liked his sex a little hard and fast. What Vin wasn't sure of was whether it was his nature or whether he was still too new to control the pace. Either way, it suited Vin, since he liked to take his time and that drove Ezra crazy.

"Vin..." Ezra panted.

Vin eased off, giving the hard shaft a final lick before straightening. Sliding his legs under Ezra he let the man's weight rest on his thighs. Opening the small vial, he poured the oil into one hand. Using one hand to catch the run off, Vin upended the bottle over Ezra's cock, watching it run smoothly down the solid flesh before mingling in the thick hair. Ezra moaned and twisted as the oil slipped down his shaft. With both hands Vin coated the shaft, rubbing over the scars, teasing at the loose skin.

"God, that feels good," Ezra muttered.

"Bet it'll get better," Vin promised.

Ezra grabbed Vin's arms, wrapped his legs around Vin's waist, and hauled himself higher. "A bet anyone would be foolish to take."

Vin poured more oil into his hand, spreading it over the small, dark muscle. He ringed the tight entrance, all the while watching the play of emotions across Ezra's face. It continued to amaze Vin that anyone could think that the gambler had a poker face. All a person had to do was look into those sea-green eyes and know everything he was feeling.

Now, the lust and love glowed from Ezra's beautiful eyes. With a single move Vin pushed a long finger into Ezra's body. Ezra arched back, hands sliding down to grip the blanket.

"Yes...." ; he hissed.

Vin's hand drifted to his own cock, giving it a squeeze even as he fought down the urge to shove hard and deep into the fine body. Stroking his cock a couple times, he moved his hand to Ezra's shaft, rubbing his thumb over the head, teasing at the weeping slit. Ezra's sensuous nature now overrode the years of fear. When Vin eased another finger into the willing body, Ezra's eyes drifted closed and his fingers began to play over his nipples, brushing, pinching. Vin took several deep breaths at the sheer wantonness in the moves.

"Damn, Ezra, you are too good to believe," Vin said huskily. He cut off any reply by crooking his fingers to squeeze the inside of the muscle. Ezra gasped, pushing back.

"Oh, my...." Ezra whispered.

For another few minutes they lay there, Vin pleasuring Ezra with slow, long thrust of his fingers while he felt the need gathering in his own body. Reaching once more for the oil, he poured some onto his fingers, tilted his hand down. He watched, breath quickening at the sight of the sparkling oil sliding into the willing body.

Ezra moaned softly as a little of the fluid spilled over and ran in slow rivulets down his ass. "Vin..." Vin shifted his gaze to the narrowed green eyes. "Please, I need you in me."

The statement flooded Vin with light, tightened his balls and swelled his cock. Pulling his fingers free, Vin laved the oil over his cock. Putting a shoulder under each of Ezra's legs, he shoved him a little further on to his back. Pressing gently forward, he eased into Ezra's body. Vin took a deep breath, held it, and fought to control the too bright light in his nerves.

Watching Ezra as he took him was as perfect as Vin had known it would be. Ezra's eyes opened a little as he tilted his head down, though whether to observe the easy glide of Vin's cock into his body or whether to shield his eyes from the brilliant sun, Vin couldn't tell. Vin felt the little bump under his cock, shoved down against it. Arching back with a near animal cry, Ezra's eyes snapped closed and his head pushed down against the blanket, exposing the long length of his pale throat, scattering his hair against the dark wool. The perfect lips parted slightly, a hint of white teeth tugging at his lower lip. The small hands gripped Vin's arms hard.

Despite his need to see Ezra, Vin's own eyes drifted shut, all his attention narrowing down to the incredible tightness and heat that surrounded him. He wanted to thrust, to grab and control, to take what was his. But overriding the instinct to claim the other man, was the driving love that made him want to share everything, to pleasure the other man before taking his own. His balls touched the soft skin of Ezra's ass and they both moaned.

"I love you," Ezra whispered, lying very still.

"Okay?" Vin asked.

A deep groan answered him. "More than okay. Feels... so deep, so full."

"This hurts your back... oh, god...."

The muscles around his cock tightened. Ezra's smile was wide, wicked and pleased. Ezra pressed down again, and Vin's thoughts on the rest of the world vanished. Shoving Ezra up higher, Vin began to move, pushing slowly in, pulling equally slowly back. He turned his attention back to Ezra, knowing if he let himself give in even the slightest to the lure of the heat that surrounded his cock, it would all be over.

Ezra's soft mouth was open partially as his breathing built, tongue sliding over his lips again. Vin desperately wished he could kiss him, could feel Ezra's tongue in his mouth. When the shorter man got more used to this position, he would do it. Now the sunlight was seeping into his blood, tingles gathering in his limbs, flowing toward his cock. The movement of energy through his blood increased his thrust, drove him into Ezra's tight passage with long, deep strokes.

Under him, Ezra's breathing turned into soft gasps and throaty moans. Vin tried to slow, knowing how to judge his lover's arousal by the way the passionate sounds escalated, but the sheer sensuality in Ezra's flushed face and sparkling eyes refused to slow the liquid sunlight carrying him away.

Ezra took his own cock, pumping in perfect rhythm with Vin's thrust. "Harder...." Ezra whispered. "God, yes, please, do it.... Harder...."

"Ezra...," Vin moaned, hanging on to his release only by the need to see Ezra come. "I love you."

Vin started to move faster, cock sliding easily into the eager body. The soft sound of flesh on flesh was lost to Ezra's moans and the open air that surrounded them. Around him Vin could feel the earth and the sun and the energy of Ezra's love. His thrusts grew more erratic, and he realized that his own voice had joined Ezra's in wordless plea for completion. Ezra's muscles tightened around his cock.

"Yes, yes," Ezra was whispering, hand moving on his cock. "I'm going to...."

Shoving his cock as hard and deep into Ezra as he could, Vin held there, held off his own need for a few desperate seconds as he watched ecstasy take Ezra. The brilliant green eyes flashed open for a second, then snapped closed. The arm Ezra had out for balance gripped the blanket, bunching it between narrow fingers. The hand around the blood dark cock, stroked once, twice and white fluid flowed over the tight fist.

"Sweet mercy...." Ezra breathed so softly that Vin almost didn't hear over his own pounding blood.

The muscles around his cock tightened as the pleasure ripped through Ezra. Vin pulled out, thrust back in, grinding his hips down. The sunlight flared hot and bright, sparkling through his body. A cry, sounding loud in the shining day escaped Vin's lips as the waves took him,. He gripped Ezra's hips as the sunlight became hot fluid that filled the treasured body under him. The daylight faded into a strange, quiet twilight.

The soft touch of fingers against his cheek brought the light back. Vin was pressed against Ezra's thighs, Ezra's legs folded to his chest. It did not look like a comfortable position. Yet, when his eyes found Ezra's face, Vin was met with the most heartbreakingly soft smile. Vin could only stare, swept away once more with how much he loved Ezra. The smile changed, curved Ezra's lips up, brought the dimples to his cheeks and let the sunlight dance on the gold tooth.

Vin laughed, wondering if he looked half as happy as Ezra did. Easing out of the sated body, Vin felt the slight shiver of pleasure that echoed through Ezra at that small move. Ezra straightened his legs with a sigh of discomfort. Immediately, Vin started to rub the hard thighs. They lay in contented, loving silence for a long time, sharing small kisses and brushing touches.

Ezra's hand touched his cheek again. Vin looked into the sea green, entranced by the love in their depths.

"Thank you," Ezra said quietly.

The desire that had brought his blood to a slow boil now turned into a warmth that tightened his chest. He wanted to demand why Ezra would thank him when he was the one who had received the perfect gift. Instead, he kissed Ezra's temple and said with equal reverence, "You're welcome."

The rest of the afternoon was spent in lazy kisses and light naps. It was only cooling breezes and empty stomachs that drove them to brave another quick bath in the river. As Vin dressed, his eyes were continually drawn to Ezra. He would have never believed that just watching someone dress could make him so happy. Ezra glanced up at him as he pulled on his boots. For a minute Vin expected him to say something about the silly grin he was wearing, but the gambler only smiled back. Vin nodded, Ezra didn't need to ask, he understood what Vin was feeling.

+ + + + + + +

"It ain't working, you know," Vin said casually.

"What?" Ezra asked as he wiped his plate clean with the biscuit.

"Trying to scare me off with this cooking."

Ezra looked up from where he was leaning on a boulder at the edge of the fire. Despite the comment, Ezra noted that the plate Vin was holding had also been wiped clean. Raising an eyebrow at the tracker, he asked, "If my creation for the evening was so horrendous, how is it you managed to eradicate any evidence of its existence?"

Vin took a minute to translate this, though Ezra was beginning to suspect that the pauses were a ruse. "Ezra, in case you ain't noticed, I tend to eat just about anything. Hell, I can make a meal of pemmican."

Having heard of the obnoxious mix of lard and berries, Ezra managed to look offended. "Are you comparing my New Orleans style fish to some aboriginal...."

"That was fish?" Vin asked innocently. Ezra sputtered, which increased Vin's smile into a laugh. "Gotcha."

Rolling his eyes, Ezra said, "If I have to endure your supposed sense of humor, it is only just that you suffer my cooking."

Vin tossed another small log into the fire before leaning back with a stretch. As the dried wood flared up, Ezra watched the play of yellow light across Vin's face. A flicker of desire went through him at the mere heartbeat of memory from that afternoon. He had quit trying to think of words to describe what Vin did to him; he merely accepted it as the miracle he considered it to be.

A soft chuckle turned his attention back to the present. He looked across at Vin, marveled at the way the firelight caught in Vin's smiling eyes.

"You'd best quit looking at me like that," Vin said softly. "Might give me ideas."

"And what would those ideas entail?" Ezra asked silkily.

He fully expected Vin to suggest another round of slow loving. While he was more than ready to try, he was not sure how far he would get. To his delight, Vin stood, retrieved two books from the wagon and returned to sit next to Ezra. They spent a few minutes shifting blankets and saddle rolls, nestling comfortably with Ezra supporting Vin against his chest. This way, he could look over Vin's shoulder as he read and offer help.

"You first," Vin said.

"Very well, but if you slumber during my recitation, I will be very disappointed." Opening the book, Ezra softly read,

"I saw in Louisiana a live oak growing,
All alone stood it and the moss hung down from the branches,
Without any companion it grew there uttering joyous leaves of
dark green
And its look, rude, unbending, lusty, made me think of myself,
But I wondered how it could utter joyous leaves standing alone
there without its friend near, for I knew I could not,
And I broke off a twig with a certain number of leaves upon it, and
twined around it a little moss,
And brought it away, and I have placed it in sight in my room,
It is not needed to remind me as of my own dear friends,
(For I believe lately I think of little else than of them,)
Yet it remains to me a curious token, it makes me think of
manly love;
For all that, and though the live-oak glistens there in Louisiana
solitary in a wide flat space,
Uttering joyous leaves all its life without a friend a lover near,
I know very well I could not."

He paused, thinking through the poem, wishing he had read it to himself before reading it aloud. The lines about friends rang too close. Vin was silent in his arms and Ezra cursed silently. It had been too perfect a day to ruin now. But the words hung in the air around them.

Kissing Vin lightly on the cheek, Ezra asked the question he'd been avoiding. "How much longer are we to reside here?"

"Reckon we should head on. I'll check the traps come morning, then we'll hit the road," Vin said quietly. He sighed, and admitted what Ezra had suspected for several days. "I thought maybe they'd...."

Ezra kissed him again. "Yes, I had hoped so too."

There was a moment of silence, almost as if in remembrance, a silent good-bye to lost friends.

Then Vin slapped Ezra's knee, startling him. "Done thought on it too long. We got a whole lot of country to look at, so the hell with 'em."

There was a slight catch in the rough voice but Ezra nodded, shifting enough to kiss Vin deeply. With a smile, he quoted Longfellow,

"Then read from the treasured volume
The poem of thy choice,
And lend to the rhyme of the poet
The beauty of thy voice.
He smiled into the blue eyes. "A very wonderful poet once recited that to me."
Vin returned the kiss, then leaned back against Ezra's chest and got comfortable. He held the book in front of him, but didn't open it. Softly, he said,
"Now sing me a song for traveling, for going to country unknown.
For as long as you come with me, no matter where we roam,
Through old sorrows or new mornings, I'll know with you, I am always home."

Once more Ezra could find no words, settling for a kiss to the top of Vin's head. "I love you."

Vin opened the book and started reading.

Continue

Comments