Missing scene for Obsession
July 1, 2000
Disclaimer - No, I don't own any of The Magnificent Seven - rich people do. Therefore, if I was rich, I would.
"So tell me, Cowboy," Vin breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "How long did ya think ya could keep this secret?""Don't know what you're talking about, Vin," the blonde replied tightly, cinching the saddle strap just as tight.
"I'm talkin' about goin' after Ella - on yer own."
Chris whirled around, found himself face to face with the younger man. He searched the blue eyes, looking for some glimmer of understanding.
"I didn't want anybody else getting hurt," he finally said.
"Too late," Vin responded. "You leavin' me - that's a might hurtful on its own. You not comin' back - can't say how much that'll hurt."
"Never said I wasn't coming back," Chris whispered, and turned back to finish saddling his horse.
"Didn't say you were leavin', neither. All the same in my book," Vin replied angrily.
Chris closed his eyes and put his forehead against the saddle, guilt consuming him. It was bad enough that his association with Ella Gaines had killed his wife and son. Now it was tearing him away from Vin. He hadn't known there was a need to protect Sarah and Adam. But Vin... He turned back to face Vin, hoped he could tell the younger man what he was feeling inside. He was surprised when Vin put a hand to his cheek, gently kissed his lips.
"You ain't gotta worry about me, Cowboy," he whispered. "I know she's out there. And I got you to watch my back." He gave Chris another reassuring kiss. "Now you either unsaddle that horse of yours or give me time to saddle mine."
Chris unsaddled his horse.
THE END