ATF Universe
Chapter 4
"Aw, what's the matter, Larabee? Didn't your momma teach you how to share?" Darden just didn't know when to back off. He was taking great delight in provoking the Team 7 leader and was determined to push the man just as far as he could. He was counting on Larabee exploding, losing his control and letting down his defenses. And Rick grinned inwardly at the idea of pounding the blond headed man into the plastic gray mat on the gym floor.anything to wipe that superior smile off Larabee's face.Taking a step forward, Darden rushed in again and began throwing punches, kicks and jabs at his opponent. His body moved fluidly and gracefully, his well-honed reflexes taking over and carrying him through a combination of moves that would have sent a lesser man reeling. He hadn't earned his ATF instructor's license by accident, but by discipline and long hard hours of training.and it showed.
But Chris Larabee wasn't Rick's normal opponent either and it frustrated Darden that he couldn't seem to find a way through the senior agent's defenses. For every move he made, Chris had a counter move. For every punch, there was a block. For every kick, there was a deflection, parry and a return thrust. For every twist or hold he tried to throw, Larabee slipped through his hands only to circle around and resume his defensive posture once again.
Darden was on the verge of backing off again when he managed to slip an arm just inside of Chris's right forearm and promptly threw up his hand, smacking Larabee solidly in the mouth with his fist. He grinned with satisfaction as Chris's head snapped sharply backwards and the other man staggered before regaining his balance. Rick's grin grew even wider when he saw the trickle of blood oozing from Larabee's split lower lip rapidly form a crimson trail over the point of his chin.
First blood! Rick congratulated himself silently.
"Oh my! I bet that hurt! Why don't you have pretty boy there kiss it and make it better?" Darden could literally taste victory on the edge of his tongue as he danced backwards, his eyes alight with wicked glee at the damage he had inflicted on Larabee's face. He'd be willing to bet Tanner wouldn't find Larabee so appealing now, would he?
Bunch of goddamned pansy-assed fairies!
Never taking his eyes off Darden's taller frame, Chris relaxed his stance and reached up with one hand to absently touch his lower lip. He didn't have to look to know he was bleeding. He could feel the warm liquid on his fingertip, taste the coppery metallic flavor on the tip of his tongue when it darted out to explore the tear in the rapidly swelling flesh. Darden had managed to land a lucky punch as far as Chris was concerned. Everything else.the bastard was going to have to work for.
Chris smiled ferally and inserted the tip of his index finger in his mouth. His green eyes blazed with a fiery intensity as he slowly licked the blood from his finger. "Is that yer best shot, Darden? Hell, I've had better punches from little ole ladies crossing the street." His voice was low and sarcastic, but the rasping tone carried clearly to where the ATF instructor stood on the far side of the mat.
Vin couldn't suppress a sharp gasp or the tensing of his body when Darden managed to pop Chris in the mouth. Dismayed that the bigger man had found a way inside Chris's defensive perimeter, Tanner unknowingly jumped forward at the sight of the blood trailing down his best friend's face. Only a firm restraining hand from behind, courtesy of a watchful Nathan Jackson, kept the sharpshooter from getting up and rushing to his aid. The former medic spoke softly into the younger man's ear and urged him to remain seated, a mere spectator in the ongoing battle between these two older gladiators.
"Easy Vin, it's Chris's fight. On his terms. He ain't gonna want no interference. Ya got me?"
The junior agent nodded slightly in understanding but never took his eyes off of the red color staining the lower part of Chris's face. And as much as he longed to get up and go to him, Vin knew that Nathan was right. This was Chris's fight. The team's leader wouldn't welcome his interference.but that didn't mean that Vin had to sit there and like it. Because he didn't.not one damned bit!
"Hah!" Darden gave a short bark of laughter. "You are an old lady, Larabee! And I just bet that boy of yours kisses real nice, don't he?"
Chris dropped back into his defensive stance as Darden rushed in once more. The next few minutes were filled with the sounds of flesh and bone striking flesh and bone as the two men battled across the matted floor. From Team 7's perspective, it was hard to tell who had the upperhand, Larabee or Darden. The resulting round of blows rained down so fast and furious that it was difficult to keep track of which ones were hits and which were misses. Other than the sharp slap of flesh against flesh, the only other sounds were the harsh breathing of both fighters at their continued physical exertion and an occasional grunt of pain as a blow found a solid target.
Vin flinched involuntarily when the ATF instructor managed to land a particularly vicious kick to Chris's left lower ribcage. But to Larabee's credit, he shook off the blow and kept right on battling as if the hit had been nothing more than a pesky fly. It was hard for the young agent to sit by and watch his friend absorb the physical abuse his body was taking and do nothing about it. He could almost feel each individual blow himself and at times was hard pressed not to cry out in sympathy when Chris grunted from the pain.
One thing was for sure though. No matter what the outcome of the contest, Vin knew that Chris was going to be in serious need of some tender loving care. And even though he wished the circumstances could be different, Vin also knew that he would gladly take on that job.even if he wasn't able to reap the benefits of it. His own bruised ribs aside, at this rate, Chris would be in no condition for any "strenuous" activity.
Chris got in a vicious jab to Darden's right flank area, driving the bigger man off of him and forcing him back across the mat. The two separated and stood at opposite ends, both breathing heavily and covered in rivulets of sweat that ran down their bare torsos. Blood flowed freely from Chris's lower lip to mix with the salty liquid covering his chest, creating a fluid red trail that contrasted vividly against his flesh.
When Chris staggered slightly, Vin decided enough was enough. He couldn't just sit by and watch the two men beat the shit out of one another. Somebody needed to end this before it got out of hand and if neither of them were willing to admit defeat, then it was up to him to put a stop to it.and to hell with Larabee's stiff-necked pride! He'd just have to learn to live with it!
"Chris." Vin began as he rose to his feet, shrugging off the restraining hand that Nathan placed on his shoulder. Frowning heavily, he ignored the hissed warnings coming from Buck and Josiah behind him. Even Ezra's softly muttered "Dear Lord" failed to persuade the team's sharpshooter that his words would fall on deaf ears.
Vin stood at the edge of the mat and held out his right hand placatingly towards both Larabee and Darden. "This's gone far enough, okay? Might oughta stop for someone gets hurt fer real. Why donja jes shake on it `n call it even?"
Rick Darden nearly laughed out loud. He couldn't believe Tanner was actually trying to intervene. Who the hell did this sissy boy think he was anyway? Rick had already whooped his ass on several occasions and even though it had taken just a bit longer, today had been no exception. Now that he suspected that Tanner was Larabee's "houseboy," it made the takedown even sweeter. Hell, he despised Tanner and his longhaired hippie look almost as much as he did Larabee and his smart mouth. Whoever said "nice guys" finish last had been right and Rick Darden was just the guy to put them in their place.
"Aw, now ain't that sweet, Larabee? Your boyfriend here wants us to kiss and make up!" Darden taunted with a cruel laugh, his gaze swinging from the lean hard frame of Chris Larabee over to Vin and then back again.
Vin dropped his hand and glared across the floor at Darden's laughing figure. A muscle ticked in his lower jaw as he clenched his teeth in an effort to keep a rein on his own temper at the insult. Whatever Darden thought he saw between the two of them, it seemed as if he was determined that everyone within hearing distance knew about it as well. Vin didn't dare look at the rest of Team 7 and hoped that if push came to shove, he could still count on them to back his play.
"Now looka here, Darden," Vin drawled slowly as he tried to reason with the man. "This's `sposed to be jes a friendly little match. Ain't no call to go drawin' blood. I'm jes sayin' somebody's bound to get hurt if'n ya don't back off is all." The sharpshooter threw a quick look over in Chris's direction but so far the blond hadn't taken his eyes off of the ATF instructor's flushed face. Hell, as far as Vin could tell, Chris acted as if he hadn't even heard a word he'd said.
Damned stupid bastard! Vin cursed silently. I'm tryin' ta save yer ornery hide!
"Well now, that just brings tears to my eyes, boys! Pretty boy here is worried about you getting hurt, Larabee. We wouldn't want to upset the little fellow, now would we? Why, if you were to get hurt, he just might have to kiss it and make it all better!" Darden lowered his voice suggestively. "But then again, I hear that sort of thing is what you faggots from Denver like to do!"
Chapter 5
Vin stiffened as if he'd been slapped and the blood drained from his face leaving him pale and shaken. Darden knew about him and Chris. How had he found out? What had they done to give themselves away? Anxious pain-filled blue eyes glanced worriedly over at his lover as an awkward silence settled over the entire room. But other than a slight narrowing of his furious green gaze, Chris showed no outward reaction to Darden's verbal assault. Vin knew better though than to think that Chris was unaffected by the other man's vicious words. Still, he tried to reason with his team leader, best friend and lover.
"Chris, I." Vin began only to be cut off by Larabee's sharp voice.
"Stay outta this, Vin," Chris snapped in a low tone, his eyes never leaving Rick Darden's tall frame as the man continued to move easily around the perimeter of the fight circle. He didn't see the hurt look that flashed through the younger man's eyes or the resolve that stiffened his lower lip as Vin vowed to once again save Chris Larabee from himself.
Stupid bastard! "No, Chris. I think."
"Buck!" Larabee barked, his voice echoing eerily within the mirrored gym walls. "Get Vin outta here!" Moving fluidly, Chris began to dance around the edge of the mat as his arms raised and flexed in front of his chest, his fingers curling into tight fists as he mentally envisioned himself pounding Darden's face to a bloody pulp. A cold deadly smile curled his lips back from his teeth, his eyes glowing almost demonically, as he pictured wiping that self-satisfied smirk off of his former classmate's face.
Vin felt rather than heard a movement behind him and knew that it was Wilmington moving to obey the team leader's command. But the junior agent vowed he wouldn't be dismissed so easily.
"No, Chris! I won't let." he began again only to be interrupted by both men at the same time.
"Buck, get him outta here now!" Larabee demanded in a harsh voice.
"Come on, Vin," Buck urged as he laid a hand on Tanner's right arm and tugged gently. "You heard Chris. Let's go."
Shrugging quickly out of Buck's light hold, Vin swung part way around as he moved sideways to put a little bit of distance between him and the tall ladies man. "Leave off, Buck!" Vin demanded forcefully, a hint of his own anger showing through in the hard glint of his flashing blue eyes. "Somebody's gotta stop this for it goes any further."
Wilmington slowly lowered his hand to his side as he cut his own questioning blue gaze over at Chris. But Larabee wasn't even looking in their direction, trusting his oldest friend to remove the younger man from the developing situation. Buck wasn't precisely sure what was going on between Chris and Vin, or between Chris and Rick Darden for that matter, but too many years spent watching Larabee's back had taught him to obey commands first and ask questions later.
"Vin, now ain't the time or place." Buck tried to reason with the team's sharpshooter. Right now, he'd settle for getting his answers later.
"You know, Larabee? You really ought to teach your bitch to mind better than that!" Rick found himself highly amused by the interplay between the three men now involved in the rapidly escalating situation. The diversion being created was certain to distract Larabee and allow him to gain the upper hand with the other agent. Then he'd be able to finish him off at his leisure.and get a great deal of satisfaction.and revenge.in the process. Darden wasn't prepared for what happened next.
Taking in a deep breath, Chris let out a hoarse yell as he lowered his head and charged the ATF instructor. With all the grace and power of a springing panther, he launched himself at Darden's tall figure, rushing across the mat and taking him squarely in the stomach with one broad shoulder, driving him backwards across the floor. Blind rage erupted through Chris and flowed into the solid strike he delivered to the other man's midsection, his impetus driving them both towards the far wall. Darden's legs crumpled beneath him with the unexpected onslaught and he tumbled to the floor with Larabee on top of him.
Vin, Buck and the rest of Team 7 watched through stunned eyes as the ATF instructor went down beneath Chris's furious charge. They all knew how focused and intense their leader could be but this sudden display of icy rage in this normally fiercely controlled man took them by surprise. All except Buck that is. He alone knew the deep dark emotions that could ebb and flow through his friend at a moments notice. He alone recognized the deep hatred and black rage that now swirled through Chris and drove him to exact revenge upon his tormentor.
Darden's back hit the floor with a solid "thwack", driving the breath from his body. His arms instinctively came up to curl around Larabee's lean frame, intending to pin his opponent against him. But he ended up grasping nothing but air as the smaller man used his forward motion to gracefully somersault over the instructor's head before rolling to his feet once more. Rick immediately twisted sideways and attempted to stand only to have his ankles swept out from underneath him by a furious kick from one of Larabee's long legs. He hit the floor with a decided "thud" and grunted with the pain as his elbow banged against the wooden planks of the gym floor.
Taking advantage of his foe's vulnerable position, Chris jumped atop the ATF instructor, straddling him around the waist with his muscular thighs, pinning him to the floor with his weight and a crushing grip to the big man's windpipe. A roaring noise in Chris's ears drowned out all other thought and sound as he began to furiously pound his right fist into the unprotected lines of Rick Darden's face. Blow after blow rained down upon the man's features and a caricature of a grim smile of satisfaction covered Chris Larabee's face as he felt the delicate nasal bones give way beneath his punishing fist.
Darden lay uncharacteristically helpless beneath the other man's brutal blows, his hands wrapped around Larabee's left wrist and clawing desperately at the hold that was cutting off his oxygen supply. He could feel the warmth of blood flowing freely from his nose and mouth and the painful crunch of a bone breaking beneath the hammering punches that he was powerless to avoid. His only thought was not of protecting himself from Larabee's vicious jabs, but of reestablishing his supply of air before he passed out. He dug his heels into the gray mat beneath him and arched his back, intent on trying to dislodge Chris from atop his prone body. But the other man hung on tenaciously and continued to deliver blow after punishing blow.
It wasn't until Tanner and Wilmington stepped forward and grabbed hold of Chris's arms that the flurry of brutal punches finally ceased. The painful grip around Darden's throat eased as Vin and Buck forcefully pulled a furiously struggling Chris Larabee from the ATF instructor's prone body. Gratefully sucking in a deep breath of air, Rick raised his hands to his battered face and rolled sideways as he opened his eyes against the tide of red pain seeping through his battered body. His blurred vision found Larabee's taut form, suspended by his arms between two of his junior agents, his face, torso and arms covered with droplets of blood, his body stiff with deadly rage while his chest heaved and glistened with the efforts of his exertion.
Shock at the brutality of Chris's attack registered on the members of Team 7's faces. But none there would dare gainsay their leader and in truth, they all believed Darden deserved what he got. Still.it had stunned them to see the blind hatred and almost maniacal rage that covered the fair-haired man's features and the extent to which he had exacted his revenge upon a now helpless opponent. Nathan couldn't help but gasp in disbelief at the damage done to Darden's face while behind his right shoulder, Josiah muttered prayers to the deities above to protect them from further proof of Chris Larabee's revenge. Ezra was stricken speechless by the depth of the uncontrolled rage that he had just witnessed while Vin remained silently shaken by the vicious display as well. A display so in contrast to the gentle loving man who held him in his arms each night and filled his days with a peaceful contentment and sense of home that the young sharpshooter had never known before.
But Buck understood.much more than he had ever thought possible.and much more than he wanted to.
Rick lay gasping for breath on the floor, his face covered in blood as an imprisoned but still furious Chris Larabee towered over him.
"You ever say anything.like that.about one of my team again.and I'll cut your fucking heart out!" Chris grated out harshly as he pulled against the restraint of Vin and Buck's hold, his blood-splattered chest heaving with rage as his heart continued to thunder like a runaway locomotive inside his chest.
Chapter 6
Chris inhaled deeply and gave a ragged sigh as he pulled aside the shower curtain and stepped inside the porcelain bathtub in his hotel suite. Man, this job just kept getting better and better all the time, didn't it? It had been one hell of a day and he was in no mood to put up with any more bureaucratic bullshit as the result of the fallout after his pummeling of Rick Darden. As far as he was concerned, the ATF head honchos could go fuck themselves!Turning on the water, he stepped back to let the spray warm up before adjusting the temperature to his satisfaction. Bowing his head in exhaustion, he moved forward to let the stinging needles of wet heat flow over the back of his head, soaking the strands of his short blond hair before gently caressing his naked upper back and shoulders. Arms extended, he braced his hands against the cool tile wall in front of him and closed his eyes tiredly as the water cascaded over the numerous aches and pains riddling his body.
As far as he was concerned, Darden had gotten everything that sick bastard deserved. He'd been a constant thorn in Chris's side ever since they'd trained together. And it had been obvious from the get go today that he was out to crucify Team 7 as well as Chris Larabee. His personal vendetta against Chris was one thing, but to target his team was totally uncalled for. And the vicious attack upon Vin.well, it had been like waving a red flag in front of a bull and Chris had gone in for the kill.
He didn't regret for one moment the punishment that he had inflicted upon his nemesis and knew that if the opportunity ever presented itself, he wouldn't hesitate to do the exact same thing over again. Well.maybe not, he admitted ruefully as the image of Vin's shocked white face swam before his closed eyes. He'd probably scared the living hell out of the younger man with the raging bloodlust that had filled his eyes as he'd repeatedly pounded his fist into Darden's face. Buck had known and understood, but Vin.
God, how could he ever hope to explain himself to Vin?
Shit!
Chris sighed deeply once more and rolled his shoulders beneath the fall of hot water tumbling down the length of his neck and back. He was getting too old for this shit and he knew he was going to feel every single bump and bruise covering his body come morning. Darden had nearly made a punching bag out of him before he'd finally turned the tables and used his anger to overpower his opponent. But there had been a certain amount of grim satisfaction from being able to let himself go like that and not have to worry that he was hurting someone that he truly cared about.
Unless of course you counted the look on Vin's face when he'd helped Buck pull him off of Rick Darden. There had been shock.disappointment.and a certain degree of underlying fear in Vin's blue eyes. God, that was just what he needed.for Vin to be afraid of him and his damnable Larabee temper. A small grimace of self-disgust crossed his face as he opened his eyes to stare almost sightlessly at the tile covering the shower wall. He would just have to find a way to reassure Vin that he would never turn those angry emotions against the one person he cared about most in the entire world.
Letting the water heat his skin and wash away the remaining traces of blood, Chris didn't hear the swishing of the shower curtain as it was pulled back and another figure stepped into the tub behind him. He started slightly when a pair of firm warm hands skated around his waist and a hard naked chest pressed intimately up against his backside. A pointed stubble-covered chin came to rest on his left shoulder as Vin's low husky drawl sounded in his ear.
"Hey, how ya doing, Cowboy?" Sliding his arms further around Chris, Vin snuggled up against the older man as his hands moved upward over the smooth wet skin of his chest until his fingertips came to rest on the prominent jut of his lover's collarbone. He hugged Chris lightly and inhaled deeply of the fragrant male scent filling his nostrils. God, but he'd been waiting to do this all day long and a deep sense of satisfaction and homecoming filled him much as the man before him filled his arms.
Chris turned his head slightly and gave Vin a small welcoming smile. His eyes roamed lovingly over the now damp strands of long golden brown hair and the finely chiseled features that framed a pair of shining deep blue eyes.eyes that were gazing up at him, their dark depths filled with tender emotion. Shaking his head slightly, Chris still couldn't figure out what in the hell he'd ever done to deserve someone as special as Vin Tanner.
"Thought you were gonna fix us some dinner," Chris replied huskily. The two men had ridden back to the hotel in relative silence following the altercation at the gym. Vin had still looked somewhat shell-shocked by what had happened and Chris was hesitant to broach the subject with the younger man, afraid of what Vin's reaction might be to the violent display that he had witnessed. Chris didn't think he could bear it if Vin were to turn away from him in fear.or disappointment. They had parted company just inside the door to their suite.Chris to get cleaned up and Vin to ostensibly find something for them to eat in the kitchenette area of their accommodations. But fear and disappointment seemed to be the furthest thing from Vin's mind and Chris relaxed in his embrace.
"Yeah, well, I ain't that hungry fer food jes yet. `Sides, I figgered ya might like some company." Vin opened his mouth slightly and placed a warm affectionate kiss on the smooth skin of Chris's shoulder, pleased by the sudden tension in his lover's body at the familiar caress. "Thought I'd offer ta scrub yer back for ya?" He added with a small smile and a mischievous twinkle in his dark blue eyes.
"Just my back?" Chris asked teasingly as one blond eyebrow arched upwards on his forehead. He didn't know what had put Vin in an apparently playful mood but he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Best to just sit back, enjoy the ride and let things happen as they would!
Vin pretended to think on Chris's question, a studious look crossing his handsome features as he absently rubbed his lightly whiskered chin back and forth across the sweet tasting spot that he had just sampled. "Well, I reckon I could thinka one `r two other places I might like ta scrub!" He added after a moment, a sly grin lighting his face and deepening the color of his now midnight blue eyes. His fingers twitched slightly as he began to feather caresses across the line of Chris's collarbone, stroking the smooth warm skin and enjoying the small shudders that passed unchecked from the taller man's body to his.
He had Chris Larabee right where he wanted him.and Vin was determined not to let him go until he'd thoroughly loved every inch of this man who held his heart. Because of him, Chris had taken quite a beating from Rick Darden that morning and Vin was dead set on making it up to his partner, even if he had to kiss every single bruise and sore spot on the older man's body. Which to Vin's way of thinking would be a pleasant way to spend the rest of the day indeed!
"Only one or two others?" Chris questioned coyly, an answering lop-sided grin spreading across the rugged lines of his face as he waited to see just how far Vin was willing to take this foreplay. Because Chris wasn't entirely convinced there was room enough for the two of them in the shower together, let alone room enough for what Vin apparently had in mind. Not that Chris was complaining, mind you.far from it! He just thought they'd be much more comfortable on that huge king-sized bed in the other room.
He opened his mouth to say so only to find his words effectively silenced by the sudden press of Vin's warm lips capturing his own. Fire raced through him at the seductive smooth feel of that wonderfully talented mouth that always seemed to know just how to drive him wild. Wanting more of the sweet succulent flavor of his lover, Chris turned slightly, seeking.touching.finding as he lowered his head to press more firmly into the embrace. Vin's kiss was gentle, tender and loving as full lips caressed and stroked the bruised swollen flesh of his lower lip, a pleasurable reward for the damage inflicted by Darden's vicious blow.
A shared breath shivered through both their bodies as Vin tightened his grip around Chris's lean torso, savoring the feel of hard bone and firmly sculpted muscle beneath his arms and glorying in the hidden strength contained within the body that he knew almost as intimately as his own. He could almost feel each individual muscle fiber rippling across the broad plane of Chris's back and shoulders and couldn't resist the urge to press his chest more firmly against that hard wall of tantalizing flesh.
Vin didn't understand or even question this nearly obsessive need that he had to capture and possess the passionately intense man he held locked in his arms. All he did know was that he desperately wanted to be inside Chris and fuck him six ways from Sunday until there was no way to tell where he ended and Chris began!
Chapter 7
Chris could feel the familiar heat of arousal rapidly suffusing his body at the continued caress of his lover's generous mouth. Wanting to deepen the heady intoxicating kiss, he tried to turn more fully into Vin's arms. A short moan of protest passed his lips as Vin held him fast while keeping his chest pressed tightly against Chris's back. The moan quickly turned into a low growl of hunger when Vin shifted his stance and rotated his hips, stroking Chris's naked buttocks with the searing heat of his groin. White-hot desire pierced straight through Chris and he gasped at the highly erotic feel of Vin's semi-rigid member rubbing against his skin. An answering hunger quickly pooled and collected in the hardening length of his own pulsating manhood.Delighted as always by Chris's eager response to his lovemaking, Vin smiled against his lover's mouth when he felt the rush of rapidly indrawn breath and the deep shudder that rippled through the lean hard frame held fast in his arms. He could feel Chris straining against the hold he had on him, knew that he was impatient to turn within the circle of Vin's embrace in order to more fully return the pleasure he was feeling. But Vin had promised himself that he was going to savor this man slowly and apply some of that "tender loving care" that he knew would drive them both into a wild frenzy.
Pulling back, Vin tried to interrupt their mutual kiss, satisfaction flooding through him when Chris automatically made to follow his retreat. Opening his mouth slightly, he took Chris's lower lip between his teeth and proceeded to tenderly nibble and suck on the sensitive bruised flesh. Tugging gently on his captive prize, Vin's tongue came forward to soothe the small split in the fleshy tissue before he finally released Chris's mouth. He looked up to find slumberous dark green eyes watching him with varying degrees of lust, passion and tenderness.
Finding his own gaze irresistibly drawn to the purple and blue color of Chris's mouth, Vin couldn't resist just a small amount of teasing at his lover's expense. "I'd say somebody's gotta fat lip," Vin chuckled in a low husky drawl before leaning forward and nipping sharply on the swollen flesh. Chris flinched and drew his head back, unable to suppress a small cry of pain at the tender punishment Vin had just inflicted. But at the same time, it served to remind him of the reason for it in the first place.and the violent emotions that had consumed him just a couple of short hours earlier.
He and Vin really needed to talk first.
Chris swallowed hard as he looked down into that midnight blue gaze. "Vin, I." He wasn't entirely sure just what he intended to say to his young lover, how to explain his behavior that morning or the blinding rage that had taken control of him. He'd seen and recognized the fear and uncertainty that had clouded Vin's handsome face and knew that he was responsible for it. All Chris wanted now was the chance to explain.to make things right between them.let Vin know that he would do whatever it took to regain his love and trust
But one glance into those dark azure depths and the words became lost in the rising tide of desire flooding through his body. All that existed in that moment was the elemental craving to fill and be filled.to love and be loved.to have and be had by this incredibly giving man holding him close. Another shudder flowed through the length of his body as Chris tried once more to turn within the circle of Vin's arms.
"Whoa there, Cowboy!" Vin drawled huskily when he felt Chris trying to twist within his grasp. "We're gonna take this nice `n slow here, pard. You've had a purty rough day." He was pleased when he felt the tension ease from Chris's body at his simple directive. Apparently, he was content to let Vin take control of their lovemaking this time. "Gotta get ya cleaned up first," Vin whispered teasingly.
He couldn't help but grin at the suddenly eager look that covered his lover's handsome face with those soft sensuous words, knowing that what was to come would pleasure Chris as much as it would him. In the six months since they'd been together, the two had experimented with all sorts of interesting and different ways to make love. But Vin always seemed to find satisfaction most when he focused on bringing Chris to his ultimate fulfillment rather than seeking his own pleasure. Chris had remarked on more than one occasion at what a generous lover the younger man was. But the nature of their relationship, the very give and take involved in their being together was wonderfully rewarding for them both as Chris tended to always reciprocate in kind.much to Vin's delight.
Easing his hold on Chris, Vin turned him around until he was facing forward again, the jet spray of water hitting him in the upper chest and shoulders. He then slid his hands back down the warm skin of Chris's bare chest, skimmed around the curve of his waist before stroking up the length of his long back, his fingers coming to rest at the base of the taller man's neck. With one hand, he eased the blond head forward beneath the stream of water while reaching for the body shampoo dispenser with the other. Rubbing his hands together, he worked the creamy liquid into foam before sliding his fingers upwards into the short silken strands. Chris's neck arched as Vin pulled his lover's head back, using his agile fingers to scrub and massage his scalp and enjoying the simple task of washing his best friend's hair, working the warm flesh beneath his hands.
Finishing that chore, he eased Chris's head forward again and rinsed the scented soap from the flaxen locks until they squeaked with cleanliness. Raising his own face to the stream of water, Vin filled his open mouth with the warm liquid then leaned forward to press his lips against the back of Chris's neck. The collected water slowly trickled out as he kissed and gently mouthed the sleek skin before dragging his teeth and tongue across the satiny flesh and nipping sharply at the point of his lover's right shoulder.
Chris flinched at the unexpected love bite, eyes closed and his breath already starting to come in shallow gasps as he panted beneath the rivulets of water streaming around the sides of his face. Vin's fingers on his scalp, the sensuous feel of those talented hands running through his hair had Chris's own hands curling into his fists against the cool tile, just aching to touch and stroke the warm receptive body behind him. Lifting his head, he started to turn only to find his way blocked by the length of Vin's left hip and leg, effectively keeping him in place.
"No," was all Vin murmured as he quickly thrust his left leg and hip up against Chris, keeping the other man still. Waiting until he settled once again, Vin decided to forego the use of a washcloth and filled his hands with more liquid soap. A devilish grin on his face, he reached around underneath the older man's arms and began to hand wash Chris's upper chest and shoulders. Long nimble fingers stroked across the line of throat and collarbone, tracing across the length of broad shoulders, soothing.caressing. stroking.teasing. He was startled when Chris tensed and drew in a sharp hissing breath.
"You okay?" Vin asked with a small degree of alarm as he stilled the motions of his hands.
Chris nodded his head as he managed to reply, "Yeah, just sore is all. Sorry," before he relaxed back into Vin's embrace. Damn, looked like some of those blows Darden inflicted were going to be a bit more painful than he had anticipated.
Sick bastard!
Chris just hoped that the damage done wasn't enough to keep him from spoiling Vin's plans for their mutual pleasure. But all worries and thoughts of his adversary were driven right out of Chris's mind as Vin's warm seductive hands began stroking and washing his flesh again. Those quick agile fingers knew all of his secret places to touch and caress, knew just how to stoke the flames of his desire and send him spiraling higher and higher into a blazing inferno where their soul-searing need for each other was the only thing that existed. And suddenly all the little aches and pains inflicted by Rick Darden's punishing blows paled in comparison to the growing ache in his burgeoning manhood that stretched upwards towards those sweet giving hands, silently begging for that magical touch that he craved almost as much as his next breath.
Chris growled low in his throat, demanding.asking.begging.
Vin moved his hands slowly over Chris's smooth wet flesh, stroking and fingering the lines and planes of hard muscle and bone, enjoying the erotic glide of soap and water across the broad expanse of chest. He feathered light open-mouthed kisses across the width of Chris's shoulders and up the length of his neck into the short wet tufts of blond hair at his nape. Wanting to taste more of the warm inviting skin, he used his tongue and teeth to lick and nibble a path down Chris's upper spine, relishing the treat much as a starving man at a feast.
Pressed closely against Chris's body, he could feel the low vibrating purr that rippled through his lover's chest at Vin's slow seductive petting. He lowered his hands a bit and palmed both of the flat male nipples, this time earning a genuine groan as his fingers rubbed, teased and lightly pinched the sensitive flesh into diamond-hard buttons. He slid his fingers back and forth across Chris's lean hard ribcage, fingering the shallow grooves gently but still able to feel a slight tensing of the older man's body whenever he touched a particularly tender spot. Lost in the taste, feel and smell of Chris's superbly sculpted body, Vin could feel the frenzied lust rapidly building in his own veins and knew that he wasn't going to be able to keep teasing Chris for much longer.
Lowering his left hand to Chris's waist, he dug his fingers in sharply against his hipbone, roughly pulling the slim pelvis more firmly into the waiting heat of his own body, silently communicating to Chris exactly what he wanted to do to him. Vin wasn't prepared when Chris suddenly cursed under his breath and jerked away from his touch.
"What the.?" Vin spluttered against a sudden face full of water as Chris pulled away from him, the abrupt separation a jolt to his senses leaving him feeling slightly bereft at the loss of contact.
Chris was breathing hard as he turned his flushed face towards Vin, a grimace of pain crossing the stark planes of his features. Seeing the confused concern in Vin's blue eyes, he hastened to assure the younger man that he was not the cause of Chris's sudden discomfort. Well, at least not the source of the discomfort that had interrupted Vin's seductive torture.
"It's just a deep bruise on that hip is all," he offered apologetically. "Didn't mean to startle you."
Vin stared silently at the apparent chagrin on Chris's face for a moment before shaking his head and reaching for the older man once more.
Damn stupid bastard! Never shoulda got in ta that fight in the first place! Jes what the hell were ya tryin' ta prove, Larabee? That yer a stiff-necked sonuvabitch?
Just thinking about the scuffle with Rick Darden that morning brought all of Vin's irritation, anger and fear flooding back to the surface. What in the hell had Chris been thinking to let himself be used for target practice like that? And for what reason? Just because Darden had a smart mouth? Vin's patience cracked when Chris involuntarily stiffened and flinched away from his touch. "Well, goddammit, Chris! Where don't it hurt?" Vin snapped out, frustration clearly evident in his sharp tone of voice.
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