Thank you so much to MusesOwnMyMind for the review on the last chapter (and all the help along the way!). And a huge thanks to lotte2910 for suggesting a story featuring Buck. This chapter was entirely because of you putting the idea in my head to focus more on Buck's thoughts and I so much appreciate it!
Chapter 6
"Don't say another word!" Morgan yelled over her shoulder.
Buck followed her up the stairs, taking them two at a time easily. "You're gonna tell me what happened in Vegas!" Buck hollered at his sister.
She reached the door of Buck's room, where she had been staying for the weekend, and whirled around. "If you want to know, go have your little spy dig around in my personal life some more!" She slammed the door in his face and Buck heard the lock click.
He pounded on the door. "We're gonna talk!" he shouted. "We're gonna sit down and talk about this! Nice and calm!" His voice echoed through the hallway.
Loud music blasted on, drowning out anything more Buck tried to yell through the door.
He gave the door one more solid blow for good measure. There was no response from inside his room, other than some singer yelling that these things should be faced with poise and rationality.
He strode back toward the stairs, but stopped long enough to turn back toward his room. "This ain't over!" he yelled futilely
No response.
He had been pacing the floors since he got home from work, waiting for Morgan to get home from wherever she had taken off to earlier, and this was not what he had planned.
"Ridiculous overreacting female," he muttered under his breath. His boots didn't have a satisfying thud on the carpeted stairs. "Keepin' secrets and causin' trouble and doin' who knows what." His muttered words started to build steam, fueled by worry and guilt. "Those women said they'd raise her up and teach her right. Shoulda known not to trust them." He instantly regretted the words, even though no one heard them. His ma's friends had agreed to take Morgan in without hesitation. He had been a twenty-two year old in the Navy with no idea how to go about raising a preteen girl and had convinced himself staying with the women who had worked and lived alongside their mother was the best option for Morgan.
"I shoulda been there more." His blame quickly shifted inward. It was never a long jump from concern for Morgan to self-recrimination.
A knock sounded on the door, Buck was surprised he could hear it over the music that was nearly rattling the upstairs windows.
He pulled the door open and blinked. "Inez."
She gave him a smile and held up a paper bag. "You didn't pick up your supper," she commented.
His standing order for Monday evenings. He had started ordering it as an excuse to hang around the bar and flirt with Inez and somehow it had turned into an easy routine between the two of them.
"Oh. Yeah," he said. Her brown eyes were concerned when he took the bag of food without another comment.
"Is everything ok?" she asked. She glanced past him to the stairs and the source of the music. "I didn't think you were a fan of this style of music."
Buck gestured absently in the direction of his room. "Morgan's blowin' off a little steam."
"Ah." Inez nodded like she understood. Buck sure hoped she did, because damned if he understood anything that was going on with Morgan.
Inez reached over and plucked the bag out of his hands, taking it back. "I will go heat this up for you," she said. She breezed past him and Buck caught the scent of oranges and cinnamon. He breathed in the scent that was uniquely Inez before he caught himself and closed the door.
Inez had found his kitchen with no problem and was looking through his cabinets until she found a plate and slid his steak and potato onto it. Buck watched her move through his kitchen. He had thought of her in his arms plenty of times. Even thought of her in his life more than a time or two. But he had never pictured her in his kitchen. Good thing he hadn't, because the reality of her there far surpassed what he would have expected.
Inez pushed a button on the microwave, setting it to humming and turned back to him, crossing her arms in front of her. The silky loose blouse she wore accented her olive skin and Buck wondered if her skin was as soft as it looked.
"Focus, Buck," Inez said.
"What?" he asked.
"I asked how Morgan is doing?" Inez said. "JD and Nathan stopped in for dinner and said things got tense between you and your sister today."
Buck frowned. "It's nothing," he said. "Just me trying to be her ma and pa and not doin' a very good job of it." He let out a frustrated huff at the understatement.
Inez tilted her head. "Your sister is not a teenager, no?"
"No," Buck said. Not unless you counted her attitude, but he was well aware that Morgan was born with that and wouldn't be outgrowing it.
"Does she need you to be her mother and father?" Inez asked. "Or does she need her brother? She came to Denver to see her brother, didn't she?"
Buck snorted. Morgan came to Denver because Morgan wanted to come to Denver. Buck didn't figure he had factored into Morgan's life in a long time. And he had no one to blame for that but himself.
A soft touch on his arm brought Buck back. He looked from Inez's small hand on his forearm, up to her liquid chocolate eyes. Considering the woman occupied too many of his waking thoughts, he couldn't believe she had approached him without him noticing. Judging by the worried look in her eyes, she couldn't believe it either.
Buck shook off the maudlin thoughts. No sense in putting those burdens on Inez. He had shouldered worse than this on his own. He had carried his worry for Morgan, his commitment to carrying Chris through the dark months after losing his family, his devotion to keeping their ATF team working as the family so many of them needed…well, he had carried that all on his own plenty long enough. There was no need to cast any of that onto Inez. Especially when he knew she had enough on her plate with keeping her bar and grill running.
"I appreciate you deliverin' the food, darlin'," Buck said, finding the smile that served him well through all those burdens. On a good day, he could believe he meant the smile.
Inez didn't look like she believed it.
Buck patted the hand she still had on his arm, finding his footing with his charm. "I don't have cash on me, but I sure can find a way to make it worth your while to deliver meals here."
Inez showed him mercy and let him fall back into the familiar persona. Buck breathed a sigh of thankfulness.
"I believe that would be me making it worth your while," she replied archly.
Buck's smile broadened. "Everyone knows a good relationship has give and take."
Inez didn't look impressed. "Enjoy your dinner, Señor Wilmington."
Buck followed her to the door. The music upstairs had changed to something just as painful to Buck's ears and Inez gave him a sympathetic smile. "If you need anything, Buck—" She gave him an unimpressed look at the wolfish grin he gave her. "Anything but that," she clarified. "You let me know. That is what friends are for. And I know you are a good friend."
In that moment, with the proof of his failures upstairs, hearing that Inez considered him a friend was more of a comfort than if she had given into any of his innuendos or suggestions.
"You're a good friend, too, Inez."
Inez gave his hand a light squeeze before turning and going down the walk to her car.
She may be a good friend, but that didn't mean Buck couldn't still appreciate the sway of her hips until she reached her car.
#
Vin put his Jeep in park and turned off the engine, silencing the country music on the radio. He took a minute in the silence of the vehicle, letting out a long breath.
A new case had landed on the desks of Team 7 this morning, sending spurring them into action. For Vin that meant trying to keep the words from swimming in front of his eyes as he labored through reading the background info. Usually Josiah would call him into an empty conference room on the pretense of making sure they had all the needed information in order, but Vin was well aware it was the profiler's way of sparing Vin from trying to read through all the documents on his own. But the team was off-balance today, with Buck's foul mood and Chris' stern presence changing the usual dynamic and keeping Josiah busy in the role of peacemaker.
Vin closed his eyes, letting the familiar sounds of Purgatorio settle into a background hum as the few parking lot lights that weren't shot out came on.
He had picked up that Morgan had found a job, but wouldn't give Buck details. And Chris wasn't letting Buck put JD to work hunting for answers. The team had tiptoed around the subject of Morgan for the past two days.
Vin finally opened his door and made his way across the parking lot to the plain red brick building that was clearly built for utility and not aesthetics.
A figure was sitting on the steps in front of the building and Vin kept his eye on the shadowy figure.
"It's about time you got home."
Morgan's voice, slightly annoyed, put Vin more on guard as he realized the form on the steps was her. He turned his attention to the shadows alongside the building, the teens bouncing a basketball in one corner of the lot, anywhere someone might pose a threat to the young woman.
"I might've hurried if I'd a known you were waitin' on me," Vin said.
Morgan stood, her lean frame in leggings and a sweatshirt. She wasn't bothering to hide the bruises at her neck and in the dim light Vin couldn't tell if it was because they had faded or she just didn't care if Vin saw them anymore. She didn't offer an explanation for what she was doing waiting for him in his less than ideal neighborhood.
Vin didn't question her. He unlocked the door to the apartment foyer and held it open for her.
Morgan moved through. She followed him up the stairs to the third floor.
Vin opened the door to his apartment and let her in.
He watched her golden brown eyes move over the used furniture, the small kitchen and cracked linoleum floor without judgment.
"You hungry?" Vin asked, figuring giving her space was the best plan of action. He had seen firsthand what happened when Buck pushed for information. He shrugged out of his coat. He saw Morgan eye the weapon in his holster, but she also didn't comment on that.
"I'm fine," she said.
Vin took out a package of hamburger from the fridge and a skillet from a cabinet. He washed his hands and opened the package, setting to work on shaping it into burger patties. He kept one eye on Morgan while she went through his living room, stopping to look at what he kept on the bookshelves along one wall, flipping through his DVD collection, looking out the window at the less than scenic view of the parking lot below.
When he had the burgers sizzling on the stove and a can of green beans emptied into a saucepan, Vin headed for his room. Morgan didn't give any sign of being ready to talk or noticing his exit. He took off his holster then, opening the safe in his closet and securing his service weapon. His normal evening routine, but everything felt different about it with Morgan in his living room. It was nice.
He locked away his gun and went back out into the kitchen.
Morgan was running a finger over the sides of his audio book collection.
Vin went to flip the burgers. He took down a couple plates, looking over his shoulder when Morgan settled onto a stool at the small counter. He got out a bag of chips and buns. Dishing up two meals, he put a burger on Morgan's plate with beans and chips, sliding it across the counter to her. He got the ketchup and mustard from the fridge and put it within reach.
Morgan lifted an eyebrow at him, a look he was coming to recognize and was losing some of the sting.
"I said I wasn't hungry."
Vin leaned against the counter on his side of the small peninsula and took a bite of his burger.
With a small huff of annoyance, Morgan picked up her burger.
She studied him while she chewed and Vin met her gaze. He figured she was used to intimidating people with her looks and her attitude, but he was certain there was something more beneath the surface. Something that drew him in. Something that was vulnerable and made him want to protect her.
"You have a lot of books on tape," she commented. "Too busy to sit down and read a book?" she asked.
"Too dyslexic," Vin said mildly.
She didn't immediately apologize and there was no pity in her expression. It was refreshing. "What do you do when you want to read a book and there's no recording?"
Vin smiled. "You offerin' to read to me?"
Vin watched Morgan's guard immediately go back up and she pushed her half finished plate away. He set his own plate aside and waited for her to speak.
"I'm asking you for a favor," she said.
"Anything," Vin said.
Morgan looked at him sharply, but Vin didn't walk his answer back. He meant it. He would make the same offer for any family member of his teammates- his family. And he knew Morgan wouldn't ask lightly. He could see from the tension in her jaw, the way she pressed her lips together, how much it cost her to ask for help.
She studied him and for a minute Vin was struck by how much it took for her to decide to trust with even the smallest amount of information.
"I got a job," she started. "I start next week, so I can't pay you until then. But I'll pay you," she said firmly.
Vin leaned forward on the counter, ignoring the discussion of payment, knowing he wouldn't take it. "What do you need?"
Morgan took a breath and the look that flitted across her face washed away the persona of a self-assured woman who could get whatever she wanted. She looked younger. She looked scared.
"Protection," she said. Her eyes met his, begging him silently.
"Ok," he agreed.
She drew back slightly, confusion marring her pretty features. "Ok?" she asked.
"Tell me what you want me to know, but ok. I'll do it," Vin clarified.
Morgan looked more shaken by Vin's easy agreement than if he had refused.
"What should I know?" Vin asked, giving her an opening to share whatever she could.
Morgan drew in a breath, gathering herself. Steeling herself. She didn't avoid looking at Vin. "I need to get the rest of my things. And my car," she said. "They're in Vegas."
"Where your ex is," Vin surmised. He made sure to sound like it didn't flood his veins with a thrumming desire to find her ex and leave some bruises on him.
A slight hesitation and then a single nod.
"And that's who you need protection from."
Another nod, this time with a clenched jaw.
"When are you goin'?" he asked.
"Tomorrow." Morgan said it like it was a challenge. Like she was daring him to back out. "I have a flight at out at two."
Vin didn't hesitate. "Give me the information and I'll get a ticket." No way would he let her go back anywhere near the man who had put those fingerprints on her neck without him at her side to protect her.
For just a second, Morgan's face softened and Vin thought she would thank him. But she schooled her features back to their usual distantly amused mien and slid off her stool. "Don't tell Buck," was what she said instead. She shook her hair back over her shoulder as if she hadn't opened up, however so slightly, to Vin.
Vin held her gaze, made sure she knew he understood what she was trusting him with. "Wouldn't dream of it."
"I'll text you the flight details," Morgan said. Without another word, she let herself out, closing the door behind her.
Vin blew out a breath. He ran a hand through his hair. He wanted nothing more than for Morgan to lead him to her ex. Any man who would put marks on a woman…Vin shut that thought down before it could carry him away with anger. Morgan didn't need his anger. She needed his protection. She needed him to stay levelheaded. She needed to know she could trust him.
Needing action, Vin got out his old army duffel. It was the same duffel he used every time the team got called out on a case in another state. He was an expert at packing quickly for last minute travel.
He got it filled with essentials and pulled out his phone to call Chris, then hesitated. Better to talk to Chris in the morning. His phone buzzed with a text and he looked at the flight information Morgan sent him. He shoved thoughts of Chris and work aside and went to his laptop to book his own ticket for the flight.
It was a restless night for Vin. He had trained himself to sleep like a rock the night before a mission, in the aftermath of a shooting, but the idea of needing to protect Morgan, to keep her safe—to be a safe person for her—in the midst of her most vulnerable moments, had him tossing and turning.
He made it to the office earlier than usual and was relieved to see no one was there yet except Chris.
"You got a minute?" Vin asked, knocking on the open door to Chris' office.
Chris looked up from the paperwork he was scowling at. "What?"
"I need some time off." No sense in beating around the bush.
Chris didn't answer right away. "When?" he asked.
Vin leaned against the door frame, doing what he could to look like this was no big deal. "This week. Today. I got vacation time saved up. Seems like a good time to get some fishin' in before winter."
Chris didn't say anything. His eyes narrowed. Not a good sign. "You just suddenly have an urge to go fishing. Today."
"Yep."
"We have a new case," Chris said.
"That we're just startin' on," Vin reminded him. "Josiah's profilin' everyone, Ezra's gettin' his cover set. Not much need for a sniper yet."
There was a loaded silence. Vin waited.
"You want to tell me what this is really about?" Chris asked, his words somewhere between an accusation and concern.
"Ain't about nothin'," Vin said. "Just thought I'd take some time off. Ain't had a vacation in over a year."
"That's right," Chris said. "Your last vacation was when Charlotte was in the picture and you put in your notice."
Vin knew he deserved the reminder. His willingness to throw away everything he had found with Team 7 had been foolish and Chris usually didn't remind him of that.
"I ain't leavin' the team. Just want the rest of the week off. Is that so hard to believe?"
"It's awfully hard to believe you just suddenly need vacation time the exact same time Buck's sister comes into the picture," Chris said, his voice harsh.
Vin stiffened. He tried to temper his voice. "This has nothin' to do with Morgan," he said, his need to protect her privacy sharpening his words.
"Just like Charlotte had nothing to do with you quitting the ATF." Chris knew exactly how to dig the knife into old wounds.
"Charlotte needed me," Vin said quietly, his hands fisting.
"Charlotte used you." Chris was relentless.
"And you think Morgan is gonna use me?"
Chris sighed. He pushed his chair back and ran a hand through his hair. "I think Morgan could ruin you."
Vin pushed off the door frame, straightening. "That's real nice, considerin' she acts like you're family."
Chris glared at him. "She is family. And that's how I know she could destroy you. I know her. I know you. It's asking for disaster." He looked down at his desk like he was weighing his words. "She's not in a good place. She ends up in more trouble than anyone I've ever known. And you set out to rescue anyone you think needs rescuing, whether it's going to tear apart your life or not. That's not a good mix."
"Well good thing she's not going fishin' with me," Vin said. "Are you gonna approve my vacation time or not? I'll go to Travis if I have to."
Chris stared at Vin. He took a long breath in through his nose and breathed it out slowly. Finally, shaking his head like he knew better, he frowned. "Get me the paperwork before you head out. Be back by Monday."
Vin nodded. "Thanks."
Chris grunted in response. It didn't sound like you're welcome.
#
Going to Vin Tanner had been the stupidest thing she could have done, or the smartest.
Morgan would rather be bringing along someone she couldn't stand to Vegas. It would be easier that way. Someone she could avoid, someone she didn't have to look twice at. That someone was definitely not Vin. The way he looked at her like he liked her, like he really liked who she was, was too much. No matter what she said, how she looked at him, he didn't shy away. But she knew Buck and Chris trusted him. She knew he could offer her protection she couldn't provide herself. And she knew he was safe. If she didn't count the way she was drawn to him, and the way heat flushed her skin whenever he was near. That definitely wasn't safe.
She saw the old Jeep pull up to the curb and picked up her bag, heading out before Vin could come to the door. He got out of the Jeep anyway and took her bag from her, putting it in the back next to a faded military looking bag.
She got in the Jeep, but forcefully pulled the door of the Jeep out of Vin's grip, closing it so he couldn't do that for her.
As soon as Vin slid behind the wheel Morgan turned in her seat.
"I'm hiring you to be a bodyguard," she said firmly. "That's all."
Vin checked his mirrors and pulled away from the curb. "I reckon that's what you told me yesterday."
Morgan pressed her lips together. She wished he would stop being so calm and so…nice to her. "So just do what I'm asking you to," she said. "Stop opening doors and carrying my bag."
"Stop treatin' you like a lady?" he asked.
"Yes!" Morgan didn't know why this was so hard for him. It should only take three seconds with her for him to figure out she wasn't the type of girl who he should be cooking dinner for and looking at with compassion.
Vin picked up speed as they headed in the direction of the airport. He didn't say anything more, but when they got there and pulled into long term parking, he still came around and opened her door for her. When Morgan glared at him, he didn't respond. He hefted her bag out of the back and instead of giving it to her, he carried both bags.
"This isn't what we talked about," Morgan said through gritted teeth.
Vin's stride was relaxed as he led them across the parking lot. "It ain't what you talked about," he countered.
Morgan let out a sound of frustration.
Vin finally stopped and looked down at her. There was that look of compassion again. The one that threatened to make Morgan open up to him, to tell him the things she didn't want to think about anymore. The look that made Morgan want to trust him, even knowing she didn't belong with a good man like Vin.
"I'm not gonna agree to treat you like less than you deserve," Vin said.
Morgan stared up at him. It was the last thing she had expected him to say. Some hardened part of her heart, the part she didn't want to feel, cracked at his words. A painful lump formed in her throat. She worked her jaw, trying to hold back the emotion that threatened to weaken her.
"You don't know anything about me," she said, hating that the crack in her heart made it into her voice. She took a step away from him, needing physical space and hoping emotional space would follow. "Just…" She didn't know what she wanted to tell him. "Just do what I hired you to do. Nothing else." Her words lacked conviction and she forced herself to start walking.
She didn't miss the way one side of Vin's mouth kicked up in a small smile as he fell back into step with her. She forced herself to look straight ahead and think of how much she did not need Vin Tanner in her life.
#
