Huge thanks to red2013, auntof3, Nadreth, Alsa Ravenwood, and RespoFTW for the reviews and to everyone else who alerted and favorited this. I'm glad you guys enjoyed the Alexis/Ryan interaction because it was pretty fun to write. There will definitely be more on their friendship in future chapters.

Beckett, Esposito, and Castle all listened intently to what the Captain was saying about the raid on the bar that would take place tomorrow. The day was finally here and everyone couldn't wait to take them down but none so much as Javier. Yes the gang unit had been working on this for years and this was pretty much their bust but narcotics also had a hand in everything and they had allowed Beckett, him, and reluctantly Castle to join them since they were the ones that found someone to talk. If this went down correctly this would be the entire 12th Precinct's bust.

After everyone was briefed and instructed to be there at seven am sharp Beckett and Castle walked to the elevator and Esposito almost joined them but was called back by Detective Banks. His hands curled into fists but he stayed calm and waited to hear what he was going to say.

"I've been working on this my entire career and I just want you to know that even though your boyfriend signed the immunity deal I'm still going to bring him down. He's a rat bastard and he will pay for everything he did."

Esposito bit his tongue so hard it bled. "You do what you think you need to but the immunity deal covered everything. You can't touch him."

Banks shook his head, "He'll slip up again and when he does I will personally make sure he gets punished to the fullest extent of the law."

"What did he do that pissed you off so much?" he wondered aloud. "What made you beat him for absolutely no reason in his own home?" he finished bitterly.

Banks just shook his head and backed away, an uneasy feeling filling Esposito. When he got to the homicide floor Beckett grabbed him, "We've got a fresh one, come on."

"Another one?" he asked incredulously. "What about the double we're working now?"

With a weary sigh she grabbed her keys off her desk, "We think they're connected, and we think the vic is connected to Ryan."

A few hours later Esposito dialed his boyfriend's cell and stared dejectedly at the table while Castle and Beckett sat near by.

"Javi! You've got to try these muffins Castle gave me. To die for. Well… bad choice of words but you get the drift."

He couldn't help but smile a little before sobering. "Kev we need to talk to you about the case. I'm putting you on speaker bro." After pressing the speaker button he set down the phone and grabbed the file they had already began. "We had another body drop today and uh…"

"What?" he asked wearily.

"It was a woman Kev, found on the sidewalk in front of your apartment with writing across her chest. We think she was killed as a message to draw you out, to spook you so you'll slip up," he offered as professionally as he could.

"What did it say?"

Castle spoke up, "It said 'Shhh'. We think it's because of your moniker and because you spoke with us."

"Who was the girl?"

Esposito chewed on his lip a moment trying to draw it out, hating that he even had to relay this information.

"Who was it Javi?" he asked quietly but firmly.

After a deep sigh he finally answered as he stared at a picture of a small blonde with a pixie cut. "Saoirse Dunne. I'm sorry bro."

It was so quiet that if not for the seconds ticking by on the screen they would have thought he hung up. Finally after two minutes and eighteen seconds, Castle counted, Ryan spoke again. "How'd she die?"

Beckett was the one that answered, "Her throat was slit."

A small strangled noise could barely be heard before in a miraculously even tone he stated, "You know that wasn't just a threat for me right?"

Beckett looked at Esposito wearily, "We're aware and are being just as cautious as we have been. If I can help it nothing is going to happen to either of you."

"There was a shoe print left at the scene and we're all thinking Conor right now. Do you know what size shoe he wears Kev?" Esposito asked.

"Forty-seven," he answered instantly.

When Esposito and Kate looked at each other Castle mouthed, "Thirteen."

"Are you sure?" Beckett asked.

"I've been kicked by them enough to know what size," he snapped. The line cut off abruptly and Esposito stared at the blank screen a moment until slipping his phone back in his pocket.

"Let's get this done so I can go home," he said firmly.

It was dark by the time he got home and after picking up some dinner he entered his apartment and called out for Ryan. Esposito glanced around and frowned when he didn't see his boyfriend anywhere and after a quick check in the bedroom and bathroom he realized he wasn't there. Digging out his phone he dialed and waited for him to answer impatiently. "Kev where are you?" he barked as soon as it connected.

"I walked down to the store. I had to get the hell out of there. I'm fine, nothing is going to happen."

"You don't know that," he argued. "You're public enemy number one right now. Where are you?" he asked angrily.

An irritated sigh sounded through the line, "Almost to the corner mother. I'll be there in like two minutes. I'm not five. You need… to…"

He frowned as Ryan's voice faded, "I need to what? Are you there?"

Heavy breathing met his ears, "Oh fuck. How the hell… fuck! Oh shit."

"Kevin what's wrong? I'm coming."

"It's Conor. How the hell did he find me?"

Esposito's heart was pounding as he grabbed his pistol and ran out of the apartment and down the stairs, ignoring the slow elevator. "Where are they? Kevin where the hell are you?"

"Hang on," he whispered. Gunshots filled the line followed by, "Jesus Christ!"

Javier's heart was in his throat as he ran out of the building and out onto the street where fresh snow had begun to fall, a thin layer coating the city streets. "Kevin, where the fuck are you?"

It was silent for a few seconds until an out of breath pant met his ears, "Four blocks south. I… I think they're gone but…"

"Just keep talking Kevin, I'm coming." He kept running and just as he got to the corner to turn Ryan came flying around the corner and collided with him. His hands shot out just in time to catch him and he quickly looked around. "Are they still here?"

"I think I lost them," he panted harshly. "How the hell did he find me?"

Esposito shook his head and began to herd Ryan towards the apartment, "I don't know but don't pull that shit again. I'm trying to protect you Kevin, the least you could do is listen to what I say."

Ryan rolled his eyes, "Yes sir, whatever you say."

Still running high on adrenalin he grabbed him and spun him around, "Knock off the cocky little shit attitude. You're petrified, you're still shaking."

"I'm shaking because he fucking shot me!" he screamed before turning storming away. He found himself being spun around again and cried out with Esposito's hand hit the wound.

"Would you just stop so I can check it?" he bit out angrily.

He jerked his arm away and hissed at the pain shooting up to his shoulder, "It's just a graze."

Esposito noticed the steady drip of blood from his sleeve onto the white snow and tried to calm himself and Ryan. "Kevin, may I please check the wound. It's bleeding pretty heavily." When he just glared and stepped away he lost it. "What the fuck is your problem? You think I don't know what you're doing? You're terrified Kev, you're running scared and your lashing out trying to hide it. You want to be a bitch fine but at least man up to being a bitch." As soon as the words left him he wished he could take them back. He didn't know why but Ryan seemed to bring out the worst in him sometimes.

Ryan's hands balled into fists and his eyes turned black with fury. Not wanting to maim his boyfriend he kept his fists clenched and walked back to the apartment. He stomped up the stairs in silence and directly into the apartment where he entered the bedroom but before he could slam the door Esposito grabbed it. "No, I'm not letting you lock yourself in here like you're five."

Fed up with being told what to do he pointed angrily at him, "Stop fucking telling me what to do! If I want to do something I will do fucking do it! I am so sick and tired of everyone bossing me around! Back off! I am not a fucking bitch!"

Esposito glared and squared his shoulders, glad that he was getting angry. He was rattled and needed to feel in control so he pushed and pushed and waited for him to take over to reestablish that he wasn't weak. Conor had a way of reducing him to a puddle of insecurities and Esposito knew he needed to help him reaffirm that he was a grown man and not a weak cowardly one at that. "Make me," he said in a hard tone.

He knew he outweighed him and was quite a bit stronger but he knew if he didn't give it his all it would only hurt Ryan's confidence more, he could only steady himself and hope Ryan could somehow overpower him.

Done with messing around Ryan threw a punch which was quickly deflected and as Esposito prepared for the next blow Ryan stuck out his leg and shoved the edge of his shoulder. A second later the detective was lying flat on his back with the wind knocked out of him staring at the ceiling and wondering how the hell he got taken down by his boyfriend. He had been fully prepared yet here he was on his back trying to breathe. When would he learn to stop underestimating the Irishman?

Ryan was suddenly on top of him wrestling his shirt over his head and biting painfully at his neck and shoulders before his tongue slid over the marks soothingly. His tongue traced it's way to his lips where he kissed him roughly before biting his lip hard enough that he tasted blood. He stayed quiet and mostly still giving him what he seemed to need before finally responding when Ryan palmed him through his jeans. "Kev I…"

"No talking," he barked.

Esposito wisely obeyed the demand and stood when Ryan pulled him up and backed him up to the bed. The rest of his clothes fell to the ground and he felt oddly vulnerable with Ryan standing there still fully clothed. The smaller of the two climbed back on top of him, his lips attaching to his skin as his hand wrapped snugly around his hardening length. He wriggled and gasped when a warm mouth wrapped around him, tongue swirling and driving him mad. It felt too good and fear that he was going to finish before they even began filled him. Just as he was going to warn him Ryan suddenly pulled back and pulled off his shirt, "Roll over."

His tone was still sharp, anger still littering his voice. The rest of Ryan's clothes joined his on the floor and after making sure Esposito was ready to go he climbed up behind him and positioned himself. He paused for a moment wondering if he should use a condom, just because he enjoyed bare backing didn't mean his boyfriend did. He didn't even need to voice the question out loud as Esposito just offered a nod and a moment later he slid in with a low moan.

Javier sucked in a sharp breath at the full sensation that spread through him, nerves firing as the line between pain and pleasure blurred. He was a versatile top but in all honesty it had been a while since he had trusted someone enough to top him. Resting on his knees with his head crammed into the bedding he usually felt exposed but with Ryan he knew he wouldn't be taken advantage of. Just as Ryan trusted him, he trusted Ryan.

The Irishman set a quick rhythm and reveled in the feeling of being so in control of another person, having another soul at his mercy. His pale hands slid over bronzed skin and he kissed his spine before nipping at the back of his neck. He wanted to mark him, scar him in a way that would let everyone else know he was taken but he held himself back from actually breaking any skin instead just making deep purple bruises along his broad shoulders.

Esposito's hands twisted in the sheets as he tried to keep his head to the side to get air and keep himself from moving forward into the headboard. He pushed back and met him thrust for thrust, halted and cracked gasps escaping his bruised and swollen lips. His shoulders and neck stung everywhere he was being bitten but instead of telling him to stop he only encouraged him. He hadn't had sex like this in years, hadn't let someone completely take over and do whatever they wanted. It was all so intense and he knew if Ryan would only touch him he would be reduced to a quivering mass. Heavy pants filled the room and he felt himself getting closer and closer as the deep ache that ran from his head to his toes began to pool in his stomach. The feeling of finger nails scrapping down his thighs made him tremble and when Ryan's hand firmly wrapped around him and pulled a little too hard he was done.

White light exploded behind his lids, a broken cry of, "Kev" erupting from him as Ryan continued to fuck into him. Twisting his head to peer over his shoulder he watched as Kevin came unraveled, muscles tensing and lips parting led way to a drugged heavy lidded expression.

"Tell me you love me," he said quietly.

Esposito waited until Ryan moved away so he could roll over and pulled him down for a kiss. "I love you." After eating and getting ready for bed and finally cleaning and bandaging his arm the pair climbed under the covers and when Javier heard Ryan humming The Beatles softly he moved to wrap him in a snug embrace. "Don't be scared. Tomorrow it will all be over. Just relax, everything will be ok." When Ryan just continued to shakily hum he tried another approach to calm him, something that would take them completely off topic. "You want kids?"

It worked because Ryan instantly quieted before rolling over and facing him, their noses almost touching. "Are we talking in general or are you talking about us?"

"Us," he answered softly. "Kevin, when I think about the future, you're right there beside me. We might be black and blue and pissed but we'll be right there beside each other."

Ryan kissed him before pulling back to his original position and not answering but his small smile and thoughtful expression was more than enough.

Early the next morning Esposito blinked awake but stayed still as he relished the feeling of a warm body next to him. Not wanting to but knowing he couldn't waste more time he slid from under the covers and stretched as he peeked out the blinds. He turned to walk to the bathroom but paused when Ryan shifted and rolled onto his side in the bed. A smile spread across his face as he took in his lean frame, from his auburn hair to his milky skin that only disappeared under his dark blue boxers. The only things on his body that made Javier frown were the still fresh scar from the knife wound to his side and the fresh gauze on his arm where he had gotten grazed last night. Pushing away feelings of guilt for not protecting him from so much harm he walked to the shower and prepared for the raid.

His eyes widened at the bruises scattered over his torso and neck, how the hell was he supposed to hide these? Bite marks and deep bruises covered his shoulders, spine, and neck and just seeing them made him semi-hard. He wanted to just climb back into bed with Ryan but he had more important things to do. Once Conor was out of the picture they could finally be truly together, no more fear or baggage hanging off Ryan all the time. He had almost snuck out of the apartment when he turned to see Ryan standing in the middle of the room with a nervous expression dressed in just a pair of his pj pants looking tiny, vulnerable, and honestly a little pathetic. With a sigh he turned and walked back to him, "I thought you were sleeping."

"Don't go, please. I can't lose you."

Esposito pulled him into a hug and kissed the side of his head, "Don't worry I got this. Just try to relax and think about something else ok?"

Ryan shook his head, "I've got a bad feeling."

"Everything's ok but I have to go. I'll call you as soon as it's over." He kissed him one more time and pulled back, "I love you Kev."

Kevin held out a hand as he watched him leave. "I love you too Javi," he whispered to the empty room.

Ryan tried to stay in the apartment, he really did, but he was beginning to feel claustrophobic being stuck between these four walls as fear and doubts began to engulf him. He paced and looked out the window, took a shower and checked on his wound which wasn't looking too bad today. After a cup of coffee and another lap around the apartment he decided to get dressed and sat down for what felt like hours, in reality it was only ten minutes.

"I've got to get out of here," he mumbled to himself. He grabbed his balisong off the nightstand and stuffed it into his pocket before grabbing his keys and venturing out into the world.

It felt so good to be outside, the cool winter air entering his lungs as he sucked in deep breaths trying to calm himself. Javier would be fine, he was trained for this and he had Beckett to watch his back. But this was Conor they were talking about and Conor had a way of finding weaknesses and exploiting them. With a shake to his head to expel the thoughts he began to walk down the silent street and a block away he frowned when something caught his attention. It was more of a feeling than anything and before he could really think about it he was being knocked to the ground. His vision swam as pain exploded from the back of his head and the last thing he saw before giving into the darkness was Conor grinning down at him.