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she-wolf09231982 · 8 months

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Chapter 2-The Knight in Shining Armor

Summary: You and Tim decide to grab some drinks at a local bar after work. When the evening comes to a close, a persistent drunk at the bar who had his eye on you follows you to get a piece of you and Tim comes to your rescue.

Author Note: Tim Gutterson x Female!Deputy, Deputy Marshal Gutterson x Female!Deputy, Y/N, L/N, U.S. Deputy Marshal Service, Justified T.V. show references, Raylan Givens, Rachel Brooks, Art Mullen (Y/N’s uncle), Military/Law Enforcement terminology, Mentions weaponry and alcohol, Failed attempt at rape/sexual assault

~~~~~~~~

“Chief, seriously?” Tim asked looking unamused.

“Do I not sound serious, Rachel?” Art asked sarcastically.

Rachel leaned back in her chair with a smug smile.

“As serious as a heart attack, Chief.” Rachel confirmed.

Raylan smiled to himself shaking his head.

You pinched the bridge of your nose trying to tame the headache that was beginning to develop.

“Chief, you think that’s the best idea?” You spoke up.

Your Uncle Art chuckled while standing up from his chair, then walked over to you standing behind your chair.

“Deputy L/N, at first, I was dead set against the idea of allowing you and your old high school boy toy be on a stake out together. But Deputy Brooks here, insisted on pairing you two to build professional comradery.” Art explained gesturing towards Rachel.

You looked over at Rachel across the table lifting an eyebrow at her. Rachel flashed you a triumphant smirk.

“Did she now?” You asked entertained and partially annoyed.

“She sure did.” Rachel responded teasingly.

Tim shook his head in disbelief by the entire occurrence, then looked to Raylan for a rescue.

“Raylan?” Tim pleaded, insisting someone take his side.

“Tim, you survived two tours in Afghanistan, I’m sure you’re more than capable of handling this.” Raylan replied.

Tim rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“Ok then, report back here tomorrow at 0700, ready to go. Now git.” Art added waving his hand at everyone to dismiss them.

You, Tim, Rachel, and Raylan all stood up and walked out of the conference room, each of you returning to your respectful desks.

You lean across your desk to look at Rachel.

“Really, Brooks? I thought we were becoming friends?” You called across the room.

Rachel laughed. “We are! It was either me or you with Gutterson for this stake out, and I sure as hell don’t have it in me to sit with him again for 12 hours.” she stated.

Tim shot her a look of offensive confusion.

“Hey, I’m an absolute delight to be around.” Tim proclaimed, pointing at Rachel.

“Yeah, as about as delightful as keeping company with the devil himself.” You interjected condescendingly as you sat in your chair not even glancing in Tim’s direction.

Tim redirected his attention onto you.

“Except I’m more good lookin’.” Tim declared cunningly with a crooked grin.

You laughed, then looked at him shaking your head as he winked at you.

All you could respond with was, “Mmhm.” Then look back at your computer screen.

“Damn that man and his baby blues…”

~~~~~~~~

As the end of the workday approached, you started gathering your paperwork into a folder file while clipping your badge onto your belt. Tim adjusted in his chair side glancing at you as you collected your things getting ready to leave.

“Got somewhere better to be?” Tim asked you.

“I don’t see how that is any of your business, Deputy Gutterson.” You retorted playfully.

Rachel and Raylan quietly chuckle at your answer. Tim laughed as well.

“Well, I’ll walk you out, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do.” Tim said.

Tim stood up rather quickly as you started to make your way towards the double-glass doors.

“What do you know about being a gentleman?” Rachel asked teasingly as Tim passed her desk.

Tim looked over his shoulder at Rachel.

“I’ll have you know I’m a perfect gentleman when I need to be.” he shot back mischievously.

You turned to Tim as you reached for the door handle, displaying an exasperated expression at him.

“Here, let me get that for you, ma’am.” Tim rushed to the door handle and opened it for you to exit.

He obviously was trying to be contemptuous, and thought he was absolutely hilarious. You look over at Rachel and Raylan and raise your eyebrows pointing at Tim.

“Take notes, Raylan.” Tim yelled across the office.

“Noted, thanks Tim.” Raylan responded with a wave.

You roll your eyes and leave the office with Tim following right behind you.

~~~~~~~~

There was an awkward silence in the elevator with Tim. You’re sure that’s what he planned ‘walking you out.’ He always did enjoy imposing discomfort at your disposal purely for his entertainment.

“You know, it wasn’t necessary for you the escort me out, Tim.” You finally asserted.

“Oh, I know.” Tim responded keeping his focus on the elevator doors before continuing.

“But I wanted to get a moment alone with you before you left.” He confessed as he slowly looked over at you bearing a slight grin.

“Oh? And why is that?” You asked sarcastically but genuinely intrigued. “Did I go too far this morning?”

He contracted his eyebrows somewhat puzzled.

“Not at all, I wanted to ask you what you were doing tonight.”

You were taken aback. Your surprised facial expression encouraged him to continue.

“Wondering if you wanted to accompany me to one of Lexington’s finest dive bars later.” He added.

“Oh, well, I suppose there’s no harm in having a few nightcaps with an old friend, is there?” You responded playfully.

“I’ll text you the address. Let’s say, 1930?” He asked.

“Text me? You don’t have my number.” You reminded him.

“I will once I get it from your uncle. You know, since we’re working a detail tomorrow, I should have my partner’s contact information.” He explained.

You laugh. “You could just ask me for my number now.” You suggested.

“Yeah, I could. But your uncle willingly handing it over to me on a silver platter justifies me having your number in the long run without suspicion of me trying to pick you up.” He justified.

Once again, you shake your head in disbelief at Tim’s off the wall methods.

“Ok, Hoosier, go ahead and do it your way, and I’ll see you later.” You taunted him with his old Indiana nickname.

The elevator doors open, and you walk out. Tim stepped out but remained in front of the elevator watching you walk to the exit. You glance over your shoulder and smile at him one last time before pushing through the turnstile.

~~~~~~~~

You find yourself in your apartment holding up different shirts across yourself in front of your full-length mirror, tossing each one aside until every shirt you own is piled up on your bed. You let out a frustrated sigh while throwing your hands up in defeat.

You hear a ‘ding,’ signifying a text notification on your phone. You quickly dig through the mound on the bed to locate it. When you finally find it, you see it’s a message from an unknown number.

“Has to be Tim.”

Unknown Number: Hey

You decided to be evil and mess with him.

Y/N: Um, hey? Who is this?

Unknown Number: Who else would it be?

Y/N: Could be any of the 4 or 5 guys I bumped into on the way home from work today. 😊

Unknown Number: That’s funny since we both know you’re not that type of woman.

You admire the man’s confidence. Tim was always so sure of himself, and it drove you absolutely wild. Apparently, it still does.

Y/N: Where we going tonight, Tim?

Tim: McCarthy’s… 117 S Upper St. See you in about an hour.

You decide on a fitted white T-shirt and old pair of jeans with boots. No need to impress anyone tonight…It’s just Tim.

~~~~~~~~

You arrive about 15 minutes early so you head over to the bar and take a seat to grab a drink while you wait for Tim to show up.

“Heineken, please?” You say to the bartender while you settle yourself onto a stool at the end of the bar closest to the exit.

You take in the scene as she brings back the green bottle and positions it in front of you. It’s a traditional Irish pub theme. A lot of stained glass and dark wood with a few dart boards and a pool table with a group of tipsy douchebags already eyeing you like predators.

You side eye them unamused then take a long swig of your beer.

“Great.” You say to yourself outloud sarcastically sensing movement from the pool table area as one of the guys struts over towards you with a dumbass look on his face.

You release an irritated sigh then take another drink.

“Tina, another Jack and Coke for me and get this cutie another Heineken.” The stranger calls to the bartender.

“That’s not necessary, Tina.” You shout over the music to her without acknowledging him.

He fixed his attention back onto you with an offended expression, then smiled fiendishly.

“Pardon me for being straightforward….” He began leaning forward on his elbows on the bar.

“Pardon me for respectfully declining whatever it is you’re about to propose.” You cut him off without looking at him, taking another sip from your bottle.

The man laughed.

“Hey, baby, I was only going to say how you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve seen in a long time. Are you new around here, sweetheart?” he asked, inviting himself to the seat next to you as he scooted closer to you. Tina placed his drink in front of him.

You hung your head shaking it side to side annoyed by the very presence of this guy. You finally look at him.

“Let me ask you something. Does this act work with all the little girls that come in here?” You ask him boldly.

“What act?” he asked with a tone of insult.

“The ‘fuck boy’ act where you need to prove your worth to your fuck boy friends over there that you can bed any female that wanders in here? You think dropping a few compliments and invading their personal space is a guaranteed way into their panties?” You say harshly.

His cocky smile melted into what can only be explained as dented pride and anger. You sat there awaiting his answer. He composed himself as a more sadistic expression spread across his face. He leaned in closer to whisper to you.

“You got a mouth on you, don’t you? Wanna see how I put mouths like that to good use?” He asked.

“Hey, buddy, you’re in my seat.” You hear Tim behind you.

The stranger in your face straightened up to look over your shoulder to see who had the audacity to interrupt him.

Tim stood tall, cool, calm, and collected, with an unwavering stare that chilled the room, waiting for the guy’s next move.

“Hey, buddy,” The guy began mockingly, standing to square himself up with Tim before he continued, “I don’t see a name on this chair.” He stated.

“Well, if you look on that stool that you were sitting on, you’ll see the name ‘Tim’ on it.” Tim responded rather smoothly.

The man furrowed his eyebrows then looked down at the seat he just left and sure as shit, on the edge of the wooden stool the name ‘Tim’ had been etched into the surface. Absolute hillbilly genius.

“I’m guessing you’re ‘Tim’ then?” The man scoffed.

“You guessed it, buddy.” Tim shot back condescendingly, not even blinking as the stranger’s friends began inching their way closer, sensing a conflict.

You see the group getting too close for comfort, so you decide to intervene before this gets ugly.

“Nuh uh, boys, not a good idea.” You stand up facing them presenting your badge. They exchanged looks of confusion and shock then backed off dispersing back to the pool table talking amongst themselves.

The stranger looked at you impressed, undressing you with his eyes as you walked over to him and Tim.

“You may just want to grab that Jack and Coke and hurry on back to your game…buddy.” You urged.

The man looked at you, then back at Tim, snickered then turned on his heel grabbing his glass as he walked back to the pool table.

Tim kept his glare fixed on the jackass until he was far enough away then redirected his attention onto you with a crooked grin.

“You’re late.” You told him sitting back in your seat.

Tim chuckled. “I was somewhat detained at the office, my apologies.” He explained.

“Whatever, Gutterson. Two Heinekens, please?” You call over to Tina. She nods and retrieves two green bottles, popping the caps then placing them in front of you and Tim.

“This rounds on you.” You added pressing the bottle to your lips taking a sip.

“Cheers to you, too.” Tim said flashing a smile before taking an excessive gulp of beer.

~~~~~~~~

You and Tim spent the rest of the evening revisiting high school memories together while throwing back Heinekens. Tim doesn’t laugh much, but he could always laugh with you because you had the same dark twisted sense of humor that he had.

“So why Kentucky?” Tim finally asked.

“I needed a change of scenery.” You responded.

Tim nodded. “I see. It’s just more of the same as Indiana except with Bourbon.” Tim rationalized.

You laughed. “Not quite. Indiana had more corn and meth.” You disputed.

Tim chuckled. “No doubt.” He agreed while taking a gulp of his beer.

“I think it’s time to call it a night. We do have to be at work early tomorrow.” You reminded him.

“Aw’right.” Tim replied stretching in his seat.

“Your place or mine?” He added with a wide mischievous smile.

You snapped your head at him, not sure you heard what you thought you heard.

Tim’s smile increased almost giving him a joker like appearance.

“I know you don’t mean that.” you finally responded with a sarcastic laugh as you shake your head at him.

“Did I not sound like I meant it?” Tim asked honestly.

You look at him, narrowing your eyes at him in disbelief. You’re trying to read him, but he was always an expert at remaining completely impenetrable. His military bearing hardly ever faltered, but you know that Tim is totally unhinged underneath that tough exterior. In many ways more than one. Which drew you, the moth, very close to him, the flame.

You allow a slight nervous laugh escape you as you leave some cash on the bar to pay half the tab.

“Thank you for your company, Deputy Gutterson. I’ll see you bright and early at the office.” You say squeezing his shoulder before leaving.

Tim chuckled while fidgeting with his Heineken bottle, releasing a long exhale before sipping the last of beer he had left. His attention was suddenly redirected to that same man that he had the pleasure of confronting earlier, who had hastily exited the pub as soon as you left.

~~~~~~~~

You walk to your Jeep parked a ways down the street, fiddling through your key ring finding the right key. You’re suddenly slammed into your car, a hand pushing into the back of your head pressing your cheek against the glass, a forearm lined across the back of shoulders, and a pelvis leaning heavily into the small of your back with an obvious erection beginning to build.

You’re alarmed, but remained as calm as you could not to spur on the aggressor behind you who you’re pretty sure was the asshole from the bar.

“Didn’t think you were just leaving without saying goodbye now, were ya?” He asked you arrogantly.

You scoff at him.

“No, I was going to let my friend do that for me.” You reply sarcastically referring to Tim.

“Well, I took the liberty to do it myself in person. I have a very special way of saying good night.” He explained as he pulled you back into him by yanking your head back by your hair wrapping his arm around your waist.

As he walked backwards to pull you into the nearest dark alley, you heard the hammer cocking of a handgun right behind you but couldn’t see where it came from.

“Now, I ain’t the perfect gentleman, but I know that’s not any way to treat a woman.” You hear Tim’s smooth voice sound out.

You feel the stranger’s chest heaving and his heartbeat accelerate against your back while Tim’s Glock was pressing against the man’s temple.

“Is it?” Tim added nudging the man slightly with the gun to get a response out of him.

“N-no, sir.” The man stuttered.

One of the corners of Tim’s mouth curled into a wicked smirk. You’re not sure if Tim gets off on the adrenaline rush, the complete control he owned at that moment, or all of the above.

“Go on, let her go.” Tim instructed.

You feel the grip he had on you loosen, and you move away quickly, not before you turn around and hook a punch to the man’s jaw. The man stumbled a bit opposite Tim, using the opportunity to start running off to dodge any further embarrassment.

Tim holstered his weapon, intensely watching the man’s figure disappear into the dark before his expression shifted to concern looking at you. He approached you resting a hand on the small of your back.

“You alright?” he asked almost in a growl.

You let out along exhale.

“I’m good.” You reply straightening up tucking your hair behind your ears.

“Seems to me you’re starting to slack.” Tim observed.

“I know,” you admit, “I’m usually pretty cognizant of my surroundings. Not to mention I had an inkling that he’d possibly give it another go at me. I guess this is a ‘friendly’ reminder to do better.” You joke.

Tim smiled and nodded. You were more upset with yourself for allowing the guy to sneak up on you like that. Tim knew it, too. Last thing you ever want is a knight in shining armor, even if it was Tim who rescued you.

“Thanks, Tim.” You say affectionately, as you swiftly swoop in to hug him.

At first Tim was taken by surprise and didn’t know where to put his hands, until they naturally just crisscrossed around your back pressing you hard against him as he rested his chin on the crook of your neck. With his heart racing and a sudden absence of oxygen, he inhaled until his lungs were completely full to only exhale long and audible from an overwhelming feeling of reverence. You embraced eachother for a good minute before his hands started to trail up and down your spine. The chills you were starting to feel was a clear indication that this was starting to get risky.

You pat Tim’s shoulder and pull away, giving him one last grateful smile. You walk around to the driver’s side of the Jeep and open the door.

“I’ll let you know when I make it home, Tim.” You assure him while winking at him.

Tim smiled and nodded at you, not breaking eye contact with you even when you got behind the wheel. You pull away, still seeing Tim standing on the sidewalk watching your car drive off. You shake your head slightly smiling to yourself about what just happened.

~~~~~~~~

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