In a future where outposts swelter beneath a nuclear sun and run-gunners patrol dusty wastelands to protect against winged creatures known as devlars, Trin is the mech at the waystation in Arens. He has a thing for the gunners: rough men with strong hands and hard bodies, who roll through his garage like the hot desert wind. Gerrick’s the best gunner around, a quick draw with a deadly aim and a penchant for sharing his pallet with young men. He has a roving eye and roaming hands, and has left a string of broken hearts in his wake. Having heard the tales of Gerrick's bravery and seen the man in action for himself, Trin has fallen in love with the man he believes Gerrick to be, and he’s sure he can change the gunner’s mind if given the chance. Gerrick’s all he wants out of this blasted world, and he tells anyone who will listen. Then Gerrick rides through Arens. He’s heard the rumors of what Trin will do for a gunner who only mentions his name. What he wants to know is, what will Trin do for him?

Trin

Trin’s eyes slip shut and he’s sure this is it, the kiss, one that erases every other man he’s been with before. Practice,he thinks, that’s all they were, just like Aissa said. They taught him where to touch, where to lick and suck, how to kiss and how to let his libido take over. Tonight he’ll use every trick he’s learned to do his damnedest to make Gerrick forget all others, as well, and in the morning he’ll be like look, this is how it is. 


I’ve wanted you for years now,he thinks as Gerrick leans down to kiss him. Each breath is full of the gunner’s sharp, sweaty scent, and Trin’s whole body hums with anticipation.I’m not saying it has to be love on your part but holy hell please just please give me a chance to show you that it could—


Gerrick’s lips barely brush his, and then Trin stumbles into his room, the door falling away behind him. 


Chapter 7