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

A slow smile spreads across his face at the memory of their coupling last night. Blain didn’t see that, he has no clue how it is. So what if Gerrick’s been gone all day? At the tumblers turning rocks maybe, or at the trump store stocking up on supplies, who knows? Who cares?


He’s coming back. His bags are here, right? The pallet’s just waiting to be fucked in again. Tonight, after the last call downstairs, after the lights outside are doused, after the day is gone and the night is fading fast, Gerrick will be his.


Chapter 16