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

Twisting away, Trin tries to step around his brother but Blain stops him. “Hold up—”


“No.” Heavy footfalls on the stairs tell him the gunner is close—he doesn’t want to see that man again, he can’t. His mind replays the scene, pulling back the curtain, Gerrick’s hooded eyes, Trin’s name moaned as someone else sucks him down. He moves the other way, and Blain’s other arm blocks his retreat. “Blain, let me go.”


In a quiet voice, his brother wants to know, “What’d he do to you?”


Chapter 28