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

He watches the cloth streak grease along his hands and knows he’ll have to apologize to get her to talk to him again. Can’t you cut me some slack here?he wants to know. I’m the one who’s supposed to be upset. I’m the one who’s been wronged.How does she turn it around so easily? How can she even imagine she’s the one hurt here? You didn’t catch Blain with one of the chore girls in the shower, did you?He should’ve thrown that at her before she stormed off, give her something to think about if she wants to get all righteous and shit with him.


Chapter 33