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

“I didn’t know you’d get so upset,” the gunner purrs as he loosens his grip on Trin’s arm. His hand rubs up over Trin’s shoulder and waits, unsure if it will be shrugged off. It isn’t. Encouraged, Gerrick takes a step closer, ducks his head a little, lowers his voice. “You didn’t even give me a chance to explain—”


“Do you love him?” Trin asks. That’s the most important thing, he decides, because if Gerrick feels for the bounder even one sliverof what Trin himself feels for the gunner, then he’s lost.


But Gerrick shakes his head, confused, and relief floods Trin’s heart. “What?” the gunner asks. “No. Jesus, boy, I don’t knowthe guy. Love had nothing to do with it—”


Seizing the moment, Trin wants to know, “Then do you love me?”


Chapter 34