“Get up.” Evellor leaned behind the man to connect the two open padlocks and reseal the circle before he stood.
The Nethren struggled to his feet, and Evellor didn't help him. Dark hair hung to the man's shoulders, covering his facewhen he looked down. Evellor didn't like that. The Nethren could be plotting something. But how could he escape when he was chained at the ankles and wrists and held in the middle of a Paradefense camp?
Evellor grabbed the chain between the man's wrists and dragged him out of the tent.
“Don't tell them anything, Lovall!” one of the Nethren shouted after them.
“Shut up, you moron! You just gave him my name!” Lovall called back to them as he stumbled after Evellor.
Evellor nodded to the guards and headed for the meeting tent. They both remained silent during the short walk, though Evellor nodded to soldiers they passed. The meeting tent was indeed empty, with only a table in the center surrounded by chairs. Thankfully, all the maps and plans were stowed away in a case at one end of the table. Nothing for the Nethren to see. Not that it would matter. Paradefense would probably execute him. Either that or he’d be sent to a Paradefense prison.
Evellor stopped walking at the thought. It had sent a spear of pain through him strong enough to make him gasp. But he hadn't. He had kept his breath inside, lodged in his throat.
“So, you wanted to get me alone, eh?” Lovall smirked, but Evellor could see the slight tremble in his hands. “It was because I called you handsome, wasn't it?”
All reason vanished as Evellor spun toward his captive. His mind shrieked that this was wrong, but he couldn't stop himself. Evellor yanked the shorter man into his arms and kissed him. He fucking kissed him!
Mind still screaming in denial, Evellor groaned when Lovall responded, arching against him and tangling his tongue with Evellor's. His manacled hands spread as much as they could and gripped Evellor's stomach tightly. Evellor's wings folded around Lovall, and his hands roamed. When they landed on the Nethren's ass, he finally realized what he was doing.
Jerking away, Evellor finally let out his gasp. His eyes widened and locked on the Nethren in horror. The Nethren seemed just as shocked, but also intrigued.
Licking his lips, the man whispered, “What's your name?”
“Evellor.”
“I'm Mal.” He flicked his eyes up and down Evellor. “You still got that key?”
Evellor narrowed his eyes.
Mal chuckled. “I know I won't make it out of here. I also know I'm a dead man. So, why not enjoy myself a little?” He shrugged. “You look like you can fuck a man stupid.”
Evellor blinked. “Dear Source, what am I doing? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—”
Mal grabbed Evellor's tunic with both hands and pulled him into another kiss. It was wild, desperate, and magnificent. Both men were panting by the time they eased apart.
“I can't do this. If they catch us, they'll . . .” Evellor trailed off.
“What will they do?” Mal grinned. “Smack you on the wrist?”
Evellor grinned. “Nothing, actually. I'm not with Paradefense.”
“Then what are you waiting for?” Mal held out his wrists.
Evellor stared at him.
“Look, you only need to free my hands if you're that worried. Come on, don't I get to enjoy this too? You'll be my last fuck.”
“I must be insane,” Evellor muttered as he brought out the key and unlocked Mal's manacles. He set them on the table along with the key.
Mal was out of his shirt seconds later. Evellor froze. The whole right side of Mal's chest, from his collarbone to his waist, was metal. Even his nipple. And yet, only the gear at the top of his pectoral looked like part of a machine. The rest looked like an ancient breastplate, molded to look like a chest.
“Do you want to touch me?” Mal's voice went low.
Evellor nodded and stepped forward, his hand reaching out. It was shaking. He ignored the trembling and laid his palm on Mal's right pectoral. “You're warm! And supple.”
Breath catching, Evellor stroked the metal flesh and found it similar to skin. The nipple even hardened under his attentions. His eyes widened as Mal groaned and rolled his head back. Mal's hands went to Evellor's hips, his thumbs rubbing through Evellor's tunic.
Then Mal opened his eyes. “Do you want to taste me here?” He covered Evellor's hand with his and pushed it down to reveal his shiny nipple. “Suck me.”
