Page 62 of Silver & Gold

Spears launched from the machines. One skimmed a pincer, but the other punched into the scorpion’s articulated body. Nasrin barely got her whip free in time before the creature was thrown back. It thrashed and jerked, throwing sand. The Hammer reloaded the ballistae as the drivers maneuvered the palanquins into position. They fired again. Both spears struck true this time, and the scorpion twitched to stillness.

Seth’s arm was still braced across Raider’s chest as he looked around, only then realizing that there had been a second scorpion that must have been hiding under the sand ahead of the caravan where Raider hadn’t been able to see it. It was also dead, but one of the palanquins lay on its side. Raider didn’t see any bodies. No one was screaming.

Seth seemed to come to that same conclusion. Dropping his arm, he wheeled to face Raider. His eyes were blazing with emerald fire.

“Goddamn it, Raider! Why the hell do you have to go charging into every conceivable danger?”

Raider was about to shout back, maybe even push Seth away, but Seth’s hands were roaming all over him, pulling his kaftan aside, hunting for blood. It cooled Raider’s temper.

“I’m fine, Seth. Stop fussing. I was trying to head it off.”

“I could see that, but the Hammer is here to protect you, not you to protect them.”

Raider snorted. “I don’t think that’s why they’re here.”

“Regardless, that’s still part of their job, and they’re well equipped for it, so next time, stay the hell back. You don’t need to get hurt for them.”

“I didn’t know about those weapons.”

“With the way you’re keeping apart from everyone, I’m not surprised.”

Raider stepped back and sheathed his scimitar. He started walking back to the caravan. “Are you done lecturing me? It’s very irritating.”

“Irritating? Raider, you scared the shit out of me when I saw you running toward that thing! You need to ride with me in the palanquin.”

“No.”

Seth grabbed Raider’s arm.

Raider spun on him and grabbed his utility belt, yanking him close. “You only get to order me around in bed. Do you understand?”

Seth’s nostrils flared. His jaw bunched. He was still angry, but now he was also turned on.

Raider lowered his voice. “If you really want to tell me what to do, tell me with this.” Raider reached down and grabbed Seth’s stiffening dick through his pants. Seth grunted.

Raider tilted his head and gave Seth an it’s-your-choice look. Then he let go and walked away.

It only took about twenty minutes for Raider to get what he wanted. (Really, though, it had taken weeks. He’d put a lot into this.)

Most of the Hammer and Hand were gathered around the damaged palanquin, working to repair it. A few were using the time to see to other things, like the constant chore of cleaning sand from the jointed legs of the palanquins.

Seth was helping (naturally). At least, that’s what Seth was doing until Raider walked by to snag a waterskin from the supplies.

The irony was, this time, Raider wasn’t trying to tease Seth. He’d actually given up. (Well, for the moment anyway). He hadn’t even removed his kaftan to show off the skirt. But Seth stared at him like he could see right through the kaftan’s red silk. Seth kept staring at him as he walked toward the back of the caravan.

When Seth started following him, Raider’s nape prickled. He felt the urge to run. He liked when Seth chased him. He liked the thrill. He liked the spike of fear when he was caught. With Seth, it was a safe fear. He could trust Seth with his body, even with his mind. That was why he wanted Seth to throw him down and force him. He could trust Seth to take him over like that so he could let go.

But then Raider felt the easing of tension behind him. The absence. He glanced back. Seth was gone.

Goddamn it.

By the time Raider reached the back of the caravan, he was extremely pissed off. He tossed down the waterskin and leaned back against the back of the last palanquin. His cock was hard and aching. His body was empty and he was so fucking lonely that he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to scream or cry.

Then footsteps swished in the sand. Raider froze.

From the corner of his eye, he tracked Seth’s approach, then Seth stepped fully into his line of sight. Seth’s eyes were intense and dark with arousal. His body was practically vibrating with tension.

Raider demanded, “Where the hell have you been?”