Page 20 of Over the Emerald Valley
Solon would probably pretend not to notice. Despite the general’s reluctance, Temaj suspected he’d make an excellent lover if he’d give in. A thoughtful man who took Temaj’s ribbing with a smile, a man who would protect a slave from harm. That was the kind of man who would care for his lover’s pleasure between the sheets.
And Solon’s cock was a beauty. Temaj had yet to see him roused, but even at rest, the length and girth of it pleased the eye and promised to please other places as well. Solon would know how to use it too. Temaj would bet his eager, ignored ass on that.
The man emerged from the archway, damp and naked. Temaj had half expected Solon would have dressed again, but was glad he hadn’t. Skin glistening with dewy droplets, brown nipples pertly pebbled, and the alluring line of dark hair leading to the patch between his legs all painted a mouth-watering picture.
Temaj was tempted to throw off the bedsheets and let Solon get an eyeful of what he was up to, but if he stood a chance at seducing the general, he’d have to be more subtle.
Nevertheless, he grinned at the glorious sight. “You’re beautiful naked. You’re beautiful in clothes as well, but even more so naked.”
A flush crept across Solon’s cheeks. He cast his gaze downward. “I’m not. And what did I tell you about flattery?”
“That it was unnecessary, but you said nothing of it being unwelcome. You are beautiful. I’m hard just looking at you.” Which would be true, he was sure. No need to mention his helpful hand on his dick.
“You’re not.”
“I am.” Temaj waggled his brows. “I’ll show you.”
“Don’t. I’m wrinkly. My skin is scarred, riddled with sunspots, and beginning to sag in places I’d rather not mention.” Solon dried his hair with a towel. “And soon my hair will be gray. You may stop pretending to desire me. It’s really not needed.”
How could a man so gorgeous think so low of his charms? “I’m not pretending, though I find it oddly endearing that you think so.”
Solon huffed. “Scoot over.”
Temaj shuffled to the cold side of the bed and turned down the covers. If he did so just enough to show Solon he wasn’t lying about being hard, who could blame him?
Solon's gaze swept where Temaj most wanted it and snagged.
“See? My desire is genuine.”
“Temaj.” Solon’s voice was far too serious for his liking. Temaj rather preferred the pet name plucky to his given one when spoken in that particularly serious tone. “This changes nothing. You asked to be here, and I invited you on the condition that we sleep. No more.”
Temaj drew the covers back over himself. “I don’t remember agreeing to that, though you did promise me stories of soldiering.”
“Agree to it now, then. For the sake of my sanity. And my head, which has been aching for hours.” Solon rolled his neck before climbing into bed.
“Very well,” said Temaj with a good deal of disappointment. “I agree. I’m sorry you have a headache.”
“It’s only a minor inconvenience.”
“I can help. Let me rub your head for you.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine. I just need some rest.”
Temaj huffed. “Seriously? You won’t even let me ease your aching head?”
“It’s not that bad. Don’t worry about it.”
A moment of silence passed. Temaj swallowed. “Solon?”
“Yes?”
“I have a headache too. Would you rub my head?”
“You do not.”
“I do. I just didn’t want to say anything until you did.”
Solon stared at him, eyes narrowed. “Really?”
