Page 24 of Over the Emerald Valley
“They were until you moved.”
“Close your eyes.”
Solon did. Temaj laid his head back down and took a deep breath, inhaling the clean scent of Solon’s freshly scrubbed skin. “Now where was I?”
“I believe Lemaj was about to be rescued.”
“Ah yes, that’s right. ‘I will save you,’ said the deep and rumbly voice. Lemaj gathered all his courage to glance up at the man, his long luscious lashes fluttering just like his heartbeat upon seeing his savior for the very first time.”
“‘I am…Zolon,’ he said. ‘And I will free you from this terrible prison.’ Zolon was very manly and handsome, but he didn’t know it, which made him all the more attractive.”
“He didn’t know he was manly?” Solon rumbled.
“Well, yes, I suppose he knew that much. Now be quiet. I’m getting to the good part.”
“Yes, of course. Sorry.”
“‘I am afraid,’ said Lemaj in a weak but musical voice, ‘How can I trust you?’
“‘Because I’ve slain your captors,’ said Zolon.
“‘My hero!’ Lemaj flung off his ratty blanket, and Zolon leaned in and swept him off the floor and into his heavily muscled arms. Lemaj nearly swooned. Zolon wasthatdreamy.”
“Laying it on a bit thick again?”
“Not in the slightest. Lemaj had excellent taste. He knew a catch when he saw one.”
“If you say so.”
“Not I.Lemaj. Now hush.”
Solon chuckled, the rumble vibrating beneath Temaj’s cheek.
Temaj cuddled in closer. “Zolon carried Lemaj to safety but, when faced with going their separate ways, couldn’t bear to be parted from the—”
“Wait, let me guess. Strikingly beautiful man?”
Temaj turned his face and grinned against Solon’s chest. “Exactly right. And since neither had any family to return to, they decided to make a life together, baking bread and caring for the orphans of the windswept lands of the desert, where they lived happily ever after. The end.”
“My goodness, that was a tale.”
“Did you like it?”
“I did. Though you may have rushed the ending just a smidge.”
“Oh?”
“Mm. I think you forgot the part where they fall in love.”
“No, I didn’t. It was love at first sight, Solon. They just saw each other and knew. Isn’t that romantic?”
“It’s a bit farfetched. Wouldn’t Lemaj have smelled foul? How long had he gone without bathing?”
“You’re ruining it.” Temaj scowled and tweaked Solon’s nipple in punishment.
“Ouch. Hey.” Solon rubbed his chest.
Temaj dropped a quick kiss on the little nub. “Sorry.”
