Page 32 of Over the Emerald Valley
Temaj closed his eyes to imagine epic travels aboard a chariot, driving horses, conquering new lands, but the only pictures his mind provided were of Solon, naked and sweaty. Temaj went with it, eager to relive their bedroom romp for the umpteenth time today and the soft feel of silken black hair clutched in his fingers. The general’s lips on his cock, his hot tongue circling—
Voices from inside startled him from the pleasant reverie.
Temaj blinked his eyes open and turned his attention toward the parlor. The tittering and giggling of the other harem members alerted him to unexpected guests. He rose. Seli and Met followed suit.
Together, they went inside, where Khu, who none of them particularly cared for, stood with Solon, who Temaj very much did.
Seli elbowed him in the ribs. “It’s your man.”
Wouldn’t that be nice? He elbowed her back. “Shh.”
Qeb was speaking to the men, his body language submissive, head lowered but peering up through his lashes. One could be both shy and flirty at the same time, and Qeb was rapidly becoming a master.
Temaj liked Qeb, though in the moment, he wanted him as far from Solon as possible. He fought the urge to intervene and come between them.
It turned out he didn’t have to. Because Solon wasn’t looking at Qeb anyway. No, his gaze found Temaj’s and lingered.
Temaj smiled wide as thoughts of playing coy flew out the window. He could smirk or wink, even run his tongue suggestively over his lips, but he did none of those things. Happiness warmed his chest. His tummy tingled. As emotions swelled, he grabbed Seli’s hand, stopping himself from racing into Solon’s arms.
Khu spoke to Qeb, his voice low. Temaj ignored them.
Solon nodded politely, then disengaged from the two.
The tingles sped up, like his belly was full of excitable bees, their honeycombs overflowing.
“Greetings,” said Solon.
Seli elbowed Temaj a second time.
Oh, right. Introductions. “Hello, Solon. It’s lovely to see you here. These are my friends, Seli and Met.” He forced his gaze from Solon to acknowledge them. “And this is General Solon.”
“We’ve heard so much about you,” said Seli warmly, her smile a delight for any man to behold, even one of Solon’s and Temaj’s persuasion.
Solon flashed bright pink, cheeks flushing like a bashful virgin. The story he’d told Solon he would spread to the others, one involving an enthusiastic pounding through a feathered mattress, played in Temaj’s head.
Laughter overtook him. “Don’t fret, though it suits you. Seli didn’t mean what you think she meant, I promise.”
“What does he think you meant?” Arching her brows, she let go of his hand and crossed her arms.
“Nothing. I was only teasing him about what I’d tell the others. He thinks…well, perhaps I shouldn’t say what he thinks. He’s embarrassed enough as it is.”
Solon coughed and offered his hand. “Pleasure to meet you both.”
Seli and Met took it in turn. “Likewise,” said Met. “Do take whatever Temaj has told you lightly. He’s imaginative but harmless, no matter what he’d like you to think.”
Temaj gave a one-shouldered shrug and lowered his voice. “What is Khu doing here? More importantly, can you get rid of him?”
“He was giving me a tour of the palace.” Solon glanced over his shoulder. Khu leaned toward Qeb, who grinned sweetly, the man’s attention wrapped snug around his little finger. “But we’re done for now. I must wait for Abasi to show himself before the most important parts of the palace are accessible. Apparently.” He added that last bit with a huff.
“Tell him you’re done and wish to stay. He gives me the jitters.” Temaj didn’t have to look at Seli or Met to know they agreed. Khu wasn’t malicious, but he was…shifty.
Solon nodded and rejoined Khu, dismissing the man easily enough. Qeb left on his arm, which was a bit of a surprise. Temaj would have to ask about that later.
Met whispered, “He always do what you say like that?”
Temaj chuckled. “Only sometimes, but who’s keeping track?”
When Solon returned, Temaj motioned him out onto the patio, where the four of them could chat in relative privacy.
