Page 9 of Over the Emerald Valley
“Why are you here, General?”
Ah, there it was. What Solon had been waiting for. “That’s between me and your master.”
Temaj pursed his lips. “You make him nervous.”
“Are you his protector?”
“No. He is mine.” Temaj stood, pulled the robe closed, and crossed his arms. “Please let me stay. If it’s really all the same to you what I say happened in this room, I’d rather say we fucked like wild rabbits all night and into the morning than we sat around arguing until you threw me out. Naked.”
Solon stifled a smirk. “You can keep the robe.”
“But can I stay?”
Thoroughly worn down, Solon muttered, “Fine.”
“In your bed?”
Well, maybe not that worn down. “No.”
“But—”
“Quit while you’re ahead, plucky.”
Temaj held out his hand. “Give me your blankets, prude.”
Shaking his head, Solon went to collect a pillow and blanket. Easier to do as the slave commanded than continue a verbal sparring match he couldn’t win.
Temaj followed at his heels. “The thick one.” Solon threw an amused glance over his shoulder, to which Temaj only shrugged. “I get cold at night, and you’ve refused to keep me warm. It’s the least you can do.”
Solon handed over the best of the blankets plus a pillow. “Anything else?”
“Kiss me goodnight?” Arms full of bedding, Temaj batted his lashes.
“You’re relentless.”
“And I’m starting to think you’re a eunuch.”
“Oh, for the glory of Ra, you little spitfire!” Solon lunged, caught Temaj by his slender waist, bent him over, and plowed his tongue into that clever mouth. Something to finally shut him up.
The silk-lined bedding smashed between them felt cool against Solon’s skin, even as Temaj’s lips were hot on his.
Temaj hadn’t oversold his talents, not in the slightest. He kissed like he was born for it, open and eager, soft but not meek. He tasted of the sweet purple wine from dinner, with delicious hints of honey and plum.
A moan escaped Solon’s throat as Temaj dropped the bedding and gripped his biceps. Either they had to stop this right away, or they were going to end up like the wild rabbits Temaj had mentioned.
Solon broke off the kiss and steadied Temaj on his feet. The concubine had the decency to look dazed.
“I’m no eunuch.” Solon fetched the fallen blankets and pressed them to Temaj’s chest. “Go to bed.”
Temaj held the bedding in one hand and touched his lips with the other. His grin held the mirth of a jolly drunken sailor. Then he laughed like one too. “Iknewyou were holding out on me. I knew it! Are you really going to make me sleep on the lounge afterthat?”
Solon returned the smile without meaning to but held his ground. “Yes, I am. Good night.”
Temaj rolled his eyes. “Good night.General.”
CHAPTER4
Temaj
