“Good,” Perian said. “You? You looked like you were having fun.”
A faint blush was visible on Brannal’s cheekbones. He really didn’t blush often, and if Perian thought about it, it was a little sad that he found this sort of behavior embarrassing.
“We didn’t mean to exclude you.”
Perian laughed, shaking his head. “Please, don’t worry about it. I got out of there to reduce the chance of accidental drowning, but it was beautiful to watch. I really enjoyed seeing all of youso playful.”
Brannal let out a little breath and leaned a bit closer to Perian. He had definite feelings about what was appropriate for Summus and what wasn’t, but he also seemed to be working hard to modify some of those beliefs.
They all dried off and got properly warm again in front of the fire, and then Brannal suggested, “A light lunch and then one of our training exercises?”
Molun groaned and said in a very carrying whisper, “Perian, it’s your job to distract him.”
“You get the food ready,” Perian instructed. “Brannal, while I was gathering firewood, I saw something I really need to show you.”
“I’ll bet you did,” Molun said, and the rest of them snorted.
Brannal gave him a doubtful look.
“Really,” Perian said. “Please.”
He broke out his best pout.
Brannal rolled his eyes but allowed himself to be chivvied to his feet and guided out into the woods. Perian waited until they were definitely out of sight of the camp, and Brannal got as far as, “So what—” when Perian threw himself at the man.
Brannal caught him, of course, because he was the best at that, though he’d apparently been expecting a bit of subterfuge.
No, Perian had shamelessly and obviously lured him out here for sex.
Brannal got into it after a moment, tongue delving into Perian’s mouth, holding him closer. Perian bit at his lip, sucked on his jaw and made his way over to Brannal’s ear.
“Remember the sex against a tree? I want you to fuck me against a tree again, Brannal.”
Brannal blew out a breath. “The others—”
“—are definitely going to be smart enough not to venture into the woods while we’re out here. And even if they did, do you think any of them would be surprised? Besides, there’s a ninety percent chance it would be Molun, who wants to see what we’re doing.”
He could tell he had the man at least half-convinced, which told him how far they’d come. Brannal hadcolleaguesnot that far away.
Perian plastered himself over the man. “I told you I had something to show you. You wouldn’t want to make me a liar, would you? What are you going to do if the others ask what I showed you?”
Brannal laughed and hoisted Perian up so he could wrap his legs around the man’s waist, locking his ankles together.
“I’ll lie,” Brannal said, “because they’re not getting these details, are they?”
He pressed Perian back against the nearest tree, and Perian squirmed happily against it, rubbing as much of himself against Brannal as he could.
“You’ll tell them I showed you something absolutely fabulous, of course,” Perian answered.
Brannal kissed him hungrily and fumbled for the fastening of his trousers, so Perian thought this was a mission well accomplished.
There was no way they looked anything but rumpled and well-fucked by the time they made it back to the campsite, and Perian was definitely sporting a satisfied smirk.
“That good, was it?” Molun asked.
“I always show Brannal wonderful things,” Perian said smugly.
Molun laughed, and Brannal looked pleased as well. The others shook their heads.
