Their bodies pressing against each other caused the temperature under the blanket to soar, but Detrick ignored it and resigned to kissing his love. “Is this what you meant?” he whispered.
“You’re going in the right direction.” Conner pulled him down by the neck of his shirt and kissed him again. It soon became so passionate that they had to stop for a breath.
Detrick knew this wasn’t enough to satisfy them. They were insatiably hungry for each other. His entire body was quaking with anticipation. He pulled his messy hair behind his shoulders and ran his hands all over Conner’s body, cherishing every inch. As he did, he sweetly kissed Conner along his jawline and down his neck. His skin was so smooth and warm…nothing like his strong, calloused hands. But he loved the way those hands were grasping at his back. There was so much yearning in them.
Conner gasped in rapture as Detrick’s teeth sank into his collarbone.
Detrick savored his Conner. He was the one Detrick been dreaming about every night, the one he’d sometimes tried to convince himself he hated, but deeper down, had always known he’d loved. He pulled his own shirt over his head and tossed it into the sand.
Piece by piece, under that blanket, surrounded by stars and fire and the tempestuous sea, they revealed themselves to each other. Hands were shaking; nervous laughter rang out. But reassuring kisses calmed them.
And then, finally, Detrick had his Conner. He had his arms wrapped about his neck, his hot breath upon his skin, his sweet voice in his ears…a voice that was whispering things that sent feverish chills coursing through Detrick’s body. The man he’d been torturing himself over all this time now laid beneath him, demanding more. Every sound that escaped Conner’s lips was music, and every touch made him ache with pleasure.
Through moans, sighs, and deep breaths, they confessed their undying love for each other in a language all their own. Through tongues, teeth, and clenching fingers, they manifested how desperately they needed each other.
For hours, Detrick Lismore and Conner Wicklow were completely entwined in each other, the exhilarating release of so much longing finally coming to fruition.
Completely spent, Detrick collapsed onto the blanket beside Conner to catch his breath. He wanted nothing more than to fall asleep this way.
The two of them rested together under the blankets, letting the soothing aria of the waves carry them back down to Aeos.
Conner brushed the damp hair from Detrick’s face, and Detrick let the touch overwhelm him. Nothing had ever felt so perfect. This was who he was meant to spend his entire life with. He pulled Conner into his arms.
“Can we just fall asleep here?” Conner asked.
“I wish we could. Soon we can do this every night.”
Conner sighed contentedly.
They laid there under the blanket for a while.
“We should probably get home and finish packing,” Detrick said, kissing Conner’s forehead.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Conner said as they sat up.
They both got dressed, shaking the sand from their clothes and extinguishing the fire.
“This time tomorrow, we’ll be long gone,” Detrick said.
“Good riddance.”
They walked back through the forest and emerged on the other side. Conner’s house was up the road to the right, and Detrick’s was to the left, at the bottom of the hill.
“I’ll see you in a few hours,” Detrick said, squeezing Conner against himself.
“Tomorrow morning at the firepit?” Conner asked.
“Tomorrow morning at the firepit. I love you, Conner.”
Conner kissed him one last time. “I love you, Detrick. See you soon.”
* * *
Conner managed a couple of hours of sleep before waking and, after a few yawns, got up and quietly pulled out the large backpack from under his bed. The day before, he’d stuffed it full of food from the pub kitchens—a large sack of flour, some jerky, dried fruit, and a tin of coffee. His sleeping bag and tent were also folded and stuffed into it, along with one of the blankets from last night. Detrick would be bringing fishing supplies, and a hatchet, as well as a bunch of apple seeds so they could plant their own trees once they were settled.
He pulled a folded note from under his pillow and placed it on his mother’s bedside table. He hoped she’d understand that he was never meant for this kind of life. Besides, now she wouldn’t have to worry about her youngest son getting into trouble anymore and jeopardizing the family. She knew how much he despised the Union. He’d told her on many occasions. She still had Gavin and the Vickers here in Edgewood, and Aunt Ruby and her parents in Pine Ridge. He knew she’d be alright. She was strong. The strongest woman he’d ever known.
As he pulled on a flat cap and shouldered his pack, he looked at his mother and mouthed a silent goodbye before slipping out the door. He tiptoed downstairs to the pub. No one else was awake, but they’d be up soon to start the morning prep. The sun wasn’t up yet, but Conner could see out the window that the sky was growing lighter. He plucked a can of lantern fluid from behind the counter and managed to squeeze it into his pack.
When he exited the front door of the pub, the reality began to set in that this was actually happening. He and Detrick would soon be free of the Union and its tyranny. He smiled as he trekked down the road. He couldn’t wait to see Detrick so he could give him the biggest hug, and they could begin their new life together.
* * *
After Detrick said goodbye to Conner, he began the short walk home. They only had a few hours before they were meeting up again, so there was very little time to make sure everything was in order before he left. In the closet in his bedroom he’d hidden his backpack—it was full of things that would help them on their journey. They’d both agreed that once they found a place to settle, they were going to start an orchard of their own. Detrick was excited for this. He’d always felt like Conner was the one showing him how to do things, but this was finally something useful that he could utilize in his new life with him.
He couldn’t stop thinking about his time with Conner that evening. Their love had blossomed into a lifetime devotion, and they’d solidified their commitment to each other. Conner was his soulmate, the keeper of his heart. Compared to that, the Union didn’t scare him at all. He knew they’d make it.
His house came into view through the darkness.
Parked out front was a large patrol van.
* * *
Conner arrived at the beach and spotted the firepit a little ways up the shore. He made his way over to it sleepily before dropping down to the sand. The early morning birds were chirping in the trees behind him, and it was relaxing enough that Conner contemplated taking a nap while waiting for Detrick to show up.
Realizing it wouldn’t be the best idea, he instead pulled a map out of his bag and studied it.
Once they’d made their way down the coast for most of the day, they’d pass through the coastal town of Turret Dunes. It was so named for the massive rock that jutted up out of the sea just off the coast, and for the white sand dunes that blanketed the shore. Conner was giddy—to think, seeing beaches that didn’t have rocky shores! They’d probably make for much more comfortable camping.
Conner traced his finger farther down the coast to the town of Sadie. By then they’d be in Mayside. Conner had read that this province was warm year-round, and almost never saw snow. Would Detrick miss the snow?
The sun’s first rays pierced the sky over the ocean, and Conner looked up. Detrick would be here soon.
Last night felt like such a dream. Detrick had been a new man. His usual tension had melted away; he’d completely let himself get tangled up in the moment. And once Detrick had embraced that side of himself, he’d become…fearless.
Conner looked back down at the map. Much farther down the eastern coast, at least a month’s walk, were the first islands of the province of Nea. Conner knew from doing some research that not all of the islands were inhabited.
They’d have to do some exploring to find one good enough to settle.
Conner imagined that once they were settled, they’d probably bicker about how to build their home…or how to run their orchard. Maybe eventually they could have some chickens or a cow. Logistics aside, they’d be happy every single night as they fell asleep together in the same bed. In a world of their own. One they’d built together. They’d finally have all the time in the world.
Detrick couldn’t get here soon enough, Conner thought, refolding the map.
* * *
“Dad? Mom?” Detrick called as he opened his door. Surely they were awake if they had a visitor?
His dad came rushing out of the kitchen, looking frazzled. He was holding a piece of paper in his hand. “Son, you’re home.”
“Why is there a patrol van here?”
He fumbled for an answer. “…a little sooner than we anticipated, unfortunately.”
Detrick’s mom called from the kitchen. “Are we leaving the dishes, or will the new house be stocked?”
“New house will be furnished. Just keep packing the food.”
“Dad, what’s going on?”
Before he could answer, a paladin emerged from the kitchen, carrying a stack of boxes.
“Just put those in the back of the van,” his dad said.
“Dad!”
He stepped up to Detrick and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m afraid it’s time to go, son.”
“What? Go where?”
“Well, back to the Citadel, of course. Are you feeling all right?”
“No, I’m not all right!” Detrick paced around the couch. “This isn’t right at all! I—I have stuff to do. I need to do something…” He made for his room, but his dad followed him.
“What you need to do right now is throw together anything you want to take with you and get it into a box. We need to be gone before daylight.”
Detrick panicked. No. Not now. He was supposed to be sneaking back out with his backpack of supplies. He was supposed to be meeting Conner. He’d have to find a way to slip out before anyone noticed he was gone.
* * *
Conner looked down at his watch. It was almost eight o’clock now. He was sure Detrick would be stepping out from the trees at any moment. They had stayed up pretty late, after all. Conner supposed he could forgive Detrick for sleeping in.
Nine o’clock crept toward him. Conner was starting to grow concerned. After tapping his fingers on his knees for five minutes and throwing glances at his watch, he decided he needed to go check up on him. If he ran into Detrick’s parents, he’d just act as though it was a casual visit.
He threw his pack into a bush and made sure it was out of eyesight should anyone happen upon it.
Jogging more often than walking, he was at Detrick’s house in no time. He strode up to the front door with purpose and knocked.
* * *
“Lismore, the sun’s coming up. We need to get moving,” the paladin said, poking his head into Detrick’s bedroom.
Detrick’s dad waved him away and pleaded with Detrick. “I’m so sorry, Detrick. If this is about Conner, we can figure something out. But right now, what I need you to do is start packing, and start packing fast.”
“I told you, Dad, I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore. I didn’t want to tell you, but I’m done with the Union. I can’t –”
He smacked Detrick’s head, a flare of pain racing down the side of it. “Are you insane? What’s gotten into you? Do you know what would happen to you if that—” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “—if that paladin heard you talking like that? What’s wrong with you?”
Detrick stood his ground. “I don’t care anymore. And you can’t make me go with you. I’m staying here for Conner.”
Detrick’s dad sighed and rubbed his face.
***
Conner knocked again. No answer. He tried peeking through the window, but the curtain was covering it. That does it. Conner knew he had to get into that house.
Something wasn’t right.
He broke the living room window with a large rock and unlocked it from the inside. He paused to see if anyone inside had heard him. After he took a moment to listen, he shoved the window up and hopped inside. Moving the curtain out of the way, he called out, “Detrick? Are you here?”
Just as he pulled the curtain away from his face, he got his answer.
No one was here.
All that remained in the house was a few pieces of furniture.
“Detrick? Detrick!” His voice echoed off the walls of the barren house. “Oh, no.”
Conner tore through the house, looking for any sign of life. No one in the kitchen. No one in the bathroom. No one in the master bedroom. Finally, Conner arrived outside Detrick’s door. It was closed. “Detrick?” he choked out. He wondered if knocking on the door would do any good.
Knock, knock.
“Detrick…please be in there…please…” Conner placed his hand gingerly on the doorknob, not wanting to turn the handle. “Please be in there, Detrick, please.” He felt a hot tear stream down his cheek.
The hinges creaked as Conner pushed open the door to Detrick’s room.
His worst fears confirmed, he collapsed, sobbing, onto Detrick’s bed.
* * *
“This is for your own good, Detrick,” his dad said as a paladin threw handcuffs on him and dragged him outside. “You should have just listened to me.”
Detrick knew that fighting was pointless, so he allowed the paladin to throw him into the van and slam the door behind him. Surely even here there must be a way to escape? His heartbeat thudded in his ears. There was no one else in the van. He just had to wait for the right moment.
* * *
Conner clutched the mattress in his fingers. He couldn’t understand. Detrick had just pledged himself to Conner.
Had sworn to meet him that morning.
Had told Conner how much he loved him.
They’d been so close.
Conner blinked back tears, and something near the door frame came into focus. There was a piece of paper stuck to it. He pulled it off the door frame and sat on the bed. His chest hurt so much that he wondered if he was having a heart attack. Wiping his eyes, he opened the piece of paper.
Conner,
I don’t have much time. As I write this, I’m expected outside. They’re stealing me away. I hope this note finds you. I have to go for now, but I promise I’ll come back for you. I’ll see you soon. I promise.
-Det
* * *
Detrick stared out the window of the van, his life already far behind him. The sun was high, and soon they’d be arriving in the Citadel. Detrick turned to look out the back window toward Edgewood.
Toward his home.
Toward Conner.
I’ll come back for you.
“I promise.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah lives in Colorado with her husband. She enjoys cooking, video games, hiking, and binging on nature documentaries. Powerless is her first novel.
Visit her official website at www.sarahannefields.com
Powerless: Aeos Book One Page 19
