Page 88 of Eryx

The path sloped as it led us up a hill.

Axios stopped suddenly, and I nearly crashed into him. His once playful expression had turned grave. I followed his line of sight and understood the sudden shift in his mood.

The Spartan envoys had returned at last. Ever since Tiribazus had summoned them to discuss peace, we had awaited further news. With their return, the fate of the war would soon be known.

From our spot on the hill, we saw the men enter the main part of the city and head for the council’s chambers.

“We will either be celebrating peace this night or preparing for campaign in the morning,” Axios spoke in an emotionless tone. “Depending on the news they bring.”

“It shall be a while yet before they provide us answers,” I said, returning my stare to the messengers who quickly moved through the crowd that had gathered to see them. “The council must be told and Sparta’s next move must be discussed in full before they inform the masses.”

“How long do you suppose that will take?” he asked.

Minutes? Hours? It was impossible to know.

“Perhaps they will announce it soon… or it may possibly take all evening and we will not know until the morrow. I cannot say for certain.” As an idea struck, I peered at him. “There are ways we could pass the time until then.”

His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “You’re insatiable. Is my body all you fancy?”

Desire traveled through me as I imagined all the things I wished to do to him. We both needed a distraction from the anticipation of whether we would be leaving soon for war. And though I would never utter the words aloud, I worried this would be our last night before our lives forever changed.

I grabbed his forearms and angled my face down to his, speaking in a low tone, “Run.”

“Aren’t we too old now for such childish games?” Axios asked, arching a brow. “Besides, I believe I’ve become a stronger runner, and I do not wish to wound your pride by beating you.”

“Run,” I growled again.

I hungered for Axios, but my true desire was to spend one more day at his side just as we were now.While we still can.

His honey eyes met mine, and I saw the moment when desire ignited in them. He slowly stepped back, preparing to flee like an animal that had spotted the lion waiting in the tall grass. And like a lion, I would take pleasure in chasing him down.

Axios breathed deep and glanced to his left. When he took off running, he slid on the pebbles in the dirt before righting himself and dashing toward the meadow. With a smile, I pursued him. I let him stay a foot in front of me and chased him through the grass.

As we ran through the meadow, my excitement shifted to sorrow and a lump wedged in my throat. The path was familiar, as we had taken it so many times before. Countless games of chase that led us to the one place where nothing could reach us: our stream in the woods.

Will this be the last time we travel this path?

Entering the woods, I followed Axios through the branches and bushes. We broke through the barrier of vines and shrubs, and the sun greeted us once more as we arrived at our stream. Axios jogged toward the water’s edge, and I tackled him a moment later.

As we rolled together on the grass, I grabbed his face and kissed him.

I desperately needed him in a way I couldn’t express with words alone. He seemed to sense my need, for he returned my heavy kisses and tugged at my clothing. I brought him closer to me and pulled at his too.

We breathed heavily as hands grazed over hard muscle and lips met again and again. Once he was prepared, I eased into him slowly. He begged me to go harder—faster—and I obeyed.

Afterward, once our bodies were sated, we lay near the stream and talked. The sun was setting, and I knew we should return, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to our special place just yet. I slid my fingers between his as he spoke of Theon and Quill and how they constantly pestered each other.

“But they can never be found without the other close behind,” I added.

He smiled. “Very familiar, is it not?”

I dipped my head to kiss the base of his throat. “Familiar indeed. Even in death, I will be beside you. Always.”

“Do not speak of such things,” Axios said, hiding his face behind his arm.

I wanted to tell him we had to discuss it someday. But I respected his wish and stayed silent on the matter.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, taking the light with it, we finally left our stream and returned to the barracks.