Chapter Nine #4
Eli floated in a state of bliss, his limbs languid and heavy, as Avery carefully pulled out. He winced slightly at the emptiness. Already, he missed the fullness, the connection. He watched as Avery disappeared into the bathroom, admiring the strong lines of his back, the curve of his ass.
He stretched languidly, feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks—maybe years. The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom, and moments later, Avery returned with a warm washcloth.
“Let me take care of my precious boy.”
Avery climbed back on the bed, and with tender strokes, he cleaned Eli’s stomach and between his legs. After taking the cloth back to the bathroom, he returned and lifted the blankets and comforter.
“Come on, sweetheart.” Avery gestured to the sheets. “Let’s get you under the covers so you don’t get cold.”
A moment of panic hit him that Avery might tuck him into bed, then leave the room.
But his fears vanished when Avery slid in next to him.
He pulled Eli into his strong arms, and Eli rested his head against Avery’s solid chest. Eli smiled against Avery’s slightly sweaty skin, the small chest hairs tickling his nose.
Avery stroked his arm and let out a low hum that rumbled against Eli’s ear.
“How are you feeling?”
The tinge of concern in Avery’s question surprised Eli. At the same time, he imagined it must be a huge responsibility to care for a sub. He knew he certainly wouldn’t want that pressure. Add in his messed-up situation, and if he were Avery, it would be a big nope.
“So amazing, Sir.” He ran his fingers through the smattering of Avery’s chest hair. “I haven’t felt such peace since I can remember. Plus, you’re a great lay.”
Avery snorted. “Glad to hear it.” He gave Eli a squeeze. “On both accounts.”
“Sir? Are we still going to discuss the contract tonight?”
Avery continued to caress his arm. “I’d rather we wait until tomorrow, when we’re less tired and are thinking more clearly.”
Eli didn’t want to correct his Sir, but he was so amped from their encounter, he doubted he’d fall asleep any time soon.
“Okay.” He licked his dry lips. “Um, I have the next two days off.”
Avery let out a soft chuckle. “I know you do. That’s why I planned to take them off, as well.”
Eli gasped, lifting his head. “You did?”
“Of course. I want to take advantage of spending time with you without any obligations getting in our way.”
Eli didn’t want to dissolve into a bout of crying, but it wasn’t easy. He actually was tired, had been under a ridiculous amount of stress, and now? A man as dedicated to his job as Avery was, an important man who had many people relying on him, was choosing to take two days off because of him.
“I don’t want to cause you any problems.” Eli sniffed as his composure slipped.
Avery gave him a light jostle. “Now, now. Who’s in charge?”
Eli swallowed hard. Words were easy. Action could be a son of a bitch.
“I know you are, Sir. Want that more than anything.” He sighed. “But it’ll probably be a while before I’m any good at submitting.”
Avery placed a kiss on Eli’s head. “You already please me so much, sweetheart. Power exchange is a fluid state. There’s no right or wrong, only commitment and connection. And if the dynamic ever becomes too much for you…” He cleared his throat. “You can use your safeword and walk away.”
Eli tensed. “I don’t want to think about that.”
“I know, sweetheart.” Avery squeezed his arm. “But this is all brand new. You don’t know me very well yet. Also…”
Eli waited, his jaw gritting, wondering what Avery was about to reveal. “I know I’m supposed to be patient, but what’s the also?”
“There are a couple of things you should consider before we become too involved.”
Eli’s stomach sank. Maybe Avery had his own secrets. “Like what?”
“Once your reason for leaving LA is handled, won’t you want to go back? It’s not as if you chose to move here because you wanted to.”
Avery’s voice sounded so sad that it hurt Eli’s heart. “Yeah, but I would’ve wanted to move to Boston if I’d known you were here.”
“You’re so sweet.” Avery kissed his temple. “However, your family and friends are there. Won’t you miss them?”
“Of course, I’ll miss them.” Eli hugged Avery tighter. “But my life there has been so stagnant. All I’ve done is drift from day to day. I need to find my purpose, and I believe with you, the possibilities are endless.”
Avery clutched a fistful of Eli’s hair, tugging back his head before kissing him thoroughly, tasting him with languid swipes of his tongue until Eli was breathless again. Avery broke the connection, but didn’t let him go.
“There’s something else on my mind. I’m sure you’re aware I’m older than you, but I need to be completely transparent. I’m forty-six. That’s something to consider. You still have so many years ahead of you.”
“That’s the other also?” Eli let out a relieved sigh. “I assumed you were in your forties, so that doesn’t bother me.” He grinned. “I’m really only attracted to older men.”
Avery narrowed his eyes. “Which older men?”
Eli laughed. “You, Sir. Only you.”
Avery gave a sharp nod. “Good. Let’s keep it that way.”
Eli’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Works for me.