25. Twenty-Four

I stepped through the door of my apartment, muscles aching with exhaustion. The day's events weighed heavily on my mind, leaving me utterly drained. Yet beneath the fatigue, a deeper longing stirred: an unfamiliar craving for something I couldn't quite define.

Eli. The thought of him sent a jolt through my weary body. His quiet presence, his unwavering submission, the way he anticipated my every need without a word between us. Tonight, I yearned for the solace only he could provide.

As I entered the living room, I found Gavin and Eli waiting. Gavin stood tall and poised, ever the consummate professional, but Eli... Eli was visibly shaken. His platinum hair fell in disheveled strands across his face. His haunting blue eyes were rimmed with red, as if he'd been fighting back tears. The sight of him stirred something deep within me, a protective instinct I rarely allowed myself to feel.

Despite his turmoil, Eli moved with purpose. His slender fingers deftly removed my coat, hanging it with care in the closet. He knelt to unlace my shoes, his touch gentle and sure.

Gavin approached with a somber expression. “Sir, we had an incident while shopping today.”

I met his gaze, unease settling in my gut. “What happened?”

Gavin glanced at Eli, who remained focused on his task, though I noticed the slight tremor in his hands. “We encountered several members of the cult. Eli handled himself admirably, but he’s been quite distressed since we returned.”

I clenched my jaw. I wanted nothing more than to hunt them down for the scars they had left on Eli's body and soul. But as I looked down at Eli, still kneeling at my feet, I knew that vengeance would have to wait. Right now, he needed the stability and comfort only I could provide.

I placed a gentle hand on Eli's head, my fingers threading through his hair. He leaned into my touch, a shuddering breath escaping his lips. “You're safe now,” I murmured, low and reassuring. “I won't let them hurt you again.”

Eli’s eyes fluttered closed, the tension slowly draining from his shoulders.

I turned to Gavin, giving him a curt nod. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll take it from here.”

Gavin inclined his head, dark eyes flickering with unspoken understanding. He cast one last glance at Eli before quietly leaving, the soft click of the door signaling his departure.

In the stillness that followed, I focused solely on Eli. I tilted his chin up, my thumb grazing his jawline. His eyes met mine, those haunting blue depths swirling with emotions—fear, vulnerability, and a desperate yearning for reassurance.

“Do you want to finish your routine?” I asked.

Eli nodded, determination sparking in his eyes as he rose gracefully. With practiced movements, he made his way to the kitchen, the soft padding of his footsteps the only sound. I watched him go, pride mingling with the concern still lingering in my chest.

I settled into my armchair, the leather creaking beneath my weight as I took a moment to breathe. When I opened my eyes, I saw several plastic candy wrappers scattered over the coffee table—a telltale sign that Eli had quickly worked through the stash I’d bought for him. The candies were supposed to be an occasional treat, but Eli seemed to find solace in them, so I’d let it slip for now, considering the day he’d had.

Eli soon returned, a tumbler of bourbon in his hand. He approached with quiet reverence, eyes downcast, as he held out the glass. I accepted it with a murmured thanks, our fingers brushing briefly.

I took a sip, savoring the smooth burn. Eli remained standing, hands clasped behind his back, awaiting further instruction. I could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight clench of his jaw. He was holding himself together, but only just.

“Kneel,” I commanded, my voice firm.

Eli obeyed without hesitation, sinking gracefully to his knees. He kept his eyes downcast, breathing shallow and controlled. I studied him, taking in the delicate curve of his neck, the way his platinum hair fell across his forehead. Even in distress, he was breathtaking.

We were supposed to renegotiate the terms of our service contract tonight, but as I looked at Eli, so vulnerable and in need of reassurance, the conversation felt distant and unimportant.

“Eli, look at me,” I said softly. He did. “What do you need?”

Eli's gaze met mine, blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. His lower lip trembled slightly as he whispered, “Could I…put my head in your lap while you pet me?”

My heart clenched at the raw vulnerability in his voice. I set the tumbler aside. “Come here, sweet boy.”

Eli rose and settled himself between my legs, resting his cheek against my thigh. I let my fingers sink into his platinum locks, gently combing through the silken strands. Eli's eyes fluttered closed as he released a shuddering breath, his body melting into my touch.

As I continued, my cock twitched and hardened, straining against the confines of my trousers. Eli nuzzled against my growing arousal, inhaling deeply, his breath hot and damp even through the fabric. A soft whimper escaped his lips as he nosed along the length of my shaft, seeking comfort in the most intimate way he knew how.

I suppressed a groan, my fingers tightening in Eli's hair. This was a boundary we hadn’t crossed yet, normally requiring careful negotiation.

But these were far from normal circumstances. Eli's distress was palpable, his need for comfort and reassurance overwhelming. And if I was honest with myself, I craved his vulnerability. I wanted to be the solace he desperately sought and his protector.

Eli's voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke, his words hesitant and laced with uncertainty. “Sir, may I... may I please suck you?”

The request hung heavy in the air between us. I knew the weight of what he was asking, the trust and intimacy it implied. This wasn't about sexual gratification. It was about connection and drawing comfort from the bond we’d spent the last weeks forging.

I brushed my thumb along Eli's cheekbone, marveling at the smoothness of his skin.

“Please, Sir,” he said, a flush spreading over his pale cheeks. “I need to feel close to you.”

The raw honesty in his words struck a chord deep within me. I couldn't deny him this even if I’d wanted to, and I didn’t.

I caressed Eli's cheek, my thumb skimming over his soft skin. “If we do this, we need to set some rules first. I want you to feel safe and comfortable.”

Eli nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“If at any point you need to stop, for any reason, I want you to tap my leg three times. Do you understand?”

“I understand, Sir.” Eli's voice was barely above a whisper.

“Good boy.” I let my fingers trail along his jawline before coming to rest under his chin, tilting his face up towards mine. “When I finish, you will swallow every drop. You are not to let a single bit of my cum spill from your pretty lips. And you will not come tonight, not unless I allow it. Your pleasure belongs to me. Do you understand?”

A shiver ran through Eli's slender frame at my words. “Yes, Sir. I won't come without your permission.”

Satisfied with his response, I leaned back in my chair and spread my legs wider. “Go ahead then. Take out my cock.”

Eli's slender fingers trembled slightly as he reached for my zipper. The sound of it being pulled down was loud in the quiet room. He carefully extracted my hardening shaft, his blue eyes darkening with desire as it sprang free.

I watched him intently, taking in every nuance of his expression as he wrapped his hand around the base of my cock. Eli's tongue darted out, licking a tentative stripe along the underside of my shaft. The wet heat of his mouth sent a jolt of pleasure through my body. I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to overwhelm him with my own need. He needed to set the pace tonight.

Emboldened by my lack of objection, Eli grew more confident. He pressed open-mouthed kisses along the length of my cock, his lips soft and plush against my heated skin. When he reached the tip, he swirled his tongue around it, lapping at the bead of pre-cum that had formed there.

I inhaled sharply at the sensation, my fingers tightening their grip in Eli's hair. He whimpered softly, but didn't pull away. If anything, he seemed to relax further, his jaw going slack as he took more of me into his mouth.

Inch by inch, he worked his way down my shaft until his nose was buried in the neatly trimmed hair at the base. I could feel the hot, tight squeeze of his throat around the head of my cock. Eli's eyes watered from the intrusion, but he held himself there, letting me enjoy the feeling of being fully sheathed in his mouth.

I allowed him a moment to adjust before fisting my hand in his hair and gently but firmly pulling him off my cock. A string of saliva connected his reddened lips to the tip as he looked up at me, his eyes watery.

Eli gasped for breath, his chest heaving as he fought to regain his composure. I gave him a moment before guiding him back down, his lips stretching as he took me into his mouth once more.

This time, I didn't let him linger. I set a steady rhythm, using my grip on his hair to control the pace as I fucked into his willing mouth. Eli moaned around my cock, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through my body.

“That's it, sweet boy,” I praised, my voice rough with arousal. “You're doing so well, taking me so deep.”

Eli whimpered in response, his eyes fluttering closed as he lost himself in the act of serving me. Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, trailing down his flushed cheeks, but he didn't tap my leg. He wanted this, needed it, craved the intimacy and the feeling of being wholly owned.

As I felt my orgasm building, I tightened my grip on Eli's hair, holding him in place. “I'm going to cum down your throat,” I growled, my hips snapping forward with increased urgency. “You're going to swallow every drop, just like I told you.”

Eli moaned and nodded, his throat working around me as he prepared himself. With a final thrust, I buried myself to the hilt, my cock pulsing. Thick ropes of cum shot down Eli's throat as I held him in place. He swallowed greedily, his throat constricting around my shaft, milking every last drop from me. Even as I began to soften in his mouth, Eli continued to suck and lap at my sensitive cock. The sensation bordered on painful, the overstimulation sending jolts through my spent body.

“Enough, Eli,” I commanded hoarsely, tugging at his hair to pull him off. But Eli whimpered and resisted, his lips tightening around me as if he couldn't bear to let go. I had to use more force than I would have liked to finally pry him away. “I said enough.”

Then, without warning, he crumpled forward, pressing his face into my thigh as violent sobs wracked him. His hands fisted the fabric of my trousers, clinging to me like a drowning man grasping for a lifeline.

“Oh, Eli,” I murmured, my heart clenching at his devastation. I carded my fingers through his platinum locks, offering what comfort I could. “Shh, you're safe here.”

But Eli cried harder, his tears soaking through my pants as he nuzzled my leg.

I held Eli close as he wept, his tears soaking my trousers. His raw vulnerability tore at my heart. “Shh, sweet boy,” I murmured, my fingers soothing his platinum hair. “You've been so brave today. I'm here for you.”

Eli's sobs quieted, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he nuzzled his tear-stained face against my thigh, his breath shuddering. I felt the residual tension thrumming through him, his desperate need for comfort still gripping him.

After a moment, Eli turned his head, his gaze settling on my softened cock. His tongue darted out to wet his lips. “Please, Sir,” he whispered, his voice hoarse from crying. “Can I keep you in my mouth? It makes me feel better.”

Something clenched in my chest at his desperation, and I nodded. “You may.”

Eli carefully wrapped his lips around me, drawing comfort from the intimate act. His breath was hot against my skin as he inhaled deeply, savoring my scent. Even in distress, he avoided letting his teeth graze me, his tongue cradling the underside of my shaft.

I ran my fingers through Eli's hair, marveling at the silky strands. He looked so fragile, his tear-streaked face pressed against my thigh as he suckled. Stripped of pretense and defenses, Eli was breathtaking. A surge of protectiveness welled up within me, mingling with my deep affection for this complicated boy.

“That's it, sweet boy,” I murmured softly. “Just relax. Let me be the comfort you need.”

Eli's eyes fluttered closed, his lashes casting shadows on his pale cheeks. His breathing slowed, the tension draining from him as he lost himself.

As Eli gently suckled my soft cock, a profound peace washed over me. The day's stress, draining family interactions, and pressure to maintain control faded in this intimate connection. Eli's touch grounded me, his need for comfort mirroring my own in ways I hadn't realized until now.

I lost myself in the sensations—the wet heat of Eli's mouth, the velvety glide of his tongue, the occasional hitch in his breath as he nuzzled closer. My fingers smoothed his hair, relishing the silky strands slipping through my fingertips. Eli's body relaxed, melting against me in blissful silence.

As Eli's nervous system settled, so did mine. The knots of tension in my shoulders and jaw gradually unwound. My breathing deepened to match Eli's steady rhythm. For the first time all day, my racing thoughts quieted, allowing me to exist in the moment with my sweet boy.

I’m not sure how long we stayed like that, Eli's head on my thigh as he suckled, drawing as much comfort as he gave. Minutes or hours could have passed, time stretching and blurring in the cocoon of safety we wove.

Eventually, Eli's gentle suckling slowed and then stopped altogether. He released my softened cock from his mouth, a thin string of saliva connecting his reddened lips to the tip for a moment before breaking. Eli nuzzled his face against my thigh, his breath warm and damp against the fabric of my trousers.

“I'm sorry, Sir,” he whispered, his voice rough. “I didn’t mean to be so weird.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. What you needed wasn’t weird.”

Eli tilted his head back to look up at me, his blue eyes glassy with tears. I saw the lingering uncertainty in his gaze, the fear he’d overstepped or displeased me.

I cupped Eli's cheek, my thumb brushing away his tears. “What you felt—the need to suckle for comfort—is a natural response to intense stress. It's called oral regression.”

Eli's brows furrowed, lips parting to speak, but I continued before he could ask.

“When we’re infants, sucking is one of the first ways we self-soothe, deeply ingrained in our psyche, tied to safety, satisfaction, and bonding,” I explained. “It’s not strange to want that, Eli.”

Eli nodded, thoughtfully processing my words. I saw the gears turning in his head, reconciling this new information with the shame and uncertainty still clinging to him.

“So... it’s okay that I needed that? That I wanted to keep you in my mouth?” he asked hesitantly, his voice small.

“More than okay,” I assured him, tilting his face up. “I like providing that comfort. Feeling you relax against me soothed something inside me as well.”

Eli's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise and then wonder crossing his delicate features. “It helped you too?”

I smiled softly, brushing my thumb across his lip. “Being your safe place, your anchor, is a privilege, Eli. I don’t take it lightly. When we rework the contract tomorrow, we can add that if you’d like.”

Eli’s eyes widened. “The contract! We didn’t amend it!”

“It’s fine. We’ll make the changes tomorrow after we’ve both had some rest.”

A tentative smile tugged at the corners of Eli's mouth as he nodded. “I'd like that, Sir. Thank you.”

I returned his smile, warmth blooming in my chest at the sight of his easing distress. “For now, I think it's time we got you to bed. It's been a long day.”

Eli's gaze flickered with reluctance, as if he wasn’t ready to leave my lap. But he rose gracefully, despite the emotional exhaustion clinging to him.

I tucked myself back into my trousers and stood, placing a steadying hand on Eli's lower back as I guided him towards the bathroom.

I sat him on the closed toilet lid and wet a soft washcloth with warm water. With gentle strokes, I wiped away the tears and saliva from his face, taking care around his reddened eyes and swollen lips. Eli leaned into my touch, his eyes fluttering closed as he savored the attention.

“Could I sleep in your bed tonight, Sir?” he asked.

I paused, the damp washcloth hovering above Eli's cheek. His request caught me off guard.

Eli's eyes opened, his gaze searching mine. “Please, Sir,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I don’t want to be alone tonight. We don’t have to do anything sexual. I just need to feel you close.”

I studied Eli's face, taking in the vulnerability etched into his delicate features. The remnants of his earlier distress still clung to him, evident in the slight furrow of his brow and the way his lower lip quivered.

I set the washcloth aside. “I have rules about submissives in my bed, Eli. Considering my DID, it’s not always the best idea, especially since you haven’t met all my alters. For safety, I don’t allow submissives to sleep in my bed.”

His expression fell. “I understand, Sir.”

I couldn’t bear the disappointment flickering across Eli's face. I knew he craved the closeness, the reassurance of having me near after such an emotionally taxing day. Honestly, the thought of holding him through the night, of providing comfort and security, was appealing.

I cupped Eli's cheek, my thumb brushing the delicate skin beneath his eye. “How about a compromise? I’ll lie with you until you fall asleep. I can hold you, keep you safe, but we’ll have our own space to retreat to if needed.”

Eli leaned into my touch. “I'd like that, Sir. Thank you.”

I helped Eli to his feet and led him to his bedroom. The space was tidy and minimalistic, with personal touches hinting at the complex young man within. I pulled back the covers and gestured for Eli to climb in.

He slid beneath the sheets, his platinum hair fanning out across the pillow. I couldn’t help but marvel at his beauty, even in this vulnerable state. I dimmed the lights before slipping into bed behind him, molding my body to his.

Eli nestled back against me, his body fitting perfectly against mine. The heat of his skin seeped through the thin fabric of his t-shirt, warming me in a way that had nothing to do with the temperature. Inhaling deeply, I caught the faintly citrusy scent of Eli's shampoo.

Despite my best intentions, my body responded to Eli's proximity. My cock twitched and hardened, pressing against the cleft of his ass through our clothing. I gritted my teeth, willing myself to maintain control.

But Eli had other ideas. He wriggled, pressing back more firmly against my erection. A soft, breathy sound escaped his lips—part sigh, part whimper.

“Eli,” I warned, my voice low and rough with restrained desire. “We're here to sleep.”

Eli made a frustrated noise in his throat. “I know, but... I can feel you, Sir. You're hard, and it’s making me hard again, too. It’s been almost a month since I’ve gotten off, except that one time I performed for you. I’m getting desperate; it’s hard to sleep like this.”

His confession poured out in a half whine that made part of me want to slap his bottom. The other part felt sorry for him. It had been a while since I’d let him cum. While orgasm control was one of my favorite games, I hadn’t meant to wait so long.

I considered Eli's plea, torn between my desire to provide relief and the need to maintain boundaries.

“I’ll give you a choice, sweet boy,” I murmured, my lips brushing his ear. “I can jerk you off tonight, giving you the release you crave. But if we do, Saturday, you'll wear a vibrating plug all day while you do your chores, one that I’ll control. And you won’t be able to cum at all.”

He shuddered against me. “Why do we have to wait for Saturday?”

“Because I have some errands to run tomorrow and work,” I ground out, nipping at his ear. “Or you can choose to wait and I’ll reward you Saturday night with something you’ll enjoy.”

Eli trembled in my arms, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps as he considered my choice. I could practically feel the gears turning in his head, weighing immediate gratification against the anticipation of waiting.

After a long moment, Eli turned his face into the pillow, muffling his words. “Please, Sir. I need to cum tonight. I promise I’ll wear the plug Saturday.”

A thrill of satisfaction coursed through me at his decision. I had hoped he would choose this path.

“Good boy,” I praised, my hand sliding down Eli's stomach to palm his straining erection through his thin sleep pants. He bucked into my touch, a needy whine escaping his throat. “I'm going to make you feel so good tonight.”

I slipped my hand beneath the waistband of Eli's pants, my fingers curling around his cock. He was already leaking, pre-cum beading at the tip and slicking my palm as I began to stroke him with slow, deliberate movements. Occasionally, I paused to toy with the ring through his cock, thinking up ways to incorporate that into our future play sessions.

Eli writhed against me, his hips rocking in time with my hand. His skin was flushed and damp with sweat, his platinum hair clinging to his forehead. The little breathy moans were music to me, the best reward after such a long, taxing day.

I tightened my grip on Eli's cock, twisting my wrist on the upstroke and swiping my thumb over his weeping slit. He shuddered violently, his back arching as he pressed himself more firmly against my chest. I could feel his heart racing, his pulse thrumming wildly beneath his heated skin.

Eli's breath hitched, his hips stuttering as he approached the precipice of his release. I quickened my pace, stroking him with firm, deliberate movements. My other hand slid up his chest to tweak his nipple through the thin fabric of his t-shirt, adding another layer of sensation to the onslaught of pleasure.

“Please, Sir,” Eli gasped, his voice strained and desperate. “I'm so close. Please, can I cum?”

I nipped at his earlobe, pride swelling in my chest. He was such a good boy for remembering to ask. “You may.”

With a choked cry, Eli's body went rigid. His cock pulsed in my grip as thick ropes of cum painted my fingers and his stomach. I stroked him through it, murmuring praise and encouragement as he shuddered and gasped, lost in the throes of his release.

As the last aftershocks of Eli's orgasm subsided, I brought my hand to his lips, my fingers glistening with his release. “Suck them clean,” I commanded, my voice low and rough with my own barely restrained arousal.

Eli took my fingers into his mouth, his cheeks hollowing as he sucked them clean with a diligence that bordered on reverence. The velvety heat of his mouth, still so eager to please even in the aftermath of his own pleasure, was almost enough to undo me.

When Eli had licked every last drop of his own release from my fingers, I carefully extracted my hand from his mouth. He made a small noise of protest at the loss, but quieted as I pulled him close, spooning his slender body against my larger frame.

I reached for the box of wet wipes I kept in the nightstand, gently cleaning the remnants of Eli's pleasure from his skin. He sighed softly, his body pliant and relaxed in the aftermath of his orgasm. Once I had tossed the used wipe into the wastebasket, I tugged Eli's pants back into place and draped the covers over our entwined forms.

In the dim light of the room, Eli's platinum hair seemed to glow against the dark pillowcase. I nuzzled into those silken strands, breathing in the scent of him.

My own arousal still thrummed through my veins, but I pushed it aside. Tonight was about Eli's comfort, his need for reassurance and safety. My own desires could wait. I focused instead on the steady rise and fall of Eli's chest beneath my palm, the way his body molded so perfectly against mine.

“Sleep now, sweet boy,” I murmured, my lips brushing against the delicate shell of his ear. “I'll be right here, keeping you safe.”