Page 34 of Sir Avery's Wish
From Eli’s point of view, he should not only be taking plates to the kitchen, but doing everything else, too. He didn’t know how he’d ever repay everyone once this was all over.
It felt as if a rock had landed in his stomach. The word ‘over’ was horrible if used in reference to being with Avery. He yanked his hand away from his mouth the moment he caught himself chewing his thumbnail.
For once, he wasn’t nervous about his safety or if he’d be stuck running forever. Instead, all he could think about was what Avery meant when he said he’d like to go over something with him after they ate. Was it a good something or an awful something? Before Avery announced that, Eli had planned to jump him if he could work up enough nerve. At least flirt a little.
He wanted to take the next step, and he’d thought Avery did too. But now? Maybe he’d misread the Dom’s interest. They were still sleeping with their clothes on. As much as he enjoyed the cuddling and affection, his balls were aching and he was constantly having to conceal his erections. It was super annoying, and tugging a quick one off in the shower wasn’t doing the trick.
Avery returned with two mugs, offering him one.Oh no. He sure hoped it wasn’t chamomile again. Avery had been giving him the calming tea for the past two nights to help him sleep. If that were the case, it would mean Avery wasn’t interested in anything beyond a snuggle.
He accepted the mug with a smile, catching the whiff of chocolate immediately. “Oh…” He inhaled. It smelled so good. Things were looking up after all.
Literally.
Avery sat next to him on the sofa. “Sorry about the lack of marshmallows or whipped cream.” He blew on his chocolate. “We need to do some serious restocking. It’s been forever since I’ve been here full-time.”
We.Eli wasn’t sure if he should call attention to Avery’s comment. But that had to be a good sign. He mentally crossed his fingers.
“It tastes amazing all by itself.”
Avery grinned. “I’m not that great in the kitchen, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve. My cider isn’t too bad either. And I can whip up a mean omelet.” He winked, then set his drink down on a pewter coaster. “I meant to ask earlier. Did you hear back from Lenny yet?”
“I did.” Eli wrapped his hands around the toasty mug. “But he’s still not sure about leaving LA. Says he’d rather take his chances there.” Eli sighed. “He figures he’s safe as long as he keeps his mouth shut and never goes near his apartment again.”
Avery frowned. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, he’s probably right. The killer would have to go to great lengths to connect him with you from your license plate. You didn’t live together or work at the same place.”
“Yeah, but Rogan said…” The conversation had veered in a direction that made him wish the mug held chamomile tea after all.
Avery reached over and clasped Eli’s wrist. “Yes. Out of an abundance of caution, Rogan thought it best to bring Lenny here. But he’s an adult, sweetheart. We can’t force him.”
Eli rubbed his thumb across the rim of his cup, staring at the rich brown liquid. He looked up. “Yeah, I know. It just stresses me out.”
“We’ll keep trying, though. Okay?”
Avery’s smile was infectious enough that Eli smiled back. “Okay, thanks.” He took a healthy swallow of his cooling chocolate. “So… What was it you wanted to talk about?”
He figured he should get whatever Avery had on his mind out in the open. No point in making an ass of himself if Avery had decided to cool his jets.
“I’ve been thinking about our discussion regarding BDSM and what you’d like to get out of being a sub.”
Eli straightened. This didn’t sound bad. If Avery was offering to be his Dom, the answer was hell to the yes.
“Yeah? What were you thinking I should do?”
Avery scooted closer, taking the half-empty cup from his hand, then setting it down. He draped an arm across the top of the sofa and plucked at Eli’s curls.
“Eli, all I can do is offer suggestions or advice if we’re not in a scene. It’s not my place to tell you what youshoulddo. As a Dom, I’ll guide you based on what we work out in a contract.” Avery stroked Eli’s cheek. “Without written goals, a discussion of limits, my influence over you is limited, which is as it should be.
Avery trailed his fingers down Eli’s throat, then rested his palm on Eli’s chest. “Never give your power to someone unconditionally. What I propose is a temporary contract designed to help you discover your goals as a sub. Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?”
Eli’s heart quickened. The word ‘contract’ made this real in a way their previous conversations hadn’t. A tinge of excitement mingled with nervousness in his stomach.
“Yes!” Eli pressed his lips together before continuing. “I mean, I think that’s exactly what I need.”
Avery’s lips tugged into a wide smile. “I hoped you would say that.” He leaned forward, his voice taking on that commanding tone that made Eli’s skin tingle. “But before we discuss the details, I want to be clear about something. This isn’t only about sex, Eli. This is about helping you grow, to discover your limits. Learn to make decisions with confidence.”
“I understand.” His cheeks heated. “But there’s still sex, right? Just notallsex.”
Avery choked out a laugh, then cleared his throat. “Of course, sweetheart.” Avery brushed his fingertips along Eli’scheek, his forehead, the light touches something Eli had come to crave in such a short time. “You can’t imagine how difficult it’s been to resist taking things further while you slept in my arms, to keep from making love to you until we’re both utterly spent.”
