Page 45 of Festive Fugitive
When I thought he couldn’t make me melt anymore, there he is, setting fire to my heart. I smile, stroking his hair. “I know this is a big one, so feel free to say no if you think it’s too risky, but… could we join the masked Christmas Eve party? I’ve never been to anything like it, and the hotel is so beautifully decorated. I know for you Christmas time can be hard—”
He cups my face and silences me with a sweet kiss that still tastes of my cum. “Consider it done. I’ll get us our costumes.”
Chapter 18
Cesar
I’vepromisedElitobe the best boyfriend he could dream of, so of course I tracked down the man in a reindeer mask, whom I’ve seen him eye as we entered the hotel. The stranger was as lanky and tall as my precious jewel, and for the low sum of three thousand dollars, he was fine parting with his exquisite burgundy suit. The elegant outfit looks even better on Eli, though I’ve had to fold in the cuffs of his pants so they didn’t appear too long. I do worry a little that his gray hair is visible, since that’s a very recognizable part of the ‘Festive Fugitive’s’ image, but he’s combed the waves back into a short tidy ponytail, so I don’t think it draws that much attention. Besides, with his face covered, people might just think he’s way older.
My own attire was even easier to obtain. The hotel offers a rental service, so by the time my lamb and I leaveour room, I’m a dark shadow stalking its flashy prey. The wolf mask I’m wearing with my black suit is oddly fitting.
“You look so handsome, Wolf,” Eli grins at me, his gray eyes like two jewels.
Sure, attending a party has its risks, but he seems so happy I couldn’t deny him anything.
We enter the huge event space lavishly decorated with real pine branches, colorful baubles, and chains of sparkling lights. Many of the guests are either dancing, laughing, or drinking at tables with snacks, all in their finery and masks. While a few people wear full costumes, like a sexy Mrs. Claus, or a Gingerbread Man, most men are in suits and masks like us, and most women in elegant evening gowns made of thousands of sequins, or tight velvet.
I’ve been to parties like this over the years, accompanying Sullivan, but never as a guest. And definitely not with aboyfriendon my arm. I’m so proud and giddy even the decor is growing on me. Maybe it’s Christmas spirit filling my chest. Or the fact that I didn’t come, and I’m horny, is conditioning me to like festive cheer. As if I have a hard-on for Christmas.
There are tables where guests can dine on food from an exclusive buffet, but I lead the way straight to the station with hot drinks, because if I’m ever to allow myself hot chocolate with cream, this is the night. On the stage, a classical singer starts a recital of winter-themed songs, but I only have eyes and ears for my lamb, who wants to see and experienceeverything.
Dancing together might draw too much attention, but if I could do it, I would, because he’s not just another Friday. He is mine, and I want him to know it.
“Boozy hot chocolate? Don’t mind if I do!” Eli laughs, adding a generous splash of rum to his drink. He’s alreadytipsy, but I don’t mind watching over him. It’s his night. He can do whatever he wants. If he overdoes it, I’ll carry him to our room and tuck him into bed.
He stalls, looking back at me and pointing to his glass. “Is this okay? Is it included in the price of the event?”
I can’t take my eyes off him, and each twitch of his Adam’s apple makes me thirsty for a taste of his skin, but this isn’t the place, so I stroke his silvery hair and pull him close. “You can have whatever you want. The price is irrelevant, I just want you to enjoy yourself.”
He takes a big sip, then grabs my hand. Before I realize what he’s doing, he lifts it above his head and twirls under it. “Look at me. Reindeer Cinderella boy at the ball. I wish my family could know how much fun I’m having. Not Spencer. Spencer can rot in a ditch.”
My gums itch, and I lean in to bury my face in his neck. The mask dulls his scent, but it’s still there—fresh, and rich, and welcoming. I long to rub myself all over him, so I can carry those familiar notes on my own skin.
“I would kill him for you.”
Our eyes meet in intense silence. He’s considering it.
“No. He doesn’t deserve your attention.” Eli strokes my arm, and we might be making a bit of a spectacle, but fuck it. It’s 2025. I will show myboyfriendaffection if I damn well please.
The people here are polite enough to not stare, so I take that at face value. With two glasses of hot chocolate, we gravitate around the ballroom, listening to the heavenly soprano. But as beautiful as the singer’s voice is, all I want to hear is my lamb’s soft, happy laughter. Never before have I been with anyone like this. Occasionally, the men I fucked on Fridays would have dinner with me, or drinks at the very start of the night, but they were just distractions. Eli is the main event.
For once, I have someone to watch over and care for, but Eli wanting to return the favor makes all the difference. For once, I’m not a dog serving someone else’s needs while waiting for a kick. I’m important, and allowed to want things.
It feels so damn good. I don’t need alcohol, because I’m drunk on Eli’s scent and taste. He’s my indulgence, and I’m not even feeling guilty about this pleasure, because I’m free. Sullivan can’t reach me, there is no implant in my heart, and for all I know, no one else knows the words that can bring me to my knees. Eli’s burned them.
As I sit beside Eli on a plush couch, drinking my chocolate and listening to how he hopes for more cheery music later, I spot two people glancing at us from the corner. It’s impossible for them to have recognized Eli. The little limp he has, happened already after his escape from the crime scene, so that can’t be a tell. The other reason they might be looking makes the hairs on my body bristle and my breath hitch.
The problem with having a boyfriend others can see is that they might ogle him. They daren’t approach when I’m around, surely? But what if we part? It’s not unreasonable for Eli to want to use the restroom at some point. What if one of those onlookers decides to flirt with him there?
My lamb might be self-conscious about his body, but he cuts such a striking figure in the burgundy suit, long-legged like the animal he’s dressed as, and I know for a fact that those two men aren’t the first ones who’ve stared.
I slide my hand into his and squeeze it, wishing to anchor him with me. “Happy?” I ask, eager to have all his attention. Right now I’m feeling sorry I hadn’t made him stay with me in our room andmade love to him all night, but that would have been selfish. I want him to have everything, not just the things I find convenient.
Eli has eyes only for me when he sets down his glass and strokes the side of my mask. “Cesar… I thought my life ended when I shot Sullivan. But now I see it’s only begun. I’m so happy here with you. And this party? You’re making my dreams come true.” Our masks bump into each other when he leans in, but it doesn’t stop him from leaving a gentle kiss on my lips.
I’ve been withcountlessmen. I’ve tried out unusual practices, and experimented with my own boundaries, but the soft, gentle touch of his lips holds way more power over me than even the kinkiest sex. My toes curl, and I slide my arm around him, itching to have him close. To never let go. To always fall asleep wrapped in a veil of his scent.
“So you’ll stay with me?”Even if my heart is too tainted to love?
