Today wasn’t about that.
He nodded. Then swallowed. “I’ll keep my eyes open.”
I smiled. “It’s not a one or the other. Both are fine.”
“Okay.” Softlyspoken.
“I need you to bring your arms together. Elbows as close as you can make them without straining. If your shoulder pulls, ease back.”
Another nod, and then he obeyed. Soon, he had his arms together and before me. Almost as if he was praying.
Almost.
But not quite.
Slowly, I wound the rope around his arms. I did every motion with intention—clearly telegraphing each movement.
He held my gaze.
Once I’d bound his arms, I eased them against his chest.
“That feels like a hug.” He whispered the words.
“More to come.” I grinned. “Knees together and pulled toward your chest. No straining.” I moved out of the way so he could do exactly that. With infinite care, I bound his thighs. Always careful to ensure none of the knots hit a pressure point. This exercise was about pleasure, not pain. I could do painful rope and enjoy it tremendously.
Not today.
When his thighs were bound, and his cock rested close to his belly, I moved behind him. I took the next rope and wound it around his torso—capturing his arms and bringing them against his chest.
He sighed.
I pressed my hand to his shoulder.
“I’m fine.” He spoke softly.
“Okay.” Once I’d bound him securely, I threaded a rope from around his back to his thighs and through the intricate design I’d created. Now he was completely bound.
I ran my hand through his hair as I pressed my chest against his left biceps. “I’m so proud of you. You’re such a good boy.”
He turned his head to meet my gaze. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I pressed a kiss to his lips. “And now I’ll ask how you feel.”
His gaze traveled from his bound thighs to his chest and then back to me. “This is beautiful. The symmetry?—”
I nodded.
He wiggled his fingers. “I thought I’d feel confined. Claustrophobic. But I don’t.” He leaned against me. “I feel like this is just one big hug.”
I pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “That was my intention. You’re safe with me, Jack. You always will be.”
He blinked.
Several times.
A tear fell. Unexpected. This man felt things so deeply, but never showed it. Again, anger spiked in me—both toward his ex as well as everyone who had ever treated him badly. He deserved the best in life. The most happiness. The greatest love.
My heart lurched. This time, I was the one blinking.