Page 118 of A is for Aftercare

“I’m going to warm your skin,” I tell Archie so he knows what to expect. Then I wait for him to give me his permission to continue.

“Okay, Sir.”

I move the wand back and forth over his back from his shoulder blades down to the curve of his arse. I keep the wand at least three centimetres above his skin at all times, not letting the flames touch him. As I pass the wand slowly back and forth, I look carefully at his skin, making sure there are no fresh cuts or any sores that might be more sensitive to heat. There are none. Not that I was expecting to find any. I know every millimetre of Archie's body intimately.

“How does it feel?” I ask.

"So nice, Sir. Relaxing." He sounds happy, which is great.

I bend down so the handle is in front of my lips and blow down the length of the wand towards the flames, sending warm air tickling over Archie’s back. His muscles ripple, and he lets out a contented little noise that makes me smile.

“Let yourself go,” I say softly. “Submit to me.”

“That’s easy to do when I’m with you, Sir,” Archie mumbles, his voice slightly drowsy.

I'm glad he's enjoying the experience. I continue moving the wand back and forth, occasionally blowing warm air over his skin for a few more minutes. Then I wipe the wand over my palm, laying a thin layer of burning alcohol onto it. It's warm but doesn't burn my skin. I close my hand around the flames and then lay my palm flat over Archie's skin. He moans contentedly. I repeat the process, touching a different part of his back each time, warming his skin. His moans grow louder and deeper until each one is intense enough to send a shiver racing down my spine.

I swat the wand over the fleshiest part of his back, and he bites out a cry. I wait for a moment, allowing him to use one of his safewords. He doesn't. After the initial shock has passed, his creased brow relaxes completely, and he smiles. I go back to warming his skin, swatting him every so often so he can experience quick flashes of heat. While the warm massage will help him relax further, I know the strikes of the wand will be making his brain release dopamine, which will enable him to sink deeper into subspace.

As I work, Archie's body visibly relaxes until he's almost literally melting into the massage table. His face is utterly relaxed at all times, even when I hit his back with the wand. His moans and groans have become deeper but also softer until they're barely there. It's my signal to bring our play to a slow, soothing end. I put the wand in the sand and then run my hands over Archie’s back, keeping his skin warm with my palms.

“How do you feel?” I ask.

“Good,” Archie whispers. “Liquid.”

I chuckle. "Do you think you could stand and get to the bed?"

“Maybe. If you helped, Sir.”

“Of course. Whatever you need.”

I help him to turn and encourage him to put his arm around my neck. He leans against me, and I take his weight with ease as I get him from the massage table to the bed. I pull the quilt over us both and hold him close. There’s already a cup of water and some chocolate ready for when he’s a little more with it. I rest my chin on the top of his head and stroke his shoulder. I listen to the sound of his breathing and the gentle, lazy thud of his heart. Every fibre of my being aches with adoration for him.

“Sir…” Archie says after we’ve cuddled for some time.

“Yes, Archieosaurus?”

“I love you.”

I smile and kiss his head. “I love you too.”

He tilts his chin. His eyes are open just enough that he can stare into mine. I bow my face to his, kissing his lips with just enough firmness that it’s clear I’m in charge. He raises his hand to my face and strokes his fingers through my beard, his tongue caressing mine hungrily. I run my hands over his skin, constantly coming back to the collar around his neck. It’s hard to believe this beautiful young man is mine, and that, even though I will always be his Dom, I am his.

When our lips part, Archie blinks his eyes open wider. “This is forever, isn’t it, Sir? You and me?”

“Yes.”

He snuggles closer to me. “I can’t wait.”

“Nor can I, my love. Nor can I.”

* * *