Page 23 of A Mistake of Identity
Ellis buried his face in the pillow, heat flooding his cheeks as Gabriel’s hands kneaded his muscles, spreading the cream with decidedly non-clinical attention. When those strong fingers reached his rim, Ellis gasped, his body instinctively arching into the touch. He bit his lip, fighting back a whimper as Gabriel’s thumb circled slowly, applying more cream with deliberate care that had Ellis trembling.
“Turn over,” Gabriel commanded softly.
Ellis obeyed without hesitation, watching through heavy-lidded eyes as Gabriel applied more cream to his hands, rubbing them together to warm it. His touch was tender as he began with Ellis’ face, thumbs brushing over the fading bruises. Ellis sighed, surrendering to the gentle strokes. But as Gabriel’s fingers trailed down his neck, Ellis felt his pulse quicken where fresh marks bloomed alongside old injuries.
“Spread your legs for me.”
Ellis complied instantly, earning another “good boy” that sent a shiver straight to his cock.
Gabriel’s cream-slicked fingers pressed against his entrance, drawing a soft whimper. “Relax for me, little bird.”
Ellis focused on steadying his breathing as Gabriel worked him open with careful attention. Then Gabriel reached for something new—a clear package containing what looked like a miniature loofah mounted on a slim handle.
“What is that?” Ellis asked, voice hoarse.
“Medical-grade applicator,” Gabriel explained, removing it from its sterile packaging and coating it liberally with cream. “Deep breath now. This might feel strange, but I want you to relax and let it happen.”
The applicator slid in slowly, the unusual texture creating sensations that had Ellis gasping. Gabriel’s free hand settled warm and heavy on his abdomen. “That’s it, just breathe. Let me take care of you.”
When Gabriel wrapped his other hand around Ellis’s cock, starting a slow stroke that matched the careful movements of the applicator, Ellis couldn’t hold back his moan. The dual sensations—the applicator spreading cream deep inside while Gabriel’s skilled hand worked him—had him trembling on the edge almost immediately.
“Please...” he managed, barely recognizing his own voice.
“I’ve got you,” Gabriel promised, his grip tightening just right. “Come for me, little bird. Show me how good it feels to be taken care of properly.”
Ellis arched off the bed as his orgasm hit, Gabriel working him through it with both hands until he collapsed, trembling. Gabriel carefully withdrew the applicator and disposed of it in the nearby waste bin. He wiped his hands clean on a nearby towel, his movements precise and controlled. When Ellis’sbreathing steadied, he reached for Gabriel’s zipper, but his hand was knocked away.
“Not tonight, little bird. I’ll have Annabelle bring you dinner, then you’ll sleep.” Gabriel slid off the bed with a grace Ellis knew he’d never manage. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Wait!” Ellis lurched forward. “Please, I’m sleeping in your bed, using your stuff. Please, there must be something I can do—”
Gabriel moved so fast that Ellis barely saw it. His hair was caught in the man’s grip as he was dragged up to his knees, his lips claimed in a demanding kiss. Gabriel pulled back suddenly.
“There will be, just not tonight. Tonight, you rest.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t my client?” Ellis asked, the question that had been burning in his mind since that night at the casino finally spilling out.
“I wanted you. I spotted your shabby client as we were leaving. There was no way I would let him have you.” Gabriel sucked another mark into his neck, drawing out another groan as Ellis fisted his hair with one hand and clung to his back with the other. “No one but me will have you ever again.”
“Fuck.” Ellis shivered at the possessive tone. “You can’t just say stuff like that. You barely know me.”
“I know enough,” Gabriel growled against his neck, sending shivers down Ellis’ spine. He released Ellis and strode from the room, leaving Ellis staring at the closed door.
‘There will be,’ Gabriel had said. Good. Gabriel planned to use him still. For now, Ellis had worth. He wasn’t sure how long it would last, but he had a place to recover until Gabriel got everything he wanted from Ellis’ body. Though, the way Gabriel had applied that medication... Ellis shivered at the memory. No client had ever taken such care with him before.
But Jean made it sound like Heart Court was closed to him now. Which, if Gabriel really had beaten Donovan bloody,made sense—the proprietor probably never wanted to see Ellis again. He’d have to look at other non-union brothels. Maybe some closer to the core. There were a few.
Ellis wrapped his arms around himself, feeling exposed. The Smooth cream made his skin tingle pleasantly where Gabriel had worked it in, but that only reminded him of how much Gabriel must have spent on him already. No matter what Jean had said, unlike him, Ellis was just a whore.
Annabelle burst through the door then, carrying a loaded tray. “Oh, my stars, Ellis, you’re still naked!”
“Sorry,” Ellis quickly grabbed the sheet, pulling it over himself. “I don’t have any clothes here.”
Annabelle gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’ll remind Gabriel to buy you some. Here,” She set the large tray on the nightstand. “Eat up. I’ll come back for it later.” With that, she left, closing the door behind her.
Ellis stared at the food, his stomach suddenly growling like it was angry at him for forgetting about it for so long. The tray had salmon, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. There was also a glass and a pitcher of water. He filled the glass and drank it all before filling it again. Then he grabbed the fork and ate everything on his plate.
After he was done, he settled back into the sheets, pulling up the comforter from where it had been pushed aside. The bed still smelled faintly of the Smooth cream and Gabriel’s cologne. He wasn’t sure what was coming over the next few days, but for now, he was safe.
