Paul did as he was told, and jerked once again when Seth resumed, getting into his rhythm, the strikes increasing in intensity. He felt the impact of each blow, a localised ache which slowly developed into heat, both over his skin and spreading throughout his body. Every now and then Seth would slow down to give him time to absorb the onslaught, and then it was back to business. Once Seth had gotten into a steady rhythm, there was no slowing down after that. Paul was intensely aware of the rustling sound the flogger made as it connected with his skin, theswishas it moved through the air.
Not all Seth’s strikes were the same. Sometimes the tips of the flogger’s tongues gently grazed his heated flesh, and this was a very different sensation, almost sensuous. When Seth repeated the action with more aggression, those same tongues delivered serious stings. Seth switched back and forth between the styles of strike, and Paul began to look forward to those gentler strikes that brought with them some respite. The brushing strokes overhis arse had a very different effect: to Paul’s amazement his dick started filling. Then Seth switched again and that was that.
Through it all there was Adam, keeping up a constant flow of reassurances: how well Paul was taking it, how proud Adam was of him. Paul clung to him, physically and mentally, letting Adam’s words sink into his consciousness. Every word of praise reinforced his desire to keep going, to prove to Adam that Paul could take everything Seth could give. Whatever happened, no matter how painful it got or how uncomfortable, Paul was going to endure it.
He wasn’t going to let Adam down.
“I wish I could see you, see what Seth is doing to you.” Adam’s tone was wistful.
“His shoulders, back and arse are a beautiful carpet of white stripes surrounded by red halos,” Seth told Adam. “He marks so prettily, Adam.”
“That’s because he’s beautiful, inside and out.” Adam’s voice shook a little. He kissed Paul’s forehead. “My beautiful Paul.”
Paul breathed rapidly, tensing his body, trying to second guess from which direction the next blow would arrive. He got the impression Seth was switching hands because blows rained down from both sides. He arched his back, almost as if he could get away from Seth’s forceful onslaught.
I’ve had enough. Please, Seth, you can stop now.
Adam caressed his cheek. “Paul…”
“Red,” he croaked.
The rain of blows ceased a heartbeat later.
Adam pulled him close, their foreheads pressed together. “I am so fucking proud of you,” he whispered.
Paul swallowed. “I’m sorry I used my safeword,” he blurted.
Adam stiffened. “You havenothingto apologise for, all right?” He kissed the top of Paul’s head. Paul didn’t move, welded to the spot, his arms locked around Adam’s neck.
It was over.
“I think you’ve done really well for your first time.” Seth’s voice was warm with praise.
Adam slowly and gently lowered Paul’s arms. “Come over to the bed and lie face down, please.”
Paul did as instructed, his legs shaking. By the time he reached the bed, they virtually gave way beneath him. Adam eased him onto the bedspread. Seth joined Adam and Paul craned his neck to watch as Seth took hold of Adam’s hands, guiding them over Paul’s back. Paul winced but Adam’s fingers were incredibly gentle.
“Feel the welts?” Seth asked him.
Adam nodded. “And the heat.” He smiled. “I’ll take it from here, Seth, thanks.”
Seth returned his smile. “I’ll go downstairs and make myself a drink, if that’s okay.” He winked at Paul. “Flogging’s thirsty work.” He ruffled Paul’s hair. “You did great, Paul.” Seth picked up his flogger and walked toward the bedroom door. “Adam, take as long as you need to, all right?” He disappeared from Paul’s view.
“Thanks, Seth,” Adam called out. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Paul dropped his head to the bedspread, smelling the age in it. Adam’s hands were cool and soothing, spreading something over his back.
“This has aloe in it,” Adam told him. “It’ll soothe the skin and take some of the heat out of it.” He bent lower and kissed Paul’s nape. “You were fucking amazing.” Adam stretched out next to him on the bed, rubbing in the salve, his touch light. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” Paul focused on regulating his breathing, aware that Adam was listening intently. Paul needed to reassure him all was well. “Honestly, Adam.”
“How do you feel?”
Like my back and arse are on fire.
“It was… intense.”
“We’re going to lie here for a while, maybe half an hour, to give your body a chance to cool down.” Adam kissed him on the cheek. “Close your eyes, baby. We can talk about it later, okay?”
