[ He could, he really could. But the thing is, Hikaru, the honest to Elaine truth of it is that he doesn't want you begging. He doesn't want you pleading and helpless because there is no need.

Middle ground. He wants you with him, he wants you to take him with you wherever that road you walk might lead. However long, no matter the road bumps. He will walk with you for as long as he can and then some. ]

Any other day, babe, I would cave, but not tonight. [ He's tracing his thumb over the tip of you and squeezing in a manner that is both tender and yet unyielding. You're not ready. He will take you when you are. ]

You never have to beg with me. [ A nip now to your neck, the warmth of his breath right under your ear. ] You hear? [ The scrape of teeth over the skin that strains over the tendon at your neck, the hand at your throat now catching you by the chin. ]

You tell me what you want. Order me if you will, demand it of me if you want to. At the end of it all I am yours and that's that.