Work Text:
1:45am
You stare at your phone screen and let out a long sigh. The lights in the room are dimmed and relaxing, like they always are, but the quiet makes it feel lonely. Sylus had promised he wouldn’t be much longer over an hour ago, yet here you lie, in a bed that’s too big for one. The heavy down comforter and the silk-clad pillows feel cold somehow. You turn over to face his side of the bed, reaching out to run your palm over the mattress where he should be.
With a determined huff, you throw the blanket off and grab one of the ridiculous pillows as you roll out of the bed. You step into your slippers; they tap against the expensive marble floor. The pillow you grabbed folds in half the harder you clutch it against you as you make your way through Sy’s room and down the hall.
His office doors are cracked open when you arrive. You can hear him having some kind of conversation the closer you get. The urge to turn away gnaws at you. He’s doing business. Probably important, considering he still hasn’t made time for you. And it is technically the middle of his day.
You drag a deep, quiet breath through your nose and turn about halfway on your heel when you hear him.
“Come in, kitten.”
It’s a soft command. His tone sounds like he knew you were there the moment you came closer to the doors. You bite your lip gently and hug the pillow to the front of you— mostly to hide your face somewhat—before pushing the doors open.
Sylus’s eyes glance up at you quickly, his phone to his ear, his glasses hanging low on the bridge of his nose. He takes you in, standing there in your silk slip and overly luxurious fuzzy slippers; they were both gifts from him. Your hair’s mussed, probably from tossing and turning in bed. His face softens like he’s suddenly remembered a promise he made. But before he can say anything, his eyes follow as you move across the room.
Next to the full wall of windows, a black velvet chaise takes up space. It didn’t used to, but you always wanted to be close by, even when he was working. Even if it meant lounging with a book while he talked business and managed important N109 happenings. There was a throw blanket neatly folded on the edge, also your addition. You lay your pillow down and crawl onto the plush cushion, pulling the throw blanket over you. Neon lights from outside cast a purplish glow over your features as you settle in, looking more at ease. A grin tugs at his lips and he sighs quietly.
“Change of plans,” he says into his phone. “We’ll talk later.”
It’s the only explanation he gives to whoever’s on the other end. He hangs up and both the phone and his glasses are placed carefully on the desk. You make no effort to move.
“I could’ve gone home, you know,” you remind him sheepishly, unable to meet his eyes.
“Does that mean you’d like to go home now?”
His voice is soft, gentle. Like he can guess the answer, but it’s more of a hope than a certainty that he’s correct.
A long moment passes and he watches you pull your legs closer to your chest.
“...No.”
Sylus huffs a laugh; to you it’s just a noise, but to him, it’s an admission of relief. He pulls in a steady breath and rises from his chair. Three long strides bring him to the edge of the chaise and in a few seconds, he’s scooping you up, pillow and all. Your arms instinctively wrap around his neck while you hide your face against him.
“I’m sorry I got wrapped up. Some of our–let’s call them business partners–think they’re awfully bold lately. Growing too comfortable, I assume. They needed to be reminded of their place.”
“I wasn’t angry, really. Just lonely.”
“Mm, and yet, you didn’t come get me sooner.”
His heavy footsteps fill the hall as he carries you, his thumb rubbing circles along your arm. After arriving in the bedroom again, he locks the door behind you and kisses the top of your head. He lays you in the bed gently like you’re a treasure that should be handled with care. You expect him to move towards the bathroom–he always showers before joining you for the night–but he lingers over you. His eyes are intense, studying you. For some reason, his brow is furrowed.
“If you’re lonely, don’t hesitate to drag me away. In fact, the greedier you are, the better.”
He leans down and places a small kiss on your forehead. They trail down your temple, your cheek, and eventually to your lips. But they don’t stop there. His nose nuzzles under your jaw, kisses peppering your neck. A shiver travels your spine.
“Someday, I’ll convince you of your status. Your importance.”
The small marks he begins to make leave you breathless. The strap of your slip falls off your shoulder as his nose traces your clavicle.
“My queen.”
Kiss.
“My empress.”
The words and the worship make you flush. His teeth and his tongue leave one final mark on your shoulder before he rises slightly, pressing his forehead against yours. One of his hands rubs a soothing pattern up and down your side.
“My life is empty without you. You don’t need permission to want me. To need me. I would burn the world for you. Do you understand, kitten?”
You nod, finally meeting his molten eyes.
“Good girl.”