"Indeed," Thrawn allows Eli to draw him in, much in the same way that he'd let an opponent think that they have the upper hand in a battle. All so Thrawn can turn the tide and reveal that he was in control the entire time.

Gripping Eli's hair again, Thrawn tugs his head back, exposing his neck, so Thrawn can suck on his neck, leaving an angry purple mark there. He's at least kind enough to leave it below the collar-line.