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His grin deepened. “In that case, I’ve made the choice for you. And when your rear is on fire, I’m finally going to fuck your ass. You’re mine in every way, Sasha. In a few minutes, there’ll be no doubt in your mind.”
She shivered deliciously. There had never been anyone else for her.
And being his in every way possible suited her just fine.
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
With a sassy glance she asked, “What are you waiting for, Sir?”
Epilogue
The Den’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ night was in full swing, and the main floor was filled with couples in elaborate fairytale costumes. Sasha laughed as Gregorio led her through the crowd, past princes, princesses, woodland creatures, and even a few dragons mingling near the fireplace.
“You could have warned me about the theme,” she said, adjusting the simple black mask he’d given her when they arrived. “I would have dressed up.”
His diamond earring caught the light as he grinned down at her. “And what would you have chosen, Petal?”
“I don’t know.” She worried her lower lip for a moment as she considered. “Maybe Morgana.”
“From the Arthurian legends?”
“Not in the villain kind of way, but the powerful enchantress who commanded respect.” She gave him a knowing look. “A woman who knew her own mind and wasn’t afraid to claim what she wanted.”
“The sorceress who could bring the most dangerous of men to their knees,” he murmured, his voice roughening. “It suits you perfectly.”
She grinned. The costume would have been fun and easy, as well.
“And you?” She reached up to touch his earring. “Never mind. You’re already my pirate.”
“Am I now?” His grin widened as he guided her toward the patio doors.
“Mmhmm. The diamond… The dangerous aura… The way you swept in and stole my heart.” She traced the scar on his jaw. “And not to mention the nightly plundering.”
“Argh.” He raised one of his eyebrows. “Not my fault you have an amazing bootie, my sweet.”
As she laughed at his ridiculousness, he swooped in for a kiss that promised more plundering in the night ahead.
The evening air held the first bite of autumn, but the firepits kept the chill at bay.
They walked to the bar. The woman mixing up drinks was wearing a puffy parka and goggles, and she had a snowboard leaning against a rack. Sasha wasn’t sure how this fit the Once Upon a Time theme, but she was dressed warmer than anyone else, which made her smart.
As Sasha studied the menu, he ordered a soda water with a splash of cranberry.
When she ordered a Safe Word mocktail, Gregorio’s eyes darkened with amusement.
“Still testing your limits, Petal?” His voice held that rough edge that made her shiver.
“As I recall, you’re the one who taught me to push my boundaries, Sir.” Moments later, drink in hand, she ran her finger around the spice-dusted rim, remembering that first night—how the heat had curled through her, how she’d wished for something stronger…for him.
“And have you ever needed to use it?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Your safe word?”
“Not with you.” She took a slow sip, letting the contradictory sensations of smooth coconut cream and spicy cayenne play across her tongue. “Never with you.”
His eyes blazed as he watched her lick the sugar and spice from her lips. “Good answer.”
He moved them close to a firepit. Flames danced in the cool, late-fall breeze.
“To us,” he said, clinking his glass against hers.