Page 10 of With this Ring (Mastered #7)

Like it always is.

Reeling from the unexpected kiss and his insistence that she stay with him, Sasha struggled to regain her composure. Before she could formulate a response, a knock on the door jarred her.

Gregorio released her and stepped back, putting some much-needed distance between them right as the knob turned. His touch, his possession, was overwhelming.

Damien entered the office. In an instant, he took in the scene before him. Studying them intently, he asked, “Everything all right in here?”

“Fine,” Gregorio replied tersely.

Had the kiss affected him? Or was it a meaningless, yet effective way of making a point?

“I’ll be off duty for the rest of the night,” Gregorio said, voice flat. “I hate to ask, but I’m going to need you to fill in. Have something important to take care of.”

“I see.” Damien’s gaze flicked to Sasha briefly before returning to Gregorio. “Anything you want to tell me?” His tone made it clear it was not really a question.

“No.” Gregorio’s voice was flat and final, making it obvious he wouldn’t tolerate arguments or prying.

Damien held up his hands in a gesture of reluctant acceptance.

He looked at Sasha again, a furrow between his eyebrows. “Petal, are you sure you’re okay with this? You’re under no obligation to go anywhere you don’t want to.”

Sasha appreciated his concern. And it wasn’t all that misplaced. “I’m fine, really.” She forced a small, lying smile. “Thank you, though.”

Damien studied her for a moment longer before nodding. “In that case, I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything.” He leveled a look at her. “Same goes for you, Petal.”

“Thank you.”

With that, he exited, pulling the door shut behind him. Sasha released a breath, once more aware of her frantically pounding heart as Gregorio swept his hot, maybe appreciative, gaze over her.

“You had a duffel bag with you when you checked in.”

Proving he had been watching her and her intuition was correct.

“Go and get it,” he instructed. “I’ll meet you downstairs in five minutes.”

She turned toward the door.

“Sasha?” His voice was hard, a whiplash of intent running through it.

Despite herself, she paused and looked back at him.

“Don’t try to run. You won’t get far.”

She’d seen the monitors. Cameras were all over the property. And no doubt he could communicate with the shuttle driver. “I won’t.”

He inclined his head, as if unsure whether he believed her or not. “Five minutes.”

Without responding, aware of his hot, calculating gaze on her, she turned the knob and left, glad for the temporary reprieve.

Since he hadn’t given her enough time to change, she settled for shrugging into her coat, then grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder, grateful to have a weapon close by.

In the living room, Brandy and Gregorio were next to the window, talking quietly.

As if sensing Sasha’s presence, he looked in her direction, and Brandy followed suit.

A few seconds later, Brandy headed up the stairs, and Gregorio strode toward Sasha. “I’ll take your bag.”

“Thanks. But I’ve got it.” She tightened her grip on the strap.

Without a protective-male argument, he nodded agreement then he led the way outside.

Shocking her, he took her hand.

“The patio is smooth enough, but the path to my place is rocky and uneven. And in those heels…”

“Maybe I should change them.”

“You have other shoes?”

“I do.”

“So you have a go bag.” He flashed her a grin. Voice filled with approval, he added, “Smart girl.”

Without another word, he guided her to a bench, away from other people. “Sit.”

Zeph, the musician, must have taken a break because the sounds of laughter and conversation drifted around them.

Sasha placed the bag next to her and unzipped it, and he knelt in front of her to unbuckle her shoes.

At the trace of his thumb on her bare skin, she shivered. “Gregorio.” He was taking his responsibilities far too seriously.

“The sooner this is accomplished, the better.”

So it was about expediency and nothing more?

Once the laces of her sneakers were tied and her club heels were tucked away—hopefully for good—he took her hand once more.

“Let’s go.”

Her eyes struggled with the dark, but he seemed to have no problems at all. Soon, all sounds from the Den receded, leaving them beneath an inky, star-filled sky with high, drifting clouds.

Moonlight cast a silvery sheen over the mountains, a surreal backdrop to the evening’s events.

The cold air nipped at her bare legs, and she shivered.

In this distance a twig—maybe a branch—snapped, making her jump.

“An animal,” he reassured her.

No doubt he recognized the nocturnal sounds around them.

Gregorio was just aware of threats as she was—maybe more so.

“We’ll be there in less than a minute,” he promised.

Good, because if they went much farther, she planned to dig out her cell phone to turn on its flashlight.

Seconds later, a bright light flashed on, making her blink. “Motion detectors?”

“Yeah.”

The brightness reassured her, and a small structure came into view.

Moments later, on the patio, Gregorio pressed a finger against a pad. “I’ll get you programmed in.”

“No need. I won’t be here that long.”

“Do us both a favor and stop fucking arguing with me.”

His response unsettled her.

After opening the door, Gregorio flicked on a light and guided Sasha into the cottage, his hand steady on her back.

Gregorio ushered her inside, then the click of the deadbolt echoed off the high ceiling.

The warmth was a welcome contrast to the crisp mountain air, and she appreciated the quiet.

As she expected, his space was utilitarian. Yet the cottage was surprisingly cozy, with its honeyed pine walls and flooring.

A small kitchen occupied one corner, and a counter had a couple of stools positioned beneath. He also had a wooden table with two chairs.

The living area had a large, comfortable-looking couch, along with an oversize chair, both of which faced a stone fireplace.

A staircase led to a loft with a computer and an array of monitors. His office—command central—no doubt.

There was more to the Den than she’d originally imagined. Not that she should be surprised where Gregorio was concerned. Everything she knew about investigations and security, she’d learned from him. And he took no risks with anything.

He turned to face her, his eyes dark and intense in the dim light. “Make yourself comfortable.” His voice was low, controlled, making the words an order, rather than an invitation. “I’ll take your coat.”

“Thanks.” After putting her duffel bag down, she shrugged out of her jacket, then felt exposed once she had.

Being dressed for BDSM at the club was one thing. But revealing this much skin while alone with Gregorio in his intimate space was another.

“Thank you,” she said when he hung the garment on a peg.

“Bathroom is through my bedroom.” He motioned toward the far side of the cottage. “Feel free to freshen up. You’ll find towels in the linen closet.”

Grateful for the chance to wash away her tension and change into fresh clothes, she grabbed her bag and hurried away, pausing once she’d crossed into his room and flipped on the overhead light.

The king-size lodgepole pine bed occupied the center of the room, taking up most of the space. In addition to one nightstand with a lamp, he had a single chair. Here, like the rest of his home, not one thing was out of place.

She continued to the bathroom. Though it was small, it was functional, with a glass-enclosed shower and simple fixtures. But the tile work on the floor was gorgeous and high-end, adding an unexpected touch of luxury.

As hot water cascaded over her shoulders, the tightness in her muscles began to ease.

From the living room, voices reached her.

Curious, she strained to hear words but couldn’t make them out.

She picked up the soap nestled on a built-in shelf.

Of course it smelled of rich, masculine cedarwood and crisp mountain air. If she used it, she’d be enveloped in Gregorio’s rugged essence with every breath.

With a soft sigh, she slipped the bar back into its spot.

A few minutes later, a soft knock on the door was followed by the turning of the knob.

Her heart pounding, she covered her breasts with her forearm, and she placed her free hand lower, trying to hide as much of herself as she could.

“I won’t look,” he promised, voice low.

Through the misty haze on the glass, she made out his silhouette—sexy and strong, and reassuring. Coming to Gregorio was the right decision, no matter what he did to her libido.

“Brandy brought over a few things for you.”

“Oh?”

“Damien’s fiancée, Catrina, keeps a lot of things in their apartment.”

So she’d been right that Catrina was someone special to Damien. Had Gregorio tried to protect her, as well?

“She’s happy to share.”

Before Sasha could express her gratitude, he added, “I’ll set them on the vanity.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m also hanging up a robe for you.”

True to his word, he left without seeming to glance in her direction.

Simultaneously relieved and a little disappointed, she closed her eyes.

Her reaction to him was so feminine, leaving her aching with longing.

Which was ridiculous, she chided herself.

She was here because she needed help. Nothing more.

That decision in mind, she banished her wayward thoughts and pushed open the glass door.

A small, round basket waited for her, filled with everything she might need—a hair clip, ponytail holders, lavender-scented shower gel, shampoo, lotion, face wipes, even moisturizer.

Brandy had also thoughtfully included a toothbrush and toothpaste.

She hoped to have the chance to thank both Brandy and Catrina at some point.

Goose bumps covering her, Sasha picked up the small bottle of body wash and hurried back under the warm spray.

A little later, feeling much more in control, she turned off the knobs, then dried herself.

The robe he’d left for her was oversize—obviously one of his.

After a moment’s hesitation, she pulled on the garment and snuggled into its comfort.

The mirror was steamed over, and she wiped a path so she could see her face as she removed her dramatic makeup.

Within a minute, she appeared more like herself again.

But her eyes, wide and apprehensive, were unfamiliar.

Part of her had hoped Gregorio would be reassuring, telling her she was overreacting to the situation.

But the way he’d instantly been on guard and taken control had left her shaken.

After cinching the belt a little bit tighter around her waist, she pulled back her shoulders and walked through to the living room.

A small fire crackled in the hearth, inviting her to relax even more.

She found Gregorio in the kitchen, an electric kettle nearby, and two mugs in front of it.

Sasha had been alone for so long, fighting her own battles, that his anticipation of her needs meant the world to her. This tenderness was a side to him that she hadn’t expected, one that contrasted sharply with his hardened, black ops persona. “Thank you for everything.”

“Brandy did the work.”

“But you asked her to. And I appreciate it.” Resting her hips against the counter, she studied him.

“Tea?” he asked. “I’d offer wine, but I figured you might want to keep a clear mind.”

“You’re right about that. Something hot sounds great, thanks.” Not that she could keep a clear mind around this man, no matter what she drank. She noticed an assortment of tea bags scattered on the counter. “Chamomile?”

“Supposed to be soothing. Help your sleep or something.”

“Did Brandy bring those over, as well?”

His lips twitched. “How did you guess?”

“As I recall, you only used to drink coffee. Thick enough for a spoon to stand up in it. I can’t imagine you’ve changed that much.”

“You know me.” He grinned as he shrugged. “And she gave me directions, so I shouldn’t mess it up too badly.” After placing tea bags into mugs, he filled them both with water. Then he slid one toward her.

Needing something to do to occupy herself, she curled her hand around the warmed ceramic and lifted it.

Steam rose, creating a miniature cloud, and she breathed in the delicate floral, honeyed scent.

Comforting. Appreciated. Almost allowing her to forget the uncertainty that brought her here.

A few moments later, she pulled out the tea bag. After it drained, she threw it away. He followed suit, as if he’d been waiting to see what she did.

The slight hesitation from this fierce warrior charmed her, lowering her guard.

“Join me?” he invited.

With a nod, she followed him to the living room.

Thankfully, Gregorio took his chair, allowing her the couch.

Holding her mug carefully, she snuggled up, tucking her legs beneath her.

In the grate, the fire hissed and popped, and she stared into the flickering flames.

“You must be tired.”

This situation had drained her more than she’d realized.

She looked over at him. In the dim light and crackling flames, he was cast in an amber glow. “I think I’ve been running on adrenaline.” And now that it had faded, her energy was depleted.

“Get some rest. We’ll come up with a plan in the morning.”

Maybe it was being with him, or the tea, or the hot shower, or the sensation of being safe, but she nodded.

For tonight, just tonight, she could give up control.

“Take my bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“No.” She was the unexpected and uninvited guest. “Absolutely not.”

“I insist.”

Sasha shook her head. “I can’t let you do that. You’ve already gone above and beyond. Asking you to sleep out here isn’t fair.”

“In case you are confused, that wasn’t a request, Petal. And you didn’t ask.” He stood. “If you don’t agree, I’ll have no choice but to carry your ass into the bedroom and cuff you to the headboard.”

Shocked, she slowly blinked. Are you serious? From what she’d seen at the Den, he was definitely a Dominant. Maybe tying women to the bed was something he did regularly.

The thought should disturb her.

But it didn’t.

“And to be safe, I’d join you.”

Her pulse revved into overdrive. Surely that was his mad idea of a joke.

“What will it be? Are you going to bed alone?” He studied her. “Or with me?”