Page 12 of With this Ring (Mastered #7)

“Take your time. Stop overthinking. Get out of your head and trust your instincts.”

To center herself, she momentarily closed her eyes.

He was right, and this should be no different from practicing yoga or firing her pistol at the range.

A moment later, nerves steadier, she finished what she was doing, then she unfastened the button at his waist and reached for the zipper’s tab.

Tooth by tooth, she lowered it, the metal on metal and rustling fabric seeming to echo in her ears.

Finally, his pants fell to the hardwood floor, stealing her breath.

Gregorio wasn’t wearing underwear, and the sight of his fully erect cock heated her lungs.

She’d had no idea he’d be so big, so ready.

The damp tip of his manhood brushed against her cheek. Sasha yearned to take the lead, wrap her hand around him, maybe lick the drop of pre-cum from the tip.

Or was she supposed to wait for instructions? “Gregorio, I want to touch you.” She hesitated before adding, “May I?”

“Soon enough.”

“But—”

“That was a no.” His voice was edged with implacable demand.

Sasha had never begged for the honor of stroking her partner. In fact, at times, she considered it a chore. But Gregorio—her temporary lover—was no ordinary man.

“We’re doing this my way.”

Like they had at the wedding reception.

Yet now that he’d denied her, her inner ache intensified.

A little chastened, she sat back on her calves.

His lips quirked into a half-smile, and he released his grip to offer his hand. “Stand for me, Petal.”

When she was upright, he set her away from him, just a little. “I want to see you. Take off the robe.”

This would be so much easier if he’d do it himself then make love to her. That way, she could just close her eyes, helping her get over her first-time nerves.

“I’m waiting.”

Somehow, even with the rush of emotions chasing through her, she managed to unknot her belt.

“You’re doing fine.”

Had she ever been with a man who was more approving?

“Keep going.”

She drew apart the lapels of her robe. Then, glancing away to hide her embarrassment, she opened it all the way.

“Beautiful breasts, Petal. I should never allow you to hide them from me.”

When she had the courage to look back at him, heat simmered in his darkly enigmatic eyes.

“Now finish removing it.”

Her fingers nerveless, she shrugged and released the thick material, allowing it to swish to her feet.

For a moment, he took her in. “You’re exquisite, Petal. Everything about you.”

Was this really happening? She was in Gregorio’s bedroom, both of them naked, anticipation thumping through her.

“Your nipples are hard.”

And not from the cool whispers of night air. “Yes, Sir.” Am I truly saying these things to him?

“Begging for my touch?”

Unable to find her voice, she swallowed.

“You want them sucked, Petal? Played with? Tormented?”

Her legs wobbled.

“Answer me.”

“Yes.” Please.

“That will happen. All of it. Until you can’t take any more.”

Her entire body was on fire.

“Now turn around so I can look at your ass.”

Clenching her hands at her sides, she spun, so much more exposed than she’d ever been in that small closet so long ago.

“Even better than I imagined.”

Finally, she faced him again.

“So fucking hot.”

With a low, sexy, guttural sound, he pulled her against him, his steel-hard dick pressing into her. Suddenly, he captured her mouth once more, this time more insistently, his lips parting hers, his tongue plunging deep, tasting every inch of her.

They moved together, the heat between them becoming a living, breathing thing. Despite how forbidden he was, she was again consumed with a sense of rightness.

His intention was clear.

He was taking control, dominating her completely, giving her the experience she’d craved since he walked away from her three years ago.

She writhed, the need to feel his body against hers overwhelming.

He slid a hand up her thigh to glide his fingers over her most sensitive spot, leaving a trail of demand in their wake.

Desperately, she moaned.

Responding to her need, he dipped inside her.

With a gasp, she jerked, instantly arching into his touch.

He was not gentle, not hesitant. Instead, he claimed her with a raw and primal possessiveness that left her breathless and shuddering.

Her whimpers became lost between them, and the unmistakable scent of her arousal filled the air.

With one hand pressed against her back, holding her in place, he finger-fucked her, each stroke more demanding than the last, driving her closer and closer to the edge.

Abruptly he ended the kiss and he set her back, just slightly.

He seemed to know what she needed—the surrender, the abdication of control.

He pressed a thumb to her clit, teasing her until she struggled for air.

“Please,” she begged, the word barely more than a whisper.

“Please, what?”

Desperate, all vulnerability and need, she looked at him. “Please make me come, Sir.”

“My pleasure.” He slipped another finger into her, stretching her wide open, and she cried out at the invasion. “That’s it, Petal. Ride it.”

Her body trembled, and her heart pounded.

Tormentingly, he continued to toy with her clit, rubbing circles around the sensitive nub, and her climax built, threatening to overwhelm her.

Gregorio thrust his fingers into her, quickening his pace, pushing her ever closer to the edge.

Her body shook, and she reached for him so she didn’t fall.

Impossibly, he slid a third finger inside, stretching her wide, preparing her for what would happen later.

As she cried out, her knees buckled.

“Now, Sasha. Give it to me.” He growled. “Don’t you dare fucking hold back.”

Convulsing, spiraling into bliss, she came all over his hand.

But he was relentless, driving her on and on until she shattered again before taking pity on her.

Gently, he eased out of her, then he licked his fingers, reigniting the sensual flames burning in her.

She struggled for breath, and she looked up at him. He smiled triumphantly.

“You’re mine, Petal.”

He was protector and predator, primal and unyielding, and she’d die for his touch.

This was a dangerous game they played, but the thrill—the aliveness—only made her crave him more.

“I’m going to claim every inch of you, mark you as mine, and no other man will ever touch you again.” His voice was thick with promise and warning, a stark declaration of ownership. “Do you understand?”