Page 23 of With this Ring (Mastered #7)

Painstakingly, she threaded the accessory through the loops, then secured the buckle. For a reckless moment, she pictured the metal, clenched in his palm, as he spanked her with the leather.

She glanced away, scared he might read her thoughts.

“Now my socks.”

Was he serious about that?

The way his eyes narrowed told her he meant exactly what he said. “Yes, Sir,” she whispered.

He released her hair, and she lowered her arms to her sides and started to stand.

Instantly, he clamped his hands on her shoulders and forced her back to her knees. “Did I give you permission to do that?”

Eyebrows drawing together furiously, she demanded, “Are you serious? You want me to crawl?”

“Believe me, my Petal, you will know anytime I’m teasing you. When I give orders like this, I fully mean for you to comply with them.”

Self-conscious in ways she had never been, she did what he wanted, grateful she was fully dressed. Otherwise this would be lewd.

She was aware of his gaze on her, approving and encouraging.

When they reached the Den, she knew he was going to make her do this and much, much more.

Once she’d helped him into his socks and boots, she automatically knelt back.

“Perfect choice, my Petal. You’re a quick study.”

The way he mixed approval with unyielding demand made her senses swim, keeping her on a straightedge of desire.

“There’s a duffel bag in my closet. On the floor. Far right side.”

Why was he telling her that?

“Fetch it for me.”

Automatically, she started to rise, then she stopped herself.

He smiled when she looked to him for direction.

“I’m a simple man. I want to see your hips sway.”

“Meaning…”

“Crawl.”

She was afraid of that.

“During a scene, assume that’s my preference.”

Unsure what he meant, she frowned. “A scene?”

“In this case, I mean when BDSM is part of what we’re doing. I’m not a twenty-four-seven Dominant.”

So others were.

“Though if you want to play more often, I’m certainly open to negotiation.” He flashed a grin that made her emotions turn somersaults.

“I think I’m good with this.” In fact, she was struggling to keep up with his never-ending requests.

“The duffel bag?” he prompted. “Has a Hawkeye logo on it.”

Since she had a similar one at home, it should be easy enough to find.

Aware of his heated gaze on her, she made her way to the bedroom.

Part of her rebelled at following his orders.

After all, she was a competent private investigator who ran her own business.

And yet there was something amazingly naughty—and fulfilling—about turning over control and surrendering herself to his sexy demands.

Sasha found his bag exactly where he said it would be. Not a surprise. Everything he owned was precisely organized. At her house, she knew where things were, but she was much messier than he was. She told herself it was because she was creative. But now she wondered.

Making her way back to the living room on all fours, was a challenge, and she settled for shoving the heavy load several steps in front of her, then catching up and repeating her process.

Gregorio had remained exactly where he was, arms folded across his chest. In her imagination, he was the absolute picture of masculine control.

“Well done.”

She met his gaze, and her heart did funny little things when he smiled. At this point, his approval was becoming more important to her than the air she breathed.

“Now, put it on the coffee table and unpack what’s inside.”

Curious, she tipped her head to the side.

“Line everything up in a way that makes sense to you.”

The zipper sounded unnaturally loud in the silent cabin.

When she had it open, she froze.

“Keep going.”

Because of her recent visit to the adult toy shop in Denver, she recognized most of the items.

Her hand shaking, she pulled out several pairs of nipple clamps and lined them in a neat row. Next was a blindfold, followed by a vibrator, and a massive dildo.

As she continued, her senses swam.

Along with a package of wipes, there were cuffs and a leather paddle, along with one that was thick and clear. He also had a wicked-looking forked implement that she assumed was also for spanking.

Finally, there was an odd U-shaped piece of silicone. She guessed that it was a vibrator of some type.

“There’s one more thing.”

She ran her hand around the inside until she found a tree-shaped piece of metal with tiny purple crystals on the end. Her mouth dried. “A butt plug?”

“A very small one,” he confirmed.

“Small?” she echoed in disbelief.

He shrugged. “Good place to start training you for taking my dick up your ass.”

Fire blasted through her. “Are you serious?”

“I’ve told you that all your holes belong to me.”

Her pussy throbbed, as much from fear as anticipation. By the time she finally knelt back, her legs were trembling.

“See anything that appeals to you?”

Plenty that terrifies me.

“Choose at least three things.”

Fighting off her attack of the nerves, she surveyed the items. None of the above.

“If you stall, I’ll choose them for you. But I’ll select five. So if you’re hoping for some sort of mercy, get on with it.”

With his implacable tone of voice, she knew he meant every word.

Still, she hesitated.

“Okay, then.” He nodded tightly, as if resolved.

Her pulse stopped as he crossed to the coffee table.

“We’ll start with this.” He picked up the ridiculously sized dildo.

“Oh, God. No way.”

He simply grinned and put it back in the bag. “Since I’m feeling generous, I’ll give you exactly one second to choose the next thing.”

“Fine.” She snatched up a pair of soft cuffs and dropped them on top of his toy.

“See? Not so bad, is it?”

Except now it meant he’d tie her in place, with no hope of escape.

“One last thing, Petal.”

Trying to think, she hesitated. “Give me a moment? Please?”

“Don’t overthink.”

With a tiny frown, she considered the clamps. She’d never experienced anything like them, but she’d enjoyed the way he’d played with her nipples earlier. He’d used more pressure than she’d been accustomed to, and the sensations had been surreal.

Quickly, she scanned the rest of the options.

The paddles looked interesting. But the memory of seeing that Top spank his woman with a leather belt still lingered, teasing her.

Maybe if she didn’t choose any of the impact toys, he wouldn’t spank her hard.

“Time’s up.”

Frantic, she snatched up the blindfold.

Maybe she wouldn’t be able to see what he was doing, and that would allow her to get out of her head. Or maybe it would make things worse.

“Excellent choices,” he approved as he dropped in the wipes, then closed his bag and swung it over his shoulder.

“I’m looking forward to using all of these on your beautiful body.

” He came closer, filling her vision with his strong thighs and the sight of his hard cock pressing against his jeans.

“I want to get you to the Den.” He offered his hand. “Ready to push your boundaries, Petal?”