Page 110 of With this Ring

“Oh?”

“Don’t try me.”

The way he raised his eyebrows turned her insides liquid.

“Take them off.”

Braver than she’d been before, she curled her hands around the bottom of her sweatshirt and began to lift the material.

“Naked,” he snapped. “Now. I have no tolerance for a strip tease.”

“Yes, Sir,” she agreed, while still taking her time.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated, and the device skittered across the counter.

Part of her wanted to ignore it, but a stronger part of her knew she couldn’t. It was late, and no one would be reaching out unless it was important.

Gregorio tipped his head to one side, encouraging her. “Check it.”

Smoothing her top back into place, she crossed the room to look at the screen.

He came back. That man. That man. He. He said—

With a frown, she looked at Gregorio.

Taking in her frown, he asked, “Mrs. Santos?”

“Yes. But her messages are cryptic.”

Moments later, a second text followed.

If I tell Felix he was here, he’ll—

Chapter Seventeen

He’ll… What?

Frustrated, Sasha dialed Mrs. Santos’ number.

Gregorio’s jaw clenched, eyes darkening to obsidian as he picked up his own phone, ready to act.

Terror was in each hesitating word of the messages, and it was frustrating not to be able to leap into action and problem solve.

Was Mrs. Santos even safe?

Each ring felt like a countdown. By the third one, she knew the woman wasn’t going to answer. Then, inevitably, the woman’s voicemail picked up.

Battling impatience, Sasha listened to the prerecorded greeting.

Leaving a message was probably futile, but she had to try. “Mrs. Santos, it’s Sasha. Call me the moment you get this.”

Frustrated, she ended the call and blew out a breath.

Impossible to believe that minutes ago nothing had existed but her and Gregorio, and now…

Finally, her phone chimed again.

That man. Forced himself into the house.

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