Page 32 of With this Ring

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 hehadbeen 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…”

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