Page 34 of With this Ring

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.”

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