Page 55 of With this Ring

To be sure she was out completely, he remained where he was for long minutes, replaying what they’d shared, then reminding himself she would never have sought him out if she wasn’t in danger.

Keeping her safe was his number one priority…even more important than satisfying his consuming hunger for her.

Careful not to disturb her, Gregorio eased out of bed.

She murmured softly in her sleep but didn’t wake.

Unable to help himself, he gazed at her for long moments, drinking in her beauty and peacefulness. There was nothing more he wanted to do than climb back in bed and hold her tight.

Still, he dressed, then turned off the bedroom light and pulled the door mostly closed before setting the house alarm and heading back to the Den.

The night was quiet and dark, the only sound his sure footsteps on the path.

Keeping to the shadows, he crossed the patio.

Once he was inside, Lilith glanced up from where she was standing near the sliding glass door. “Wasn’t expecting to see you back here, Sir.”

“Won’t be here long.” Already, he was anxious to get back to Sasha. He hated leaving her alone even for a few minutes, despite how secure the property was.

A couple of guests snagged his attention, and he bit back his impatience to chat for a few moments before excusing himself and heading upstairs.

In the private offices, Damien still sat behind his desk, staring at his computer screen. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Gregorio wasn’t surprised. They’d been friends and associates for too damn long not to read each other’s minds.

“How’s your guest doing?” Damien asked, leaning back in his chair.

Gregorio dropped into the chair opposite him. “Exhausted.”

Studying Gregorio closely, Damien nodded. “She came to you for help and protection.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Someone ransacked her office.” Gregorio ran a hand over his head. “And she’s being followed.”

“If my guess is right, the woman in question is your ex-wife’s little sister.”

Gregorio tensed. “And?”

“You sure you know what you’re doing here?” Though Damien’s voice was calm, controlled, his eyebrows were drawn together with skepticism. “With her?”

Much as he despised the reaction, if the tables were turned, he’d be asking the same questions. Made Damien a good friend. And annoying as hell.

“Given your history…”

“Fuck off,” Gregorio snapped.

Damien held up a hand.

“She needs my help.”

“I saw how you looked at her.” He paused. “The way she looked at you.”

“The hell does that mean?”

“Only a fool would have missed the tension. There’s more to this story.”

Which he planned to keep to himself. No one needed to know that she completely came apart for him. Or that he’d thought of her constantly since that first night that he’d had no businesses touching her. Or that he planned to keep her forever.

“Don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment.”

---