Page 66 of With this Ring

Hawkeye’s right-hand person, the woman who was the heartbeat of the organization. Sasha had immense respect for her brains and talent.

“A team will be at your office for the security install today at noon.”

“But…” She scowled. “They’re scheduled for tomorrow.”

“I changed it.” His words were flat, as if he had every right to do that. “And another crew will be at your house this afternoon at three.”

“At…? What?”My house?He was taking over her life. “Gregorio—”

“If we’re going to be there when they arrive, we need to head out.”

She held up her hand. “Look… Stop.”

As if annoyed, Gregorio quirked an eyebrow.

“I don’t need you handling all the details of my life.”Running roughshod over me.

He moved in closer, strides wide, each step echoing dangerously off the wood floors. “Too goddamn bad, Petal. When you came to me, you sealed your fate. I’m going to protect you.”

With her arms folded, she forced out a shaky breath.

“Go ahead and argue with me.” He regarded her steadily. “Tell me that moving up the day of the install is a bad thing.”

As he knew, she couldn’t.

“Or that knowing your house is secure is a bad idea. Tell me, Sasha.”

“Look—” She raked back a wayward lock of hair. “You could have asked me.”

“You were sleeping.”

Always so calm, unruffled, even though he’d been making decisions about her life. Did anything ever get to him?

“Deal with it.” He moved in closer and clamped his hands on her shoulders. “Or fucking try saying thank you before I turn you over my lap and spank your ungrateful ass.”

Mouth open, she blinked. “You made that same threat last night. You know you wouldn’t actually do it.”

“Go ahead and try me.” He dug his fingers in deeper.

Oh hell no.He was focused on her, his eyes seeming to dare her to push him just one step further.

After being in the Den’s dungeon last night, she realized her former brother-in-law was a full-on Dominant. No doubt he was experienced and knew all the things to do that would make her cry and beg for mercy.

“Okay. Fine.” Still, she couldn’t bring herself to say thank you. “You’re right. Extra security is a good idea.” But that didn’t mean he had to go to Denver with her. “I need to get back to my car.” She set her chin stubbornly. “Or I’ll call for a ride.” With that, she wiggled from his grasp, recognizing she would never have gotten away if he didn’t allow it.

While he tucked a weapon into his waistband and pulled on a buttery soft leather jacket that devastated her, she rechecked her duffel bag, moving her gun into her purse. Feeling more in control, she headed to the front door.

The drive from the Den to the lodge in Winter Park didn’t take as long as it had last night, and the morning sun danced with the long, thin clouds, casting long shadows on the road.

Her car sat exactly where she’d left it. A couple were loading luggage into their vehicle while juggling to-go cups of coffee. Two men were lifting mountain bikes onto a rack in the front of a nearby shuttle bus, while a family with small children boarded the vehicle.

Everything was normal, a typical day in an off-season tourist town.

Tension eased from her shoulders.

Instead of dropping her off, he parked his SUV under the canopy directly in front of the revolving glass doors.

When the valet approached, Gregorio shook his head sharply.

---