Page 75 of With this Ring

“Uh…”

“As you know, my preferred response is yes, Sir.”

“Always?” Her lips parted. “I thought that was just last night.”

“I’m a Dominant with you, Sasha.” Before now, he’d sometimes been a switch—meaning he’d bottom for the right person who needed a release as much as he did. A sound thrashing could get him out of his head, and the taste of pain sharpened his senses—maybe why he enjoyed his punching bag, too, and being in the field. But his sweet Sasha had restored order to his universe. “When we’re intimate, I expect certain things from you.”

She took in a small, trembling breath.

“It was natural enough for you yesterday. You want this as much as I do. Stop thinking.”

For a moment, she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Unless you’d rather we hang out on the couch, maybe watch TV?” At that, his lips did twitch. She hadn’t moved at all, hadn’t tried to get away. His Petal was as hot for him as he was for her. “Or you’re welcome to shower and go to bed.”

“That’s not…” She shook her head. “No. That’s not what I want.”

“In that case, please do as I say.” He released his grip but didn’t step back. “Remove your clothes.”

“Yes…”

He waited.

“Sir.”

His cock hardened at the breathless respect in her voice. So fucking perfect.

With slow, tentative movements, she began to undress. Her jacket slid off first, followed by her shirt, revealing the smooth curves of her shoulders and the swell of her breasts encased in black lace. Gregorio watched, his breath growing shallow as each layer fell away.

When she stood before him in nothing but her bra and panties, he motioned for her to continue. She bit her lip, sending a jolt straight to his groin.

What had he been thinking? This was pure, fucking torture.

Her gaze on him, she complied, unhooking her bra and letting it drop to the floor. Her breasts spilled free, so beautifully full and tempting. In the coolness of the night air, her nipples hardened under his gaze.

“Beautiful, Sasha. So damn beautiful.”

As if gaining courage from his approval, she slid her panties down her legs, then stepped out of them.

A small triangle of neatly trimmed hair tempted him. “I should keep you naked and available to me.”

His cock strained even harder against his jeans, but he forced himself to fold his arms and maintain his composure while drinking in the sight of her.

“Now we’ll have a lesson in patience.”

“A lesson?” She frowned. “Patience? That’s something I’m not good at.”

“Walk to my chair and lean over the front of it.” He inclined his head. “Grip the arms. Feet wide. And wait for my attention.”

While she positioned herself, Gregorio strode to the fireplace, his movements measured and controlled. He knelt to arrange the logs and kindling. Then he struck a match and set the fire ablaze. The flames crackled to life, casting dancing shadows across the room.

Standing, he turned back to her.

His Petal looked gorgeous, her back arched, her ass on display. “That’s right.” Her long hair cascaded down her back and brushed her shoulders.

“Remain where you are.” He went to the bathroom to grab a tube of lubricant. Then he returned, approaching her, still fully clothed, his boots echoing off the floor. Every action was purposeful, meant to make her aware of her submission, his mastery over her.

“I’m going to inspect you.”

---