“I need—” He didn’t finish the thought before he laid her back across the bed and came over her, quickly situating himself between her legs and filling her once more. Then he moved with a relentless, almost punishing pace that was everything she’d ever wanted.

Evie dug her heels into his backside and scored her nails along his back as her orgasm broke over her. She plunged headfirst into darkness and joy, her body stiffening as she clenched around him. Gregory shouted her name as he thrust hard and came, his body twitching over hers.

At some point—and she had no idea how much time passed—the sound of scratching at the door drew them both to look in that direction.

“Ash,” they said in unison.

Gregory bounded from the bed and went to the door. Evie admired his long legs and backside, as well as the muscular planes of his back.

Ash darted inside with a bark. He didn’t slow as he raced to the foot of the bed. In a trice, he was on the coverlet, making his way to Evie’s side. “How did you get up here?” Gregory’s bed was rather high.

“I made him a ladder of sorts, rather stairs, I suppose.” Gregory climbed back onto the bed next to her. “There’s a low stool that helps him get onto a bench, and a large pillow he uses to get up onto the mattress.”

Evie patted Ash, who lay down beside her. “Lucky pup.”

Gregory gazed at the dog’s position snuggled against Evie’s side, his head rather near her breast. “I concur.” He dipped his head and quickly kissed her other breast before propping his head on his hand with a grin.

Laughing, Evie looked up at him. “This dog—and you—have changed my life.”

“I hope for the better, but I can’t help thinking that if you’d never met me, you would still be a patroness and a member of the Phoenix Club, and no one would be aware of your secrets.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Evie.”

“None of this is your fault. Lady Hargrove was going to cause problems sooner or later. She blamed me for her recommendations not finding support at the club and for her choice of patroness also not being supported.” She glanced over at Ash as she stroked his ear. “Regardless, I regret nothing.”

“Is that true?” He sounded surprised.

She met his disbelieving gaze and saw the hope that was always present in him. “Shockingly, yes. I was happy in my life, but I was missing something and didn’t even realize it.” Gregory had filled a void she hadn’t known was there, not until he filled it. Perfectly.

“What was missing?”