Free Bound to Danger by Thalia Frost Page A

matter, he wants you, and you know it.
    The thought sent fire through Ivy’s veins. Just to look at Finn, he struck her as the type of guy who would do whatever a woman wanted and maybe a few things she didn’t know she wanted. That’s why she had stayed away from him. Her last relationship had been a joke. Sure, John would dominate her, but he had also cheated with multiple women. Ivy wondered if a man could be healthy and like the things she did.
    And what does that mean about my mental health?
    The shrilling of the phone made her jump.
    “Get a grip.” She jerked her cell phone off the table, pressing send.
    “Oh my god, Ivy. Have you seen the news? Are you okay?” Guy Black’s voice came over the line, thin and worried.
    “I’m fine, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
    “Well, I am. Some crazed killer is on the loose in your building.”
    “I don’t know about that. That might be a bit dramatic.” Ivy sighed, sitting on her couch. Guy was straight, but he came across as super sensitive. She had once had a crush on him, but his lack of aggressiveness had made it a no go. Too bad. He’s a great person and friend. I’m just too screwed up to appreciate it.
    Ivy knew he was half in love with her, and that made it even worse. They hung out once in a while, but something stood between them, perhaps the knowledge that more wouldn’t work.
    “I want you to be sure the doors are locked. Call me if you need anything. Seriously, Ivy. This worries me.”
    “I know. It worries me, too. Thanks, Guy. I appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “See you then, babe. Take care. Keep your cell by the bed just in case.”
    Ivy rolled her eyes. “I will. G’night.”
    “Nite.”
    She clicked end and sighed. That’s all she needed-- Guy obsessing and worrying about her all the time. But Ivy had to admit that it felt good to be worried about.
    She scraped together some dinner. The last thing she wanted to do was go out anywhere. The thought of leaving her apartment and walking dark streets made her breathing quicken.
    She ate her tuna sandwich and drank her tea in front of the television. When a news report came on about Jane, she flipped it off.
    Can’t take that tonight. She didn’t want to know any details yet. Daylight would make it bearable, but for now, she jumped at every noise as she got her laptop out and checked her email. Her heart raced, and her thoughts moved from Jane Dixon’s death when she saw his name in her inbox. A shiny, new message promised to take things to the next level.
     
    Remy Merrick
    [email protected]
    Thursday, September 1, 2011
    Hey, Ivy. Let’s get together. All the sexy talk has me ready to tie you up and go to town, and we’ve both waited long enough. I feel like I know you, and I hope you feel the same way about me. What do you say? Your place or mine tomorrow night at 7?
    Yours,
    Remy
     
    Ivy closed her eyes, her pulse pounding. She had met Remy through an online dating service, something she had never tried until a couple months ago. They had hit it off immediately with a shared love of bondage and other things. His long black hair and chiseled body hadn’t hurt any either.
    “What to write?” She put her head on her hand for a minute, grinning.
    I’d love to. My place at 7. It’s 107 Ward Street.
    Ivy clicked send before she could take it back. Squealing, she got off the couch and did a little dance.
    Finally, it was going to happen, the night she had dreamed about from almost his first email. Images of Remy tying her up flashed through her mind, and she moaned.
    Slow down, girl.
    She yawned and went to get ready for bed. Tomorrow would be exciting.
    ****
     
    The man chuckled to himself.
    Today was just the beginning. Jane Dixon-- he had only known her from a brief encounter at a bar-- had only whetted his appetite with her petulant glances and awkward come ons. The look in her eyes when she understood made his night. He loved that look of sheer terror and full knowledge. They