Free Bound to Danger by Thalia Frost Page B

didn’t expect it from him. He tightened his fingers around the cold cuffs, feeling his erection return.
    Tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that will bring more fun.
    He fingered his handcuffs and the other instruments of exquisite delight he kept in his inner chamber.
    And you’re next.

Chapter 2
     
    Ivy made the mistake of turning on the morning news as she was grabbing a bagel.
    “Jane Dixon’s murder... appears to be a sex crime. Witnesses saw her at the Easy Club earlier in the evening, but no one remembers her leaving with anyone in particular. The victim was found cuffed to her bedposts, apparently suffocated to death.”
    Ivy flipped the TV off, bile rising in her throat. “Oh my god. Oh, poor Jane.” Tears sprang to her eyes, even as she wondered again if Jane had liked that kind of thing. Like I do...
    She pushed the thought from her mind. She met up with the wrong guy, or maybe he was a friend, some random psycho. Ivy shivered and walked out of the apartment, thoughts of Remy filling her head.
    ****
     
    “So, you were okay last night?” Guy stopped by her desk, his handsome face etched in concern. As usual, he was dressed to the nines.
    “I was. It’s just a shock and poor Jane.” She sighed, pushing her hair out of her eyes.
    “I know. I can’t believe anyone would do something like that. Did you hear she was cuffed to the bed?” His big, blue eyes widened, and he spoke in a hushed tone.
    “I did. Yeah.” She kept her reply curt, not wanting to talk about it.
    “Okay, I’ll change the subject. Got plans tonight? Want to catch a movie?” He sat on the side of her desk on some insurance forms she was filling out.
    “I’d love to, but I have something going on.”
    Guy didn’t ask what. “Okay, some other time. Take care. If you need anything, call me, Ivy. I don’t like that this happened in your building.”
    “You and I both.”
    She gave him a big smile, and he walked out of her office.
    ****
     
    The day dragged by. Ivy managed to scoot out of her office right at five. She rushed home, wanting plenty of time for a bath and to relax before Remy came.
    She walked into her apartment, stowing her stuff and heading straight for the bathtub. Sighing, she ran the water in the old clawfoot tub she loved so much and sprinkled rose bath salts in it. The scent was irresistible or so she had been told by men. Shucking her clothes, she stepped into the steamy water, moaning with pleasure as the tension of the week dripped away.
    A knock sounded at the door.
    “Go away,” she whispered.
    “Ivy?”
    Finn. What’s his last name?
    Her heart tripped in her chest at the thought of him so close, his head gleaming a little, his legs leather-bound and her in the bathtub.
    She wanted to see him.
    “Just a second.”
    Ivy hopped out of the bathtub, grinning at herself in the mirror as she wrapped up in a short, plush towel, not bothering to wipe water out of her eyes. She had felt sparks between them. If there are any, this will get his attention.
    She opened the door halfway. “Yes?”
    His eyes widened at the sight of her, and she saw him trying to keep his gaze from her chest. “I just wanted to check on you after yesterday.”
    “That’s really sweet.” She opened the door wider all the way, feeling herself grow wet under his stare.
    “Nah, I just was worried.”
    “I’m fine, really. I mean, it’s terrible, but I’m okay. Just wish I could say the same for Jane.”
    He leaned against the doorjamb, just inches from her. His scent like pines and honey assailed her, making her knees weak. “Good. Hey, are you busy tonight?”
    Geez. Three offers for dates in one night. That’s a record.
    “Actually, I am. I’m sorry.”
    “Hey, no problem.” He smiled, and the overhead light glinted off his lip piercing. Ivy wondered what it would feel like against her tongue and in other places. Heat crept up her cheeks.
    “Rain check?”
    “Sure. Just let me know when you’re free.”
    “I