Bound to Danger Read online

  Bound to Danger

  Copyright 2011 Thalia Frost

  All Rights Reserved.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 1

  When Ivy Sharp reached her apartment, her stomach dropped. Too many police cars with lights flashing and people milling around couldn’t be good.

  “What is it now?” She rolled her eyes and parked in the only spot she could find.

  Generally, the neighborhood was quiet for one in Birmingham, but big city crime had its place here, too.

  Ivy grabbed her laptop full of work projects and inched her way to the front door of the complex.

  A neighbor she knew by first name stood on the steps watching. Ivy cleared her throat, hoping to get his attention as he stared into the distance. As usual, she could hardly speak when she got close to him. With a nearly-shaved head and a stud in one ear, he screamed hot sex and bad boy all rolled into one.

  “Hey, Ivy.”

  “Hi, Finn. What’s going on?”

  He gave her a long look, one that made her want to shiver. She knew her short skirt showed her long legs off to advantage and that he had noticed.

  “You haven’t heard. Oh. Jane Dixon was murdered sometime last night. Her mother came by for a visit and found her. It’s terrible. I don’t know any details yet. Hey, are you okay?”

  Finn came toward her, her vision of him blurring as her legs buckled.

  “Not really.”

  He steadied her, and she leaned against him, feeling hot and cold at the same time and wanting to throw up. “I’m sorry. I should have prepared you. You and Jane were friends, right?”

  “Sort of. I went to a party at her place a few months ago, but we never really had time to get to know each other.” And now we won’t. Ivy swallowed a lump. Murdered?

  “That’s too bad. She seemed nice enough.”

  Ivy moved out of his embrace, her face growing hot at how long she had stayed there. “Sorry. Thanks.” She looked up at him, trying not to study his chiseled features for too long. There was something dark about him that was only hinted at by the piercings and leather.

  “No problem. You okay now?” He gazed into her eyes, and she cleared her throat.

  “Yep. Just got dizzy thinking about Jane.” Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked away from him.

  “It’s sick, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it is. Listen, I’ll catch you later. I have a bunch of stuff to get done, and after this, I think I need a hot cup of tea.” She gave him a quick smile as his eyes flickered over her. Ivy noticed the strange tawny color of them for the first time, the eyes of a cat on the prowl.

  What a thought.

  “Enjoy it, and take care. If you need anything, Ivy, don’t hesitate to come by. I’m usually there. If I’m not, slip a note under the door.” Finn touched her arm.

  “I will. Thanks.” She turned away, her heart galloping in her chest.

  He was flirting with me. Great. All I need is a freak interested in me, but he is hot...

  Ivy put the kettle on for tea, feeling ashamed at her thoughts when Jane was dead. She wanted to know the details. The thought of her acquaintance being murdered there in the building made her get up and run to lock both bolts on the door.

  Ivy flipped on the television. The story was blaring.

  “An apparent sadistic, sexual murder... a deviant.”

  “Oh my god.” The idea of it made her shake as did her own demons. Had Jane Dixon liked rough sex and bondage?

  They had never talked about it, and who would with just a few casual meetings between them? Ivy wished they had, and her longing for a female confidant who could understand her returned. It would be wonderful to know she wasn’t alone. She thought of her several encounters with the few men who would tie her up and dominate her. The memory made her go hot all over.

  But this guy murdered Jane, and maybe she didn’t want what he was offering.

  “No shit,” she whispered softly. Ivy moaned, putting her head in her hands. Sounds like the kind of guy I’d date.

  Finn’s face flashed through her head as she swallowed a gulp of the bracing Earl Grey. “Ridiculous. I don’t even know his last name.”

  Doesn’t 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 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 will, Finn. By the way, I’ve never caught your last name.” Ivy laughed, letting her hair fall over one eye.

  She noticed the bulge in his pants and knew she was affecting him.

  “Finn Calder.”

  “Finn Calder. Nice to meet you. I’m Ivy Sharp.” She reached out and shook his hand, barely managing to hold the towel up as heat passed between them.

  “Okay, later then. Just let me know. Leave me a note, drop by, whatever.” He winked at her and walked away.

  Holy crap, he’s sexy.

  Ivy leaned against the door, watching him all the way down the hall. She closed it with a smile and went back to her bedroom. No need to dress in much other than lingerie.

  She put on the red leather bustier and matching underwear she had bought just for tonight along with the red fishnets hose and garter belt.

  He’d better bring the handcuffs. She admired herself in the mirror, her pulse already throbbing as she put on bright red lipstick and black eyeliner. Her 1940’s pin up girl looks would come in handy tonight. She didn’t always like her square jaw, but the shiny dark hair and wide set brown eyes would do nicely.

  Her thoughts turned to Finn again as she fixed something quick to eat and put out some light snacks. She didn’t think they would be doing much snacking when Remy got there.

  The doorbell rang at seven on the dot.

  “Here goes.”

  Ivy sidled to the door, her nipples pressing against the bustier in her excitement.

  “Hey, Ivy. I brought the handcuffs.”

  Chapter 3

  The huge, muscled guy in front of her, Remy Merrick, dangled the cuffs and grinned, showing even, white teeth. His goatee, long black hair and the leather pants he wore labeled him as a bad ass. Ivy wasn’t sure she could speak.

  “Great.”

  “Gonna let me in so I can use them?”

  “Sure. You want something to drink?”

  He towered over her, at least five inches taller than her 5’10 height.

  “Vodka on the rocks if you have it.” Heat came off of him in waves, and the scent of amber filled the room. He reminded her of an animal as his arm muscles rippled when he crossed them over his t-shirt clad chest.

  Ivy moved to make the drink, knowing he was watching her backside as she did so.

  When his erection pressed into her bottom and he encircled her with strong arms, she leaned against him.

  He grabbed the vodka and pounded it down. “What are you having?”

  “Nothing. Just you.” Ivy’s clit throbbed as his hands moved to her breasts, massaging them.

  “Lean over the table and spread your legs.” He ran his fingers between her legs, and she sucked in a breath as she moved a few feet away and bent over the table.

  She heard a jingling sound and moaned, her cheek pressed against the cool wood.

  “I’m gonna lock you up so you can’t get away. You’re under my control now.” He put her arms over her head and clicked the cuffs on. Ivy groaned as he ground his leather clad cock against her bottom. “I’m not going to wait, Ivy, because I know you’ve been a bad girl,
thinking about me and my handcuffs and my fat cock.”

  She whimpered, her pussy wet and open. The sound of his zipper going down made her close her eyes. The torture of waiting was exquisite.

  He shoved her panties aside, ripping at her hose. His forcefulness turned her on even more, and she knew with the friction of the table against her clit and with him impaling her on his cock, she would come quickly.

  It’s been too long.

  “Oh, I like that pussy, Ivy. It’s pink and wet and ready for me to take it.”

  “Yes, I want it now.” She ground the words out as he shoved himself inside her. His girth made her keen with need.

  “You like my dick inside you, slut?” He whispered in her ear, pulling her hips against him, and forcing her to bend forward more as he plunged deep into her. The angle hurt, but she liked the pain.

  “Yes, please.”

  “Please, what? I’m going to come inside you and use you like you want to be used, Ivy.” His voice was a low, sensual growl.

  “Please take my pussy.”

  “I would have anyway whether you invited me to or not.” He laughed, and the harsh sound sent shivers down her spine.

  “Could you use a condom?”

  “I’m getting one out now.”

  It irritated her that he had entered her without one.

  She heard the wrapper crinkle, and he pulled out of her for a moment. When he shoved back inside her, her head banged against the table and she yelped.

  “I’m gonna make it hurt, Ivy.” He gripped her hips, digging into her with his fingers as her pussy yawned with need.

  He plunged in and out of her, shoving her against the table, giving it to her rough. She wanted to cry with the pain and pleasure of it as his cock filled her like it was custom made for her sex. Her orgasm loomed as he whispered in her ear.

  “You’re a dirty slut, Ivy, letting me use your pussy.”

  “Ummm.”

  “I like it, and I’ll use it all I want, and you’ll beg me for more.” He smacked her ass so hard she cried out. When his palm met her butt again, her orgasm overcame her, and she moaned and sighed, pressing back against him.