In the Bedroom with the Rope: Tied in Knots Read Free

a masculine bass carried down through the beaded curtains that separated Stella’s living space from the bar. She couldn’t make out the words but they were deep and sexy. Her good mood evaporated as what sounded like skin slapping skin and giggles turned to groans of pleasure. Her business partner wasn’t alone.
    Sam bit her lip and listened. Cripes, she was such a loser. First spying on Trevor and now listening while Stella played hide the salami with her catch of the day. Was everyone getting off today except her?
    After plugging in the twinkle lights that draped from the exposed beams above the bar, Sam headed back through the office and turned on her computer. She was the business savvy partner, the detail person who took care of all the boring business aspects, like inventory, paying the bills and keeping the bar in the black. Stella was the fun one, attracting customers and lovers like flies to honey. Or as Stella said, manure, because nothing draws them in like heaps of bullshit.
    While the ancient desktop whirred to life, Sam returned to the front and filled the coffee pot. Wiping down the already spotless bar, she moved out into the room and began taking chairs off of tables. A few were sticky and smelled like rum. Filling a bucket with hot water, she wiped them down, then the tables for good measure.
    Their prime location, less than a block from the famous Las Vegas strip, assured a steady patronage of both locals and tourists. Hearts were broken every day in Sin City and Sam knew from experience that nothing could blunt the pain like a good, stiff drink.
    She’d just taken the last chair down when Stella emerged, a happy glow emanating from her olive skin. The woman was already a knockout, with midnight hair and almond shaped eyes and a figure most females would sell their ovaries for. Standing next to her, it was impossible for Samantha not to feel plain and dumpy, but Stella was such a loyal and fun friend, it was impossible to hate her.
     Stella waved, then headed directly for the coffee pot. “Morning, sugar.”
    Sam joined her and found her mug. “And a damn good one from what I heard. Where’s your partner in crime?”
    “I left him tied to the bed for later use.”
    They both froze, as memories of what Alan had done to her, how he’d tied her down swamped Samantha. The terror, the pain, the absolute helplessness….
    Stella slapped a hand over her own mouth, brown eyes going wide. “Oh shit, Sam, I didn’t mean—”
    Forcing a smile, Sam took a step back. “It’s okay, it was just a joke. I get it.”
    Stella still appeared stricken, her reaction making Sam even more uncomfortable. Stella had seen her in the hospital, had seen her at her worst, after Alan left her for dead. The image haunted them both.
     “I’m an insensitive jackass.”
    “More like a bull in an emotional China shop. We’re good.” Sam turned away, looking for something to do. Busy was better. Fake it til you make it.
    Heavy footsteps on the stairs offered a welcome distraction. “Hey babe, I’ll catch you later.” His dark blue gaze reminded her of Trevor Harrison, though she didn’t see the same spark of intelligence or the intensity she’d felt looking at her new neighbor.
    “Sam, this is Declan. Deck, my business partner Samantha Jacobs.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Deck appraised her openly and Samantha shifted, uncomfortable with his scrutiny. She’d never enjoyed being the focus of male attention but post-Alan it was unbearable.
    Funny how Trevor’s assessing gaze had made her squirm for entirely different reasons.
    I need to stop thinking about him. And his blinds.
    “Stop by again sometime.” Stella offered her coffee mug to Deck who took a hit. They shared a passionate kiss and Sam turned away, envious of Stella’s easy demeanor. She’d never felt so comfortable with a man. Declan pulled away from Stella and tossed Sam a wink before heading out the door. They both enjoyed the sight of his well-toned