Picture Her Bound-epub Read Free Page A

a frank conversation. You could tell a lot about a person by their limits. Odalia was tough, playful and not much intimidated her. She’d drawn him in from the moment they’d begun.
    She cleared her throat. “At four fifteen I went to do makeup, hair and undress.”
    “I finished setting up the equipment between four fifteen and five. I would have gone in and out of the studio.”
    “I went out to my Jeep once to grab a bag, not sure what time.”
    “It was early in that time block.” He’d remembered because, as time went on, she’d shed more clothing. He hadn’t been able to avoid noticing her tantalizing, slow process of preparation, going from no-nonsense cop to sultry vixen of submission.
    “Okay, so around five we started—ah—the shoot.” She shifted on the couch, studiously not looking in his direction now.
    Did she remember the way they’d laughed? How they’d discovered the chemistry between signing the release forms and the first snap of the camera?
    “We did about an hour of shooting, and I needed to run out to my Jeep for a new lens.” He’d been amused to find out they both drove the same model Jeep, only different colors. While hers was blue, he preferred the green.
    “Did you lock the door behind you? I’m still not sure how someone would have gone in and out right under our noses.”
    “What about at…when was it? Five forty-five?”
    “The guy delivered dinner. Did you lock the door after him?” Odalia’s brows rose. While he’d paid for food, she’d scrambled to grab a robe and hide in a little side room.
    “I thought I did, but that’s got to be our opening. I was juggling the box of food and two drinks. I must have not locked it, but that doesn’t sound right.” He’d been paranoid about locking the damn door, especially since the shots he’d just finished had all involved close proximity to a very naked woman.
    “Wait, I had problems with the door shutting all the way. So let’s say you did lock it, but it wasn’t shut all the way. We broke at five forty-five for dinner and went back to the office, where we closed the office door for the heater. That’s got to be it.”
    “The thief could have jumped the fence anytime before then. There’s at least three vantage points within the fence perimeter that would have allowed them to see the door and not be seen. The thief approaches after the delivery guy leaves, and the door is partially open. He enters and steals the camera sitting on top of the spanking bench.”
    Odalia shivered as she scribbled. The damn thief had destroyed a beautiful moment. Her bound on the bench with strips of lace. The juxtaposition of the rough furniture, the delicate lace and her soft skin was an unforgettable image. He’d had plans to print it in sepia, but now it was gone. Maybe forever.
    “Then what?” she asked.
    The truth was, he didn’t know. They were right back to where they’d begun. They could detail the rest of the evening spent scouring the premises or scouting the block, but it was pointless.
    They sat in contemplative silence for a few moments. Jacques was out of ideas, and Odalia was driving herself crazy if her best idea was to string up a petty criminal for information. They weren’t going to get anywhere tonight. He pushed to his feet.
    “Come on, we’ll think better in the morning.”
    “Huh?” Odalia blinked up at the hand he extended toward her.
    “You ain’t leaving tonight. I want you where I can keep an eye on you. Plus, you need a partner, and unless you’re going to turn in a police report, I’m all you’ve got.” And it would give him every opportunity to make it up to her. He owed her that much.
    “I have to work tomorrow.”
    “And I’ll take you to get your car.”
    She stared at him a few moments longer before placing her hand in his. He hoisted her to her feet and guided her toward the sectioned-off area that served as his bedroom. He enjoyed the open flow to the loft, and it served his needs,