Picture Her Bound-epub Read Free Page B

but it wasn’t for everyone. His bed sat next to an exposed brick wall, behind a divider of oddly decorative screens and bookcases. Design wasn’t his strong point, but he’d studied photography enough on his own to appreciate a good layout.
    “You aren’t much for furniture, are you?” she asked, stopping in the makeshift entry between the bookcases.
    “Not really.” He pulled his shirt over his head and toed off his boots.
    “You expect me to sleep here, with you?” She frowned at him, and he paused.
    “You have a problem with it?” He could sleep on the couch, had many a time, but he wanted her close. Close enough to touch. To make sure she wasn’t out there doing something stupid.
    “Seems a little hypocritical. Earlier you wanted away from me. Now you want to sleep with me.”
    Jacques grabbed her chin and tipped her head back. “Emphasis on sleep, bébé . I didn’t spank your ass earlier because you’ve been high on stress for two days and a few hours ago you were waving an empty pistol at a man. Excuse me if I don’t think those are the best circumstances to invite someone to play.”
    He felt the heat rising on her cheeks more than he saw it in the dim light.
    “All right,” she mumbled and pulled out of his grasp.
    He gave her a moment to herself and turned the lights off before returning. In those few short moments, Odalia had shed her clothing and burrowed under the comforter, lying on her side, facing the wall.
    It was easy to think of her as a little thing, but compared to other women, she was tall. Athletic. Curvy as hell. She had enough gumption for a whole score of people. And she’d hit a rough patch this holiday season.
    Jacques stripped down to his boxers and slipped between the icy-cold sheets, scooting across the bed until he felt her heat soaking up the fabric. He wrapped an arm around her and tucked her head under his chin.
    “For the record, bébé ,” he whispered next to her ear, “I’m going to play your ass in the morning. Don’t think for an instant there isn’t an inch of you I don’t want to touch or investigate for myself.”
    Odalia shivered in his arms and leaned back against his chest. She smelled of something familiar, pears maybe. In the dim light he could make out the line of her jaw as she turned to glance up at him. “Promise?”
     
     

 

Chapter Two
     
    Odalia yelped as Jacques yanked the blankets off the bed. She scrambled to jerk them back over herself, but they were out of reach.
    “It’s early,” she whined. Morning was not her ideal time of day.
    Jacques tossed the blankets behind him and placed his hands on his hips, his gaze narrowed. “You hit the snooze two times already, bébé . Time to get up.”
    “Mmm, don’t wanna.” She curled up on her side, hugging pillows that smelled of sandalwood and musk to her chest. They smelled of him.
    She’d spent the night wrapped in his arms. The morning had arrived too soon, stealing away the peace she’d found.
    Jacques slapped her ass and she yelped again, gasping at the sudden heat. He leaned over the bed and smacked her again on her upper thighs, below her bottom.
    Odalia rolled to the other side of the bed and tumbled to the floor, somehow managing to land on her feet. She crouched, fingers on the cool hardwood, glaring across the mattress at Jacques, who smiled at her.
    “Morning, bébé .”
    “Fuck you,” she growled and straightened, lifting her arms to stretch. She’d taken the chance and slept in her camisole and panties. He hadn’t even copped a feel, and she didn’t know if she was disappointed or impressed.
    His gaze flicked to her breasts. It was like a physical caress to her skin. Her nipples tightened, and a wave of heat washed over her.
    Disappointed.
    The thought of his hands on her had her skin heating.
    “Before or after coffee?” he asked.
    Odalia winced and massaged her temples. “After.”
    “What’s wrong?” He circled the bed and pushed her hands out of the