I backed off an inch and asked, “How’s that?”
“I don’t know. I could probably take it for a few hours, but all night?”
I backed off another inch.
“Okay, no more. I don’t want to get loose either.”
I unfastened the shoulder straps and gently eased the leather off her. Gail brought her arms around and massaged her shoulders. “Damn, I didn’t think it would be that bad.”
“It’s an unusual position. You’ll get used to it.”
She gave me a questioning look and then shook her head. “That’s not what I’m afraid of.”
“Are you sure I can’t fix you something to eat?”
“I’ll eat a protein bar once I’m trussed up like a lamb to the slaughter, but thanks anyway.”
I started for the kitchen. “I’m going to start a pot of coffee. I don’t know if I’ll be too busy later, but it seems prudent.”
“If you’re planning on being up all night after only a few hours of sleep last night, you’d better plan on more than a single pot of coffee.”
“Okay, would you like a cup?”
Gail shook her head. “I don’t think so. Once I’m trussed up, I shouldn’t be drinking anything because I am not letting you help me go.”
I had to grin, but I was careful to keep my back to Gail. There was definitely a limit to how much amusement I could show before she’d take out her mood on me. If the situation weren't so damned serious, I could really have fun with it.
I made one pot and refilled my Thermos, then set things up to start another pot.
When I came back to the table, I found Gail staring at the moonrise countdown. There was still a long time to go.
She looked up when I sat down beside her. “Maybe you should start binding me now.”
“Why? What’s bothering you?”
“What if the website is wrong? The moon could come up in the next ten minutes and then where would you be? Besides, if I wait much longer I’m afraid the anticipation will kill me.”
“Would you like something to relax you?” I said, careful not to add any inflection or raised eyebrow.
Studying me skeptically, she asked, “Like what?”
“I brought a bottle of diazepam. It would relax you.”
Gail considered it. “At least until the change started. A werewolf’s metabolism is way too high for any drug to work for long.”
“Until then, or would you prefer bourbon?”
She almost forced a smile. “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can tie me up and have your way with me?”
I took a sharp breath and smiled at her. “Found out. Curses foiled again.”
“I think one drink then you should get started on working your way with me,” Gail said.
I nodded and stood. I went to the cabinets above the sink and located half a bottle of Makers Mark and an eight-ounce leather-sheathed flask. I took down the bottle and two glasses. I checked the freezer for ice but found I’d forgotten to refill the plastic trays. I poured three fingers into each glass and returned to Gail. She was watching the tablet’s counter again.
“To your health,” I said and held out her glass.
She choked back a retort and raised the glass to tink it against mine. She threw back her drink in one nervous motion. I swallowed about half mine and sat beside her.
I reached for her and unbuttoned the top button of her blouse.
Expressionless, Gail watched me until I started on the second button. “Ah, Hoss, what do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m undressing you.” I moved to the third button.
“I can see that. Why?”
I moved to the fourth button. “The silver needs to be against bare skin.”
She sighed, exaggeratedly. “I knew you were going to find some excuse to get me naked.”
I grinned. “Don’t worry; you can leave on your bra and panties.”
“You didn’t mention this earlier,” Gail complained.
I finished with the fourth and moved to the last button above her belt. Then, slipping her blouse off her shoulders, I caught it before it could fall to the floor. I was surprised to have revealed a very feminine bra that was nothing like the sports bra she had worn when we met.
“I thought it was obvious. Silver against your flesh is the only thing we have that might prevent you from changing. Stand up.”
Gail stood. “But I thought you were going to wrap the chains around me and tuck the medallions under the tape.”
“That’s right, but until we know what it takes to keep you from changing, I’m going to use all we have.”
I undid her belt’s clasp and then unfastened the single button on her jeans. I glanced up and met her gaze. She was watching, but making no move to stop me. I slid the zipper of her jeans down and grasped the waistband in both hands. I pulled the jeans slowly down while keeping my eyes locked on hers. When they were at her knees, I looked down and found myself at eye level with a dainty pair of panties with lace trim that matched her bra.
I met her gaze again. “Black lace?”
She blushed.
I was shocked. I couldn’t ever remember seeing Gail blush and this was twice in one day.
“Look, Jesse, just because the woman is a hunter, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to look her best.”
“You won’t hear any complaints from me,” I said and then suddenly remembered she said she knew I was going to get her undressed. Had she worn the dainty garments for my benefit? Was she trying to ease back into a relationship with me? It had been six years, but before we had parted, we had as close a pairing as two people could have. It gave me something to think about.
She braced her hands against my shoulders and lifted each leg in turn until the jeans were free of her legs. I laid them over the back of the chair and stood.
I stepped
