Hers to Keep (Irresistibly Bound 3)

“Yes, just try not to move too much.”

Frowning, Lindsey attempted to fix the shading around Camilla’s eyes. How was she supposed to capture the likeness of this larger-than-life woman that she knew so intimately with nothing more than a stick of charcoal and a piece of paper?

“I was thinking some more about the future,” Camilla said. “About us, and you. Have you thought about making a career of your art?

“I don’t know,” Lindsey murmured.

“Isn’t that what you always wanted to do with your life?”

“I guess.” Lindsey paused, her charcoal poised above the page. “But I have all those bills to pay off.”

Camilla propped herself up on one elbow. “Darling, I was always going to give you the money to cover your medical bills. That hasn’t changed now that we’re actually in a relationship. You don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Camilla had a point. Lindsey didn’t have any reason not to pursue her dreams. She felt a surge of anxiety. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”

“Are you really not ready? Or are you just afraid?”

Lindsey didn’t answer.

“You’ve shown me your work, Lindsey. You have real talent. I know good art when I see it, and yours is wonderful. It would be a shame to hide it from the rest of the world.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Well, if you decide you want to put yourself out there, I have a friend who owns a gallery in the city. If you put together a portfolio, I can show it to her.”

“I wouldn’t want to take advantage of your connections,” Lindsey said.

“You wouldn’t be. My friend is always looking for works by fresh talent. And she’s merciless when it comes to anything that isn’t to her taste. She won’t hesitate to turn you down if she doesn’t like your work. But I know she’ll love it.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Sure.” Camilla settled back onto the chaise.

Lindsey stared at her sketchpad and sighed. This was all wrong. If she couldn’t even draw a simple sketch of Camilla, how was she supposed to create something worthy of showing in a gallery?

“Are you okay?” Camilla asked.

“I’m just struggling with this, that’s all,” Lindsey said. “Maybe we should do this another time.”

Camilla sat up. “Come here, Lindsey.”

Lindsey placed her sketchbook on the chair and slunk over to sit next to Camilla.

Camilla draped an arm around Lindsey and pulled her close. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

“It’s not that. I’m just having an off day.”

“You do seem tense. How about we do something else instead?” Camilla’s voice dropped to a seductive whisper. “Something to help you relax.”

Lindsey smiled. “Like what, Mistress?”

“Like have a little fun in the playroom together.”

Lindsey glanced at the clock. It was mid-afternoon. “Don’t you have to work?”

“Last time I checked, I was in charge. I can do whatever I want. And right now, what I want is you.” Camilla drew Lindsey in close and kissed her, hard. “Playroom. Now.”

“Relax.” Camilla brushed her fingers along Lindsey’s bare back. “You’re still too tense.”