Page 22 of Cutter

“And there’s the problem. You have a hard time accepting help. But I’m going to change all that.”

“Change what? Oh, I get it. You’re going to shape me your way and then take off when you’re bored or things get complicated. Guess what? I’ve had it with guys like you. And why am I so angry and sad? Where did Yoanni go? I need my friend. She likes me.”

“Easy, now.” Cutter’s expression softened as he cupped her cheek. “Nails put a strong roofie in your beer. The drug is a powerful depressant. You’re feeling the hangover.”

“Hence, I should stay home,” she murmured in concession.

He sighed. “Yes, kitten.”

Emily shot him a look. She found no weirdness or self-consciousness in his expression. He seemed calm, as if voicing endearments was a normal thing for him. If so, letting it slide might be a good idea.

“So now what do we do?”

Cutter smiled. “You stay put while I make you some toast. If your tummy handles the food, then you can have coffee. One mug. No more.”

“Yes. But what about…?”

“Taking a shower and changing clothes?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Baby steps. We wait for the dizziness to end, then we move on. Relax, kitten. Daddy Cutter’s got this all under control.” He laughed, but she wasn’t amused, not one little bit.

While he kidded around, he’d touched the most vulnerable part of her soul and unwittingly caressed her aching heart.

Emily fisted the sheets, controlling the urge to shout out her truth to him: that underneath all the forbidding trappings of lawenforcement, she was a tender girl, a lonely Middle, desperate to find a Daddy who’d want to love and take care of someone like her.

Her recovery hadn’t been as easy as she’d imagined, thanks to her stubbornness and pride. Meanwhile, Cutter had been surprisingly patient and sweet. He’d sat next to her, watching her struggle against the drug’s lingering sleepiness. Holding the plate, he’d fed her bits of lightly buttered toast, waiting for her system to accept the food. During that time, he didn’t speak a single disapproving word.

The strange part in all this was her reaction to Cutter’s keen eye. He wasn’t Dennis, her on-and-off ex and so-called Caregiver. Cutter was fully engaged. He watched her every move. She should be delighted. And yet, despite getting the attention she so craved, her rebellious Middle wanted to assert herself. Test his resolve. He’d called himself Daddy Cutter. Was he playing, or did he really mean it? She had ways to find out.

Food finished, he’d gone with her to the bathroom. This was the ideal situation to push his buttons.

“Are you going to supervise everything I do?” Toothbrush in hand, Emily frowned at Cutter’s reflection through the vanity mirror.

“Count on it.” He folded his arms. “I’m making sure you brush your teeth properly. No skipped or missed spots because you’re in a rush.”

She rolled her eyes.

He glared. “Keep that up and you’ll get a taste of this.” He held up his palm.

Wow, if this was a real Daddy’s behavior, maybe she had to rethink her approach. Her confusion continued. On one hand, to have this gorgeous man dote on her and watch her every move warmed her frozen heart. On the other, he showed a disciplinarian streak she was about to test. What was she thinking?

Dennis had never managed every act or aspect of her life so closely. Their Daddy-Middle relationship had been more of an in-name-only relationship for the club rather than total commitment.

The next tricky situation approached. Shower time.

Would he give her privacy while she changed out of her dirty clothes, showered, and changed into… What? One of her floral rompers or superhero tank tops and shorts?

If her sassiness hadn’t given her away, her clothing surely would.

As she spit out the toothpaste, he passed her a paper cup full of water to rinse. Cutter reached into the shower and turned on the water.

Uh-oh.

“Okay. Come closer and turn around.” He circled two fingers.

She obeyed, half in panic and half riddled with curiosity and desire. He intended to help her out of her clothes. The idea alone was enough to trigger the strongest arousal she’d experienced in ages.

---