Page 24 of Cutter

Long minutes passed in silence. He didn’t release her, and she didn’t try to move away.

Cutter broke the silence first. “This is a cute romper,” he said.

“It’s my favorite.”

“I saw a few others folded in the drawer. Somehow, I knew you’d want this one. How long have you known, Emily?”

Suddenly, she had no words. A strange quiver traveled through her.

“Polite girls answer questions. Otherwise…”

She exhaled a hard breath. “I’m not sure. When I came out of foster care, I realized I was different. I liked dressing and doing things in a way that other people thought were childish and immature.”

“How long were you in foster care?”

“Ten years.”

“Oh, kitten. That must have been so hard for you.”

She shrugged. “At the beginning, it was. The last four years, I was sent to a nice couple. The Winstons. They were up to their elbows in children, but always kept their cool. By then, I was fourteen and didn’t give them any trouble. I had my nose buried in books.”

“Still, must’ve been rough.”

“You deal with what life gives you the best way you can.”

“Okay. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to help you with the Sons of Chaos. There’s a price to my cooperation, though.”

“What?”

“You’re never setting foot in the Dirt Road Saloon again.”

“But—”

“You have a thing for buts,” he grumbled. “Fair warning, Emily Mayhew. Keep resisting me, and you’re gonna get the spanking of a lifetime. As it is, you already have one pending.”

His expression was a raging storm, but she held her ground. “Spank me? For what? I haven’t done a thing.”

“Oh no? Showing up at the saloon, dressed to attract attention, and dragging a poor untrained civilian as your backup was the dumbest decision in the history of undercover investigations. Either you don’t know the first thing about biker bars, or you’re in desperate need of training. I won’t mention a third option because it would kill my control.”

She jumped off his lap. “What third option? What are you talking about?”

“You went there looking for male attention.”

“I’m the detective in charge of this investigation.”

“And?”

“Means you can’t talk to me that way.”

“But I can. Have I insulted you in any way? I’ve pointed out your errors. I’m talking to the detective. You need to hear loudand clear how foolish you were. Don’t like it? Too bad, deal with it. Had I not been at the saloon, you would’ve ended up in Nails’s bed or who knows where. I could throttle you for that.” He stood and walked after her. “Infiltrating Chaos was my job. You asked me. You were supposed to trust me with this. But you didn’t. That speaks volumes. If your captain found out what you did, he’d be furious, and don’t bother trying to deny it. Aren’t you my girl? Didn’t you just call me Daddy? Daddies protect their girls.”

“Yes. No. Don’t do that. I’m confused.”

“Is that right?” Grasping her face one-handed, he leaned in. “Tell me you don’t want this, little girl.” His lips brushed hers. “Come on. I dare you to step out of your hidden playroom and accept reality. Here’s your Daddy.”

“God, yes.” Throwing her arms around his neck, Emily pressed her lips to his. He took her mouth deeply, with the ferocity of a starving man. Excitement, desire, and need battered her, and she entwined herself around his muscular form. Elation filled her soul, and she held nothing back. She was his, body and soul. That was clear in her heart. It had happened in an instant, but the emotion was as strong as if it had taken years to grow.

Slowly, he broke the kiss. “Now you know what I’m offering, little one. Not to be crass, but I can get my rocks off anywhere. That’s easy. One night and it’s done. Next, this Daddy wants the full package. His little girl’s submission, her devotion, and most of all her trust. We have nothing if you don’t trust me. You belong to me, but I’m not Nails. I won’t force you into anything. The decision has to be yours.”

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