Page 43 of Cutter

A deafening roar surged out of the crowd. As if a gate had been lifted, the group of smiling women spread throughout the men.

“Effective,” Barron whispered next to him.

“Very,” Cutter agreed. “Creating mindless loyalty.”

“What are we supposed to do?” Johnny Gun asked.

Cutter scowled. A curvy, brown-haired woman moved from the pack and headed straight for them. In another life, he might’ve entertained the idea of a quick fuck on the closest table. Emily had changed all that. Besides, he wasn’t easily duped, nor was he was anyone’s sycophant.

“I didn’t come here for pussy.” He turned to his friend. “Are you interested, Johnny G?”

Johnny Gun shrugged. “Why not? She ain’t half bad.”

“Go for it. Don’t forget, stay sober and alert.” Cutter narrowed his gaze. “We’re in enemy territory.”

Johnny Gun nodded. “Got it.”

“Barron, we need to go thank our hosts.”

As Cutter started to walk, the girl attacked him on the right. Without wasting a minute, she wrapped herself around his arm. Her pungent perfume invaded his nostrils.

“Hey, big boy. Where are you going?” The girl’s voice was seductive and sweet. Her expression wasn’t. Cutter probed into her eyes and nearly recoiled at the fear contained within the dark depths.

Fuck!

Despite the heavy makeup and sleazy dress, she couldn’t hide her youth. He guessed she was around sixteen. His first instinct was to yank the girl out of the bar. He clasped her arm to push her away, but her look of horror stopped him.

Barron came to the girl’s side. “The handlers are watching her,” he said. Going with the pretense, he trailed a casual finger down her shoulder and arm. “Standing between the bar and the Chaos presidential table. Look who’s joining them.”

Cutter gave a side glance.

Nails?That bastard had too many irons in the fire.

“What’s your name?” he asked the shaking girl.

“Darcy.”

“Okay, Darcy.” He cupped her cheek, joining Barron’s act. “My good friend Johnny G is going to take care of you.” Cutter spoke to Johnny. “Come here, G. Meet Darcy.”

Johnny Gun approached from behind and clasped her shoulders. Gently, Cutter pushed her to him. “What are your orders?”

Blushing, she replied at last, “I… To entertain you.”

“Do you have any limits?” Cutter asked.

“None,” she replied.

“Would you like to be free? Walk away from this forever?”

Her mouth slackened, and she nodded.

“Good. This will work.” He smiled at Johnny Gun. “Take her over to a table and play. You have to convince her handlers. As soon as they stop watching her, take her outside, doing your best drunk act. Then take her to the clubhouse. We’ll figure out the details later.”

“Yep.” Johnny Gun held Darcy against him.

“But—” Darcy said.

“Hush.” Cutter pressed a finger on her lips. “We got this.”

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