Page 74 of Cutter

“That makes sense,” Cutter commented absently. His mind was at full throttle, working out a plan. “You said, ‘curb her unrestricted movements.’” He lifted a finger. “That’ll do it. She’llbe pissed when I tell her we’re spending Wednesday night together. I don’t give a shit.”

“Great idea.” Blade smiled. “And you should add tonight as well. Two nights in a row will be easier to swallow. The added control will feel less abrupt, and it’s more preparation for your life together. I assume that’s where you’re going.”

“You assume correctly,” Cutter said. “Once this Chaos business is over, I’ll bring up the topic.”

“Why not now?”

“Her plate’s too full, and she could fall back on the Tween. I want the clearheaded adult to make decisions.” Standing, he pulled out his phone. He tapped his keypad as he moved to the doorway. “I’ll talk to you in a bit, brother. I’m calling her now.”

“Good luck,” Blade said.

Cutter waved and walked out.

Wednesday afternoon, Emily sped through her front door, a woman on an urgent mission. Throwing her briefcase and purse toward the sofa, she didn’t bother to see where they landed. She was in too much of a hurry, and the lack of sound meant both had landed safely on cushions. Opening her play closet, she riffled through the hangers, searching for the absolute best outfit. Overriding Cutter’s authority as she intended to do, and to come out of this without a spanking to end all spankings, she’d need a stunning…

Why the hesitation? Her princess gown was perfect, thank you very much.

Carefully, as if the dress would dissolve in her trembling hands, she removed the straps from the hanger, then draped the glittery, wispy thing on the bed. With that out of the way,she turned her attention to gathering the necessary items. A tote large enough to hold her goodies was in her regular bedroom.

As she headed to the hallway, Yoanni’s dire warnings hounded her again. On the drive home, Emily had tried to push her friend’s comments out of her mind, but the effort wasn’t working.

“Be careful, Emily. Surprising Cutter at his place isn’t a good idea. He already said he’s coming to you.”

“I know what he’s doing. This is the second night in a row. Don’t get me wrong. I love it when we’re together. I want the hours to last forever, but tonight, it’s different. He’s doing this to keep track of me.”

“He’s your Daddy. He’s trying to protect you. Why would you object to that?” Yoanni had asked, wide-eyed.

“Any other night, I’d be excited and counting the minutes. I love how he spoils me. He truly understands my Tween soul. And the sex? I have no words. He’s an unbelievable lover. But the way he’s trying to stop me from joining the captain on the bust, it’s underhanded, and it’s pissing me off.”

Emily spoke while she straightened her desk to leave, and Yoanni grabbed her arm. “Wait. You’re still going? After what he said? How are you going to trick him? He’s no fool.”

“Agreed. But he’s also human and eventually will get tired. As soon as he falls asleep, I’m out of there.”

“Come on, Emily. Tricking him doesn’t feel right. That’s lying. You could lose Cutter. I don’t understand you. Why are you looking for an argument?”

“I’m not,” she barked, and Yoanni took a step back. “Sorry, sweetie, that was rude.” She tried to offer an apologetic smile. “It’s just… I’m in a hurry. If I’m going to catch him before he leaves his home, I have to go now.”

“But Emily?—”

“Yoanni, I’m going to be there. I’ve worked too hard, swallowed Newton’s and McCormick’s crap, without a complaint. This bust is my moment, and no one, not even Cutter, is going to stop me.”

“Well, you know best.” Lifting a shoulder, Yoanni disappeared down the hallway.

Yoanni had been looking out for her. Cutter was doing the same thing. Was she being unreasonable and stubborn about this?

Maybe.

Stubbornness had been a good friend. Stubbornness had told her to ignore the naysayers and stay the course to improve her lot in life. Had given her the stamina to endure endless nights of studying and cramming complicated case law information. In the end, stubbornness had given her the wherewithal to pass the grueling test and interview with flying colors.

And now here she was, within hours of witnessing the fruit of her efforts. How could she turn her back or simply not go?

Impossible.

She loved Cutter. Adored him. There was no denying her feelings. But she couldn’t obey. Not this time. It was too important. “God, I hope you understand.” Murmuring to herself, she searched through her work closet, found the tote she’d been looking for behind her shoe rack, and squealed with delight. She pulled out a basic T-shirt and black leggings from her dresser and changed quickly.

Backtracking to her playroom, Emily looked through the closet’s built-in shelves where she kept her accessories. The sparkling tiara Cutter had sent gave her a pang of guilt. She rubbed the ache in her chest with the heel of her hand, then pressed on. Gathering the last few items, she packed them carefully into the tote. The last piece was the princess dress, which she folded with utmost care within a plastic bag.

When and how she’d change into the gown before knocking at his door might require some magic.

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