Page 76 of Cutter

But the strict dominant came to the forefront, demanding atonement for her careless breach of rules. Kissing her head, he asked, “What’s in the tote?”

“My princess gown,” she replied, gathering her eyebrows.

“I’m sure you didn’t eat yet, right?”

She shook her head.

Well, he knew that already. That was Emily’s MO. She’d run home, packed whatever she wanted to bring without a moment’s pause to care for her needs, and driven here.

Cutter sighed. “It’s a miracle you’ve survived in life without me.” Picking up the tote, he grasped her hand in his and then led her to his bedroom.

Turning on the light, he waited for her reaction. That fateful afternoon at the station, he’d said his place was a typical bachelor’s pad and a mess. The truth? Cutter was a minimalist. Who owned essential pieces to live and be comfortable and was near obsessive about cleanliness and order.

No. He’d denied her access because the moment she’d cuffed him, his heart had wanted her with an untold desperation. Opening his home so soon in their relationship was a guaranteed disaster. Once she’d entered, her spirit would impregnate his space forever. Emily would become a permanent fixture. Everywhere he’d look, she’d be there. And he wasn’t exposing himself to that until he was absolutely certain she returned his feelings. He’d worked damned hard to overcome his abandonment issues and heartache. Volunteering for more was just plain dumb.

Dropping her tote on his bed, he glanced at her. Her surprise was evident as she scanned the room and the sparse furnishings.

“But you said…”

“Said what, baby girl?”

“It’s clean and orderly. I was prepared for a messy place.”

“Glad you approve,” he said, bypassing the explanation. Maybe later, he’d reveal his reasons. But now, other matters were on the menu.

“Show me.”

Understanding his meaning, Emily zipped open the tote. Despite the soft light, her princess gown sparkled. He’d suspected as much. With loving gestures, she draped the glimmering dress on the bed, then continued taking items out. She lined a strapless bra, lacey panties, and the tiara he’d given her next to the dress. Finally, a pair of pink silk slippers came out. She placed them on the floor.

“These are very pretty, kitten.” He nodded with approval. “You won’t need this and this.” As he spoke, he picked up the bra and panties and tossed them back inside the tote.

“Why not, Daddy?”

“I’ve been too lax with you.” Holding her jaw, he turned her face gently toward him. “Daddy doesn’t explain his reasons, kitten. I’ll do it today for the last time. Underwear gets in my way. From now on, disobedience, hesitation, or questioning my orders is forbidden. You do, prepare for punishment. Understood?”

Emily’s eyes flashed. He recognized the light of mischief. But his sweet, deluded baby girl didn’t grasp the full implication of his warning.

“Punishments come in many forms, kitten.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheek, enjoying the silky feel of her skin. “I’m aware of your fondness for spankings. So…”

Leaving the comment unfinished on purpose, he walked to the linen closet in his bathroom. “I’m sure you didn’t shower when you got home, right?”

“I didn’t, Daddy.”

The softness in her response revealed her state of mind. Emily had moved from mischief to wariness. He’d managed to rattle her confidence. Good. Actually, he should pile a few more truths on her.

Cutter eyed her. “You’re taking a shower, kitten. There’s soap, and I left you a clean towel. After you put on your gown,come meet me in the kitchen. I’ll throw something together. You need to eat.” He touched her cheek again. “Understand this: had the circumstances been any different, I would have sent you back home for insubordination. But I didn’t want to make a big scene for the guys outside. Discipline is coming. You’ve earned it, and I’m dishing it out.” He pointed to the bathroom. “Now, go. I want to hear the water running.”

Emily’s naked, luscious curves were a joy to behold. He wouldn’t deny himself that pleasure. He watched as she discarded her clothing, then hurried to the shower. Her butt cheeks wiggled as she moved, and his mouth watered. Before the night was over, he’d be sampling those beauties and the treasures tucked in between to his full satisfaction.

Chapter Fifteen

Cutter threw on a pair of cargo shorts and a T-shirt. After giving a wistful look at Emily’s shadowed form behind the shower’s glass door, he took off from his room. One more minute, and he’d shuck the stiff disciplinarian attitude and jump under the water with her. He reminded himself the evening was only getting started. Feeding her came first. Later, there would be plenty of time to play with his baby girl as he illustrated his version of discipline on her body. And while he edged and tortured her, he intended to extract the real reason for her disobedience.

A horrible possibility had poisoned his thoughts. Disgusted with himself, he’d pushed it out of his mind. He refused to accept that Emily had it in her to deceive and manipulate him to that extent. Her reasons had to be…other. More innocent and genuine. Choices A or B on the list. Not C for conniver.

Weighing his options for a quick meal, he searched through his fridge. At the end, he took the quasi-chef salad route. Right away, he put four eggs on to boil. Those would take the longest to cook and cool. The rest of the ingredients were on hand. He had cold cuts and block cheese, plus arugula and romaine. Notexactly authentic, but they would do the trick, and they were his favorite greens. If she liked beans, he could add those too.

He’d just finished dicing the ham when Emily’s sweet voice stopped him.

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