Page 21 of Cutter

Heat flushed Emily’s face. “Wow, that’s embarrassing.”

“Before Cutter left, he made sure you were all cleaned up and sleeping. He offered to stay and watch over you, but I told him I was staying.”

“Really? And where did you sleep?”

Yoanni smiled. “Right next to you, silly. I took off your slacks and shoes, but you never felt me. I woke up thirty minutes ago. I showered and made some coffee. I’m not offering because I don’t know if he’ll let you have any.” Taking the glass from her, Yoanni stood. She glanced at the door.

“What? He? I don’t understand.”

“Means you need to eat first.” Cutter spoke from the doorway.

Emily’s heart jumped to her throat, and her jaw dropped at the sight of his tall and muscular form. The rush of adrenaline pins and needles was so strong and moved so quickly through her that she thought she would faint. She blinked as her brain fought to accept his presence was real.

This can’t be happening…

As he walked forward, taking up every bit of space in her bedroom, Yoanni slinked out.

“And depending on how your tummy reacts, then you can have coffee.”

His movements were fluid and graceful. She was reminded again of a jungle feline striding her way. His dark, magnetic gaze inhaled her. She tried to swallow, but had no saliva. As he approached, his masculine scent wafted to her nostrils, setting her intimate parts on fire. Her clit pulsed and her sheath contracted. Mentally, she was unprepared for this, but her system hadn’t needed preparation to want Cutter and had reacted accordingly.

Get a hold of yourself.

How could she when he’d surprised the crap out of her? This was the man of her dreams and secret desires, in the flesh. And in her bedroom! Everything he was, from top to bottom and down to the last tattoo, called to the primal woman in her.

Her soul ached for him.

But good old doubt struck. Dialogue from the past surfaced:

“You’re an embarrassment.”

“Grow up already.”

Why would he bother with someone like her, the Emily Mayhew she hid from everyone else?

She wasn’t worthy. Another man had shied away, abandoned her, proving her flaws…

Cutter stopped at the side of her bed, dropping his fists on his hips. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she huffed. “Stop fussing over me.”

“You’re not fine.” He cocked his head. “You took a nasty drug last night, and it shows. Let’s start there.”

“I know my body. I’m not a child.”

He grinned, displaying a perfect row of white teeth. “Then stop acting like one. Unless you want me to take you over my knee and give you the spanking you deserve.”

“How dare you?” Heat rushed to her face. Quickly, she looked away from his knowing gaze. Because in her mind, she saw herself bent over his lap as his large hand struck her butt…

Oh, goodness. She crossed her legs to stop her clit from twitching.

Wouldn’t you know it? He caught the movement under the sheets and nodded. Could her face get any redder?

“This is ridiculous. I have to go to work.” Lifting the sheet, she tried to get up, but her body betrayed her again. The room spun, and she swayed.

Cutter’s big hand fell on her shoulder. “You’re not back to normal yet. Stop fighting this. You’re a danger to yourself and to others outside. Yoanni will make your excuses with the captain. I’ll stay to make sure you don’t do anything dumb. Besides, we have matters to talk about.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Rubbing both hands on her face, she raised her voice close to yelling. “Why won’t people listen to me? I know how to take care of myself. I’ve done it all my life.”

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