Page 4 of Cutter

He wiped his face with both hands, covering the silly, girlish reaction. “Now, listen. If I agree to do this, and I’m not saying I will because I have to think about it, Blade has to be in the loop. That’s non-negotiable.”

“It’s your choice, Cutter. Remember, the exposure is all yours. In my opinion, the fewer people involved, the better the results of this operation will be and the safer you’ll be.”

The changed dynamic between them, his rising from detainee to a key asset in her investigation, and hearing his name on her lips did funny things to his heart. Twenty minutes into this meeting with this gorgeous and smart woman, not only was he hooked, but he’d happily undertake any dangerous job or mission for her. Besides, that hint of submissiveness had to be explored.

“Blade is my backup and safe passage into the club,” he continued. “To make friends and infiltrate them, I’d have to meet the Chaos on their own turf, wearing neutral or at least no Spawn colors. Kind of difficult to do because my allegiance is well-known. Any sudden shift attracts attention, makes people wonder. If a crossover agreement is reached between the MC presidents, that would open the door for me. Bring Blade into the mix.”

“I see your point. It’s a delicate balance.”

“You’ve no idea.” He folded his arms. “Huge egos and old traditions are involved.”

“Didn’t think about that.”

“And not to change the subject, but what are you doing with my guys Johnny G and Barron?”

She pointed over her shoulder. “They’re waiting for you in the receiving area. They were informed, same as you were, that the store owner had cleared up the assault situation. You guys came in and helped her out. The victim was a new employee. She’s both grateful and distraught.”

“And the robber?”

“Skipped out the back after shooting the employee. He’s in the wind.”

“Pity.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Poor kid didn’t deserve to go that way.”

Emily shrugged. “This is the harsh reality we deal with day in and day out.” She stood. “I don’t want to pressure you, but… Could you give me an idea of when you might decide?”

Cutter stood after her. “Might take me as long as a couple of days. I need to evaluate the situation and run it by Blade. It’s not just me. He has to be on board too.”

“Sure. I understand. And you’re right. I didn’t take into consideration the seemingly small, yet quite critical, details.” She extended her hand to shake his. “Thanks for listening to my proposal. I hope you’ll decide to help me.”

Cutter clasped her small hand in his without shaking it. Acting on his suspicions, he stroked his thumb over the silky skin on the back of her hand. The touch was light, almost a caress, carrying a possessive message. Emily’s dark blue eyes flashed with a peculiar light, then it was gone. Another woman would’ve pulled away from him. Rejected him outright. Not Emily. She smoothly retrieved her hand without voicing a complaint or protesting his irregular behavior.

Yep. His suspicions were on point. “Where?” he asked.

She cocked her head. “Where what?”

“Do we meet…if I accept. ’Cause unless I’m arrested for something big, I’m not coming back to the station. That wouldbe a dead giveaway for anyone tailing me. I can call or text, but from time to time, we’ll have to meet in person somewhere.”

“Right.” She clasped her hands, her eyes shifting as if she were thinking.

“What about your place?” he said quickly. “I’d offered mine, but I’m a bachelor and kind of messy. Some of my decor could offend your feminine sensibilities.”

Emily’s sudden laughter made him smile. “Feminine sensibilities?” She laughed even harder. “You’re funny, Cutter. I lost those the day I joined the force. Okay. I guess my place will have to do.” She tore a sheet off her notepad, scribbled quickly, and passed it to him. “This is my address and personal phone number. Do not call the station for any reason. That’ll raise a ton of red flags. There’s one person I trust who also needs to be brought into our…special collaboration. Plus, I have enemies who still resent my promotion.”

“Enemies? No. A sweet thing like yourself can’t have any enemies.”

Her brow tightened. “I’m not that sweet. I promise you.”

Is that right?Going into full dominant mode, Cutter pushed and probed the dark blue gaze. Privacy walls upon privacy walls and defenses upon sturdy defenses met his search. All the stiff barriers Emily Mayhew had carefully propped up to conceal and protect a tender soul curled up in fright.

Fuck, yes, she was his ideal combination of sweet, sassy, and submissive…and something more…an exciting and special trait that would fit in with his untapped Daddy proclivities.

That pushed him on. He decided to accept her offer, though he wouldn’t tell her right away. He was already licking his chops. Itwas going to be his utmost pleasure to discover what other gems Detective Emily Mayhew hid away.

Cutter rode into the clubhouse’s front yard with Johnny Gun and Barron following close behind. As one, all three backed up their choppers and parked side by side under a new overhang Blade had installed as protection from the elements. Cutter bounded up the porch steps and entered the main room, shouting, “Blade. We gotta talk.”

“In his office. Where else would he be?” His wife, Cel, spoke as she passed by him, heading to the kitchen.

“Thanks.” Touching his forehead, he strode to the office.

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