Colt answers before Davis has a chance. “I met Davis last year when Britney was targeted for human trafficking.”
I jerk my attention back to Davis. “God, I never knew that.”
He nods. “It was over before Britney started coming to the club. She doesn’t like to talk about it.”
“I’m so sorry,” I tell him. How horrifying. I’m still confused though.
“Colton is good at his job, Eve. He helped save Britney’s life.”
I jerk my gaze back to the man who has put himself in charge of…keeping me alive?
Before I can ask another question, Colt speaks again. “I was in the booth next to you yesterday when you had lunch with your friend Leah.”
I think back. “Jesus. You listened to my conversation with Leah?”
“Yes.”
As my memory floods, my face heats. “We mentioned Davis.”
“Yes. Pure luck on my part that I happen to know Davis. I didn’t know he was a member of a club, but once you spoke of him, I knew I could ask him to help me out.”
My head is spinning and I cringe and shift my attention to Davis. “I’m so sorry. We never should have been talking about you.”
Davis waves me off. “Don’t worry about it. You weren’t badmouthing me.” He smiles.
I groan. “No. That’s for sure. Could I be more mortified?”
“Please. It’s not a big deal. If anything, you’ve boosted my ego.”
I drop my head into my hands and groan.
After a moment, Colt interrupts my pity party. “I have to ask. What specific kink are you all tiptoeing around here?”
Yep, I can be more mortified.
I glance at Davis as if he’s going to save me.
Luckily, he does. In a way. “Eve is a little.”
Colt lifts a brow. “You mentioned littles earlier. What’s a little?”
“Someone who enjoys age play, spending time roleplaying as if they were much younger.”
Colt nods slowly. “What age?”
Davis shrugs. “Littles come in all ages. Everyone’s kink is different.”
I stare at Colt while he absorbs this information. Ordinarily, I do not get embarrassed about my kink. I own it. But it’s not something I share with outsiders. My vanilla colleagues and friends are unaware of my preferences.
“Okay,” Colt murmurs. “I’ve heard of age play, but I didn’t realize it was so prevalent.”
I shudder. “There’s no way I can share that side of me with someone I don’t know.”
Colt shifts his weight, leaning forward. “I promise I’m not a judgmental person. I don’t want to disrupt your life in any way.”
I plant my hands firmly on my thighs, my voice rising. “You don’t want to disrupt my life? You’ve just told me that some unknown group of people might be planning to kidnap me and sell me into sex slavery, and you’re not sure who is following me, and you don’t want to disrupt my life?” I’m panicking.
Colt’s face tightens. “You’re right. I’m sorry. My primary goal is to protect you.”
Another thought comes to mind. “Why isn’t someone still after Britney?” I ask.
Davis opens his mouth and then hesitates. “She… Well, to be honest, that’s incredibly personal. I’ll let her tell you if she’s comfortable sharing.”
I blink at him in complete confusion. What a clusterfuck. I know Britney. We’ve spent time together. We’re both littles. We’ve colored and played games and any number of things in the daycare room. I had no idea she’d been the target of human trafficking, and I can’t fathom what her personal secret might be.
I rub my forehead with two fingers. I’m shaking. “Now what? I’m just supposed to go home and hope no one kidnaps me?”
“I’ll be watching you.”
I jerk my gaze to Colt. “From where? Jesus. How the fuck am I going to sleep? Unless you’re planning to watch me from my bed, I don’t see how I’m going to relax until you catch these fuckers.”
Colt draws in a slow breath. “Obviously, I’m not going to sleep in your bed, but I’ll be happy to sleep on your couch. It would be ideal, actually. I would never insist on so deeply infiltrating your life, but we’ll both sleep better if I do.”
I cringe and flatten my entire hand over my face now, swiping it downward. I can’t believe this is happening. I stare at the floor for a long time, thinking through my options. When I consider going home alone, I feel panic rising. But this cop is…too sexy for his own good. On top of that, he may not know a damn thing about age play, but he puts off serious Dom vibes that could have Daddy characteristics, which is a dangerous thing for me to think.
The way he stares at me with such intensity makes me squirm, and this is not a sensation I’m used to. I’ve never mixed my kink with sex. I don’t sleep with the Daddies I submit to. I come to the club, arrange for a specific scene, pretend to be naughty, get my butt spanked, and return home where I sleep like the dead.
Getting disciplined is a stress reliever for me. Like I’ve explained to Leah, we both like to get spanked. It’s invigorating. I just choose to set the scene in such a way that I pretend that my spanking is a necessary punishment. Whereas, Leah just flat-out asks someone to spank her, bends over, and pulls up her skirt.
I don’t know why I like the game I play, but I do. It’s not that I’m a brat… Okay, maybe I am. Or I could be if I had a deeper relationship with someone. It’s just never happened. My scenes are for the evening. An hour or two. We both go home. I don’t have sex with them.
My heart is beating too fast. This cop has the power to bring me to my knees. If I met him in a bar, I’d go home with him for a one-night stand. He’d never know about my little side. It’s another persona altogether. The lines don’t usually blur.
But now? I’d like this man to spank me so hard I cry and then fuck me clear into tomorrow.
I shudder, shaking off the ridiculous thoughts. I’m in serious trouble here. I need to make a decision. I glance at Colt and lick my lips. “I don’t even know you,” I point out, stalling.
Julius interrupts. “I can verify he is who he says he is. I spoke to his boss at the precinct. He is indeed an undercover cop working on this case.”
I’m breathing hard. “Fine. Okay. Let’s say you stay in my apartment, what happens when whoever is following me finds out?”
“He won’t. Not for now. We’ll worry about that later. Tonight, I’ll arrive after you and make sure no one knows what unit I enter when I get there.”
I nod slowly. That will work. Not forever, but for today. “Okay.” My shoulders drop.
Davis stands and comes to me, setting a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry this is happening. I’ve been there, or rather Britney has been in your shoes. Come to our house tomorrow for dinner. We can help Colt understand age play and you can take some time to speak to Britney. She survived this. You can too.”
“Did someone move into her damn house and guard her?” I’m angry. I can’t help it. It’s so violating. I don’t want anyone in my home. I like to be alone. It’s my haven where I can be my little self and unwind in the evening. No way I can do that with Colt there.
“Yes,” Davis responds. “I did.”
I flinch. “Oh. Shit. Sorry. That makes sense.”
“It’s how we met. She was in trouble. I brought her home with me. She never left.” He smiles. “I can’t imagine my life without her now.”
“Was she…little?”
He shakes his head, his next words contradicting the head shake. “Well…yes, but she didn’t know it yet.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze. “You can do this, and if it helps, I would trust Colt with my life. I have trusted him with Britney’s life.”
I nod. “Okay.” I glance back at Colt. “I guess we’re doing this then.”
Chapter 5
Evelyn
My foundation is cracked. I drop my keys on the floor while trying to unlock the door to my apartment. I’m shaking as I glance up and do
wn the hallway, worried someone is going to jump out and grab me. Worried one of my neighbors might step out of their apartment and want to make small talk.
I jump out of my skin when I hear the door at the end of the hall open, knowing someone is stepping out of the stairwell. I’m in such a state that I nearly cry out even though the man I find coming toward me is Colt.
He has a bag over his shoulder, and he moves efficiently toward me, somehow looking calm but determined at the same time. He also moves swiftly without appearing to be in a hurry.
When he reaches me, he eases the keys from my shaking hands and unlocks my door, a hand at my back ushering me inside.
I don’t breathe until the door is shut, realizing that I have been holding my breath for a while. Suddenly, I switch from scared to furious. I yank the keys out of Colt’s hand, stuff them back in my purse, and drop my purse on the coffee table as I rush past it.
This is not me. I’m solid as a rock when I’m my adult self. Nothing gets to me. I can face a room full of middle-aged men and turn them into putty while I explain to them why their business can’t claim daily alcohol consumption as a deduction.
It’s not surprising that I’m raw right now. This is my time. I left the office three hours ago. I should have been here in my home a long time ago, dressed in my footed pajamas, sipping a juice box, eating animal crackers in front of one of my favorite animated movies.
I’m shaking because I haven’t gotten my fix. Some people may do drugs or drink. I unwind by turning off my adult. It works for me. I had a hard day. I’d promised myself a bubble bath, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese.
Now? I have a permanent house guest who doesn’t know the first thing about my fetish and is going to put a cramp in my style.
“Evelyn?”
I spin around on my way to the kitchen. I’m hangry. “Eve.”
He nods. “Sorry. Eve. I’ve been thinking of you as Evelyn for two weeks.”
“Well, stop it.”
“Do you dislike your name? I think it’s lovely. Sophisticated. Like the owner.” He’s offering me a slight smile.
I set a hand on one hip and rub my temples with my other hand. “I don’t dislike my name. It’s just that…” I spin around before finishing. “You wouldn’t understand, and I don’t feel like explaining.”
“Okay. Fair enough. I’ll try to remember to call you Eve.”
“Good.” I head for the kitchen. Seriously, my blood sugar has taken a dive from not eating for so many hours combined with the rush of adrenaline I’ve been managing poorly.
“How about if I order us something to eat?” he offers.
I grab a glass and fill it with tap water, downing it before answering. At least I won’t be dehydrated.
“Do you like pizza?” he continues.
I set the glass down a bit hard, the sound reverberating through the room, and meet his gaze. “I’m sorry I’m completely rattled. I realize it’s not your fault. Pizza would be perfect. Thank you.” My little would love to have pizza. She’d also love to come out and play now. If I could just change into her, I might be able to put the past few hours out of my head for a while and buy myself some time to regroup.
Alas, not an option. At least I can have pizza.
“What would you like on it?” he asks as he pulls out his phone.
“Just cheese.” I don’t look at him as I brush past him, intent on at least changing out of my skirt, heels, and blouse. I aim directly for my bedroom, shut the door, and turn the lock.
Finally, I can breathe. I rush over to the window and close the blinds, shuddering at the thought that someone outside might be watching me. Maybe they have seen me changing or in my bra. Ugh.
Two seconds later, I’m in my closet, stripping off my adult self, including my bra and lace thong. Surely I can find something comfortable to put on that won’t make me appear too little. The footie PJs will have to wait another day. If I walked out to my living room wearing them, I would be embarrassed, and Colt would be uncomfortable.
I choose a pair of pink panties with a princess on the front. He’ll never see those. Next, I dig to the bottom of my pile of leggings to pull out the black pair I rarely wear. Lastly, I shuffle through my sweatshirts and find the only one that doesn’t have an emblem on it. It’s lavender, my favorite color.
In the bathroom, I tug out my bun and let my hair fall down my back. I sigh as the tension ebbs from my head. I brush it out, intending to put two braids in, but then stop myself. Jesus. This is fucked-up. I want to wash off my makeup but opt to leave it instead.
I can’t hide in here forever. I’m hungry. No, I was right before. Hangry. And I need to be polite to the cop who is going to shadow me for God knows how long.
When I emerge from the bedroom, I’m marginally less pissy.
Colton is wandering slowly around my space, which unnerves me. He spins around as I enter. “Hey. I hope you don’t mind, I surveyed your beverage selection in the fridge and added a two-liter of soda to the pizza order.”
I wince inwardly. “Okay.”
“Do you not drink soda?” he asks tentatively.
“Not at home.” My little doesn’t drink it. She doesn’t drink caffeine. She wouldn’t be able to sleep if she drank it anyway.
“And coffee? I notice you don’t have a coffee pot.”
I force myself to breathe. “I do. It’s just not out. There’s a Keurig in the cabinet next to the stove.”
“You don’t drink coffee either?”
This inquisition needs to stop. “I do. Just not…here. Listen,” I rub my forehead. “Can you just not…ask me so many questions right now?”
He nods. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” He points at the sofa. “Sit. You’re exhausted. I’m cramping your style. The pizza will be here soon. We’ll eat and go over some things.”
I’m certainly happy to sit, so I choose my usual spot in the corner of the sofa and tuck my legs under me.
Luckily, a knock at the door prevents further chit-chat. I flinch, but then force myself to calm down. It’s the pizza for God’s sake.
Colt looks through the peephole, opens the door, and pays the delivery kid. He somehow manages to shut the door and lock it in two places while balancing the pizza box in one hand and the two-liter under his arm.
Colt sets both things on the coffee table. “Are you okay with eating in here? I can grab plates and get you a drink if you tell me where they are.”
I lick my lips and glance at my kitchen. He’s safe from shock if he only opens the top cabinets. “Glasses are up and to the right of the sink. Plates to the left.”
He heads that way and returns moments later with a glass of ice for himself and ice water for me. “This okay?”
Marginally. “Thank you.”
The plates are under his arm, and he opens the pizza box next.
I smile as I see half is cheese and half is supreme.
“I wasn’t sure if you were vegetarian or something. I hope you don’t mind if some meat touched your half.” He eases two slices of cheese onto a plate.
“I’m not vegetarian. It’s fine.” I take the plate from him and settle back in my corner, not hesitating to eat the first bite.
Colt fills his plate with several slices and pours himself a soda before sitting at an angle from me in the armchair.
For several minutes, we eat in silence, and I start to feel more human. Slightly.
“I’m sorry,” Colt says when he’s done. He leans back. “I know I’m imposing. It sucks. You didn’t intend to have a houseguest. I can see if there are any units available in your building tomorrow and rent one.”
I flinch and shake my head. “No. Don’t do that.” I look at my lap. Seriously, it would be worse if he weren’t here. When I meet his gaze again, he’s leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. He’s so comfortable in his skin. His sleeves are pushed up his arms a bit, revealing hard muscles. His thighs are straining against his jeans.
No matter how I sli
ce it, the man is smoking hot. If I spotted him out at a bar or something, I would hit on him. Perhaps I would even go home with him. I bet he knows what to do between the sheets.
I shudder, shaking the unwelcome thought away. “I’d rather you stay here, if you don’t mind. How long do you think it will take to catch these people?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to make promises.”
I rub my forehead again. There is a dull throb behind my left temple.
“Headache?”
I nod.
“I’ll run through a few things with you, then give you your space. Maybe a bath and some aspirin.”
I stare at him. Does he know he’s a bit dominant? Hell, he sounds like a Daddy. It’s not intentional, of course. But it’s oddly unnerving. “I’ll do that.”
“So, tomorrow. What time do you normally leave?”
“Eight.”
“Okay. I’ll discreetly see that you get to your car and then follow you. Once you’re safely in your building, I’ll head to work myself. If you’d do me the favor of not leaving your office without telling me—”
“I won’t,” I interject. “I’ll bring my lunch or order in for now.”
“Good. We can exchange phone numbers. Just text me when you want to leave and I’ll follow you back here.”
“I’ll get you a guest pass so you can park your car in the parking garage here.”
He nods. “That will help. We can probably go a few days without anyone noticing me staying here. I know that’s hard to explain. Eventually, we might need to tell your neighbors I’m a cousin visiting from out of town or something.”
I smile for the first time all evening. “Sure. That doesn’t sound at all like a lie. The eighty-year-old man across the hall will buy that for sure,” I add sarcastically.
My breath hitches when he returns the smile. Damn, he’s even more attractive when the dimples come out. I’d like to feel that five-o’clock shadow rubbing against the inside of my thighs.
Great. Now I’m flushed.
Colt chuckles. “Okay, well, I’m more worried about imposing on your personal life. I know you’re dating Owen Karplus and—”
Charming Colton (Surrender Book 8) Page 3
