“I hate that.”
He smiles at me. “You’re a good man, Colt. That is actually your name? Colton?”
“Yes.” I chuckle. “If I’m deep undercover, I assume totally different names, but I’m not so deep right now. I don’t flaunt that I’m a cop, but I will if I need to. I wouldn’t give out my last name to just anyone. I make one up on the spot when needed.”
Davis pulls something from the oven, and the room immediately smells divine. My stomach grumbles. “Lasagna. Dude, you are a God.”
He chuckles again. “I’m not the best cook in the world, but I can make a mean lasagna. My grandmother taught me because it was my favorite food growing up, and she insisted a man should know how to cook some key meals to impress the ladies.”
I smile. “Well, I’m not a lady, but it’s working for me. I’m impressed.”
He adds a basket of French bread to the table, then reaches for the two glasses and fills them with ice. “What would you like to drink? Water, tea, soda?”
“Tea would be great. Thank you.”
I watch in fascination as he pulls two sippy cups from the cabinet next and fills them with a splash of apple juice and the rest of the way with water. He screws on the lids and sets them on the table.
Davis leans a hip against the counter when he’s done. “I can see Eve straddling both worlds. She’s not comfortable being little in front of you, and I totally understand. I think she’ll accept my gentle guidance though. She knows me, and she would ordinarily accept the direction from any Daddy at the club.”
I nod, wondering if there might come a day when I have to step up to the plate and fill this role for her, in order to keep up the ruse. If there’s even the slightest chance the seller or one of his men is a member or guest at surrender, I need to be on alert at all times there. I also need Eve to be herself in front of me so that no one suspects I’m a cop. That’s going to be challenging.
“Thank you for doing this,” Davis says, his voice serious. “I mean it. Roman and Julius are grateful too. They don’t want anyone at the club to be in danger. If there’s even the smallest possibility a member is involved in human trafficking, we all want to do whatever it takes to catch him or her.”
I nod. “That’s the plan.”
“I’ve spoken to my boss too, Blade. He’ll be at Surrender Friday night. An extra set of eyes all around can’t hurt.”
“Thank you.” I remember Blade. I met him eight months ago. Extra eyes are in everyone’s best interest. “Do you have any other friends I know that I’m going to see at Surrender?”
Davis glances at me. “If you go often enough, yes. I was going to mention that to you. Cindy and Hudson are members. Cindy owns the animal shelter. They won’t be there this Friday, however.”
I nod. I had guessed those two might be members.
Davis looks at me again, not saying anything.
I lick my lips. “Please be assured I will keep everyone’s identity confidential. I have no intention of upsetting anyone’s lives. My concern is ensuring Evelyn is safe.”
Davis chuckles.
“What?”
“Evelyn?”
“Eve. I’m still getting used to thinking of her by the nickname.”
He cocks his head to one side, a slight smirk on his lips. “You sure you’re not into age play?”
I narrow my gaze. “Why?”
He shrugs. “She lets Daddies call her Evelyn. No one else.”
I swallow. Or perhaps gulp.
He laughs again. “Shall we eat?” He turns toward the hallway, his voice rising slightly as he continues speaking. “Britney. Eve. Time for dinner.”
Moments later, the two women enter the kitchen. Britney bounces over to what I assume is her usual spot at the table. “Can Eve sit next to me, Daddy?”
“Sure, sweetie.” Davis moves the second sippy cup and plate and silverware to the other side of the table next to Britney.
I wait for the two women…girls?…to sit, then I settle into the chair meant for me. “This smells and looks amazing.”
Davis is still standing. He picks up the spatula and cuts into the lasagna. “We aren’t super formal here, Colt. Help yourself. I’ll just serve the girls.”
He’s just answered my question. He does refer to them as girls. Again, I’m curious how this translates to a sexual relationship.
He scoops out a steaming serving of lasagna onto Eve’s and Britney’s plates. After handing me the spatula, he serves them each from the salad bowl too.
Britney leans forward to peer at the plate. “Did you put carrots on it, Daddy?”
He taps her nose. “No, sweetie. I did not put carrots on the salad, just for you.” He grips her chin. “So, no excuses. You’ll eat every bite. And wait a moment for the lasagna to cool so you don’t burn your mouth.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I watch, mesmerized as he cuts her food and then sets a slice of bread on her plate.
“Would you like me to cut yours too, Eve?” he asks.
She shakes her head. “No, Sir.” Her voice is soft. She’s not meeting anyone’s gaze.
My chest is tight. I hate that I’m stifling her.
Once we’re all served, Davis sits, and we all start eating.
“Damn, this is delicious,” I state as I swallow my first bite.
Britney giggles and covers her mouth.
I glance at her and realize she’s reacting to my language. “Oops. Sorry. I guess you don’t cuss in this house.”
Davis chuckles. “You can cuss all you want. Britney may not. She knows she won’t be able to sit for a week if I hear her using naughty words.”
I can’t help smiling as she squirms on her chair, no longer giggling.
This entire dynamic is intriguing, but Davis and Britney are clearly happy, and it’s endearing in a way. I will never judge another human being for their life choices in my life. That’s for sure.
Eve is quiet as
