“Now you sound like Wolfe.”
He grimaced at that accusation as he gently picked her up, cradling her in his arms. “Grab hold of the IV pole.”
“What are you doing?”
“I’m carrying you to the bathroom.”
“No, you’re not.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Unless you’d rather I got a bedpan?”
She grimaced. “No, I’d rather you let me go to the bathroom on my own.”
“Or I could send Wolfe out for diapers.”
“Caleb! I’m not wearing diapers.”
“Then stop being difficult and let me help you.”
“I am not being difficult,” she muttered.
“Yes, you are. You need help, Vivi. You can’t do everything on your own.”
To his shock, tears filled her eyes. “I know that. I can’t seem to do anything. Everything I do is wrong. I’m useless.”
He gave her a firm look. “That’s the last time I better hear you call yourself useless, little girl.”
She stared up at him with shocked eyes. “You’re not my father.”
“Thank God.” Because the feelings he had towards her weren’t fatherly. He had no idea if she was a Little. But he had a sneaking suspicion she might be.
“Grab the pole. I’ll take you to the toilet.”
She reached out a thin arm to grasp hold of the pole. God, she was light in his arms. He didn’t like that she was so fragile. Easily hurt.
She’d always seemed so capable and self-assured. Strong. If he’d known this was happening, that she was slowly fading away, he’d have come for her earlier.
And damn the consequences.
Walking into the small bathroom, he moved to the toilet. “Have you got panties on?”
“W-what?”
“Have you got panties on? You’ll need help taking them off.”
“I will not!” she said indignantly. “I’ve been taking my own panties off successfully for a very long time. Well, there was that time I got really drunk on a girl’s night and Aleki had to help me . . . and why am I talking about that?” She pressed her hand to her face. “Can you please just put me down and leave me to wallow in my embarrassed misery?”
He had to grin at her theatrics. Although, now he really wanted that story. “Glad to hear you’ve mostly got control over your underwear. However, you can’t stand on your foot. So I’m gonna put you straight down on the toilet. Now, do you need your panties taken off first?”
“No, I do not.”
“Because you’re not wearing any or you’re being stubborn?”
“I’m not being stubborn!”
He sighed. “Jelly bean, either you let me help you or I get the nurse. Now, what is it?”
She was stiff against him.