She blew her nose and he wiped her clean, turning to throw the used tissue in a trash can. Then he turned back and gave her a stern look. “Now. I know you’re feeling better. Might be you’re itching to get out of that bed and that’s what’s got you so out of sorts.”
“Maybe,” she whispered. “I guess.”
“You guess?” He looked thoughtful. “You know, I’ve been thinking about how much you’ve slept these past few days. Had me really worried about you.”
“I…I’m sorry?” Was he upset about that? But he was the one who was keeping her in bed, so it couldn’t be that.
“Nothing to be sorry about. I’m just wondering if there was more to it than your head injury.”
And now she felt even worse. “I’m sorry, Bear. I really am a horrible, selfish person for treating you like this when you’ve been nothing but kind.”
“That’s one,” he told her.
“What?”
“I’ve given you plenty of warnings about not putting yourself down. So that’s one spanking you’ve earned.”
Her eyes widened and she gaped at him. “You…you’re going to spank me?”
“Not right now. I believe a spanking should be given when earned, but you’re not well enough.”
And he’d never do anything to endanger her health because he was an honorable guy. She sniffled.
“Baby girl, you’ve been through a lot. And nobody expects you to be perfect all the time. If your attitude becomes too much, if it’s disrespectful, then I will take you in hand.”
Was there something wrong with her that she liked when he got all bossy and dominant? He studied her for a moment. “I know you’re feeling better, but you’re not getting out of that bed until I’m assured of your health, understand?”
She wasn’t happy about that but she nodded. At least it no longer hurt to move her head. She really was feeling a lot better.
“Words,” he said in a warning voice.
“Yes, Daddy.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry I don’t have much to offer you for entertainment. Hopefully we’ll be able to leave here soon. Do you want me to read to you again?”
Hurt filled her. It was stupid. She barely knew him. They had a temporary little girl/daddy dynamic going on but that was all it was. Temporary. And yet she felt ridiculously upset because he wanted to leave. Once they got out of here, they’d each have to go their separate ways.
And isn’t that what you want? To get on with your life? Alone. Not answering to anyone? Having no demands on you? And it wasn’t like he’d ever promised her more so she had no right to feel so out of sorts with him.
But she did.
“Ellie? You listening to me?” There was a deep rumble to his voice which indicated he was about to put his foot down. She was learning the different sides to him. He was far more dominant than he might seem on the surface. Mostly he had that tall, dark and silent thing going on. But once he’d agreed to be her temporary daddy his dominant side came out more.
And when he thought she needed something for her health, he didn’t hesitate to lay down the law.
Fuck, that was a big turn on.
“Sorry, Daddy. Daydreaming.”
He tapped her nose. “When Daddy is talking to you, I want you to pay attention, understand?”
“Yes, Daddy,” she answered dutifully.
“Where’d you live in Florida?” he asked as he picked up the porridge. No doubt it was cold by now.
He went to the stovetop and poured it back into the pot, reheating it. He sat in the armchair beside her and spooning some up, blew on it. Then he brought it to his lips as though to test the temperature. He pressed a spoonful against her mouth. She thought about arguing, but her tummy was grumbling.
She took the mouthful he offered.