She swayed where she sat. If she’d been alone, she’d probably have fallen into bed, fully dressed. But she was glad he insisted on
a shower. She felt decidedly gross and dirty.
She could picture Jerome’s face as he stared at her. That insane glint in his eyes. She shuddered.
“Angel, don’t go to sleep yet,” Bain told her.
She opened her eyes. She hadn’t even realized she’d closed them. He turned off the shower and climbed out, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist before picking up another one. He held out a hand to her and she took it, letting him help her up. She climbed out of the shower and amazingly, managed to stand all on her own as he dried her off.
Go her.
He picked her up, setting her on the counter. Obviously, he didn’t have as much faith in her ability to stand without falling over as she did. He dried himself off and she watched the towel move over his gorgeous body.
“Yum.”
He snorted. “Yum? Are you eating me with your eyes?”
“Are you objecting?” she asked.
He threw the towel away then picked her up in his arms, holding her against his chest. She didn’t even have the energy to wrap her legs around his waist. She just let him take all her weight. He didn’t seem to mind, though.
“You can eye-fuck me any time you like.” His voice was a low rumble that sent a wave of pleasure through her. “But tonight, you’re not up to anything more than a cuddle and sleep.”
“I don’t wanna sleep.”
“Angel, you’re dead on your feet.” He carried her into the bedroom and set her down on the armchair. Then he pulled back the covers on the bed. “I’m worried you’ll keel over.”
“It’s a legitimate worry.” She watched as he set out her sleep sack. A happy sigh erupted from her. Maybe with her sack and Bain holding her tight, she might be able to keep the nightmares at bay.
“Still don’t wanna sleep.”
He turned back, his hands on her hips. “Why not?”
“I’m gonna dream about it.”
“About nearly being taken by Jerome or about your parents?”
“About you being kidnapped,” she whispered. “I nearly lost you.”
He knelt on the floor in front of her, pressing her legs apart and moving in close to her, his hands resting on her hips. “Angel, trust me. I was fine. Those two idiots had no idea what they were doing or who they were up against. I have no intention of ever leaving you.”
Tears dripped down her cheeks. God, you’d have thought she was out of them by now. “I can’t lose you, Daddy. I can’t.”
“You won’t. I promise.”
She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. He ran his hands up and down her back. “But you got to know, I’m gonna have nightmares too. And all of mine are gonna be about you risking your life like you did.”
He drew back, cupping her face between his hands. “It is totally unacceptable to me that you put yourself in danger.”
“I didn’t want them to hurt you.”
“I can take care of myself. And no matter what, no matter the situation, you always come first. Dominic should have fucking realized this and made you stay safe. You. Come. First. I’m tough. Can handle myself. But you, my angel, are infinitely precious.”
She knew she couldn’t promise not to risk herself for him again. She loved him. That’s what you did for the people you loved, right? You put them first. And he came first with her.
Still, she wanted to be allowed to leave her bedroom before she was old and gray, so maybe she shouldn’t tell him that she’d do it all over again.
“When all this is done with and you’re feeling more like yourself, you’re going over my lap every night for a week. Got to pay for the gray hairs you’ve given me.”