She swallowed her mouthful and took a drink of water. “I’ve always needed at least nine hours of sleep at night to function.”
He held up the sandwich and she took another bite. It was starting to settle her stomach, but her headache was getting worse.
“Which means that you really do need a nap.”
She rubbed her forehead. “I think if I take some painkillers, I’ll be good.”
“No, little rebel. You’re having that nap. This is nonnegotiable. Daddy’s putting his foot down.”
“His foot?” She stared at him in surprise. He fed her another bite.
“Yep.”
“Is this like your counting?”
“The foot is much more serious. The foot must be obeyed or there are dire consequences.”
“Sounds ominous.” She smiled.
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“Oh, it is. Disobeying the foot means that you end up standing in the corner with a very sore, red bottom on display. Now, finish eating that while I get you some painkillers for that headache. Do you need to go to the toilet?”
She nodded and finished off the sandwich before using the bathroom. When she came back, he held out two painkillers and the water for her. Then he led her to the couch. He’d placed a pillow and blanket on the sofa. He helped settle her then gently massaged the back of her neck as she yawned and closed her eyes.
He moved his hand lower to pat her bottom. “Sleep, baby girl. I don’t want you moving from here until I come back, understand me?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“That’s my good girl.”
* * *
Duke walked into the office and stared down at a sleeping Sunny. She looked so peaceful. He was glad she was managing to sleep without nightmares. When she’d woken him up screaming this morning, he’d nearly gone for his gun, thinking she was being attacked.
He fucking hated that she was having nightmares because of what happened yesterday. He breathed in deep and let it out slowly, trying to ease the knot in his gut.
She mumbled as she moved onto her back, wincing slightly. Damn. Maybe he shouldn’t have spanked her this morning after she’d just had a bad dream. He ran his fingers though his hair as he moved to the sofa and gently lifted her shoulders up then turned himself so her back was resting against his chest, his arm secure around her.
He picked up the water bottle she’d barely sipped from. He needed to take better care of her. She’d drunk far too much caffeine today and not eaten enough. She was exhausted.
He loved being both her man and her Daddy. He fucking loved. . .her. He loved Sunny. Couldn’t imagine his life without her. Leaning in, he kissed the top of her head. It was nearly time to go home and he hated having to wake her up but she’d rest better at home.
Time to step up and really take care of her. He lifted the bottle of water to her lips.
“Have a drink, baby girl,” he whispered quietly. He pulled the blanket up around her. Then gently pushed the tip of the bottle into her mouth. She opened her mouth and started to suck.
“That’s a good girl. I want you to drink all of this.”
He enjoyed holding her like this when she was all sleepy. She sucked on the water for a while then he felt her stiffen and knew she was waking up. She tried to move her mouth away but he held her tight.
“Uh-uh, you’re not getting up until all this water is gone, baby girl. Settle back. You’re all right. I’ve got you.”
And if he had his way, he’d never let her go.
She laid back and drank it all. He put it down and then drew her up so she was sitting on his lap.
“How you feeling, baby girl?” he asked, brushing her hair back.