“It’s debatable,” he admitted.
She snorted with laughter then groaned.
“No laughing. And you need more pain killers.”
Damn it. He’d caught on far too quickly that she didn’t like pushing the button to release more medication She huffed out a sigh.
“Millie,” he said warningly.
Only thing was he couldn’t back that up with a threat, right? Because he couldn’t punish her while she was injured.
He leaned over her, careful not to bump her. “Oh, I know that look. That’s the look of a Little girl who thinks she can get away with things because Daddy is wrapped around her finger and won’t do anything while his baby is hurt. But you will get better. And Daddy has a long memory.”
“Well, shoot. There should be an expiration date. Like if a week passes, I can no longer be punished for something.”
“You wish, baby doll.”
“That’s just mean, Daddy.”
Something like relief filled his face. Had he been waiting for her to call him that again? Maybe he had.
“It’s hard for me to slip into Little space here. I feel on edge. Watched.”
“I get it, baby doll.”
And she knew he did.
He moved over and grabbed the bowl and cloth, just waiting. She gave him a nod. He drew the curtain around the bed, although she was certain he’d told her guard at the door not to allow anyone entrance.
Then he carefully pulled back the blankets. She was half-wearing one of the awful hospital gowns. Her injured arm couldn’t fit in the arm hole.
He gently pulled the top half down, leaving her breasts naked.
Picking up the cloth, he squeezed the water out.
“I’m gonna resemble sasquatch by the time I can shave again,” she groaned.
“I’ll get you a razor and take care of it.”
She blushed. She wasn’t sure what was worse. Being a hairy beast or having him shave her. Gently, carefully, he washed her body. And she started to relax. His touch was almost reverent.
As if he cherished her.
Tears filled her eyes.
“What’s wrong, baby doll? Did I hurt you?” There was an urgent note in his voice.
“No. It’s just . . . the way you’re touching me. You’re so careful. You really do love me, don’t you?”
“There was doubt?”
“No one has ever loved me. I mean, my family and friends. But not like this.”
“No,” he agreed. “Not like this.”
* * *
“Millie!”