Page 6 of Protect Me Daddy

"I'm sorry," I whispered, embarrassed by my breakdown.

Dwight paused, his piercing gaze softening as he looked at me. "There's nothing to apologize for, Tilly. You've been through a lot tonight."

His words washed over me like a warm blanket. I hugged my knees to my chest, feeling vulnerable yet strangely protected.

"How about a nice warm bath?" Dwight suggested. "It might help you relax."

I nodded, grateful for his guidance. As he ran the water, I could hear him moving around my small apartment, opening drawers.

"Where do you keep your pajamas?" he called out.

"Top drawer," I replied, my voice small.

When he returned, he was holding my softest pair—the ones with little clouds on them. My cheeks flushed, but Dwight's expression remained free of judgment.

"The bath's ready when you are," he said gently.

As I stood, wobbling slightly, Dwight's gaze fell on something behind me. He reached past, picking up the worn stuffed rabbit that sat on my bed. Without a word, he held it out to me.

That simple gesture broke down my last walls. Tears welled up again as I clutched the stuffed animal to my chest, feeling simultaneously exposed and utterly safe.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice catching.

Dwight's hand brushed my cheek, wiping away a tear. "You're safe now, little one," he murmured. "Let's get you cleaned up and ready for bed, okay? I’ll wait in the living room while you wash."

I nodded, following him to the bathroom, my rabbit held tightly in one arm. For the first time in years, I felt like I could truly let go, knowing someone else was there to catch me.

True to his word, he left me to sink into the bath myself. For some reason, though, I didn’t lock the door. Somehow I knew that Dwight wouldn’t break my trust.

The bath was good—soothing and warm—and I almost managed to forget my troubles for a little while. I had Red Rabbit sitting in here with me, watching me while I scrubbed my skin til it was pink.

When I was done, I dried off and slipped into my PJs, before going to find Dwight. He looked relaxed in the living room. “Feeling better?” he asked.

“Mmmhmm,” I replied. “I’m so grateful to you for all this.”

“Don’t mention it. I have a kind of . . . rule that I don’t leave young women in dangerous situations.”

“That’s weirdly specific rule.”

He laughed. “Right. I’ll tell you all about it in the morning, if you like, but first, let’s tuck you in. I think you need to get some shut eye.”

I settled into bed, my fingers instinctively curling around the soft fur of Red Rabbit. The weight of the day's events still clung to me, but Dwight's presence beside me acted like a shield, keeping the worst of my fears at bay.

"Comfortable?" Dwight asked, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet of my small apartment.

I nodded, burrowing deeper into my blankets. "Yes," I whispered, surprised by how small and young my own voice sounded.

Dwight's eyes scanned my bookshelf, a smile tugging at his lips as he pulled out a worn, leather-bound volume. "How about a story?" he suggested, holding up the book of fairy tales.

My heart swelled with an unexpected surge of emotion. "You'd do that?" I asked, hardly daring to believe it.

"Of course," he replied, settling into the chair beside my bed. As he opened the book, the familiar scent of old pageswafted towards me, instantly transporting me to a simpler time. “Sometimes, connecting to the happiness of childhood is the best way to forget a shitty day.”

Dwight began to read, his rich baritone painting vivid pictures of far-off kingdoms and brave princesses. I found myself inching closer, drawn in by the warmth and safety radiating from him.

"...and the dragon roared, its fiery breath scorching the very air," Dwight read, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper.

I gasped, clutching Red Rabbit tighter. "Is the princess going to be okay?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

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