Page 7 of Protect Me Daddy

Dwight paused, looking down at me with a tender smile. "Why don't we find out together?" he suggested.

As he continued reading, I felt myself slipping deeper into a peaceful headspace, the worries of my adult life fading away. Dwight's strong, nurturing presence enveloped me, making me feel truly protected for the first time in years.

Without thinking, I reached out, my small hand finding his larger one. "Thank you... Daddy," I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.

I froze, terrified I'd ruined everything. But Dwight simply squeezed my hand gently, his voice never faltering as he continued to read about brave princesses and fearsome dragons, guiding me into a world where I felt safe, cherished, and small.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as Dwight continued reading, his deep voice soothing away my momentary panic. He paused only briefly when I called him 'Daddy', but his gentle hand never stopped stroking my hair. The rhythmic motion lulled me further into a sense of security I hadn't felt in years.

". . . sometimes, princesses need to slay their own dragons. And this princess realized she was stronger than she ever knew," Dwight read, his words resonating deeply within me.

I yawned, snuggling closer to him. "Just like me?" I mumbled sleepily.

"That's right, princess," Dwight replied, his voice warm with affection. "Good girl."

Those two simple words sent a surge of warmth through my entire body. I felt myself melting into the bed, the weight of the day's trauma finally lifting from my shoulders.

"Will you stay?" I asked, fighting to keep my heavy eyelids open. "Until I fall asleep?"

Dwight's hand paused in my hair, and I felt him shift slightly. "Of course, little one," he promised. "I'll be right here, sleeping on the floor. The monsters can't get you tonight."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I believed it. As I drifted off, still clutching Red Rabbit, I heard Dwight's voice growing distant, weaving tales of safety and protection. In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

Chapter 3

Iawoke to thearoma of fresh coffee, my mind still hazy with sleep. For a moment, I didn't know where I was. Then, memories of the night before came rushing back—the bar, the danger, Dwight's protective arms.

Red Rabbit was still clutched tightly to my chest, her soft fur a comfort against my skin. I heard movement in the kitchen—pots clanking, water running. For a moment, I panicked, until I remembered that I’d asked Dwight to stay with me.

My heart fluttered as I padded barefoot into the kitchen, my stuffie dangling from one hand. I stopped short in the doorway, taking in the scene before me.

Dwight stood at the stove, his broad back to me as he flipped pancakes. Damn, he was strong. Just watching his shoulders ripple under his tight t-shirt was making me feel all . . . wobbly. The counters gleamed, dishes neatly stacked in the drying rack. Even the grimy linoleum floor looked freshly mopped.

He’d cleaned for me. I felt a strange, grateful feeling spread through my body. I couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked after me like that.

"Good morning, little one," he said without turning. Somehow, he knew that I was near. Hu must have heard me.

"Morning," I mumbled, suddenly shy. In the harsh light of day, last night felt like a dream. "You didn't have to clean . . ."

He turned then, a soft smile on his lips. "I wanted to. You deserve a nice space to wake up to."

My cheeks flushed at his words. Something stirred something deep inside, a longing I'd tried to bury.

But as Dwight's eyes met mine, I noticed the dark circles underneath, the tightness around his mouth. My stomach clenched.

"What's wrong?" I asked, clutching Red Rabbit closer. "Did something happen?"

Dwight sighed, turning off the stove. "Let's sit down. We need to talk."

Fear prickled along my spine as I sank into a kitchen chair. What if he regretted last night? What if he was leaving? Why did I feel like Ineededhim so badly.

"I've been up all night," Dwight said, setting a mug of coffee in front of me. "Making some calls, checking on a few things."

I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, trying to stop their trembling. "About Earl and his friends?"

Dwight's jaw tightened. "Among other things. Tilly, there's something you need to know . . ."

I watched, heart pounding, as Dwight reached into his pocket. He pulled out a leather wallet and flipped it open, revealing a gleaming badge. My breath caught in my throat.

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