Protector Daddy (MC Daddies 3)

“No, you were about to fall asleep. It’s your naptime.”

She sighed. “Don’t wanna nap.”

“Too bad. My baby doll is getting grouchy. That means she needs a nap.” He grabbed Chompers and settled him in beside her.

“You must need the world’s biggest nap then since you’re the king of the grouches,” she muttered sleepily.

Lips brushed her forehead before she drifted off to sleep.

* * *

“Right, I bet you’re ready to see the back of this place,” a nurse said cheerfully as she pushed a wheelchair into the room.

It was the first genuine smile she’d seen on one of the nurses’ faces since she’d arrived. Not that she could blame them. Over the past week, Spike had done his best to alienate every one of them. Not that he was trying on purpose.

He was just being Spike. Blunt. Gruff. Protective. Possessive.

He didn’t like them touching her. And Lord help them if any of them accidentally hurt her. Changing the dressing was bad. At first, they’d tried to make him leave but he’d refused. She’d worried they were going to call security and have him forcibly removed. But there must have been something about her situation that made them hesitate. Maybe it was the guard at her door 24/7 or perhaps it was Hack’s interference, she wasn’t sure.

But any time she cried out in pain, he’d snarl at them. He’d reminded her of a dragon. Her very own, protective, sometimes vicious dragon.

But never with her.

Oh no, with her he was as sweet as maple syrup. He had the gentlest touch, the softest voice.

They’d removed the catheter a couple of days ago and he’d insisted on carrying her to the bathroom. That had been a bit embarrassing since he’d also refused to leave while she’d peed. Finally, he’d ran the water and turned his back.

He hadn’t been joking when he said he wouldn’t leave her side. Even when he showered, he did it in the attached bathroom and only when Hack was here to watch over her.

Thankfully, the only migraine she’d had while here had been a pretty mild one. Spike had quickly gotten on top of it, turning off all the lights and making sure no one was allowed entrance to her room.

She was certain that endeared him to the nurses too.

“I see you’re all dressed.” The nurse shot Spike a look of reproach.

He simply stared back at her, his expression not changing. He wasn’t going to apologize for taking care of her.

And she wouldn’t want him to.

Her arm was in a sling and would likely remain in one for several weeks. She felt weak as hell. All she’d done was let Spike dress her and she was ready for a nap. Spike had bought her some new clothes online. Soft tracksuit pants, camisoles and cardigans. Things that were easy for her to wear. As well as cute pajama bottoms with matching sleeveless tops.

He’d thought of everything.

“Let’s just get you into this wheelchair then I can push you out,” the nurse said.

“I’ll do that,” Spike told her.

The nurse opened her mouth, frowned then sighed. “Fine. Fine.”

She stomped out of the room.

“Don’t think you’ve made any friends there,” she half-joked.

“Not here to make friends.”

He carefully picked her up and settled her into the wheelchair. She had to hold back a wince. The painkillers she was on now just weren’t as good as the morphine. As he pushed her down the corridor, Hack walked up to them, whistling.

“Spike! There’s a party going on in the nurses’ lounge. You’ll never guess what they’re celebrating.”