Yuck. Nap.
She still wasn’t any more enthusiastic about napping. But she had to admit, the things he was doing to help her sleep were working. Between the weighted blanket, the frequent orgasms, and her fatigue from exercising each day she was getting more sleep than she had in. . .well, years.
Still, she didn’t think there would ever come a time when she’d welcome taking a nap.
Today they were sitting in his friend’s study. It had a huge wooden desk with a computer set up as well as shelving filled with books. There was a big fluffy rug in front of a fireplace. She sat on the sofa that faced the fireplace, playing with her dolls.
“Yeah, exploring. Can you show me the rest of the house? Are there any secret, locked rooms filled with treasure?”
“Hm.” He tapped his chin. “Guess we won’t find out until we go looking.”
“Yay!” She clapped her hands. “Let’s go!”
“Soon, princess. Daddy needs to do some work first.”
She wanted to ask about Keira. But it seemed like every time she did, the answer was the same. They were still searching for her. Selfishly, she didn’t want to think about what happened once she was found. Because then they’d had to go back to the real world. And she wasn’t ready for that. She still wasn’t convinced this place was truly safer than Sanctuary, but she’d never say that because staying here had been one of the best experiences in her life.
“But, Daddy,” she moaned.
He gave her a stern look. She shifted slightly on the sofa. She knew that look.
“What did Daddy tell you before we came in here?” he asked.
She sighed. A long, drawn out sigh that made his frown deepen. Hm, maybe she should just let this go. But she was bored. And she didn’t want him working. She wanted all his attention on her.
“That it was quiet time. And I had to play by myself for a while.”
“That’s right. So, Daddy expects you to play nicely while he works and then he’ll take you exploring.”
“Why can’t you work later? I’m bored.”
He tapped his fingers on the desk. Another warning sign she should heed. But Eden wasn’t known to step back from a challenge.
“You have your dolls to play with.”
“They’re boring too.” She crossed her arms over her chest, fully prepared to sulk. She even flung Betty down on the floor.
Oh. Oops. She regretted that as soon as she did it. She regretted it even more as Zeke slowly stood, a thunderous look on his face.
“Little girl, throwing a tantrum when you don’t get your way is very naughty behavior.” He walked over and picked up her doll. “Poor Betty, what if you hurt her?”
Immediately her lip wobbled and she reached for her favorite doll. “Give her to me.”
“Excuse me?” his voice deepened. Uh-oh.
“Please?”
“I don’t think you deserve to have Betty right now. She’s going to sit up on the mantel until your behavior is more acceptable.”
“That’s not fair!” That lip continued to tremble.
“What’s not fair is Daddy having to interrupt his work to deal with a naughty little girl having a tantrum.”
Guilt flooded her. He was right. What had she been thinking? After everything he’d done for her this is how she paid him back? What a bitch.
Silent tears ran down her face. “Hey, little one. Hey.” Concern filled Zeke’s face. She didn’t deserve it. She didn’t deserve him.
“I-I’m sorry. D-do you w-want to l-leave me now?”