She took a shuddering breath. “Yes, I went,” she muttered.
“Don’t be embarrassed, princess. Nothing should be secret between us. Nothing forbidden. I want all of you.”
All of her? That wouldn’t happen.
He laid her down on her back. “How do you sleep?”
“Um, on my side.” She hesitated.
“What is it?” He brushed the hair back from her face.
“Under the bed is my body pillow.”
He reached under and pulled out a long, heavy pillow. “This?”
“Yeah. Can you lie it alongside me?”
He put it down and she lay facing him, hugging the pillow against her. She maneuvered it between her legs.
Zeke pulled the covers up, tucking them in firmly. And then he kissed her on the cheek.
Jesus, when was the last time someone had put her to bed? Had tucked her in? Part of her wanted to make a smart-ass comment. But the other part of her just melted in delight. Being taken care of was something she’d rebelled against for years.
Yet, here she was a pool of goo with this man doing just that. Her guards were coming down and that was scary as hell.
“What else do you need, baby girl? Do you want some music? How about a nightlight?”
“Um, I usually just leave my salt lamp on low.” She gestured to the lamp on the bedside table. What was it about having him put her to bed like this that made her feel so cherished? He hadn’t done anything overtly Daddy Domish with her. Not that she had much experience but she had seen her brothers in Daddy mode so she had some idea. And yet her Little was practically purring like a kitten, begging to have free rein.
He ran his hand over her hair and she found her eyes drooping closed. “I’ll switch this on for you and turn off the main light. Sure, I can’t get you anything else?”
“No, Daddy, I’m good.”
His weight shifted and she reached out a hand to grab his. “Don’t go.”
She didn’t mean to say those words. Immediately felt herself tense at the vulnerability she’d displayed.
“I’ll stay if you need me,” he reassured her. “I’ll turn off the light and come back to help you sleep.”
“It’s not. . .you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” she muttered. Last thing she wanted to be was pitied by him.
He kissed her forehead again. “Baby, there’s no place I’d rather be.”
The light went off and then she felt him return. There was the sound of clothing being removed before the covers were pulled back and he climbed in on the other side of the bed, spooning in behind her.
“Zeke,” she said nervously. She could feel the heat of him against her. Was he wearing anything at all? He couldn’t sleep with her. That wasn’t what she’d meant, was it?
“Sh, princess. Just close your eyes. I’m here. I’m going to keep you safe.”
She should tell him to go. She’d just end up keeping him awake. But as much as she tried, the words just wouldn’t come. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tight.
Oh hell. The feel of him pressed up against her was almost more than her poor body could handle.
Bad idea, Eden.
“Do you need help getting to sleep, baby girl?”
“Help?”