Page 58 of Daddy's Little Cupcake

"I've lied about doing a project at my house! I've been working a second job to get money to pay for my electric and water bill." She whimpered at the end.

Finn kept his face neutral, so he didn't spook Charlotte, but he was shocked. He had no clue that she was hurting for money right now. That she had been trying to pay her bill and had to get a second job.

How could he have let this slip through his fingers?

Finn knew something had been up in the past week, but he couldn't tell what. He tried to probe and get an answer, but she wouldn't give any besides having a project in her house she was working on.

"I'm sorry, little cupcake. You should've told Daddy so he could help out," Finn said. "I would've helped in any way you needed me to."

Charlotte shook her head. "No charity case," she mumbled.

Finn had a feeling that she was stubborn and wouldn't take any money she didn't work hard for. He was proud, but he also wished she would accept more help from people.

"Did something happen tonight besides you feeling icky?" Finn asked.

She nodded her head, and tears fell down her face again.

"Can you tell Daddy?"

Finn could see the hesitance in her posture and facial expression.

"Please? Daddy wants to make it all better," he said and laid a kiss on her forehead.

Finn frowned. Her forehead felt hot, and he knew it wasn't good. She had been outside for a long time, and she shouldn't be this warm. When they get to his house, he'll definitely be checking her temperature.

"My water and electricity got turned off." She looked at his chest.

His heart broke a little at her words. He couldn't believe that he didn't pry more when he felt off about things. He wasn't being a very good Daddy, and that was going to change.

Finn had wanted to give her space, but now he knew she didn't need as much as he gave her. She needed more rules, and he needed to ask a lot of questions.

"When did that happen, little cupcake?" he asked.

"Soon after we said goodbye last night," she whispered.

Finn took a breath in. She was safe now, and he was going to take care of her when they got to his house.

"Here's what we're going to do," Finn said. "Can you pay attention to Daddy right now?"

Charlotte looked up at him, tears in her eyes.

"We're going to go inside your house and pack you clothes and anything you might need for the next couple of days. You'll be staying at Daddy's house while you recover," he explained as he took a step up the stairs.

She shook her head feverishly and let out a whimper. He watched as Charlotte grabbed her head and closed her eyes tightly.

"It's not up for discussion. We're doing this so you're safe. You're sick, and I can't have you being alone. I haven't been a good Daddy the past week, and that's changing," he said.

"No," she whimpered. "No go back in."

Finn held her close to his body and rocked her slightly. He wanted her to calm down because she was starting to work herself into a fit, and he wasn't going to have that.

"Do you want to sit in Daddy's car while he goes in and gets your stuff?" Finn asked.

He didn't know why Charlotte was starting to throw a fit, but he was determined to figure it out. Charlotte shook her head and clung onto his neck.

"Then why do you not want to go in?"

Charlotte put her head on his shoulder. "It's messy."

---