Page 18 of Daddy's Little Patient

She nodded.

“You’re such a good girl.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and then turned off the lamp. “Yell for me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

He turned when he got to the door to see Raina turn onto her good side, close her eyes, and sigh.

Alex hoped he was doing the right thing by letting her into his bed. All he could think of was he knew nothing about her or her situation. There’s a possibility that whatever it was would keep them apart, and if that happened, he’d lose his mind. His heart was already in her tiny hands. It wouldn’t take much to break it.

Chapter Eight

Raina woke up to voices. They weren’t close by, but she could still hear that one of them was a woman.

Before she slid out of bed, Alex walked in with a big smile and an armful of clothing.

“There’s my girl. Mara is here, and she’s anxious to see you. She gave me a few outfits you can have, so let’s put one on. We’ll have more clothes for you later. They’re all dresses or skirts and look loose enough not to bother your stitches. Let’s get you dressed.”

Raina sat on the edge of the mattress and raised her arms so Alex could pull one of the dresses over her head. He pulled her to her feet and smoothed the fabric down.

“Do you have to use the potty?” Alex asked.

She shook her head. “No, and I don’t have panties on.”

He slid his hands up and down her arms, making her shiver.

“I won’t allow you to wear them,” he said, studying her expression. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“Oh, I … no. I don’t think so. It just feels weird.”

“It will take some getting used to, but I promise you will.”

She nodded and took the hand Alex held out to her. He led her through the house until they got to a living room she hadn’t seen before.

Mara saw her, squealed, and skipped toward her. Raina found herself engulfed in the woman’s arms and held tightly.

“Easy, honey, she’s still recuperating,” Alex said.

“I’m so glad you’re better, Sally…”

“I told him my real name.”

Mara smiled brightly. “I’m glad. Alex would never do anything to hurt you or get you in trouble. I trust him more than just about everyone in my life.”

“Except for me.” A dark-haired, very handsome man walked over and wrapped an arm around Mara’s waist.

“Of course, Daddy.”

Raina looked confused as she stared back and forth. “He doesn’t look old enough to be your father. Is he your stepfather?”

Mara giggled. “First of all, I want to introduce you to my daddy, Rafael. He’s not a real daddy. I just call him that as an endearment.”

“I don’t understand,” Raina said.

Mara looked up at the man. “Daddy, can you explain, please?”

The man smiled gently. “Of course, sweetheart.” He turned back to Raina. “Mara and I are in a relationship where I’m always in charge.”

“Like a boss?” Raina asked.

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