Page 5 of Daddy's Little Patient

Mara shook her head with tears in her eyes and looked up at Rafael.

“Daddy, I can’t tell. I pinky-promised.”

Rafael looked at Alex. “Is it imperative that you have her name right now?”

Alex thought about it for a moment and then shook his head. “No. If it does become important, Mara, you’ll have to tell your daddy.”

“Only when it becomes absolutely vital that you know.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine.”

“What do you need from us?” Rafael asked.

“Maybe some clothes for her. She’s about your size, Mara.”

“Yes. I have some clothes I can give her. I have too many clothes.”

Alex grinned when Mara glared up at her daddy.

“Baby, it’s an addiction,” Rafael said. “I love buying you things.”

She rolled her eyes, and Alex snorted out a laugh.

“Do you need the clothing tonight?”

Alex shook his head. “No. I need her naked because I might have to wipe her down if her fever is still high. I want her fever to be between 100° and 102°. She needs the fever to fight the infection, but it’s dangerous if it gets too high.”

Mara looked at the woman. “I think she’s going to be another best friend.”

“We’ll see what happens, Baby,” Rafael said. “We’ll head out. Call if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks, guys.” Alex stopped them at the door. “I’m glad I’m moving up to humans, Mara.”

“Oh, you’ll still be taking care of the fur babies. Don’t worry,” Mara said as she walked off.

He almost groaned. He shot his friend a look when he laughed at his little. “You’re not helping, Rafael.”

“I’ve tried.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “You pussy.”

Mara came back with a scowl on her face. “Alex, did you just call my daddy a … vagina name?”

Alex thought fast. “No, I said Suzie.”

“Ah,” she said and smiled. “It’s Sally, not Suzie. I can write it down if you need me to.”

His jaw clamped together. “No, I’ve got it now. Thank you.”

He relaxed when she walked out of the room and glared at Rafael, who was fighting not to laugh. “You owe me big time,” Alex growled.

“Why? You’re the one that said pussy,” he whispered.

Alex wanted to punch him so badly at that moment, but he knew he’d pay hell for it from Mara.

“How about the fact I came to take care of the animals? Rafael, I don’t know anything about them. I’ve never touched one before Mara moved here.”

Rafael held his stomach and laughed until tears came to his eyes at the same time, trying to keep as quiet as possible so Mara wouldn’t hear him.

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