Page 10 of Brock

“Turn around for me, Suzette.”

She shuffled to do as she was told, giving him her back.

He sucked in a breath as he observed the bruises on the backs of her thighs, some as high as her panties. Renewed anger consumed him, but he took the time to rein it in before he lowered her white lace panties to the floor. “Step out, Little doll,” he requested gently.

Her feet and hands were dirty. There were smudges on her face. Her silky black hair was filthy from her lying on the ground.

Brock rose, leaned over the tub, and turned on the water. After testing the temperature until it was just right, he put the stopper in. Standing behind his mate, he proceeded to remove the tiny clips and bands from her hair so he could unravelthe small braids she’d painstakingly arranged, leading from her temples to the back. He was certain it had been very pretty that morning, and she’d done it for him.

As he fingered through her hair, he leaned over and kissed her temple. “Your hair is lovely, Suzette. I know you wanted it to be pretty for me.”

She sniffled and nodded. “I did, Daddy.”

His heart seized at the sound of her soft voice calling him Daddy.

She was trembling and kept opening and closing her hands at her sides, probably trying not to cover herself.

Brock slid his hands to her hips. “In you go, Little doll.” He lifted her off the floor and settled her in the tub as the water rose. “How’s the temperature?”

“Fine, Daddy.”

“Tip your head back for me, so I can get your hair wet.”

She squeezed her eyes adorably tight as he used a cup to pour water over her head, taking care not to let it run into her eyes.

“Good girl. I got you the same shampoo I saw in your bathtub at home.” He picked up the lavender-scented shampoo to show her.

She gave him a smile. “Thank you.”

He poured some in his hand.

“I can do it, Daddy.”

He tipped her chin again with his free hand. “From now on Daddy will wash you, Little doll. I will do lots of things for you. It’s the custom among the Alpha Protectors. We take care of our Little girls in every way. You are cherished.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she whispered. Goosebumps rose all over her skin, including her breasts. Her tiny nipples were hard points, and he had to give her credit for not trying to cover them.

After washing her hair, he put conditioner in it and then picked up a soft cloth, poured a gentle soap on it, and tipped her head back. “Close your eyes for me, Little Doll.”

He carefully washed away the smudges on her face before moving down to her arms, her back, and her chest.

Her breath hitched delightfully when he rubbed the cloth over her breasts. He hadn’t thought her nipples could have gotten harder, but he’d been wrong.

Moving to her feet, he washed her legs before finally sliding the cloth between her thighs. “Spread your knees for Daddy.”

She gripped the sides of the tub and held her breath while he gently glided the washcloth over her folds and then lower to her bottom.

After rinsing the conditioner out, he released the water and lifted her out of the tub. “Feel better?” he asked as he patted her dry with a fluffy lavender towel.

She was trembling as he wrapped her up like a burrito and lifted her into his arms. “Nervous, Daddy.”

“I know you’re nervous, but I promise to be gentle with you.” He had her arms pinned to her sides under the towel, and he kissed her forehead as he carried her out of the bathroom, through the master bedroom, and into the nursery he’d prepared just for her.

Her breath hitched as her eyes went wide. “What is this room?”

“Your nursery, Little one.”

“Nursery?” She looked at him.