Page 21 of Daddy’s Muse (Bloody Desires #12)

I hesitated. “I guess… You’re probably right.”

He grinned, squeezing my shoulder, his thumb digging into the tense muscle there. “Of course I am. I’ve been around longer, seen more of the world. Trust me to handle this.”

The warmth of his hand lingered even after he walked away, leaving me staring at my half-open inbox. My phone buzzed—two new messages—but before I could reach for it, Bodin called from the kitchen, “Bring the laptop in here, baby.”

“Okay, coming,” I called back.

The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and butter, the kind of cozy that could make you forget the world outside.

Pappa slid a plate toward me—thick slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar, syrup already drizzled in perfect ribbons. “Eat up.”

“But I just ate?” I looked at the yummy treat with equal parts confusion and desire. It looked really good.

“I know, but you need to get your energy up after such a rough night. Plus, I know you love your sweets. Think of it as a mid-morning snack,” he said.

I licked my lips and nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Pappa.”

As I was about to dig in, a message from my boss lit up my phone where it sat on the counter, on top of the laptop.

Mae:

You okay?

Want to talk?

Before I could reach over and open it, Pappa’s voice cut in. “Let me see that, little one.”

Pappa snapped up my phone, eyes scanning the text.

His mouth tightened. “People always say they want to talk, but most of the time it’s to satisfy their own curiosity. You don’t need to answer right now. Actually… why don’t I keep this while you eat? That way you’re not distracted.”

I shrugged. It wasn’t like I couldn’t get it back later.

While I ate, he poured me more juice and leaned casually against the counter.

“You know, there are a few other things we should think about. You shouldn’t be walking across campus alone for a while, even in daylight.

And maybe I should handle your email for now—just until you’re feeling steadier.

That way you don’t have to read anything upsetting. ”

I chewed slowly. “That… makes sense, I guess.”

He smiled like it was settled. “Good boy. I’ll drive you if you absolutely must go anywhere. But honestly?” He leaned down, brushing a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re safest right here with me.”

I nodded, because it felt true. It had been safer since last night.

I let him take my plate when I was done, my fingers curling around the warm mug of coffee he’d made without asking how I liked it—because somehow he already knew.

No one had ever… done this for me before. Not just making breakfast, but the whole thing . The way he’d driven through the night to get me. The way he’d carried me inside like I was something fragile and precious. How he’d just… taken over, so I didn’t have to think about what came next.

People always said they cared, but it was usually just words, or it came with conditions— do this for me, change this about yourself, and then I’ll stick around.

Pappa didn’t ask me to change. He just wanted to keep me safe.

And maybe safety looked a little like him deciding where I went and who I spoke to, but wasn’t that what anyone would do if they really cared?

If they saw how easily I could be hurt? Pappa must have been so scared last night.

Staying with him would also make him feel better.

It was almost a relief to have him make the hard choices for me. My whole life, it had been me against… everything. Now, I had him.

And he said he needed to take care of me.

Needed… me .

I’d been lonely for as long as I could remember. Loneliness that had eaten at the edges of me until I was hollow. And now here was Pappa, filling every empty place, offering warmth and safety and someone to stand between me and the rest of the world.

If that meant I had to lean on him for a while—maybe longer than a while—then… maybe that wasn’t a bad thing at all.

Pappa smiled at me like I’d just handed him some great gift.

“I knew you’d understand,” he said, voice low and warm. “I have such a smart boy.”

His arm came around my shoulders, pulling me into his side until I was half-curled against him.

“You don’t have to do everything yourself anymore,” he murmured. His thumb brushed the side of my neck, slow and steady. “I’ll take care of you. Always.”

I swallowed. “You already do, Pappa.”

“That’s right,” he said, and there was something final in the way he said it, like the matter was settled. “You’ve proven you can trust me. Let me decide what’s best for you from now on, hm? No one’s going to keep you safe the way I can.”

And maybe he was right. Nobody had ever stood up for me, not really. Nobody had made the hard calls when I was too tired or scared to think straight. I’d been on my own for so long that the idea of letting someone else take over felt… like breathing out after holding my breath for years.

I leaned into him without even thinking about it. “Okay, Pappa,” I murmured.

* * *

Later in the day, Pappa crouched in front of me, producing a new little stuffed bunny from the bag he’d grabbed from his room. Its fur was soft and pale, with tiny stitched eyes and a smile that seemed almost alive.

“For you,” he said simply, holding it out.

I took it carefully, burying my face into its plush body. It smelled faintly of him—his scent lingering in the fibers—and I felt a warmth bloom in my chest. “Thank you,” I whispered, voice barely audible.

He leaned in, resting his forehead briefly against mine. “You’re welcome, baby.”

I clutched the bunny tighter, the edges of anxiety still lingering in my brain slowly softening under the weight of his attention.

He continued through the day with little tasks: brushing my hair until it was free of knots, packing a small tray with snacks for me to graze on as I watched cartoons, and setting a water bottle within reach.

Every movement felt protective, deliberate, and comforting.

At some point, I realized I hadn’t moved from the couch for almost an hour. I was too tired, too relieved, and too… content. No one had ever cared for me like this. No one had ever made decisions on my behalf or insisted that I rest or be safe.

“Pappa…” I murmured, resting my cheek against the soft plush of the bunny.

“Ja, lille prinsen?” he replied, voice soft but firm, taking a seat beside me, one arm around my shoulders, the other stroking my hair.

“I… I like this,” I admitted, my voice trembling. “I like… all of this. That you’re… taking care of me.”

His lips curved in a satisfied smile. “I know. You don’t have to do anything but be my little one. Let Pappa handle the rest.”

I closed my eyes, hugging the bunny tighter, and let myself snuggle into Pappa.

“I’ve been thinking—there are a few things I want to keep you safe from, and some rules will help.”

“Rules?” I murmured, not entirely sure what he meant. The thumb that had snuck its way past my lips without me even noticing slipped from my mouth as I shifted up slightly to look at him.

“Yes,” he said. “For one… no using the stove or oven while I’m not around. You’re tiny, and that stuff can hurt you more than anything else. I’ll cook, you’ll eat, and you’ll be safe.”

I nodded slowly. It made sense.

“Also,” he continued, brushing a loose curl from my forehead, “no walking outside alone for now. Even in daylight, I don’t want you worrying about what’s out there.

We’ll go for walks together, or I’ll carry you if we need to.

No wandering off. Never go near the shed at the edge of my property. It’s not safe for someone so small.”

I swallowed, the small lump in my throat making me blink. No one had ever cared this much about me—not really. Not enough to make rules meant only to protect me, not to boss me around.

“Anything else?” I asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer.

“Nap times,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Meals at regular times. And you get to stay in your pajamas or comfy clothes unless I say otherwise. That way, you’re cozy and I always know you’re warm enough.”

I nodded again, letting a small shiver of relief ripple through me.

No one had ever done this for me before.

No one had ever stood up for me like this, deciding what I needed even when I couldn’t or wouldn’t think to ask for it.

My entire life had been about fending for myself, keeping my guard up, carrying too much weight alone.

But now… now someone was doing the heavy lifting for me.

“You see?” Bodin murmured, his hand cupping my jaw as he leaned closer. “Everything I do, everything I set up, it’s for you. So that you can just relax and focus on being my perfect little boy.”

I leaned into his touch, my chest tightening in that familiar ache. “You… really mean it?”

“Every word,” he said, his eyes locking on mine.

Even as he outlined more things—no hot drinks without him nearby, no using sharp objects—I didn’t protest. Every rule was just another thread in the web of safety he was spinning around me.

I was small. I was vulnerable.

And Pappa loved me that way.

I curled back against him, hugging my new bunny, and whispered, “Thank you, Pappa.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” he murmured, pressing a kiss onto my forehead. “You just need to let me do my job.”

* * *

“Dinner’s almost ready,” Pappa called from the kitchen, voice light.

When I entered, he was leaning against the counter in the kitchen, arms crossed, watching me. The look he gave me made my stomach twist in that new, unfamiliar way—warm, magnetic, and slightly electric.

“Hey, little kanin,” he murmured as I approached. “Look at you…” His eyes ventured the length of my body.

I felt my cheeks heat up, and I hugged my arms around myself. “I… I’m ready for dinner,” I whispered, my voice barely carrying.

He shook his head, a teasing curve to his lips. “No, no. Don’t do that. Come here.” I froze as he stepped closer, tilting my chin gently with his fingers. “Look at me, baby. Don’t hide. Pappa’s allowed to admire you.”

His hands lingered longer than necessary, brushing my jaw and trailing down my shoulders as he guided me to the table.

Pappa sat down, patting his thigh. “Take a seat,” he purred.

Sitting on his lap as he fed me sent a thrill through me I didn’t quite understand.

Later, when he helped me into fresh pajamas and led me back to my little nest on the sofa, he lingered, sitting beside me, brushing my hair back, murmuring little reassurances that made my head spin.

“You’re mine tonight, little one,” he whispered, voice soft but possessive.

I nestled against him—tired, soothed, and utterly dependent.

“Thinking about something, baby?”

I tried to shake my head, but my voice caught in my throat. “N-no… just… sleepy, I guess.”

He chuckled, low and throaty, dragging his hand up and down the side of my body. I felt a strange heat spread through my chest and down between my legs.

“Here,” he said, shifting to slip a blanket over my shoulders. His hands lingered for a moment longer than needed, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. “Are you comfy?”

I swallowed hard, murmuring an affirmative, feeling my pulse spike as he adjusted the blanket, his hand brushing against my collarbone.

My thoughts scrambled.

Safe… warm… cozy… and yet something in me twisted, a desire I didn’t have words for, a burning need that made me squirm.

“Do you know how much I desire you?” he murmured softly, his voice so low it felt like it was vibrating against my skin.

I whimpered, “Pappa…”

His eyes darkened. “Soon, baby boy.”

I blinked at him, my throat suddenly tight. “Soon for what?”

He rested a hand gently on the side of my face, thumb brushing my cheek. I froze, heart hammering.

I swallowed, heat pooling low in my stomach, and felt a pull I couldn’t name. I wanted to pull away… and at the same time, I wanted him closer, wanted to feel more of his touch.

So much more.

He said, voice dipping lower, almost teasing, “Maybe Pappa can show you some more ways to stay cozy tonight. But first, I want to spoil you. Stay right here. I’m just going to grab the laptop.”

Pappa returned shortly, computer in hand, as he settled back down next to me.

“A little online shopping never hurts.”

The glow of the screen lit up his eyes as we scrolled through one online store after another—pacifiers, onesies, bottles, and toys galore. Every time I pointed out something or my gaze lingered just a little too long, he added it to the cart.

“You really think I’d let you get by without this bunny blanket?” he murmured, voice low and intimate, making me shiver. “You need it, baby. It matches your new friend.”

I nodded, glancing over at Pilsby, who was deep in conversation with Steve. Apparently, small woodland mammals had a lot to talk about.

Pappa leaned over my shoulder, lips brushing against my ear. “You deserve the best.” His hand slid down to my arm, fingers ghosting along the inside of my wrist.

My chest tightened. I glanced up, blinking, caught somewhere between panic and longing. “P-Pappa…” I whispered.

He chuckled softly, nuzzling the side of my neck. “Yes, baby? Did you want something else?”

Before I could answer, a small notification pinged on the laptop—an email to my student account.

My stomach twisted at the reminder that I’d blown off my real-life responsibilities all day.

Pappa’s gaze flicked toward it immediately.

I opened my mouth to say I needed to read it, but his hand covered mine, warm and firm.

“Not yet, little one,” he said, his voice smooth and persuasive.

“We’re not dealing with stress right now.

Pappa’s got you. You don’t need to read anything until you’re ready. And you’re not ready.”

“But… it might be important—”

His lips brushed against my neck, soft and teasing, making me shiver. “It can wait. Look at me, kanin. Look at Pappa.” I met his intense, icy stare. “Focus here. Focus on us.”

He whispered little compliments, soft murmurs that made my face warm, distracting me entirely from the email blinking at me on the screen.

I whimpered as he trailed his hand up my thigh.

“See?” he murmured. “Nothing matters except this. You don’t need to think about anything besides me.”

I nodded dumbly, almost mesmerized. “O-okay…”

“Good boy,” he whispered, lips brushing my ear.

And just like that, the email went unread, pushed aside by something that made me ache in ways I hadn’t known possible.