Darling Little LeeLee (Doctor Darling’s Clinic #2)

Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Leo

I’d gone home after running my errands and found Everleigh sitting on my couch curled up under blankets. Though I had a plan, she wasn’t listening. Not that I expected immediate compliance, but I didn’t think she was going to be this difficult. She interrupted me for the third time.

“Daddy–”

“No more talking, babygirl. I’m speaking.”

She immediately clamped her mouth shut.

“It’s clear to me that you need a break.”

“Yeah, I quit the clinic. It’s really fucking obvious,” she muttered.

“Do we speak to each other like that?”

“No, Daddy.”

“For the next two days I’m completely in charge of your care. When and what you eat, your sleep schedule, how you spend your time. Every detail. Am I understood?”

Her eyes widened. “I’m really on edge.”

“I hear what you’re saying. Your fears and feelings are valid. Now, I’m going to take care of you. Do you agree?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good girl. Let’s get you out of your work clothes. We will relax for a bit and eat dinner.”

Everleigh’s lower lip wobbled and her eyes filled with tears. “I acted really horrible today. If I didn’t quit, I’m pretty sure I’d be fired.”

“A resignation letter isn’t valid if it’s written in purple crayon.”

Despite the situation, her mouth turned up at the corners. I hoped she understood I was trying to lighten her mood and not poking fun at her.

“Yes, Daddy.”

I thought about reassuring her that her job would be waiting for her when she was ready, but decided she might not be quite ready to hear that quite yet. Instead I said, “Ronnie isn’t upset with you, but he does think you need to rest. You’ve been running on empty, little lionheart. Daddy is going to give your restless mind a break. All you have to do is relax. Will you do that for me, babygirl?”

“Yes, Daddy. I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.”

I picked her up into my arms and brought her to my room. Dressing her in a very Little-minded outfit, I selected a diaper, onesie and a ruffled skirt. I brushed her hair, taking my time to braid her long blonde tresses into pigtails.

She looked utterly adorable staring up at me. When she was dressed, I popped a pretty mint-green pacifier into her mouth. Her consent had been given but the trust she placed in me was worth so much more.

I brought her into the living room and held her as we snuggled on the couch. Everleigh confessed she hadn’t spent a lot of time, or really any time, in a younger headspace around other people. I wanted to give her a good experience without stressing her in any way. Having her against my body brought me so much comfort. She was truly everything I’d been searching for and more.

Dinnertime usually meant one of us picking a restaurant or heating up leftovers, but I’d promised to handle every decision to give her mind a break.

Though I owned a highchair, it was folded away in the closet. She never mentioned whether or not she’d been in one before but I kept the idea in my head for tomorrow. Tonight I kept her on my lap and fed her a meal before eating my own.

“Bathtime,” I announced. “Then Daddy has some medicine for you to relax.”

She nodded and rubbed her eyes. All the stress had taken a toll on my little lionheart. Holding her close, I brought her to the bathroom. Everleigh was content to lay on the fluffy rug while I moved around the room, setting the water to the temperature she liked while adding bubble bath.

“You’re such a sweet babygirl. I love you.”

The declaration fell out of my mouth before I could think about the possible ramifications. We hadn’t been dating long but it felt right. Her eyes widened and her pacifier slipped out of her mouth.

“Daddy.”

“I do, Leelee. I love you with all my heart.”

She swallowed hard and nodded. “I love you more.”

“Not possible, little lionheart. But I’ll let you believe it for now. Let me take care of you.”

The bath seemed to relax her more than anything else but I still had an injection to give her. Hoping she would accept the additional measures, I carried her to my bed, laying her on her stomach.

“Are you going to spank me?”

“Over the next few days your bottom will be hot and pink, but you’re not getting a spanking tonight. You didn’t break any rules, babygirl. This weekend isn’t about punishment.” As I spoke, I prepped the medication.

Everleigh glanced over her shoulder watching me. “I don’t need whatever is in that syringe, Daddy.”

“Do you trust me to help you?”

She sighed, and seemed deep in her thoughts. Finally she turned her head forward. “I trust you.”

“Good girl.” I swiped an alcohol pad across the thick muscle of her ass. “Big pinch. Breathe.”

She tried to relax but her muscles showed another bout of tension. Kneading my fingers into her soft skin, I waited for her to breathe out before plunging the needle into her.

“Ouch!”

“I’m sorry for causing you pain, babygirl. Keep breathing.” Administering the medication slowly, I withdrew the needle and disposed of it. Pressing a gauze pad to the wound I kept it there for a minute before throwing it in the trash. Returning to her side, I dressed her in what I hoped was a no-nonsense fashion. I spoke softly telling her how proud of her I was for allowing herself a much-needed break.

“Was that a sedative?”

“It will help you relax, little lionheart. I had Ronnie check your chart for any interactions. I promise it will help you calm your mind. Just breathe. Daddy’s got you.”

Her eyes fluttered, the remaining tension in her body finally gone. I lifted her under the covers, tucking her in, and kissing her cheek. Resting my forehead against hers, I smiled.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, Leelee. Get some sleep. I’ll be in later.”

“Will you hold me for a while?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Of course.”

I joined her on the bed, laying on top of the covers and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. I stayed there until her breathing evened out and she drifted off to sleep.

“I love you, little lionheart,” I said, knowing she was off in dreamland. “Daddy will be back soon. You’re safe here.” I kissed her forehead and each of her cheeks and she smiled in her sleep. She brought so much peace to my life, and I hoped I brought her the same.