Fall asleep against Rick during the movie and wake up when it's over to find the family has bonded further. Send the kids off to their rooms, not really caring what they get up to, but advising you are claiming DADDY for yourself for the rest of the nigh

The rom-com plays on as your eyelids grow heavy. Rick's broad chest makes the perfect pillow, and his arm wrapped around you creates a cocoon of warmth. Before you know it, your head droops against his shoulder, your breathing settling into the slow rhythm of sleep.

"Look at that," you hear Rick whisper from what seems like miles away. "Our little princess is all tuckered out."

You drift in and out of consciousness, vaguely aware of occasional laughter from the others and the movie's soundtrack washing over you. Rick's hand strokes your hair absently, his touch protective rather than sexual.

When you finally stir, the credits are rolling and the lights have come up slightly. You blink, disoriented, to find Rick gazing down at you with unexpected tenderness.

"There she is," he murmurs. "Have a nice nap?"

You stretch like a cat, your borrowed t-shirt riding dangerously high on your thighs. "Mmm, sorry I missed the ending."

"It was predictable anyway," Matt says, standing to stretch his long frame. Mandi is still beside him, though now fully awake and scrolling through her phone.

Becky bounces up from her seat. "That was sooo cute! Can we do movie night like, every Sunday?"

You sit up straighter, your mind clearing as you take in the domestic scene. Something shifts inside you—a strange mixture of possessiveness and authority. This new family dynamic feels right, but you suddenly know exactly how you want the rest of the evening to unfold.

"Okay, kiddos," you announce with a playful but firm tone, standing and smoothing down your t-shirt. "Movie's over and it's getting late. Time for everyone to head to their rooms."

Matt raises an eyebrow at being dismissed by someone who looks barely drinking age. "Kiddos?"

"Uh-huh." You place your hands on your hips, the gesture somehow adorable and commanding simultaneously. "You three can do whatever you want in your own spaces—" you throw a knowing wink that makes Becky giggle "—but I'm claiming exclusive Daddy time for the rest of tonight."

Rick looks surprised but unmistakably pleased by your assertiveness.

"But what if—" Mandi begins.

"Nope!" You cut her off with a wiggle of your finger. "Daddy's booked solid tonight. If you're still feeling frisky, you've got two siblings right here."

Matt and Mandi exchange a glance that lingers just a beat too long, while Becky's eyes light up with possibilities.

"She's right," Rick stands, his hand possessively finding the small of your back. "Tomorrow's a big day with the family portrait. Everyone needs their beauty rest."

"Some more than others," Becky teases, poking Matt in the ribs.

You watch with satisfaction as the three younger family members shuffle toward the door, whispering and giggling among themselves. Mandi casts one last longing look at Rick before Becky links arms with her and whispers something that makes her blush furiously.

"Night, Daddy! Night, Ashley!" Becky calls out cheerfully as they disappear into the hallway.

When the door closes, you turn to Rick with a smile that's both innocent and predatory. "Alone at last."

Rick pulls you against him, his large hands spanning your waist. "That was quite the executive decision, princess. I don't think I've ever seen that side of you before."

"You like it?"

"I do," he admits, his voice roughening. "Though I'm surprised you sent away your new playmates so quickly."

You rise onto your tiptoes, bringing your lips close to his ear. "Because tonight I don't want to share you with anyone. Not even your actual daughters."

23:00 | Sunday 3 Aug 2025 | Rick's Home Theater, London

[FAMILY PORTRAIT] | [Hard] | [24 hrs] | [21 hours 45 minutes remaining]

[DADDY'S WORK WIFE] | [Medium] | [48 hrs] | [45 hours 45 minutes remaining]

[SUNDAY FUNDAY] | [Medium] | [23:59 Today] | [59 minutes remaining]