You were drifting back to sleep when you heard a soft thud followed by a squeal. Blinking awake, you turned to see Elias standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. In his hand, your daughter dangled like a toy, her legs kicking in midair.

“She tried to break into the bathroom while I was showering,” he said, holding her effortlessly by the waist, her little arms flailing as she giggled. “I caught her right as she was about to open the door.”

Your daughter grinned, her cheek flushed from the excitement, her voice small but defiant. “I wanted to see Daddy.”

Elias raised an eyebrow at you, the corners of his lips twitching as he lowered her gently onto the bed beside you. “She’s got your curiosity, that’s for sure.”

You chuckled, shaking your head, then reached out to pull your daughter into your arms, glancing at Elias with a smirk.

“Next time, I’ll put a lock on the door,” he muttered, a soft laugh escaping him.