Page 28 of King

She sucked in a breath, her pulse hammering in her neck.

He hesitated, his lips inches from hers, and for a second, she thought maybe she imagined the way his gaze flickered down to her mouth, the way his breath hitched.

Then, before she could think about it too much, he closed the distance.

The kiss was light, barely a brush of lips, but it sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers curled in her lap, her legs pressing together as warmth pooled low in her belly.

King pulled back slowly, his lips twitching as he cupped her cheek for a brief moment.

“You’re trouble,” he murmured.

Ella swallowed hard, her face burning as she fidgeted.

The drive back to her house was quiet, tension filling the space between them. She kept sneaking glances, her mind replaying that soft kiss over and over. By the time they pulled into her driveway, her nerves were tangled in knots.

King put the truck in park and unbuckled his seatbelt, turning to her. “Come on, dollface. Let’s get you inside.”

She climbed out, her heart racing as he walked her to the house. She hesitated, fingers toying with her keys before she turned to look up at him.

“Do you, um…” She bit her lip, suddenly nervous. “Do you want to come in?”

King’s eyes darkened slightly. “Yeah. I do.”

She unlocked the door and stepped inside, flicking on a soft lamp in the living room. King followed her in, his presence overwhelming in the best way.

For a beat, they both stood there, unsure of what to do next.

Then King reached for Ella, his hands settling on her waist as he pulled her against him. His lips brushed over hers once—soft, teasing. But when she let out the smallest whimper, he groaned and deepened the kiss.

It started out slow and sweet, but within seconds, it turned into something more. Something demanding. His hands tightened on her, and she pressed onto her toes, her fingers gripping the front of his shirt. He kissed her like he was claiming her, like he’d been waiting for this moment as long as she had.

When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard.

His forehead rested against hers as he whispered, “You taste like candy, Little one.”

She let out a shaky laugh, still dizzy from their kiss.

King lifted a hand, tracing his thumb over her flushed cheek. “Can I get you ready for bed, baby?”

Ella nodded automatically, then hesitated. “Yeah… but…” She swallowed. “No one’s ever helped me before.”

King’s expression softened, and he brushed his fingers through her hair. “Then I guess it’s time for a first… with me.”

She stared up at him, her heart pounding.

“Starting with this,” he murmured, tilting her chin up to press the softest kiss to her forehead.

And just like that, Ella knew she was a goner for this man.

Ella stood in the middle of her bedroom, her face warm as King moved toward her dresser. She felt like she was buzzing. Like her skin was extra sensitive after that kiss in the living room. She watched as he opened a drawer and sifted through her pajamas.

“This one’s cute,” he murmured, holding a soft pink nightie covered in tiny bunnies. His gaze flicked to her stuffed bunny on her bed. “Very fitting.”

Ella covered her face with her hands, groaning. “You’re embarrassing.”

King chuckled, tossing the nightie onto the bed. “Go potty, Little one. Call me when you’re done.”

Her stomach flipped at the casual tone he said it in, like it was the most natural thing in the world. She bit her lip, nodding as she padded into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. She sat on the toilet, trying to calm her racing heart. It was overwhelming—the way he took charge, the way he handled her with such care. But it was also amazing.

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