Page 29 of King

When she finished, she washed her hands and took a deep breath before opening the door.

King was waiting, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, that cocky grin tugging at his lips.

“Good girl,” he praised.

Ella’s face burned.

“Since your bathroom’s so small, I’ll let you brush your own teeth. But I’ll be watching to make sure you do a good job. Especially after all that candy you ate at the drive-in.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’rewhat?”

“Go on, baby. Show me how well you brush those little teeth.”

She huffed, her face impossibly warm as she grabbed her toothbrush and toothpaste. It was hard to focus with him leaning in the doorway, watching her like an overprotective Daddy. She tried to pretend he wasn’t there, but that was pretty much impossible.

When she finally rinsed and set her toothbrush down, King held out his hand. “Wet washcloth.”

Ella hesitated for half a second before grabbing one and running it under the faucet. She turned to hold it out to him. King wrapped his free hand around the back of her neck, gently tugging her closer.

Her breath hitched as he held her still with a gentle grip and brought the washcloth to her face. He wiped over her cheeks, her chin, the tip of her nose, slow and careful, looking after her like she was something precious.

Her stomach fluttered as he took care of her so easily. He was good at this.

“All clean,” King murmured, brushing his thumb over her cheek before stepping back. “Good girl.”

Ella swallowed, unsure if she could even form words at that moment.

He took her hand and led her back into the bedroom. She stood there, still dazed, as he glanced around, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

“I love your room,” he said.

Ella shifted on her feet. “You do?”

“Yeah, baby. It’s perfect for a Little girl.”

Her heart squeezed.

Then his eyes flicked to the nightie on her bed. He pointed to it, his expression turning serious though there was still a little teasing in his eyes.

“I’m going to change your clothes,” he told her, his voice steady. “If you don’t want me to, you need to sayredto stop me.”

Ella’s breath caught in her throat.

She knew what he was saying. He was giving her a way out, a safeword to use. But he was also telling her that if she didn’t stop him, he was going to take care of her how hewantedto.

Ella’s breath came in shallow pants as she stared up at King, her fingers twisting together in front of her. She knew she should say something, but all she could do was stand there, her entire body buzzing with nervous energy.

King held her gaze, giving her time, giving her space to stop him if she wanted. But she didn’t.

His lips curved slightly. “Good girl. If you want me to stop at any time, say red. Nod or say yes if you understand.”

Her knees nearly buckled as she nodded.

He stepped closer, and with slow, deliberate movements, he reached for the hem of her dress. His fingers brushed against her stomach as he pulled the fabric up, his knuckles warm against her skin. Ella lifted her arms instinctively, letting him slip the soft fabric over her head.

She shivered.

It wasn’t like she’d never been undressed by a man before, but this wasn’t the same. The only time she’d ever been intimate with someone had been sloppy and quick and so disappointing. With King, it was different. There was no rush, no expectation.Just him taking care of her, moving with ease like it was totally normal.

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