Page 32 of King

King leaned against the counter, phone in hand as he stared at the screen. His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a second before he typed out a message.

King:Morning, Little one. Come spend the day with me?

It only took a minute before the dots appeared, then her reply popped up.

Ella:Spend the day with you… doing what?

King:Playing with the other Littles. Having fun. Being taken care of.

Ella:Okay. I’d like that.

A slow grin spread across his face.

He pushed off the counter and walked into the common room, where a few Littles were already gathered, sprawled across the couches with coloring books and cartoons playing softly in the background.

“Hey, rugrats,” he called out, getting their attention. “Ella’s coming over in a little while.”

A chorus of excited squeals erupted as Remi, Harper, and some of the others sat up, their eyes wide with excitement.

“Really?” Remi bounced in place. “She’s coming toplay?”

“Yep.”

Harper waggled her eyebrows at him. “Is she yourLittle?”

King huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “Not yet.”

“But youwanther to be,” Molly chimed in with a knowing grin.

King felt a flicker of warmth in his chest.More than anything.

“That’s up to Ella,” he said, keeping his voice steady even though hope clung to him.

Harper crossed her arms, nodding sagely. “Well, we already decided. We like her. So sheshouldbe yours.”

King chuckled. “Glad I have your approval.”

Remi clapped her hands. “We should have a picnic when she gets here.”

“I was already planning on making sandwiches and snacks. You can set everything up outside while I take care of the food,” King told them.

With that settled, the Littles scattered to start preparing for their picnic, and King headed into the kitchen. He pulled out bread, lunch meat, and various snacks, getting everything out before rolling his sleeves up to get to work.

A few minutes later, Doc walked in, his expression easy as he grabbed a knife and started helping slice the fruit. The men all helped each other out around the club, both with chores andtaking care of each other’s women. The entire club was a family of its own.

King gave him a nod of appreciation before Doc spoke.

“Saw Janelle follow you through the compound gates last night,” he noted casually.

King’s jaw tightened, but he kept his hands steady as he spread mayo onto a slice of bread. “Yeah, she showed up.”

Doc exhaled, shaking his head. “That woman’s bad news, King. You know that. People like her don’t justlet things go.”

King let out a low grunt. “I made it real fucking clear to her last night that I want nothing to do with her.”

“You sure she got the message?”

King paused, his grip tightening around the butter knife for a second before he forced himself to relax. “I hope so, but if not, she will.”

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