Page 33 of King

Doc didn’t say anything for a moment, then gave a short nod. “Just be careful. You’ve got something good with Ella. Don’t let Janelle mess that up.”

King’s stomach tightened at the thought of Janelle doinganythingto hurt Ella. He wouldn’t let it happen. Not now. Not ever.

“I won’t,” he said firmly.

Doc clapped him on the shoulder before moving to pack up the food.

King rolled his neck and exhaled slowly.

Ella would be here soon.

And he’d be damned if anything—oranyone—got in the way of what they were building.

King stood outside the clubhouse, arms crossed as he waited for Ella. The moment her car pulled up, his lips curled into a grin, anticipation thrumming through his chest. As soon as she stepped out, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in for a hug. She melted into him easily, her small frame fitting perfectly against his.

“I missed you,” he said, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head before tilting her chin up and brushing a soft kiss against her lips.

Ella blushed, her fingers tightening in the fabric of his shirt. “I missed you, too,” she admitted, her voice shy. “Even though it hasn’t even been that long.”

King grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her cheek. “That so, Little one?”

She nodded, chewing her lip before glancing up at him with uncertainty in her eyes. “I’ve never felt like this before. I don’t know if we’re moving too fast. I was kind of panicking this morning.”

King tightened his grip on her waist, keeping her close. “Wearemoving fast,” he admitted. “But I don’t care. Not if it’s what we both want.”

He cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb over her warm skin. “Iwant this. I wantyou. And I want to be your Daddy. Not just that. I want to be your partner, too.”

Ella’s breath hitched, her wide eyes locking onto his. Her lips parted, and just as she was about to speak, they were interrupted.

“Ella!”

A chorus of excited squeals rang out as Carlee, Ivy, and Remi came skipping over, their faces bright with excitement.

“Come play with us,” Ivy pleaded, bouncing on her toes.

Remi grabbed Ella’s hand, tugging her toward the clubhouse. “We’re gonna have a picnic.”

Ella hesitated, her eyes flicking to King, uncertainty flashing across her face.

King chuckled, brushing his knuckles over her jaw before nodding toward the girls. “Go on, Little one. Have fun.”

Her lips curled into a soft smile, and with one last glance at him, she let the girls pull her away, their giggles filling the air as they hurried to the picnic they’d set up by the oak tree.

It was going to be a good day.

THIRTEEN

ELLA

Ella skipped off with the other Littles, feeling lighter than she had in days. As she moved away, King’s deep voice rumbled behind her.

“Be good, Little one.”

She glanced back over her shoulder, her smile bright and playful. “Ialwaysam,” she teased before hurrying to catch up with the others.

His laughter made her grin even wider.

Once they were sitting by a large tree, Carlee, Ivy, Harper, Remi, and the rest of the Littles surrounded her while they passed out sandwiches and juice boxes, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

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