Page 56 of King

Ella pulled back just enough to look at them, still in completeshock. “But… how? When?Why didn’t you tell me?”

Her mother cupped her cheek, smiling softly. “We wanted to surprise you. King called us.”

Ella blinked. “King?”

Her father nodded, glancing past her. “He said you’d been working so hard on this and that he knew how much you were missing us. He wanted us to see what anincrediblejob you’ve done here.”

Ella’s chest ached with emotion.

She turned slowly, her gaze findinghim.

King stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching the reunion unfold with a small, satisfied smirk.

Ellaracedtoward him, throwing herself into his arms.

He caught her with ease, letting out a low chuckle as he wrapped her in his arms tightly. “Hi, Little one.”

Ella buried her face against his neck. “Youcalledthem?”

“Figured you’d want them here.”

She pulled back to cup his face, her eyes shimmering. “Iloveyou. I can’t believe you did this.”

“I’d do anything for you, baby. I love you.”

A second later, her parents approached them, and Ella made introductions. Just as she suspected, her mother’s cheeks turnedpink as she shook King’s hand, and when the men weren’t paying attention, her mom winked at Ella as if to saygood job.

The four of them got lost in conversation quickly, her father asking King all about the MC and his motorcycle. When her dad mentioned possibly getting a Harley of his own, Ella nearly spewed her water all over him.

“Dad? A motorcycle? Really?” Ella asked.

Her mother tilted her head and smiled. “I don’t know. I think your father would look pretty sexy on a bike.”

King grinned as Ella’s face flushed. Good Lord, she’d forgotten how gooey her parents were with each other. They were so cute together, though.

When her father asked to see King’s bike and the two men disappeared, her mother linked arms with her as they headed inside to get a drink.

“Darling, that man is head over heels in love with you. Don’t ever let him go, or I might have to leave your father and snatch him up myself. I could be one of those panthers or whatever you call them.”

Ella burst out laughing. “A cougar, Mom?”

Her mother giggled. “Yes, one of those.”

“Well, unfortunately for you, I’m never letting King go.”

“Well, pooey. I guess I’ll have to get your dad one of those leather cut things that King’s wearing, and we’ll have to role-play then.”

Oh, dear God. She loved her parents.

“I’ll see what I can do about getting Dad a cut… But only if you promise never to mention role-playing with my father ever again.”

Her mom huffed out a laugh. “Deal.”

TWENTY-FOUR

KING

The bonfire burned bright against the dark, starlit sky. Laughter and conversation filled the air, music still playing from the speakers near the clubhouse. The night had been perfect. Better than King could’ve ever hoped.

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