Page 58 of King

He tried her phone again.

No answer.

Something was wrong.

King turned, spotting Steele and Doc standing near the entrance. He strode toward them, his heart beginning to pound harder.

“You guys seen Ella?” he asked quickly.

Steele shook his head, immediately on alert from King’s tone. “Not for a bit. Why?”

“She went to the bathroom and never returned,” King said tightly. “She’s not answering her phone, but I don’t know whether she had it on her or not.”

Atlas and Kade walked up, concern etched on their faces.

“Remi said you can’t find Ella?” Kade asked.

“You think something’s happened?” Doc asked, his sharp eyes narrowing.

King exhaled harshly, his chest tightening. “I don’tknow,” he admitted, “but I don’t like this. It’s not like her to disappear. I need eyes everywhere. Now.”

His brothers didn’t hesitate.

“I’ll search the clubhouse,” Kade offered.

“Perimeter,” Atlas added, already heading toward the back of the compound.

“Parking lot,” Steele called out, already heading in that direction.

“I’ll take the Littles inside,” Doc said, nodding toward the others.

King’s hands clenched into fists, a deep,colddread settling inside him.

He didn’t know what was happening.

But his gut was screaming at him.

And for the first time in a long time, he was scared.

TWENTY-FIVE

ELLA

Ella hummed softly as she made her way down the long hallway, feeling light and happy after freshening up in the bathroom. With all the water King had been making her drink, she’d nearly peed herself as she’d rushed inside. He was her bossy Daddy. And she loved him for it.

The night had beenperfect. Better than she could’ve ever dreamed. The fundraiser was a success, King had been by her side all night, and her parents hadsurprisedher by showing up.

She couldn’t wait to get back outside to him.

But as she reached the end of the hallway, a figure suddenly stepped out from one of the side rooms, blocking her path.

Ella froze.

The dim light from the hallway lamps illuminated the woman’s face, and recognition hit Ella like a punch to the gut.

Janelle.

King’sex.

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