Page 64 of King

Ella’s eyes widened. “Wait—what?”

“You heard the man.” King smiled, easily lifting her into his arms. “You’re officially on bed rest, Little one.”

Ellasqueakedas he carried her toward their apartment, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach.

By the second day, Ella wasdyingfrom sheer boredom.

King had turned into Mr. Bossy-pants.

She couldn’t walk, she couldn’t use the toilet alone, she couldn’t help clean up after the party, and worst of all—she couldn’t get herownjuice box.

“Daddy,” she whined dramatically from the couch, where she was bundled up like a burrito in an obscene amount of blankets. “Ihatethis.”

King, who was casually leaning against the counter, watching her with fartoomuch amusement, took a slow sip of his coffee. “Ilovethis,” he countered, smirking behind the rim of his mug.

Ella narrowed her eyes, unimpressed. “You’re theworst.”

“And yet, I’m the one making sure youheal.”

Ellahuffed, flopping against the pillows with all the grace of a disgruntled toddler. “You’re a meanie.”

King chuckled, completely unaffected. “I’m aDaddy.”

“Same thing,” she grumbled, crossing her arms.

Luckily, the Littles had takenpityon her and kept her entertained.

Remi and Carlee brought over amountainof coloring books and crayons and spent half the afternoon coloring with her.

Harper and Ivy spent hours doing puzzles with her.

Molly read her a story out loud, complete with silly voices, which was adorable.

By the third day, she was still miserable about being stuck inside, but at least she wasn’tcompletelybored.

The only problem?

King was takingDoc’s orderswaytoo seriously.

“Baby, I swear to God—don’t move.”

Ella froze mid-scoot, her attempt tosneakoff the couch immediately abandoned.

“I wasn’t moving,” she lied.

King raised a brow from across the room. “Then why do you lookguilty?”

“I always look guilty.”

King sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What do you need, Little one?”

She perked up immediately as she answered, “Chocolate milk.”

“Say please.”

Ella batted her lashes. “Please,Daddy.”

He shook his head, chuckling as he grabbed a bottle from the fridge. As he walked over to her, he grumbled, “Bossiest Little girl in the world.”

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