King (Shadowridge Guardians MC #11)

10. King

TEN

KING

K ing inhaled deeply as he stepped up to Ella’s front door, rolling his shoulders in an attempt to shake off the unfamiliar nervous energy coursing through him. He knocked twice, and within moments, the door cracked open, revealing Ella wearing a soft, flowy dress that made her look even smaller than she already was. Her hair was down, curls tumbling around her shoulders, and she fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her big eyes flicking up to meet his. She looked adorable.

“Hey, Little one,” he murmured, a slow smile tugging at his lips.

“Hi,” she replied softly, shifting on her feet.

King leaned against the doorframe, his gaze flicking over the tiny but cozy space behind her. “I like your home. It suits you.”

Ella’s cheeks pinkened, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. It’s still a work in progress.”

“Well, from what I can see, it’s perfect.”

She ducked her head, and he swore she was trying not to smile too big. He liked that. Liked knowing he could make her shy with just a few words.

“You ready to go?” he asked.

She smiled, grabbing her small purse before stepping outside. He guided her toward his truck with a hand at the small of her back, opening the passenger door for her. Once she was settled inside and he’d reached over her to buckle her in, he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they pulled out of her driveway.

“You’ll see.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “If you take me somewhere weird, I’m calling the cops.”

He barked out a laugh. “You’re a menace.”

“I’m just saying. I watch a lot of true crime,” she said, crossing her arms.

“Noted and slightly concerned. Little girls shouldn’t be watching shit like that. But don’t worry, I’m taking you somewhere with real food. None of that candy salad nonsense.”

Ella gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “How dare you disrespect candy salad like that.”

King shook his head, chuckling. “It’s not food, Little one. It’s sugar in a bowl.”

“Psshhh, whatever . You just don’t appreciate fine cuisine.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” he muttered, making her giggle.

When they arrived at the restaurant, he led her inside, escorting her toward a booth near the window. It was a laid-back, local steakhouse, not too fancy, but it served good food and was quiet enough that they could talk without shouting over the noise of other customers. As they sat, he wondered if it was too casual for her. She had told him she’d grown up wealthy, so this was probably a major step down from the expensive restaurants she was used to. Then he remembered that she left New York for a reason.

Once the menus were in front of them, King glanced at Ella. “You know what you want, or do you want me to order for you?”

She bit her lip, then smiled softly. “You can order for me.”

“Yeah?”

“I trust you.”

Something warm settled in him at that. It was a big deal to him that she trusted him. Especially after the incident with Janelle. Even if it was just to order her dinner.

When the food arrived, he caught the way Ella’s eyes lit up at the plate in front of her. A perfectly cooked steak, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. She wiggled a little in her seat, clearly excited.

King chuckled. “See? Real food.”

Ella huffed. “Fine, I’ll admit it looks good.”

He grabbed his fork, speared a piece of steak, and held it out to her. “Want me to feed you?”

Her eyes went wide, and she let out a nervous giggle, shaking her head. “I—no, I can feed myself.”

The want was there, but they were in a public space, so he understood her hesitance.

King leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Next time we’re alone, I’m hand-feeding you.”

Ella’s breath hitched, and she pressed her thighs together, her blush deepening. She didn’t argue, though.

Dinner was easy. Filled with laughter, teasing, and stories about their lives. King hadn’t felt this light in years. Being with Ella was effortless, like she was meant to fit into his life. Nothing like how it had been with Janelle.

After dinner, he drove them to the drive-in theater outside of town.

Ella practically bounced in her seat when she saw where they were. “A drive-in? Oh my gosh, I’ve never been to one!”

King grinned. “Figured you’d like it.”

He parked the truck with the bed facing the screen, then hopped out, grabbing a blanket and a few snacks from the back. When he pulled out a small baggie filled with colorful candy, Ella gasped.

“You did not ?—”

King held up the bag and winked. “Candy salad, just for you. For dessert.”

She let out a delighted squeal and launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. He caught her easily, laughing as she squeezed him tight.

“You’re the best,” she murmured against his shoulder.

He held her a second longer than necessary, then reluctantly let her go. “Yeah, yeah. Now get up in the truck bed before I change my mind.”

When he lowered the tailgate, she gasped. He’d already put cushioned mats back there along with a bunch of throw pillows, and when he reached in and turned on the battery-operated fairy lights he lined around the edge of the bed, she turned her attention to him.

“King,” she whispered. “This is… I can’t believe you did all this for me. It’s so beautiful I could cry.”

His heart pounded against his ribcage as he watched her take it all in. It was something simple, yet it meant so much to her. He would do shit like this every day for Ella if it made her this happy.

“Let me help you up, dollface.” Without waiting, he reached out and lifted her, then had to adjust his dick as he watched her crawl across the padding to get comfortable, flashing him a glimpse of her pink panties… which had lollipops printed on them. Of course.

They settled in, backs against the stack of pillows, a blanket draped over them as the old black-and-white movie flickered across the screen.

Ella sighed happily. “This is perfect.”

King tightened his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. “Yeah, baby. It is.”

He wasn’t talking about the movie, though. Not even close.

She snuggled into him, resting her head on his chest. His fingers absentmindedly traced up and down her arm, and he felt her slowly relax.

At one point, she shifted slightly, tilting her face toward his, and his breath caught. They were close—so close that all he had to do was lean down a fraction to kiss her.

Her gaze flicked to his lips, and he started to close the distance.

But just as he was about to kiss her, a loud crash from the movie made her jump slightly, breaking the moment.

King huffed a quiet laugh. “You okay, Little one?”

Her cheeks flushed as she giggled. “Yeah. Just got startled. Sheesh. What a way to ruin the moment.”

He pulled her against him, rubbing slow circles on her back. “We’ll have many more moments, dollface.”

At least, he hoped they would. If he had it his way.

By the time the credits rolled, King glanced down and found Ella sound asleep against his chest, her tiny frame curled up under the blanket.

And her thumb was in her mouth. So innocent and sweet. He wondered if she had a pacifier at home. She needed one.

His heart clenched as he watched her.

Yeah, she wasdefinitelyhis. She just didn’t know it yet.