King (Shadowridge Guardians MC #11)

18. King

EIGHTEEN

KING

K ing was standing by the entrance of the firehouse when he noticed Ella pull into the parking lot. His heart clenched as he watched her climb out of her car and approach. His sweet girl. Then, as he looked closer, he found himself on alert because her eyes were red and puffy like she’d been crying.

Rushing toward her, he pulled her close. “Baby, are you all right?”

She waved him off with a small, reassuring smile before she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. “I’m fine, Daddy.”

When she released him, he studied her and nudged her toward her office. She’d definitely been crying, and he wanted to know why.

Once inside, with the door closed, Ella set her phone on her desk and exhaled slowly. “I just got off the phone with my parents.”

King’s gaze softened, and he pulled up a chair beside her. “Is everything okay with them?”

Ella hesitated, glancing at her hands. “Mom asked if I was doing okay. They reminded me that I can always come home.” Her voice trailed off, and she paused before continuing in a quieter tone, “It was hard. I don’t miss New York at all. I love it here, but I miss them .”

The room was silent except for the distant hum of activity outside. King’s heart ached for Ella. He was relieved that her parents were supportive of her being in Shadowridge and that they cared enough to offer her a way back home, but he hated the thought that she missed them. He reached out, lightly stroking her cheek.

“I’m glad they care, baby,” he told her. “I wish I could do something to make your hurt disappear.”

Ella looked up into his eyes and smiled. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome, baby.” His fingers still gently grazed her skin. “We’ll figure something out. There’s no reason we can’t make trips to New York every couple of months or they can come here.”

Her eyes glistened with tears as she looked up at him. “I feel so lucky to have you.”

He let out a deep breath and leaned down so his mouth hovered over hers. “You have no idea how much I feel the same way, dollface.”

King leaned against his motorcycle, arms crossed as he watched Ella’s car pull into the lot. A slow smile spread across his face, and the second she stepped out, he made his way toward her. Every moment away from her was too long.

“Hey, Little one,” he greeted as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest before pressing a deep, lingering kiss on her lips.

Ella giggled against his mouth, her small hands pressing against his chest as if to steady herself.

“Hi, Daddy,” she murmured once he pulled back, her cheeks already pink from his attention.

King cupped her face, running his thumb along the softness of her skin. Something inside him twisted with a deep possessiveness that he couldn’t deny. He wanted her. Needed her. “Are you staying the night?”

Ella grinned, nodding. “Yes.”

“That’s my girl.” His smile deepened as his grip on her waist tightened slightly, giving her bottom a smack with his free hand.

She let out a squeal of delight and started to turn toward the clubhouse doors. “Okay, I need to find the girls before book club starts.”

But King didn’t let her go.

Instead, he pulled her into him, his lips claiming hers once more. One of his hands splayed against her lower back, keeping her flush against him, while the other slid up to tangle in her hair, angling her head just how he wanted.

Ella whimpered, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she melted into his touch. Her tummy pressed against his hard length, and he groaned into her mouth at the friction.

Still unwilling to release her just yet, King trailed kisses down the side of her face, his lips brushing the delicate skin of her neck.

He nuzzled her, inhaling the faint, sweet scent of her shampoo. “You smell good, baby,” he murmured, pressing another kiss beneath her ear. “I bet you taste just as good.”

Ella let out a soft, breathy laugh, her hands gripping his arms.

“Daddy, I have to go,” she whispered, though she made no real effort to pull away from him.

He chuckled, enjoying the way she shivered beneath his touch. Finally, he loosened his hold, allowing her some space. “All right, Little one,” he said, his voice dripping with amusement. “Go on. Have fun with your book club. Enjoy those naughty stories I know you Little girls read.”

She stepped back, looking adorably dazed, her lips swollen from his kiss. He was glad he wasn’t the only one who was affected. Her pointed nipples and glazed eyes gave away her arousal.

Before she turned, he caught her wrist and gave her a pointed look. “Be good for me, yeah?”

Ella bit her lip, then batted her eyelashes playfully. “Do I get a reward if I’m good?”

He chuckled and arched a brow. “I’ll definitely reward you.”

“Then I suppose I’ll behave,” she teased, running her fingers down his chest.

King smirked, squeezing her hand before finally letting her go. “That’s my girl.”

She turned and hurried into the clubhouse while King stood there watching her, already counting the hours until he had her back in his arms.