24. King
TWENTY-FOUR
KING
T he 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.
He stood outside the main building, a bottle of water in one hand as he chatted with Ella’s parents. To his relief, they seemed to genuinelylikehim. More than that, they seemed to approve of him, which was a huge fucking win. He had worried they might not agree with his tattoos or lifestyle, but it seemed the opposite. They were truly down to earth, which wasn’t what he’d expected. It was a pleasant surprise.
“We’re so happy we made the trip.” Ella’s mother smiled warmly at him. “It’s obvious how much she loves it here. And how muchyoulove her.”
King’s chest swelled at her words, and he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s my whole world,” he admitted, glancing toward the garden where many of the Littles were still giggling and playing near the swing set. “I’d do anything for her.”
Ella’s father studied him for a long moment, then gave a slow nod of approval. “That’s what we like to hear.”
King smiled softly. “You don’t have to worry about her with me. She’s got me wrapped around her finger.”
Her parents chuckled, and then her mother casually added, “We were talking about something on the way here. We arrived yesterday and have been touring Shadowridge.”
King tilted his head. “Yeah?”
Ella’s father smiled. “We love it here. It’s charming, small but lively, and most importantly, it’s whereEllais.” He exchanged a glance with his wife before continuing, “We’ve been thinking about getting a second home here. Something small, so we can visit her as much as possible.”
King felt a surge of warmth spread through him. “That’d be incredible,” he said sincerely. “She misses you guys a lot. Having you close, even part-time, would mean everything to her.”
Ella’s mother smiled. “That’s what we were thinking, too. We hope you know we never meant to hurt Ella by staying in New York. All we’ve ever wanted is what’s best for her. We were born as only children into the biggest real-estate families in the state, and we were expected to continue the businesses. Our marriage was a business deal. We were just lucky that we truly fell in love.” The older couple smiled softly at each other before she continued. “Anyway, we always wished for Ella to live the life she wanted. We were so proud of her when she told us she wanted to start her own life. All we’ve ever wanted to do was support her. We tried to protect her from the harshness of our society, but I don’t think we did a very good job.”
King shook his head and offered a reassuring smile. “I think you guys did an amazing job. Ella is the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. She’s compassionate, bubbly, full of life, and she has told me what great parents you are.”
It seemed as if his words soothed their worry because her mom gave his arm a gentle squeeze.
His eyes flicked toward the clubhouse. It had been a while since Ella had excused herself to the bathroom. He assumed she got caught up talking to someone. She had a habit of getting distracted, and it seemed like everyone wanted to talk to her tonight, but still… it had been too long.
A small prickle of unease crawled up his spine.
“Excuse me for a second,” he said to Ella’s parents, glancing toward the clubhouse. “Just gonna check on her.”
He made his way through the lingering guests.
When he ran into a few of the Littles, he stopped to ask them. “Anyone seen Ella?”
“Nope,” Ivy answered, shaking her head. “Did she go inside?”
“Said she was going to the bathroom.”
Remi frowned. “That was a while ago, wasn’t it?”
King’s jaw tensed. “Yeah.”
Pulling out his phone, he called her.
No answer.
His gut twisted as he went into the clubhouse. He went to the common area restroom first and knocked. “Baby?” he called.
No response.
He checked inside quickly, but it was empty.
His pulse kicked up.
Where the hell did she go?
After checking his apartment bathroom, he walked outside again, scanning the compound. The bonfire cast long shadows across the lot, but he didn’t see her anywhere. The Littles were still gathered together, but she wasn’t with them.
His unease deepened.
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.