EIGHT

Kayla paused at the doorway, her hand lingering on the shiny doorknob for a split second more than needed. She couldn’t understand why Victor had summoned her to his office, yet she was unable to dispel the sense of dread that lodged itself deep within her stomach. Had she committed a mistake? She searched her mind, but nothing surfaced.

Drawing a deep breath, she finally knocked on the door. "Come in." a deep voice said behind the closed door. Kayla took another deep breath and opened the door. The large office was tastefully decorated, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that let the late afternoon sunlight fill the space with a cozy ambiance. Nonetheless, the view that met her caused her to hesitate.

All three brothers of King were present. Victor leaned against the desk, arms casually crossed, yet his gaze remained keen and steady. Alistair rested against the wall with relaxed assurance, his blue eyes observing her intently, while Elliott perched on the edge of the leather couch, a faint smile dancing on his lips.

The office abruptly seemed more confined, her anxiety causing her heart to pound. She cleared her throat and walked further in, gently shutting the door behind her.

"You wished to see me, Professor King?" she inquired, her tone calm even though nerves churned within her.

Victor motioned toward the chair located in front of his desk. "Kindly take a seat."

Kayla complied, her hands lying on her lap while she looked between the siblings, her interest aroused. None of them appeared angry or upset, which eased her stress a bit.

Elliott was the initial one to disrupt the quiet. "Take it easy, Kayla." "You're not in any trouble," he stated with a comforting smile.

Alistair laughed softly. "However, considering how you've been walking back and forth in front of the door for the past five minutes, you must have believed you were."

Kayla turned red, her fingers clenching in her lap. "I wasn't certain... I mean, I figured perhaps I had made a mistake."

Victor's demeanor relaxed, and he leaned in, placing his forearms on the desk. "You did not." We simply wanted to have a conversation with you—and give you something.

Kayla cocked her head, puzzled. "Give me something?"

Alistair stepped away from the wall and approached a side table where numerous shopping bags were organized neatly. "We observed a couple of things recently and thought you could benefit from some assistance."

Elliott got up and took one of the bags, extending it toward her. "These are intended for you."

Kayla blinked, shifting her gaze from the bag to their expressions. "Hold on... what?" For my sake? Why is that?

Victor's look stayed unwavering. "We observed your shoes seemed somewhat faded, and we believed you would feel more at ease with a new pair." "We noticed that your bag was coming undone."

Alistair laughed softly. "We thought it might be beneficial to include a few additional items."

Kayla looked at the bag that Elliott extended towards her, her heart racing with a blend of shock and doubt. "I… I don't understand." "Why would you do this for me?"

Elliott grinned affectionately. "Since we care, Kayla." You've experienced a great deal; it's clear. "Regardless of whether you recognize it, you deserve this kindness."

Kayla paused, her thoughts swirling. No stranger had ever made such an effort for her like this previously, and the thought of receiving presents from them seemed daunting.

"I can't agree to this," she replied softly, shaking her head. "It’s excessive."

Victor reclined in his chair, maintaining his gaze on her. "Kayla, at times it’s alright to allow others to look after you. And we want to be the ones to take care of you." he said

Elliott placed the bag on the desk in front of her. "Make sure to glance through them before you make your choice."

Kayla paused once more before gradually extending her hand toward the bag. Her fingers shook a bit as she opened it, her eyes growing larger as she revealed what was inside. A pair of elegant silver flats, both simple and stylish, drew her attention first. She recalled how painful her old shoes were, and the view of something so functional and lovely caused her throat to constrict.

Then, she retrieved a gentle, cream-hued coat, accompanied by two more—one in black and the other in dark green, both fashionable yet cozy and ideal for the approaching chilly season.

Her fingers glided over a violet backpack, which was robust and stylish, featuring enough pockets for her books and laptop. It was much nicer than the old bag she was using now.

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked back up at the brothers. "I… I don’t know what to say."

"Say you’ll accept them," Alistair said with a grin. "And maybe let us know if we got your style right."

Kayla laughed softly, wiping at her eyes. "You did. Everything is perfect."

Victor’s expression remained warm but serious. "Good. Then it’s settled. These are yours now."

"But… it’s too much," Kayla whispered. "I’m not used to… to anyone doing something like this for me."

Elliott leaned closer, his voice gentle. "Then get used to it. You’re not alone anymore, Kayla. You’ve got us."

Kayla’s breath caught in her throat at the sincerity in his words. She had spent so much time feeling isolated, fending for herself, that the idea of having people in her corner felt almost unreal.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I don’t know how to repay you."

"You don’t have to," Victor replied firmly.

Alistair clapped his hands together. "And maybe wear the silver flats tomorrow. I think they’ll look great on you."

Kayla smiled, a genuine one this time, as warmth spread through her chest. "I will."

The brothers exchanged satisfied glances, and for the first time in a long while, Kayla felt like maybe—just maybe—she wasn’t as alone as she had always believed.

Kayla continued rummaging through the items, a soft smile playing on her lips as she admired the gifts. It was overwhelming, but in a good way. She felt warmth spread through her chest—a sensation she hadn’t experienced in so long.

Elliott, seated beside her, watched her quietly, his eyes softening at the sight of her smile. It was rare to see her so relaxed and genuinely happy. He found himself drawn to it, silently promising to protect that smile no matter what.

Alistair, on the other hand, was observing her with his usual keen eye. His gaze landed on her arm, where faint but visible scratches marred her otherwise smooth skin. A frown pulled at his lips as he moved closer. Without asking, he gently took her arm in his hand, lifting it for a better look.

"Kayla, what happened to your arm?" Alistair’s voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

The sudden attention made Kayla’s heart skip a beat. She tried to pull her arm back, but Alistair’s grip, while gentle, remained firm.

"It’s nothing," she said quickly, forcing a small smile. "I scratched it in the bathroom. It’s really not a big deal."

Victor, who had been standing near the desk, narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze locking onto her. "You’re lying," he said, his voice low but commanding.

Kayla’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected him to call her out so bluntly. "I’m not—"

"Kayla," Victor interrupted, his tone softening but still serious. "We’re not just your professors or random strangers. We care about you. If someone hurt you, we need to know."

Alistair leaned closer, his blue eyes filled with concern. "Seriously, who did this to you, neonata?" The Italian word rolled off his tongue effortlessly, and despite the situation, Kayla couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her cheeks.

"It was…" she hesitated, her eyes darting between the three of them. Their proximity made her heart race. "It was Madeline," she whispered finally, her voice barely audible.

"Madeline?" Victor repeated, his jaw tightening. "Your coworker at the café?"

Kayla nodded timidly, suddenly feeling very small under their intense gazes. "She grabbed my arm yesterday, after you left. It’s nothing serious, really. I’m used to it."

"You’re used to it?" Elliott’s voice was laced with disbelief, his normally lighthearted demeanor darkening. "Kayla, that’s not okay. No one should be putting their hands on you like that."

"It's nothing really." She tried to convince them but the brothers mind were already set. But still, to keep her mind off it. "Okay, but you have to take care of the injury." Elliot said grabbing a first aid kit and cleaned the wound before putting a band aid on it.

Few minutes later, Kayla left because she wanted to go to her dorm first to drop all the gifts before leaving for work. Immediately she was out of the office, the brothers' gaze turned dark. "Chiama Evans per portarci quella puttana stasera, dopo che la nostra bambina se n'è andata, non voglio che sospetti nulla." Alistair said in Italian, indicating that he is already very angry. (T: Call Evans to bring that bitch to us tonight, after our babygirl is gone. I don't want her to suspect anything.)

Elliot nodded, his face also stoic with anger. No one messes with their queen.