Kayla stirred awake, the warmth of the blankets wrapped around her like a gentle embrace. The air was cool, and the soft glow of the nightlight bathed the room in a soothing hue. Blinking, she sat up slowly, the weight that had pressed on her chest for years feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in a long time, the night had not swallowed her whole in nightmares. There were no hands grabbing her, no whispers haunting her, no suffocating darkness. Just sleep—deep, undisturbed, and peaceful. She exhaled, running a hand through her hair as she took in her surroundings. The plushie she had been clutching was still in her arms, its soft fabric comforting against her skin. A small, hesitant smile crossed her lips. It was strange—feeling this… safe. Shaking off the drowsiness, Kayla swung her legs over the bed and padded toward the bathroom. The mirror greeted her with the reflection of a girl who still carried her past in her eyes. Violet and icy blue—two colors that had o
Weeks passed and it was the week for tests before the winter break. Kayla, Janice and Veronica formed a study group and they spent time in the library or at a cafe reading together. But that evening, Kayla was at the house with the Kings brothers. The warm scent of garlic and butter filled the kitchen, mixing with the rich aroma of grilled steak and simmering pasta sauce. Kayla sat on the counter, her legs swinging slightly as she watched Alistair and Elliot move around the kitchen with practiced ease. Alistair, ever composed, chopped herbs with precision, while Elliot stirred the sauce, occasionally tasting it with a smug look on his face. "You all are good at this," Kayla admitted, tilting her head. "I thought men like you—wealthy and powerful—would have chefs cooking for them every night." Elliot smirked, turning to face her. "We do, but sometimes, it’s fun to cook. Plus, watching you admire us makes it even better." Alistair rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he tosse
The next morning, Kayla was still in a deep sleep when she felt a warm hand gently brush over her cheek. A soft groan escaped her lips as she turned away, pulling the blanket over her head in protest. “Kayla,” a familiar voice called in a low, teasing tone. “Come on, baby girl, time to wake up.” She recognized that voice immediately—Elliot. “Mmm… five more minutes,” she mumbled sleepily, snuggling deeper into the warmth of the blanket. Elliot chuckled, clearly amused. “You said that ten minutes ago.” Kayla felt the mattress dip beside her before the covers were suddenly yanked off her. A gasp escaped her lips as the cold air hit her skin, and she groaned, blinking up at Elliot, who was grinning down at her with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. “You’re so annoying,” she grumbled, rubbing her eyes. “And yet, you love me,” Elliot replied smugly, running a hand through his messy blond hair. He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Now get up. You have c
Kayla stirred awake, stretching her arms above her head as she blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. A small frown tugged at her lips when she realized the bed beside her was empty, the warmth of her lovers long gone. She sighed, rolling out of bed and heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The lingering scent of their shared night, a mix of their individual colognes and the subtle musk of intimacy, still hung in the air, a phantom caress that made her smile despite the empty bed. The warm shower soothed her sleep-fogged mind, the water cascading over her skin like a gentle massage. She lingered under the spray, letting the steam envelop her, washing away the last vestiges of sleep. After drying off, she slipped into a comfortable summer dress, a flowing piece of pale blue fabric that flattered her figure and felt light against her skin. She applied a touch of lip gloss and ran a brush through her hair, allowing the natural waves to fall around her s
The private jet, a sleek, silver bird of luxury, touched down smoothly, the hum of the powerful engines fading into a gentle whisper as the aircraft taxied to a graceful stop on the tarmac. Kayla, who had drifted into a light nap nestled between the warm, comforting presences of the brothers, stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. A soft yawn escaped her lips as she stretched, the lingering drowsiness quickly dispelled by a sense of excited anticipation. As the doors of the jet swung open, a rush of warm, sun-kissed air greeted them, carrying with it the unmistakable, intoxicating scent of Italy—freshly turned earth, the salty tang of the distant sea, and the rich, lingering aroma of strong espresso emanating from the small airport café. It was a sensory symphony, a vibrant welcome that instantly awakened Kayla’s senses. Victor, ever the gentleman, stepped out first, his dark eyes sparkling with a proprietary warmth as he turned to offer Kayla his hand. His touch was gentl
Kayla woke up feeling utterly refreshed, a sensation that spread through her like warm honey, her body sinking into the plush, cloud-like mattress. The morning sun, a gentle, golden glow, filtered through the sheer, ivory curtains, casting soft, dappled patterns across the room. Perhaps it was the change in environment, the crisp, clean Italian air that whispered promises of adventure and romance, or simply the comforting, undeniable presence of the brothers that made her feel so profoundly well-rested. With a contented sigh, a soft, almost purring sound, she stretched, her limbs extending languidly, savoring the moment of blissful tranquility before reluctantly sitting up. Slipping out of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the thick, luxurious carpet, she padded toward the en-suite bathroom, a spacious haven of marble and polished chrome. The cool, smooth surface of the marble felt soothing against her skin. She brushed her teeth, the minty freshness awakening her senses, before st
The morning sun, a gentle caress on her skin, mingled with the heady aroma of Italian coffee and sweet pastries. After a delightful breakfast, Victor, Elliot, and Alistair, their eyes sparkling with mischief, ushered Kayla out of the villa. A sleek, obsidian-black car, a testament to understated luxury, waited in the grand circular driveway, its polished surface reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding gardens. "Where are we going?" Kayla asked, her voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of the morning's symphony. The air, crisp and alive, carried the promise of adventure, a delicate blend of blooming jasmine and the warm, yeasty scent of freshly baked pastries from a nearby café. Elliot, a mischievous glint in his azure eyes, slid into the plush leather seat beside her. "That would ruin the surprise, bellissima. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride." His tone, playful yet possessive, sent a flutter of anticipation through her. The car purred to life, gliding smoothl
Sunlight spilled softly into the room through the sheer curtains, casting golden stripes across the rumpled sheets. Kayla stirred beneath the warmth of the covers, her body aching in a way that was both tender and thrilling. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the light. A weight—no, weights—pressed against her from all angles. She blinked in confusion before turning her head to the left. Victor was nestled into the crook of her neck, his soft, steady breaths warming her skin. One of his arms was draped protectively over her waist, the other resting beneath her head like a pillow. A glance downward revealed Alistair lying diagonally across her torso, his head resting just below her chest. His dark hair spilled across her skin, and she could feel the subtle movement of his breath. It rose and fell rhythmically, as if he were utterly at peace. But that wasn’t all. Lower still, Elliot lay sprawled with his head on her stomach, his arm loosely wrapped around her thigh
The rooftop restaurant was quiet except for the occasional clink of silverware and the murmur of the sea breeze rolling in from the Aegean. The sun hovered low on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the whitewashed buildings. Yet none of the three brothers—Victor, Alistair, and Elliot—were paying attention to the breathtaking view. They were waiting. And tension lingered in the air like a storm cloud. Victor sat stiffly at the table, his arms folded across his chest, gaze fixed on the elevator. Alistair tapped a slow rhythm on his glass while Elliot leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded but alert. At last, the elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Leonidas Moretti—Leo—stepped out in tailored slacks and a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal inked forearms. His signature cross pendant swung lightly on his chest. He looked exactly as they remembered him: confident, collected, and just dangerous enough to keep you on edge. “Gentlemen,” Leo gree
Kayla stepped into the heart of the bustling marketplace. The cacophony of vendors hawking their wares, the heady aroma of spices, and the kaleidoscope of colors painted a scene that felt like stepping into a fairytale. Even though Victor, Elliot, and Alistair, couldn’t join her—their cryptic excuse about “business” hanging in the air like an unspoken secret—she refused to miss the chance to experience the city’s vibrant soul. Instead, she ventured out with Jayden, one of their trusted bodyguards. He was a quiet, almost spectral presence, a man who moved like a shadow, blending seamlessly into the background. She didn’t know, however, that the brothers, ever vigilant, had deployed a dozen more men, each a phantom in the crowd. They were disguised as locals, tourists, merchants, even a stoic priest, their eyes fixed on her every move. Not just to protect her, but to possessively guard their queen, their precious Kayla. Oblivious to the watchful eyes, Kayla moved freely, her spirit as
Warmth kissed Kayla's skin as soft sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, streaking pale gold across her cheeks. A faint smile tugged at her lips before her eyes even opened. The bed was cozy, and the lingering scent of cologne teased her senses. She rolled over, hugging the pillow that still held warmth. Someone had left recently. She didn’t remember falling asleep between all three brothers, but she’d gotten used to waking up with one—or all—of them nearby. Today, only silence greeted her. Kayla stretched, the silk strap of her lilac nightgown slipping off her shoulder. “Mmm,” she hummed, smiling to herself. For once, she didn’t feel dread at waking up. No cold, anxious thoughts. Just comfort. She padded barefoot to the bathroom, brushing her teeth and humming a soft tune under her breath. Her fingers lazily combed through her curls as she studied her reflection. She looked… happy. Glowing, even. And she felt it too. Downstairs, the brothers sat around the long marble dining
Sunlight spilled softly into the room through the sheer curtains, casting golden stripes across the rumpled sheets. Kayla stirred beneath the warmth of the covers, her body aching in a way that was both tender and thrilling. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the light. A weight—no, weights—pressed against her from all angles. She blinked in confusion before turning her head to the left. Victor was nestled into the crook of her neck, his soft, steady breaths warming her skin. One of his arms was draped protectively over her waist, the other resting beneath her head like a pillow. A glance downward revealed Alistair lying diagonally across her torso, his head resting just below her chest. His dark hair spilled across her skin, and she could feel the subtle movement of his breath. It rose and fell rhythmically, as if he were utterly at peace. But that wasn’t all. Lower still, Elliot lay sprawled with his head on her stomach, his arm loosely wrapped around her thigh
The morning sun, a gentle caress on her skin, mingled with the heady aroma of Italian coffee and sweet pastries. After a delightful breakfast, Victor, Elliot, and Alistair, their eyes sparkling with mischief, ushered Kayla out of the villa. A sleek, obsidian-black car, a testament to understated luxury, waited in the grand circular driveway, its polished surface reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding gardens. "Where are we going?" Kayla asked, her voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of the morning's symphony. The air, crisp and alive, carried the promise of adventure, a delicate blend of blooming jasmine and the warm, yeasty scent of freshly baked pastries from a nearby café. Elliot, a mischievous glint in his azure eyes, slid into the plush leather seat beside her. "That would ruin the surprise, bellissima. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride." His tone, playful yet possessive, sent a flutter of anticipation through her. The car purred to life, gliding smoothl
Kayla woke up feeling utterly refreshed, a sensation that spread through her like warm honey, her body sinking into the plush, cloud-like mattress. The morning sun, a gentle, golden glow, filtered through the sheer, ivory curtains, casting soft, dappled patterns across the room. Perhaps it was the change in environment, the crisp, clean Italian air that whispered promises of adventure and romance, or simply the comforting, undeniable presence of the brothers that made her feel so profoundly well-rested. With a contented sigh, a soft, almost purring sound, she stretched, her limbs extending languidly, savoring the moment of blissful tranquility before reluctantly sitting up. Slipping out of the bed, her bare feet sinking into the thick, luxurious carpet, she padded toward the en-suite bathroom, a spacious haven of marble and polished chrome. The cool, smooth surface of the marble felt soothing against her skin. She brushed her teeth, the minty freshness awakening her senses, before st
The private jet, a sleek, silver bird of luxury, touched down smoothly, the hum of the powerful engines fading into a gentle whisper as the aircraft taxied to a graceful stop on the tarmac. Kayla, who had drifted into a light nap nestled between the warm, comforting presences of the brothers, stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. A soft yawn escaped her lips as she stretched, the lingering drowsiness quickly dispelled by a sense of excited anticipation. As the doors of the jet swung open, a rush of warm, sun-kissed air greeted them, carrying with it the unmistakable, intoxicating scent of Italy—freshly turned earth, the salty tang of the distant sea, and the rich, lingering aroma of strong espresso emanating from the small airport café. It was a sensory symphony, a vibrant welcome that instantly awakened Kayla’s senses. Victor, ever the gentleman, stepped out first, his dark eyes sparkling with a proprietary warmth as he turned to offer Kayla his hand. His touch was gentl
Kayla stirred awake, stretching her arms above her head as she blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. A small frown tugged at her lips when she realized the bed beside her was empty, the warmth of her lovers long gone. She sighed, rolling out of bed and heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The lingering scent of their shared night, a mix of their individual colognes and the subtle musk of intimacy, still hung in the air, a phantom caress that made her smile despite the empty bed. The warm shower soothed her sleep-fogged mind, the water cascading over her skin like a gentle massage. She lingered under the spray, letting the steam envelop her, washing away the last vestiges of sleep. After drying off, she slipped into a comfortable summer dress, a flowing piece of pale blue fabric that flattered her figure and felt light against her skin. She applied a touch of lip gloss and ran a brush through her hair, allowing the natural waves to fall around her s
The next morning, Kayla was still in a deep sleep when she felt a warm hand gently brush over her cheek. A soft groan escaped her lips as she turned away, pulling the blanket over her head in protest. “Kayla,” a familiar voice called in a low, teasing tone. “Come on, baby girl, time to wake up.” She recognized that voice immediately—Elliot. “Mmm… five more minutes,” she mumbled sleepily, snuggling deeper into the warmth of the blanket. Elliot chuckled, clearly amused. “You said that ten minutes ago.” Kayla felt the mattress dip beside her before the covers were suddenly yanked off her. A gasp escaped her lips as the cold air hit her skin, and she groaned, blinking up at Elliot, who was grinning down at her with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. “You’re so annoying,” she grumbled, rubbing her eyes. “And yet, you love me,” Elliot replied smugly, running a hand through his messy blond hair. He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Now get up. You have c