Chapter 7 #2
Branson, our butler, waited right inside the door, hands folded neatly in front of him. The moment she saw him, her body tensed. Visibly shaking, she shrank inward, shoulders curling, and moved closer to me until the space between us disappeared.
“Kinsley, this is Branson. He’s the London version of Gerald. If you need anything, you can always ask him, and he’ll help you.”
“Yes, Sir.” She glanced at him and then looked away.
“Why don’t I show you to your room? You can lie down and relax before dinner.” I led her toward one of our guest rooms. My mind was in prep mode. She’d need clothes, and I knew exactly who to ask to get them.
“Alek, Nik, and Ivan’s rooms are across the hall, so this is a good place for you.”
Her head shot up, and tears sprang to her eyes.
“They live here too?”
“Yes, Sebastian does as well. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, Sir.”
I got her situated and then left to call Sebastian. “Are you sitting down?” I asked.
“Hell no, too much to do. I can’t wait for the guys to get back. I swear I’m going on holiday for a week, maybe a month. Don’t you fucking tell me they changed their minds?” His voice was tired and weary.
“No, in fact, I could probably get them on the next flight out with a simple sentence.”
“Do it, Marcel. If you love me at all, you will.” He exhaled.
“I found her,” I said, my voice somber.
“Tiny tot?” He somehow immediately knew who I was referencing.
“Yes, but you can’t tell the guys. I need some time with her. She was at Bethlem Royal Hospital.”
“Wait, what? She’s here in London? How? Holy shit. Are you sure it’s her?”
“I’m positive. She needs clothes. Do you mind stopping to pick some up? I’d have taken her myself, but she’s in no shape for that.”
“Yes, anything you need. I can leave now if you’d like.”
“That’d be great. I know you’re an excellent judge on sizing and have seen her up close and personal, but she has lost weight. So whatever size you’re thinking, go one or two smaller.”
“You got it, Counselor,” he said, his tone growing serious.
“I’ll see you in a while.” Ending the call, I moved to the kitchen and asked to speak with the staff.
“We’ve got a guest staying with us. It’s essential that no one approaches her suddenly. She’s skittish. I know you are all looking forward to the Kings’ homecoming and seeing Gerald, Marcus, Mrs. Patterson, and the crew, but I need to insist that no one mention our guest to any of them.”
They all nodded, despite the strange request.
“Also, I need nutritious meals prepared for her. She is terribly underweight. She’s been through something traumatic, and it’s our job to ensure she feels safe and taken care of. She’s extremely important to the entire King household, so I’m sure you’ll ensure she feels welcome and loved.”
“Is it Kinsley, Sir?” Holly asked solemnly. With her being Mrs. Patterson’s assistant in the kitchen, it made sense she’d know of her.
“It is. I know you and Mrs. Patterson are close; however, I must insist that you refrain from letting her know she’s here.”
“Of course. I know Kinsley likes to bake. I’ll order some things to have on hand if she wants to make something.”
“Thank you. I’d like to introduce you officially this evening,” I told them, smiling. We were incredibly blessed to have a dedicated and loyal staff.
With that done, I walked back down the hall, my footsteps echoing faintly off the polished floors.
I didn’t stop until I reached my office.
Her file was calling my name, and I set about getting comfortable.
I pulled the file close and flipped it open.
The pages fanned out like a crime scene, and I sank into my seat rubbing the back of my neck before leaning in.
Once more, I scanned all my notes—everything I’d read a dozen times already.
There had to be something I missed. I scribbled in the margin, flipped back three pages, then stared at the rough timeline I’d sketched out and tried to pin her fractured story into place. The silence helped me think. Until it didn’t.
A knock at the door pulled me out of the fog, and I blinked, glancing at the clock. Two hours had passed. I stood as Bash stepped inside, holding several bags from Geraldine’s Boutique. There was a heightened level of tension in every line of his body.
“I may have gone overboard,” he said sheepishly.
“Maybe a little,” I said with a light chuckle. “What do you say? Ready to meet her face-to-face?”
The first thing I noticed when we walked down toward their wing was Ivan’s open door and the faintest sound of crying drifting from within. As my gaze met Sebastian’s, we exchanged a knowing look that conveyed our shared apprehension.
“Shit,” he mumbled.
We pushed the door all the way open and found her lying on his side of the bed. She had showered, her hair still wet, and she wore one of his T-shirts. Hearing us, she sat up, looking afraid.
“Tiny tot?” Sebastian whispered, shocked at her appearance. It was almost gut-wrenching, the tone of his voice.
“Torturer.”
I still couldn’t believe she called him that. I shook my head.
“What are you doing in here?” he asked, smiling at the nickname.
“It’s Ivan’s night, or it would be if he were here and still loved me,” she sobbed, looking lost and so fucking small on his enormous bed.
Sebastian and I exchanged another look. Her heartbreak spoke volumes. Whatever had happened between them was bad.
“Sebastian brought you some clothes, although if you want to wear Ivan’s T-shirt, you’re more than welcome to. Dinner’s almost done, and we’d really love it if you’d join us.” Several emotions ran across her face as she contemplated my words.
“I promise no questions tonight. Just dinner with friends. I’d like to think we’re all friends here,” I said, trying to put her mind at ease.
“Okay.” She gave off a small sniffle and took a deep breath.
“How about if we leave these bags here for you, and you can get dressed and join us?” Sebastian asked, setting the bags down in Ivan’s room.
She nodded and pushed her hair behind her ear.
We left her alone and waited out in the hall for her.
A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a pair of baggy shorts, despite Sebastian’s attempt to get the right fit, and Ivan’s shirt still adorned her small frame.
It would have swallowed her whole if she hadn’t cleverly secured it through a single loophole on the shorts.
The staff had gathered inside the large dining room, and all greeted her warmly when we walked in. She instinctively moved closer to Sebastian and me, but by the time she got to Holly, she was more relaxed.
“Ms. Taylor, if you have any special requests for food, please let me know, and I’ll ensure we have it for you. I’ve heard you bake some amazing treats. The kitchen is available for your use at any time.” Holly offered her a warm smile.
“Thank you, that’s very kind,” she said as I waved her to an empty seat.
Throughout the meal, she was reserved and pushed the food around on her plate, not eating much.
“We’ll give you the official tour after dinner. But do you think you could eat a little something for us first?” I asked.
“Yes, Sir.” Her voice was so soft we had to strain to hear her. She took small bites, looking at us for approval after several of them.
“Good girl,” Sebastian remarked instinctively, causing her to take another.
We kept the conversation light and didn’t mention that the gentlemen were due home in a little over a week and a half. I was hoping there would be enough time to prepare her.