The bully's redemption

Kamsi's breath hitched as the words hung in the air, tension crackling between them. Xavier's tone was low, almost a growl, as he corrected, "It's a warning, not a threat."

Kamsi stiffened, a chill creeping down her spine. "Why are you here?" he asked, their voice steady but laced with suspicion. Instinctively, Kamsi took a step back, her mind racing for a reply. The suddenness of the question made her falter.

"My mom works here," she finally managed, her voice wavering.

Xavier's response was nothing more than a contemplative hum, a sound that made Kamsi's stomach twist. Her gaze drifted down to his hands, where he held a neatly packaged lunch. The sight of it emboldened her, just enough to ask, "Are you visiting... someone?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Xavier's eyes darkened, and he shot her a look so sharp, it felt like a physical blow. He stepped back, his left hand sliding into his pocket, while the right hand tightened around the meal. The tension in the air was suffocating, and Kamsi, feeling the weight of his glare, couldn't get out of there fast enough. She hissed under her breath, a mix of frustration and nerves, and darted into the safety of the elevator.

As the doors closed, she scanned the room one last time, her eyes landing on her mom. Felicia stood near a patient, her face lit up with a warm smile. Kamsi's heart skipped a beat when she recognized the woman her mom was speaking to—Xavier's mom, Laura. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks; he hadn't missed school to party, he was caring for his sick mother.

Curiosity piqued, Kamsi followed Xavier at a distance, her eyes never leaving him. She watched as he approached his mother, his expression softening as he handed over the lunch.

"My son's back," Laura said, her smile reaching her eyes.

Xavier placed the meal gently on the counter beside the couch. "Here's your lunch," he said quietly, a hint of tenderness in his voice. Then, almost as an afterthought, he gave a small, respectful bow to Kamsi's mom.

Felicia's eyes twinkled as she looked at Xavier. "Your son is good-looking," she complimented, her tone light.

Laura chuckled, though it quickly turned into a cough. "He sure is, the spitting image of me," she joked, though her laughter ended in a raspy cough.

"Careful…" Xavier's voice was filled with concern as he quickly poured her a glass of water. "There, drink."

Kamsi's chest tightened as she watched the exchange. There was a side to Xavier she hadn't seen before, a side that made her heart ache with empathy. Perhaps, she thought, there was more to Xavier Alastair than his cold exterior.

Finally, she approached her mom, her emotions swirling in a confusing mix of pity and understanding. Her mom handed over what she needed, and they turned to leave. As they were about to go, Kamsi managed a polite, though somewhat awkward, "Get well soon, Mrs. Hart."

"Thank you, dear," Laura replied warmly, her smile genuine despite her illness.

Just as Kamsi was about to leave, Laura's voice stopped her. "Join Xavier," she suggested out of the blue, her tone insistent.

Kamsi's eyes widened in surprise, while Xavier's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly in disbelief.

"He's going to pick up some stuff; you should join him on his motorbike. It'll save you the stress of going by bus," Laura urged, her voice leaving little room for argument.

Kamsi's heart raced, panic creeping in. "No, I'm fine, Mrs. Hart. I'll go by bus," she stammered, her eyes darting nervously to Xavier, who remained silent but watchful.

But Laura wasn't having it. "I insist," she said firmly, her tone brooking no refusal.

Kamsi shot her mom a pleading look, silently begging to avoid the awkward situation. But it was clear Laura had made up her mind, and Xavier, though quiet, didn't seem inclined to argue.

Kamsi's heart raced as she gave her mom a pleading look. She desperately wanted to avoid this uncomfortable situation. "I think it's better if Kamsi goes by bus," Mrs. Chibuike suggested, trying to offer an escape. "Besides, she's not used to riding a power bike."

"That's true… I'm scared," Kamsi added, her voice barely above a whisper.

Laura leaned in, her tone gentle but firm. "There's nothing to be scared of, dear. My son drives carefully. Plus, it's not safe for you to be home alone," she reassured, her eyes softening as she spoke.

Kamsi's thoughts raced. It was as if Xavier had read her mind. When she glanced at him, his face held a smirk that sent a shiver down her spine, making her feel anything but reassured.

"Kamsi, it'll be comfortable and stress-free," her mom urged, though her frown deepened when Kamsi shook her head in refusal.

"Hurry up now, we're getting late," Felicia pressed, as Xavier stood up. His expression was calm but firm as he turned to his mom. "Finish your meal and don't stress out. I'll be back."

Laura pouted, her lips curling into a playful frown. "Look at him," she muttered, shaking her head with a hint of amusement. "One would think he's the parent here." Then, waving him off, she added, "Bye, go on now, don't keep the lady waiting." Her tone was eager, though Kamsi couldn't quite grasp her motives.

Kamsi hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor, still uncertain about everything. The situation felt like a trap she wasn't ready to walk into, yet there seemed to be no way out.

Kamsi trailed behind Xavier, her steps heavy as they entered the elevator. The silence between them was thick, crackling with unspoken tension. As they stepped out, Xavier glanced over his shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Keep lazing behind, and I'll start thinking you actually want to spend the entire day with me," he drawled, his voice carrying a teasing edge.

Kamsi's heart thudded in her chest, and she quickened her pace, mentally fuming. "What the heck, spend all day with you? Not a chance!" she thought, her annoyance bubbling up. When they reached the bike, Xavier swung onto it with effortless grace, then casually tossed a helmet at her.

Kamsi caught it, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. "What about you?" she asked, glancing at the bike.

Xavier's eyes flicked to her, a mischievous glint in them. "I'm good without it. But seeing how you're probably not used to keeping up, you might need it more," he remarked, his tone laced with playful sarcasm.

The remark landed, making Kamsi's irritation flare. She briefly considered thanking him, but the smugness in his voice made her bite her tongue. Instead, she slipped the helmet on, her jaw clenched with determination.

As she stood there, glaring at Xavier, he raised an eyebrow, that same infuriating smirk on his face. "What's the hold-up? Need help getting on, too?" he teased, his words dripping with mockery.

Kamsi's frustration burned, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Without another word, she climbed onto the bike, silently steeling herself for whatever else he had in store.