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“Deal,” I agree without hesitation, grinning at the prospect of her artwork adorning my previously stark walls.
“Great!” she exclaims, clapping her hands together. “Now, why don’t you show me where I’ll be sleeping? I’m absolutely wiped.”
“Of course,” I reply, leading her down the hallway to the main room. As she makes herself at home, I stand in the doorway, watching her unpack her belongings and feeling an unfamiliar warmth begin to spread through my chest.
“Spencer,” I say, interrupting her rummaging. “I just wanted to say… thank you.”
“For what?” she asks, her green eyes looking up at me.
“For everything,” I admit, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “For saving my life, for staying here with me.”
She just nods, understanding the feeling, I keep watching her as if she were settling at the place where she belongs. I muse if this is how it would feel to have someone like Spencer around all the time. A part of me craves that warmth she brings, but another part of me recoils at the thought of settling down. I’m a player, after all—a man with a taste for adrenaline and no strings attached. And with my job requiring me to travel soon, I doubt I’d be able to maintain a steady relationship.
“All in place,” she says, closing a drawer.
I chuckle, but my mind is still racing with thoughts. It’s then that I remember the upcoming playoff match against the Los Angeles Stars—our archenemy team. I’ve had the balcony on hold for weeks, and I can’t think of anyone better to go with me than Spencer.
“Spencer,” I say, trying to look casual. “I’ve got a pair of tickets to the playoff match against the LA Stars next weekend. How would you feel about going with me?”
Her eyes light up with excitement, but she hesitates before answering. “That sounds like so much fun, Percival, but are you sure you want to take me? You could bring one of your friends or someone else.”
“Trust me,” I insist, my heart pounding in my chest. “They will be there. My brother and his wife, too, but I want you there with me. Come on, it will be fun.”
“Alright then,” she agrees, her lips curving into a shy smile. “It’s a date.”
As we smile together in celebration, something tugs inside my chest. Maybe things won’t be easy, and maybe I’ll have to make some changes, but at least for now, I’m willing to give this a shot.
Chapter Thirty
Spencer
Iblinkmyeyesopen, the morning sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains in Percival’s townhome. My heart flutters with a mix of excitement and apprehension as memories of yesterday’s events flood my mind. I’m lying in Percival’s room, a warm sanctuary filled with soft linens and the faint scent of laundry soap.
Yawning, I stretch my limbs and slide out of bed, my bare feet touching the plush carpet. As I move to the full-length mirror, I can’t help but smile at the reflection staring back at me. I’m wearing one of Percival’s oversized hoodies, which engulfs my petite frame, my legs clad in leggings that have seen better days.
“A new day, a new beginning,” I whisper to myself, feeling the vibrations of my voice on my fingertips pressed against my throat. It’s been years since I could hear my own words, but that doesn’t stop me from speaking them aloud when I’m alone.
I head to the ensuite bathroom, the cool tiles sending shivers up my spine. Turning on the shower, I let the hot water cascade down my body, washing away the sleepiness and lingering tension from yesterday’s unexpected events. Steam swirls around me like a protective cocoon, and I close my eyes briefly, allowing myself a moment of tranquility before facing whatever awaits me beyond these walls.
Once I’ve finished showering, I dry off and slip into fresh clothes. Another pair of well-worn leggings, a plain white t-shirt, and a cozy hoodie. I brush my damp hair and tie it back into a messy bun, ready for the day ahead.
My thoughts drift to Percival as I apply minimal makeup, just enough to feel put together. He’s charming, confident, and undeniably attractive, but there’s also a hidden depth beneath that party-loving exterior. I ponder what secrets he keeps locked away in that heart of gold.
“Enough,” I scold myself, focusing on the task at hand. “You’re here on a mission, not get lost in daydreams about your savior. This is just temporary, Spencer. Don’t feel at home.”
With my makeup done and my thoughts firmly anchored in reality, I grab my phone and head down the stairs, ready to tackle the new day. Little do I know what surprises await me or how they’ll entwine with Percival’s life in ways I never could have anticipated.
I can’t shake the tingling sensation in my stomach as I step into the living room, the remnants of yesterday’s events still haunting me. The sleek furniture and modern decor remind me that I’m a guest in Percival’s world, a fact that both thrills and terrifies me.
Despite the lingering nerves, I force myself to focus on the day ahead. I need to text my aunts and Gianna, but before I have the chance to move, something makes me jump. The door swings open, catching my attention.
My heart hammers in my chest, and I clutch the phone like a weapon. Who could it be? A break-in? One of Percival’s friends? I hold my breath, waiting for the intruders to reveal themselves.
A woman looks around cautiously as I peek around the corner, my pulse racing. Two other women stand in the doorway, their eyes wide with surprise and curiosity.
“Hi,” I manage to squeak out, my hand shaking slightly.
The trio is an eclectic mix of beauty and style. Two brunettes, one with stunning blue eyes and the other with dark, mysterious orbs that seem to pierce through me. The third woman sports vibrant purple hair that cascades down her shoulders, her grey eyes striking and fierce.
