Page 4 of Saved By the Game

“You need to stay out of it. You don’t know what’s going on man.” Another guy said to Phil.

“What do you mean? I’m just looking out for my man. These females don’t know how to act these days.”

“Man, you’re tripping.” The friend replied to the onlooker and swam away.

The conversation made Adonis uneasy but continued to go for his swim. His gun was in his backpack just in case anything popped off. He always carried his backpack when working out with spare clothes and shoes. He proceeded to set his timer for ten minutes and started swimming laps. After the timer went off, he came up for air and looked around. The guys were no longer in the pool area. Adonis was all alone. He decided to head back to the room. Suspicious, he watched his back the entire time to ensure nobody was following him. He’d never had to worry about anything like that before. It was then he realized the importance of having a team of bodyguards with him everywhere he went. He couldn’t risk his life over nonsense.He immediately texted his manager.

Adonis:Send my bodyguard Malik and another guard to cover for him during his breaks to my hotel room ASAP!

Steve:I got you. I’ll have Malik come as soon as possible to your hotel with instructions to guard your door.

Adonis:Good looking out for me, Steve.

Thinking about worst-case scenarios, Adonis rushed to his room. He took the back route to his room to escape the attention of fans or staff. Although he loved his fans, he didn’t have time to take pictures with anyone. His mission was to make sure Bellawas okay. He opened the door quietly to ensure he didn’t wake her up. After realizing she was safe, he went to get out of his wet clothes and take a quick shower to rinse the chlorine off his body. The bathroom was steaming hot. After a ten-minute shower, the room smelled of his scent. There were two dwarf cinnamon trees by the counter, he paused to enjoy the scent. He checked himself out in the mirror and flexed his muscles after wiping the steam from it.I still look fine. Then he applied lotion all over his caramel skin. After the rub down, he wrapped a towel around his waist and left the bathroom.

As soon as he was out, Adonis heard a knock at the door. The knock was so loud that it awakened Bella. She woke up startled and with a look of confusion. He looked out the peephole before opening the door.

“What’s up Malik? Thanks for coming on such short notice.” His swift arrival implied he was already in the vicinity, prepared for any situation.

“No, problem man. I’m here to serve and protect you, boss.” They dapped each other up.

“Game, who is that? I didn’t know you were having company. I can go ahead and leave. I don’t want to impose on you.” Bella announced.

“Oh, Bella don’t be like that.” Adonis replied leaning in as he went to the side of her bed to calm her down. “That’s Malik. He’s, my bodyguard. I asked him to come stand guard at the door while we’re here.”

“Did something happen while I was asleep? Why do you suddenly need a bodyguard to watch the door?” Bella asked with an upset tone.

“Malik, can you make sure the door is locked, please?”

“I got it.” Malik replied assertively.

“When I was at the pool, I heard some guys talking. It sounded like they were aware that your ex-boyfriend was looking for you. As a multi-million-dollar basketball player, I understand the importance of staying protected and staying legal-that’s why I’m licensed to carry. I don’t want him to run up on us. Plus, you’re fine, one of those thirsty men in the hotel could try to act crazy about you. You know you have fans, girl. Having Malik here is a safety precaution for both of us.” He replied to assure Bella.

“I appreciate you for keeping me safe. I don’t believe I’ve ever felt this safe around a man in my life. You have been extra sweet to me since I’ve met you. I don’t know why people would say that you’re a jerk.” Bella replied while rubbing his arm.

“Excuse me? People say that I’m a jerk? I’m appalled because I never heard that complaint before.” He replied with a chuckle.

“I’m really glad I had the chance to get to know you for myself, despite all the rumors I’d heard, you’ve turned out to be nothing like what people said. But now I can’t help but wonder, are you sure you’re ready for the baggage I bring?”

“I was born ready for a beautiful woman like you. Plus, I’m ready to taste those desserts you make.” He stated, clearing his throat and covering his mouth.

“As sweet as you are to me, I’ll make you whatever you desire.”

“Okay, I won’t forget. So don’t make any promises that you can’t keep.”

“Boss man, I’ll go ahead and stand outside the door.” Malik interrupted. “If I need anything I’ll have my relief guard give me a break.”

“Cool. Good deal. I know you got it all under control.” Adonis replied to Malik.

“I’m excited to see that security guards are being provided-it’s a great step toward ensuring everyone’s safety and peace of mind! If my ex-boyfriend Brian had bodyguards then maybe he wouldn’t have gotten away with putting his hands on me so much.”

“Guys like your ex typically won’t try to hit a woman in front of a man. My mother was a victim of abuse. My stepdad would hit my mother in secluded areas. He wouldn’t hit her around other people that could protect her. He even accused her of abuse when she called the police on him. I witnessed my mother getting handcuffed for abuse when she was the victim. My step-dad manipulated the police good enough to put her in jail for assault instead of him.”

“I’ve had my bodyguard on staff since I signed my first NBA contract. Malik is like a big brother to me now. Did you see how big he is? Nobody will harm us with a six foot seven inch man weighing two hundred and eighty pounds standing beside us. Plus, I pay him six figures to guard me. You sked me if I’m ready for your baggage? Well, I have the same question for you because sometimes my fans can get a little crazy. I’ve had some fans wait and pose as room servants and greet me at the door half- naked to serve my food. I have many more wild stories about my crazy fans.”

“Oh my God Adonis!” Bella giggled aloud. “Since, I refuse to go back to my hotel room, can I use your Bible? I need to studythe word. I have so much on my mind. This has been a day for me.”

Adonis opened his nightstand drawer and pulled out a Bible. “Here you go beautiful.”

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