Page 6 of Saved By the Game

“Of course, I can. You’ve known me since you signed your NBA contract. I’m known to keep you from the worst situations. Remember how I stepped in just in time, shielding you from getting robbed and turning what could’ve been a nightmare into a close call the last time we were in Paris? You have the best man for the job.”

“Dang, Malik you didn’t have to say that in front of Bella. She’s already uneasy about everything.”

“My bad, boss. I just wanted to make you’re aware of the situation. I hope you know I’ll keep y’all safe.” Malik replied.

“Come on we’re wasting time. It’s almost closing time.”

Adonis looked at his Patek watch, and it read at five o’clock. The store closed at six. He wanted Bella to enjoy her shopping experience. The last thing he wanted her to do was to worry about getting robbed. His first thought was to keep her from worrying about hiding her face. He just wanted her to live in the moment. “I have an idea.” His thought was spoken aloud.

“Hello ma’am. How much can I pay you to shop in the store without any other customers in here until closing?” He asked the store manager, but she gave him a look of confusion.

“Excusez-moi monsieur?” The manager replied peeping over the rim of her eyeglasses balanced at the tip of her nose, her gaze sharp and unreadable. She replied as she stepped from behind the counter dressed in Dolce & Gabbana from head to toe. She had a petite stature and looked scared to speak as she looked up at him and his bodyguard. Adonis could speak three different languages. French was his second fluent language since he’d played overseas for two years. He actually enjoyed speaking French.

While in the Dolce & Gabbana store, two people stepped outside. He took that opportunity to speak to the manager privately.

“Puis-je acheter le magasin pour une expérience de shopping?”

“Oui, pour 2500.”

He handed the clerk two thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven thousand dollars and eight five cents. and she walked over to lock the door.

“Adonis, what did you say to the clerk?” Bella asked with amazement.

“Oh, I asked her if I could buy out the store for a private shopping experience. She agreed to it for a fee, and I paid her the money. That was it.” He replied while putting his hands up in surrender.

“Wow, it looked like you paid her a lot of money too. I can’t believe you did all that for me!”

“I did it so you would feel safe. So, can you please get all the pieces that you want. Everything is on me. Please don’t hesitate to get any item you want in the store, beautiful.” Adonis begged Bella as he pulled her closer to him. She couldn’t hide the swelling around her left eye, or the cuts on the other one. His gaze lingered on those wounds, unmoving. Not pity. Not quite anger. Just silence louder than words, as if he was trying to see past the pain, to whatever truth still lived in the spaces between them.

“You don’t have to tell me twice. I’ll be right back after I try on a few outfits.” She replied with a girlish smile and ran off to the clothing racks.

The manager had another worker assist Bella with picking out clothes. She had a big smile on her face. Surely, she worked on a commission, so that made her comply with whatever they asked. The fledgling clerk kept bringing out different clothing choices with shoes and bags to match. Bella was enjoying every minute of her shopping experience. She tried on her favorite outfits and modeled for him. Adonis picked out all his favoriteoutfits that she’d modeled. He ended up buying everything she picked out. The cost didn’t matter to him. They had so many bags that the staff had to help them carry everything to the car.

“Thank you so much Adonis for buying me a fresh wardrobe! I don’t remember the last time I bought anything for myself. I can’t wait to wear one of those dresses out! She pulled him closer and gave him a kiss on the lips. The shopping spree allowed her to feel free. It allowed her to enjoy time out without worrying about harassment from Brian.

“You can wear one of the dresses out with me tomorrow night. The winners of the Olympic Games are celebrating after their victory in the final match. I want you to go with me to the celebration.”

“I don’t know Adonis. Going out in a big crowd is risky. I know you have a security team, but I don’t want to endure the drama of seeing my ex-boyfriend there.” She replied but turned away from him.

“Baby, I’m not scared of him. Please come with me. Please, baby. This is a very memorable time. We are in Paris for the Olympics watching one of the greatest teams play. This is history. I don’t want to watch the game in my room. Can you pray about it and let me know later?”

“I’ll pray about it and let you know Game. I’ll take everything into consideration. We may need more than one bodyguard.” She replied. In the short time knowing Adonis she referred to him by his nickname in serious moods.

“You give that guy way too much credit. I hope you don’t believe that coward could even come close to messing with me. I don’t mean any disrespect baby, but I’ll lay him out so fast.”

“I’m sure you’d lay him out, but I don’t want to put you in that predicament. You have too much to lose. You’re the star basketball player. You’re a brilliant man and pillar in the community. I don’t want to be blamed for anything bad happening to you, Game.” She fussed.

“You worry too much, beautiful. I promise you that God will protect us. I thought you had faith?” He responded as he kissed her forehead.

“I have faith the size of a mustard seed. Since you’re doubting my faith, I’ll agree to go out with you. If I scream, that’ll let you know that Brian is there. Please listen and pay attention to me tomorrow. I’m trusting you with my life.” She voiced as she continued to fuss at him, while pointing her French-manicured finger in his face.

“Has anyone told you how cute you look when you’re cranky. You’re a cute feisty thang.” He chuckled.

“Hush Game! You’re just trying to avoid the conversation. I’m serious!” She yelled as she pushed him away.

“Okay beautiful. I understand what you’re saying completely. I was just trying to make you laugh. I don’t want you to act so serious all the time. Let’s have fun and enjoy our evening. Your ex is in the past. Let’s stop putting energy into him. I want to get to know you better. Will you let me get to know you better? Please Bella? I’m begging you.”

“I guess Adonis. I’m sorry to keep dwelling on my hurt. It’s just fresh and my ex-boyfriend is crazy. I hope you understand what I’m going through.” She responded while laying her head on his shoulder.

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