Page 2

Kybella Vonshire (Bella)

Bella could hear the gasps and whispers as Adonis carried her from the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

She hoped no one recognized her.

Although she was disguised well with a midnight navy baseball cap, black shades, and a black leather jacket.

She was a WNBA basketball player.

Kybella Vonshire played guard for the Wizards, a professional basketball team.

God blessed her to be the first draft pick for the Wizard s after graduating college in 2023.

At twenty-three years old, she was living the life of her dreams.

Everyone was shocked when she was drafted to play for the WNBA because she was redshirted her senior year in college.

Basketball was her passion, but she also loved children.

Her academic goal was achieved as she graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in child life studies.

Bella came from a basketball family.

Basketball was in her blood.

Her father, Devin Vonshire, played for Kansas State University before being drafted to the New York Knicks in 980.

Her mother, Sandra Vonshire, played for the University of Pine Bluff, where she won two national championships.

She also worked as a middle school basketball coach for twenty years.

Her older sister, Samantha, was also an elite basketball player.

She played for the University of South Carolina.

Since she was around the game at an early age, it allowed her to have a high basketball IQ.

Now her sister Samantha works as a college basketball coach.

.

While her mom is away living in a vacation home in Arkansas that her parents invested in many years ago.

Bella didn’t have anyone back at home in Dallas because all her family lived in other states.

Once she could escape her abusive boyfriend, Brian, she could go back.

The only problem was she had to decide where she would live in Dallas, because she refused to go back to the shared mansion with Brian.

She needed to produce an escape plan quickly.

She was only in Paris to support Brian for the USA Olympic basketball games.

Bella’s mother always told her that once she’d had enough mistreatment from a man, she should leave.

The time had come where she’d had enough of Brian’s abuse.

The thoughts of violence caused her chest to tighten.

She took a deep breath and shook the stiffness from her neck to bring her back to reality.

Adonis’s hotel room was located on the second floor, so it didn’t take long for them to make it to his room safely.

He held Bella in his arms as if she were light weight for him.

She only weighed one hundred and fifty pounds, but she was a lanky petite woman, five feet and nine inches in height.

He looked like he lifted two-hundred-pound weights in the gym every other day.

Adonis pulled Bella’s long black hair from her eyes to wipe more blood from her face with a towel.

Her face was scratched and bruised up like she’d lost a fight.

The t-shirt that she wore had a Wizards logo on it and blood stains all over it.

He placed Bella on the bed, allowing her to calm down.

“Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry to have bothered you Adonis.”She said in a strangled voice.

“You didn’t bother me and I’m happy that I could help you.” Adonis took a closer look at Bella’s face.

Once she removed her shades and outerwear, she was more recognizable.

“Aw, I can’t believe it’s you. Don’t you play for the Wizards?”

“Yes, I do.” She reluctantly admitted.

Her mouth went dry.

She looked down to avoid the feeling of judgment from him.

“Please tell me what happened to you. Who did this to your face? Promise me that you’ll press charges. You’re too beautiful for anyone to hurt you.” Adonis said as he stroked my cheekbone.

I immediately flinched when he touched me.

Adonis shook his head slowly in disbelief, pulling away from me in agitation.

“Okay, I’ll explain. My boyfriend got upset with me because I told him it was over. I’m tired of the abuse. As I was leaving, he attacked me. He beat me up last month and I called the police on him. He’s in the NBA but got cut from the Buck’s after the owner of the team found out. His sorry ass has been on five different teams in his short career span. I didn’t want to go through that again, so I’m not pressing charges this time. He just got traded to a new team, the Pelicans.

“I got you.

I’ll make sure he won’t hurt you again.

Look at what he did to your gorgeous face.

You have cuts on one eye and the other is severely swollen.

Don’t you know how pretty you are?

You can’t let nobody mess up your beautiful face.

” He pleaded with Bella while looking over her ugly scars.

“Thank you for the encouraging words. I know he isn’t good for me and that’s why I was trying to leave him.” With open body posture, Bella breaths became a little easier.

“Honestly, I just wanted a relationship like my parents. I’ve always admired my parents’ marriage. Both my parents had successful basketball careers and successful children. Then I got with a man that was as passionate about basketball as myself. Only he wanted to show his love to other women and his friends, while I gave all my love and affection to him. Instead, all I got was slaps in the face and kicks in my ass. I couldn’t change Brian or make him be a part of my fairytale relationship. I’ve just been terrified without family around and without anywhere to go.”She explained with her eyes watering.

Adonis shook his head at me and stepped away.

He paced back and forth.

“I want to find Brian and give him the beating he deserves. At the same time, I want to keep you safe.” He announced.

Adonis bowed his head and prayed silently to God.

After praying he approached Bella in a happier mood.

“So, are you hungry? Do you need me to get you anything to drink? I want to do all I can to help you.”

“I’m good. I’m just stressed.”

“Here, drink some of this juice. It always makes me feel better.” Adonis handed her an Ocean Spray cranberry-apple juice.

“Thanks, this is my favorite drink.” She gushed as she took a sip of the juice and wiped her mouth.

“We have something in common. I keep stock of that cranberry-apple juice with me everywhere that I play.”

“Same.” Bella replied with a satisfying smile.

“I know that you said you’re good, but I’m hungry. What kind of food do you like to eat? It’s a little after lunch time, aren’t you hungry?” He asked with concern.

“Yes, I’m a little hungry.”

“Okay, I’ll order some room service. I’m vegan but you can order anything you’d like.”

“I’ll take a Caesar salad with fruit.”She replied.

“I see why you’re so fine. I’m sorry, I meant to say fit.”

“Thank you,” Bella giggled.

“I try to stay on a strict diet. I want to get my position back on the team.” Adonis didn’t pay attention to her last statement.

She was hoping he didn’t hear it.

She would provide him with more information about her career later.

He’d already turned his back to her to call room service.

“Hello, this is Adonis in room two sixty-four. I would like to place an order for mushroom soup, one roasted pumpkin salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and a vegan egg salad. Then a large cup of fruit and a large Caesar salad. Make sure you provide extra flatware. Thank you.” He hung up with a smile on his face.

“The food should be here shortly. They’re usually quick with bringing my orders.”

“Okay, thanks.” Bella solemnly replied.

“Are you always this quiet?” He responded, waiting patiently for her to share more about herself.

“No. I was just in a traumatic experience. I don’t really have much to talk about right now. I’m embarrassed to meet one of my favorite basketball players after getting beat-up by my man. It’s not how I imagined meeting you.”

“Aw, baby trust me, I’m not judging you. I believe that you’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You don’t deserve for a man to put his hands on you. I just want to help you and keep you away from that monster.”

Bella laid her hand over her heart.

She couldn’t help but blush.

In the moment, she couldn’t help acting star struck.

Adonis was fine and handsome to her.

She was shocked to be sitting next to him.

Bella wasn’t a groupie or anything, but she’d always wanted to meet Adonis.

They were both in the league, but they’d never played in the same city before.

God was funny with how he arranged things.

Meeting Adonis in the hotel lobby during her time of need had to be fate.

“There goes that adorable smile. I’m happy to see you’re no longer as stressed as you were before. There was a knock at the door. “I think that’s room service.

” Adonis announced.

“I’ll go freshen up in the bathroom while you grab the door.” Bella suggested offering a fake smile.

As he discreetly opened the door, she snuck in the bathroom.

It was clear she didn’t want anyone to see her in the room with him out of fear that someone would report it to the blogs.

Bella didn’t want to risk it.

While in the bathroom she washed her hands and face with a warm washcloth.

As she looked in the mirror, she couldn’t help but cry from seeing the many bruises and cuts that Brian gave her.

She cried and prayed, God protect me from Brian.

Put a hedge of protection around me and keep me safe as well as my new friend, Adonis.

In Jesus name, amen.

After a deep breath, she left the bathroom.

As she entered the room, Adonis stood beside the chair, waiting for her to sit at the table.

The food came plated nicely.

While she was in the bathroom, he had room service set up the dining area.

There was jazz music playing, and room service had the candles lit in the hotel room.

“Everything looks lovely in here.” Bella spoke as she looked around at the sophisticated scenery.

The television was playing the Men’s Olympic games.

“I can’t believe that you aren’t playing in the Olympic games. You’re one of the best players in the NBA.”

“Yeah, you know how the politics are in the league. It’s unfair, but what can I do about it? I love my job, fans, and the game, but hate politics. I share my love for Christ every game and I’ll continue. I believe the reason I wasn’t invited to play in the Olympic games is because I’m a bold Christian.” Adonis expressed.

“I hope that’s not the reason. You inspire a lot of people and you’re helping to bring people to Christ every time you speak about God. It’s unfortunate that you’re not playing in the Olympic games, but don’t let it stop your game.”

“Trust me, it won’t. For as long as I live, I’ll profess my faith aloud. God gave me my gift and I will proudly spread his word.”

“How did you get your nickname, Game?” Bella asked.

“I was given that nickname in middle school when I made the game winning shot in the championship game. Everyone told me that I had game . Then from there I was called Game.”

“I like it. I think it’s cool.” She looked at him and cracked a smile.

“What about you? Why aren’t you playing in the Women Olympics? I’ve seen you play, and I must say you’re my favorite WNBA basketball player.”

She began to cry as disappointment filled her mind.

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t mean to make you cry, beautiful.” Adonis got up and ran to the bathroom to grab some tissues.

“Here, please take these tissues and wipe your eyes.” He announced as he offered her a light rub.

“I’m sorry, but the Wizards waived me the last game of the season. So, now I’m unemployed.” Bella said as she wiped her eyes.

“You must think that I come with a whole lot of baggage, huh? I’ll just eat my food and go.” She insisted.

“Why are you leaving? Please don’t go. I told you that I want to help you.” Adonis replied as he took her hand and walked her back to her seat.

“I’m sure you’ll land on another team soon. I can talk to my agent and have him set you up with some team try-outs.”

“Really? You would do that for me?”

“Yes, beautiful. I want to see you happy. You deserve everything your heart desires. What other hobbies do you have?”

“I love to bake. I bake all types of sweets, like cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candy. I plan to open a bakery one day. Although, my ex took the fun out of my love for baking. I used to bake at home often. He would throw my desserts against the wall every time he was angry.” She shook her head in recollection of the violence.

“Still, I love making delicious treats for others to enjoy. My mother taught me how to bake and she gave me all her recipes. I promised her that I would never share her recipes with anyone else, but I think she wouldn’t mind if I sold the desserts from them.” Bella replied with a soft tone.

“Yummy. I can just imagine your cakes now.” Licking his lips and rubbing his hands together.

“I bet your desserts are good. I can’t wait to give them a try. Whenever you’re ready to open your bakery let me know. I can help you make it happen. Plus, your ex is weak for throwing your desserts. I would never do such a thing. I was raised to never disrespect a woman. So, I just don’t understand when a punk does it. It’s absurd to me.” He replied shrugging his shoulders.

“Would you like to see some of my treats?” She asked as she pulled out her phone with trembling hands.

Bella’s hands trembled, haunted by the echoes of a past filled with pain and fear, each shake was a silent reminder of the abuse she once endured.

“Yes, let me see your work, baby.”

Adonis eased closer to Bella as she opened her Instagram page and showed him all her posts.

“I usually bake for friends and the girls on the team. Here is a gender reveal cake I did last week for my teammate, Olivia.” She showed him a big three-tier cake with blue on one side and pink on the other.

There were two miniature baby bottles in the middle to reveal that she was having twins.

”

“Damn, girl that cake looks delicious. You’re talented. Is it okay if I check out your other pic?” He asked.

“Sure, go ahead.“ She replied with an uplifted spirit.

He was allowed to look through all her Instagram pictures.

As he continued to scroll, he seemed intrigued, but he stopped with a look of shock.

As his fingers scrolled aimlessly on the screen, a sudden message alert popped up, cutting through the silence with a sharp chime.

Adonis glanced at her and immediately put the phone down.

She cleared her throat, “What’s wrong? Why did you put my phone down?” She asked frantically biting her nails.

Adonis could visibly see the tension in Bella’s shoulders and arms.

He began to rub her arm.

“I loved all your work, but I just saw a threating message from your ex-boyfriend. You might want to block him baby.”

“Excuse me? What did the message say?” Without waiting for a response from Adonis, she took her phone to view the message.

I will kill you when I find you.

She had already blocked him on her cell phone.

So, after reading the Instagram message she immediately blocked and deleted her ex’s Instagram account.

“There. I’ve had enough of his harassment.” She was exhausted, mentally and emotionally drained, tired of his constant harassment that never seemed to end.

“I’m not scared of him though. He’s blocked. I have screenshots of it for my records just in case I need it for a police report.”

“God got you Bella. She nodded gently, confirming with a smile as Game recited, “In God, I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

” from Psalm 56:4 King James Version (KJV).

It says, God is on the side of the oppressed and abused.

The scripture expresses God’s desire for a transformation for those who are burdened or unjustly treated.

Don’t worry about that guy.

He is obviously a coward.

I will pray for him.

Although I’m a praying man, I will protect you when needed.

I’m trained in boxing, and I’m licensed to carry.

You have nothing to worry about when you’re with me.

Everything will be alright.

I promise you.

”

“I appreciate you, but I don’t want to put you in my drama. I’ll get far away from him and keep you out of my mess.” She responded while rubbing her throbbing head.

The sudden harassment made her blood pressure rise, causing a headache.

“Bella, please sit back down.” He pulled her toward a seat at the table.

“You can’t hide for the rest of your life. You have a life to live. You have a gift inside that the world needs. Girl, you have too much talent to let that guy make you lose it all. If you don’t use it, then you’re doing the world a disservice by leaving your gift wrapped up.”

“You’re right Adonis. I feel everything you’re saying. As a fan, I always admired your talent, but I had no idea you were so wise until speaking with you today.” Bella said.

Neither of them go around to finishing their dinner.

Her eyes were low from exhaustion.

She was exhausted from fighting and all she had the energy to do was rest.

“I can tell that you’re tired beautiful. Would you like to lay down on the bed and take a nap? I promise I won’t touch you.” Adonis said as he threw his hands up as if surrendering.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind laying down in your king size bed. My body is aching and I’m sleepy. I don’t believe I’ve gotten a full night’s rest in days.” She replied, rubbing an eyebrow to ward off her headache.

“Why haven’t you been able to sleep?” He asked.

His posture and the look in his eyes gave cues that he wanted to touch her, but he was a pure gentleman.

“I haven’t been in good spirits. My ex-boyfriend Brian wasn’t doing anything but insulting me. His coach was giving him a tough time at practice and benched him, and of course he took all his frustrations out on me. I was everything but a child of God to him. It’s exhausting being verbally, emotionally, and physically abused every day.” She folded her hands across her chest.

Adonis fluffed up his pillows and pulled the white duvet back.

“Please lay down and relax. Here’s the remote. Put the television on a movie to help you fall asleep. I’ll stay here if you need me. Okay, sweetie?”There was silence in the room.

A mental comparison between her ex and Adonis came to mind.

All she could think about was the times Brian would curse her out and make her go to bed.

Adonis’s approach was much different than Brian’s.

She smiled and agreed to Adonis’s offer to let her rest in his bed.

She nodded her head and took his advice.

Then she relaxed in his comfortable bed.

It didn’t take long before the television was watching her.

Even though Adonis was a stranger, it was like she’d known him for years.

He made her feel comfortable and loved.

The feeling he gave was one that no one else had given her.

They vibed.

He loved the Lord as much as she loved him.

They were grounded in the same principles.