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Adonis Ferguson (Game)

He sat beside Bella until she fell asleep.

It didn’t take her but ten minutes to do so.

Adonis was happy that she was able to relax in his room.

Earlier today, when he first met her, she was hurt, now he felt happiness in his chest to see her settled.

It was like God sent him an angel, but with broken wings.

He couldn’t help but try to fix her.

He’d always been a fixer.

Which is why he chose to major in engineering at Harvard University.

Harvard insisted that he help with the NASA program at the MIT Media Lab.

His mother always told him that he was born to fix things.

He’s now the recipient of the largest contract ever awarded in the NBA.

The contract pays him three hundred and four million dollars.

He was having his way in life at the age of twenty-seven, the only thing he was missing was a wife.

Before he gave his life to Christ, he’d had his fair share of Instagram models, but they were just fun girls.

Adonis was looking for someone to settle down with.

Bella came into his life at the right time.

He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he felt like she was the missing piece in his life.

Since she was sound asleep, Adonis snuck away to go for a swim in the hotel pool.

He put on a pair of swim trunks under a pair of basketball shorts, along with a white t-shirt.

He grabbed his bag and headed out the door.

He usually didn’t go swimming after eating but he needed to clear his head.

Each stroke through the water washed away his stress and allowed his thoughts to drift into calm.

It also helped him stay in shape.

His lean, muscular frame was a testament to hours spent gliding through the water and sprinting across the basketball court.

His endurance and agility honed by both sports.

He didn’t smoke or drink alcohol.

Since he’d already put up shots in the morning, swimming was his next option.

∞∞∞

As he made it to the lobby, the staff greeted him.

“How is your stay Mr. Ferguson?” The alluring, inexperienced front desk clerk asked with a flirtatious smile.

“It’s great. I’m just going to the pool for a quick swim.”

“Excellent, I just put some fresh towels in there. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” The clerk expressed herself with a wink and a smile.

To avoid sparking rumors, he minimized interactions with hotel staff.

As he went into the pool area he received a few looks from a couple of men.

It was awkward but he paid them no attention.

Adonis just got into the pool as planned.

He did a couple of stretches and overheard a conversation.

“Yo, I seen dude with Brian’s girl. I think she with him. Brian been looking for her. I’ll have to hit him up to let him know dude is in the pool area now.”Brian’s teammate said loudly.

Brian’s teammate Phil knew Bella was Brian’s girlfriend since she was staying with him at the hotel.

“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 Bella was 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 study the 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.”

“I’m happy to see that your Bible pages are highlighted. Seems like you study the Bible too.” She responded.

“Of course I read the word of God. Please turn to Philippians 4:3, in the New International Version of the Bible and read.” He instructed.

“ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with the Clement and the rest of my co-workers, who name is in the book of life .” Bella read the verse aloud.

“Now turn to Joshua 1:8 in the New International Version.” He suggested.

“ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful .” Bella continued to read aloud.

“Thank you for reading those two scriptures with me from the Bible. Another first for me. I’ve never had a man read the Bible with me. This was refreshing to my soul.” Bella said as she closed the Bible.

“You should keep the Bible open on the nightstand. I leave my Bible open on my nightstand at home and it gives me the vibe that God’s presence is always in the room.”

“Okay, sounds like a plan.” Bella spoke as she sat the Bible down on the nightstand open.

“There’s a quiet, unshakable peace that comes from having the Bible open in front of you- a sense that no matter how chaotic the world feels, truth, comfort, and hope are right there in the pages. The gentle rustle of scripture, the familiar verses, and the weight of timeless promises create a space where your heart can rest, your mind can breathe, and your soul feels seen and steady. My God, I can feel God’s presence all over me.” Bella voiced.

“Your aura shines like God’s light is on you. You made me realize that even in pain, I wasn’t invisible. Which is one reason you can’t allow bad company in your presence.”

He took Bella’s hand and began to pray with her.

God began to speak to him as he prayed with her.

Be strong and courageous, the Holy Spirit spoke.

Adonis noticed that Bella’s shirt was torn, and she didn’t have any more clothes with her.

They were in Paris for the Olympics, so he knew she didn’t want to go around with a torn shirt.

“Hey Bella, where are you staying?”

“Unfortunately, I shared a home with my ex-boyfriend in Dallas. I want to go back to Dallas, but I don’t want to go back to live with Brian. I’m only here because I was supposed to support him for the Olympic games. Well, we see how that went. Now I’m trying to figure out my next move. I want to peacefully get away from Brian.” She averted her eyes as she replied.

“Look up sweetie, he asked as he touched her chin with his forefinger. “I know you don’t want to go back to your room.

You would risk getting caught by Brian.

Can I take you shopping for some clothes to wear while you’re here?

I don’t want to cross a boundary.

You won’t owe me anything.

I’m only offering to help you out.

I want you to look and feel good.

”

“Um, sure. You’re not wrong at all for wanting to buy me an outfit or two. I really appreciate you, Game. Do you have a hat and sunglasses that I can borrow to keep myself disguised?”

“I can check in my bags. I told you that you don’t have anything to worry about with me. I got your back.”He voiced.

“I know you have my back, but I just want to keep a low profile.”

“Also, I know you just met me, but I have a mansion in Dallas too. So, I would love it if you would allow me to fly you back home with me. What do you think about that suggestion beautiful?”

“I don’t know Adonis. Let me think about it.”

He reached into his suitcase and took out one of his Dallas Mavericks hats and put it on her head swiftly.

“How do you like that hat?” He asked.

“I guess I’ll represent your team.” She replied sarcastically.

What about sunglasses?

“I have plenty of sunglasses. Would you like a Gucci pair or these Versace glasses?” He asked while placing both pairs of glasses in her hands.

“I’ll go with the black Gucci sunglasses. I think they’re fly.” She voiced while admiring her reflection in the mirror.

“I agree. The glasses look nice, but you make them look ten times better than they do on me. Let’s go before the stores close for the night.” He responded.

“Hey, Malik. We’re going to go shopping on the Avenue Montaigne. We’ll follow behind you to my car. Per usual, we’ll just act normal like we’re all friends. If you see any paparazzi, shield us, and rush us to the car.”

“I got it boss. Let’s go.” Malik sternly replied.

They put on their hats and sunglasses and walked to the car incognito.

The coast was clear as they walked out of the room to the car, no one recognized them.

Game sighed in relief.

Seeing Bella put her head down and release an exasperated breath, he finally got a glimpse at the weight she’d been carrying.

Adonis rubbed her back while they sat in the car to comfort her.

The Paris streets were luminous and colorful.

They were lit up sparkling as if it was Christmas in July.

Since it was a Saturday, the streets were inundated with cars and people walking around sightseeing.

There were many luxury brand stores to choose from such as Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana.

“Which store would you like to shop in first, beautiful? It’s your choice. I can get you whatever you’d like.” He voiced.

“Really? I love all these stores, but my favorite brand right now is Dolce & Gabbana.”

“Okay. Malik, can you park in front of Dolce & Gabbana? We want to shop in there for a minute.”

“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 500.”

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 favorite outfits 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.

“It’s alright. I plan to make you forget about all the pain he caused you. If you let me.” He commented and kissed her cheek.

Then he instructed Malik to drive them back to the hotel.

“Adonis, I have a question for you.”

“What’s up, beautiful?” He replied to her as she lifted her head from his chest.

“What made you want to play basketball professionally instead of pursuing other career paths?”

“Girl, what?” He darted his eyes toward Bella with shock.

“Basketball is all I’ve known since I was five years old. Growing up, my dad woke me up every morning to train. He used to put a basketball in front of me, like my mother put a bottle in front of me. Basketball allowed me to turn my lifelong passion into a purpose-driven journey, challenging my limits, building resilience, and creating a legacy through dedication, teamwork, and the love of the game.

“I want to give you some history about my childhood.

My parents also taught me that academics were important.

My mom was a middle school teacher, and she taught Sunday school at church.

My dad worked odd jobs, and he sold weed to make ends meet.

They didn’t want me living paycheck to paycheck like them.

So, I was also made to read every single night.

My dad taught me that basketball was my ticket out of poverty.

I’d always been made fun of by my peers.

They told me I was too smart to make it to the NBA.

The kids would taunt me because my dad was tough on me.

If I was on the phone with friends, they would crack jokes that I needed to do my push-ups before my dad beat my butt.

My dad made me resent him for how tough he was on me.

Now I’m thankful for him.

In high school I was recruited by an AAU team at the age of thirteen to play with a varsity team.

I went on to become the best recruit of my high school class.

ESPN and 47Sports ranked me in the top five of my class.

Then my dream came true when I was offered the chance to play for Duke University.

I committed to playing for the school’s D1 basketball team.

My first year of college I always knew that I would make it to the NBA because I lived and breathed the game.

The game of basketball saved me.

Basketball helped me through so many highs and lows in my life and God helped me throughout all the suffering.

I went from being government fed to now being able to feed my neighborhood.

I give all glory to God.

”

“Wow, you have an amazing testimony. You’ve endured so much.” She replied.

Hearing you speak about your dad makes me miss my father.

He died about four years ago from a long fight with cancer.

My dad was the hardest worker I know.

If he were still alive, I wouldn’t have to worry about dealing with domestic violence.

My dad played for the New York Knicks, and he had a respected reputation.

He was known for his fiery competitiveness and fearless play, wasn’t one to back down-but he rarely engaged in full-blown fights during games.

I can recall one moment during a game.

My dad got into a confrontation with another guard after a hard foul and some trash talk.

The two exchanged words and had to be separated, but it didn’t escalate into a physical fight.

Both players were given technical fouls.

My dad typically let his game speak louder than his temper.

Also, if anyone looked at his family wrong, he would put them in their place.

My dad was the man.

” Bella proudly announced.

“I’m sorry for the loss of your father. I want you to know that you are not alone. I want to support you. I believe God allowed us to meet for a reason. I’m here for you now. I hope you give me the chance to help you.”Adonis declared.

“Awe, thank you babe. You make me want to be with you. I appreciate you so much for being here for me and making me feel safe. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you in these circumstances.”

“Then will you move in with me? I know it’s too soon to ask, but I want to remind you that you have the option still.”

“Can you give me a little more time to think about it? Everything is still fresh. Let’s not rush things too much more. I don’t want us to ruin what we have now.”

“Of course, I’ll give you time Bella. Just choose right.” He voiced and gave her a wink.

He was making plans in his mind to pull out all the tricks to win Bella’s love.