“Deal,” I agree with out hesitation, grinning on the prospect of her paintings adorning my beforehand stark partitions.

“Nice!” she exclaims, clapping her arms collectively. “Now, why don’t you present me the place I’ll be sleeping? I’m completely wiped.”

“In fact,” I reply, main her down the hallway to the primary room. As she makes herself at residence, I stand within the doorway, watching her unpack her belongings and feeling an unfamiliar heat start to unfold via my chest.

“Spencer,” I say, interrupting her rummaging. “I simply wished to say… thanks.”

“For what?” she asks, her inexperienced eyes wanting up at me.

“For every little thing,” I admit, all of a sudden feeling weak. “For saving my life, for staying right here with me.”

She simply nods, understanding the sensation, I preserve watching her as if she have been settling on the place the place she belongs. I muse if that is how it will really feel to have somebody like Spencer round on a regular basis. Part of me craves that heat she brings, however one other a part of me recoils on the considered settling down. I’m a participant, in spite of everything—a person with a style for adrenaline and no strings hooked up. And with my job requiring me to journey quickly, I doubt I’d have the ability to keep a gentle relationship.

“All in place,” she says, closing a drawer.

I chuckle, however my thoughts remains to be racing with ideas. It’s then that I bear in mind the upcoming playoff match towards the Los Angeles Stars—our archenemy group. I’ve had the balcony on maintain for weeks, and I can’t consider anybody higher to go together with me than Spencer.

“Spencer,” I say, attempting to look informal. “I’ve obtained a pair of tickets to the playoff match towards the LA Stars subsequent weekend. How would you are feeling about going with me?”

Her eyes mild up with pleasure, however she hesitates earlier than answering. “That appears like a lot enjoyable, Percival, however are you certain you need to take me? You would carry one in every of your mates or another person.”

“Belief me,” I insist, my coronary heart pounding in my chest. “They are going to be there. My brother and his spouse, too, however I need you there with me. Come on, will probably be enjoyable.”

“Alright then,” she agrees, her lips curving right into a shy smile. “It’s a date.”

As we smile collectively in celebration, one thing tugs inside my chest. Perhaps issues gained’t be straightforward, and perhaps I’ll need to make some adjustments, however a minimum of for now, I’m keen to offer this a shot.

Chapter Thirty

Spencer

I blink my eyes open, the morning daylight filtering via the sheer curtains in Percival’s townhome. My coronary heart flutters with a mixture of pleasure and apprehension as reminiscences of yesterday’s occasions flood my thoughts. I’m mendacity in Percival’s room, a heat sanctuary crammed with mushy linens and the faint scent of laundry cleaning soap.

Yawning, I stretch my limbs and slide away from bed, my naked ft touching the plush carpet. As I transfer to the full-length mirror, I can’t assist however smile on the reflection staring again at me. I’m carrying one in every of Percival’s outsized hoodies, which engulfs my petite body, my legs clad in leggings which have seen higher days.

“A brand new day, a brand new starting,” I whisper to myself, feeling the vibrations of my voice on my fingertips pressed towards my throat. It’s been years since I might hear my very own phrases, however that doesn’t cease me from talking them aloud once I’m alone.

I head to the ensuite toilet, the cool tiles sending shivers up my backbone. Turning on the bathe, I let the recent water cascade down my physique, washing away the sleepiness and lingering stress from yesterday’s surprising occasions. Steam swirls round me like a protecting cocoon, and I shut my eyes briefly, permitting myself a second of tranquility earlier than going through no matter awaits me past these partitions.

As soon as I’ve completed showering, I dry off and slip into recent garments. One other pair of well-worn leggings, a plain white t-shirt, and a comfy hoodie. I brush my damp hair and tie it again right into a messy bun, prepared for the day forward.

My ideas drift to Percival as I apply minimal make-up, simply sufficient to really feel put collectively. He’s charming, assured, and undeniably engaging, however there’s additionally a hidden depth beneath that party-loving exterior. I ponder what secrets and techniques he retains locked away in that coronary heart of gold.

“Sufficient,” I scold myself, specializing in the duty at hand. “You’re right here on a mission, not get misplaced in daydreams about your savior. That is simply momentary, Spencer. Don’t really feel at residence.”

With my make-up carried out and my ideas firmly anchored in actuality, I seize my cellphone and head down the steps, able to deal with the brand new day. Little do I do know what surprises await me or how they’ll entwine with Percival’s life in methods I by no means might have anticipated.

I can’t shake the tingling sensation in my abdomen as I step into the lounge, the remnants of yesterday’s occasions nonetheless haunting me. The modern furnishings and trendy decor remind me that I’m a visitor in Percival’s world, a incontrovertible fact that each thrills and terrifies me.

Regardless of the lingering nerves, I drive myself to give attention to the day forward. I have to textual content my aunts and Gianna, however earlier than I’ve the prospect to maneuver, one thing makes me bounce. The door swings open, catching my consideration.

My coronary heart hammers in my chest, and I clutch the cellphone like a weapon. Who might it’s? A break-in? Certainly one of Percival’s buddies? I maintain my breath, ready for the intruders to disclose themselves.

A girl seems to be round cautiously as I peek across the nook, my pulse racing. Two different ladies stand within the doorway, their eyes broad with shock and curiosity.

“Hello,” I handle to squeak out, my hand shaking barely.

The trio is an eclectic mixture of magnificence and magnificence. Two brunettes, one with beautiful blue eyes and the opposite with darkish, mysterious orbs that appear to pierce via me. The third girl sports activities vibrant purple hair that cascades down her shoulders, her gray eyes placing and fierce.

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