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CHAPTER 103
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A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 104
ELLA'S POVRyan's arms were still wrapped tightly around me. At first, I froze, too stunned by the unexpected hug to react. But as the moments ticked by, panic began to set in. This was all wrong - the scent of his perfume, the roughness of his palms across my back, the way his heart hammered against my own. It made my skin crawl in a way I couldn't fully understand.Slowly, I placed my hands flat against Ryan's broad shoulders and gently pushed. "Ryan, I...I'm sorry, but I can't do this," I murmured, my gaze dropping to the floor.To my relief, Ryan finally loosened his grip. He stared at me for a long moment before he finally nodded. "I understand." There was an awkward silence. I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze, instead fixing my eyes on a spot over his shoulder as I cleared my throat. "I think...I think it's best if you leave now," I managed. "Of course. Thank for that......" He trailed off.I nodded stiffly unsure of how to respond. As he turned to go, he paused at the
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 105
ELLA'S POV"It's...it's actually Ryan. My dance tutor is Ryan."The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and Trent narrowed his eyes like he was processing what I said."Ryan?" he echoed slowly. "As in...Ryan Walker? I gave a small nod, scolding myself inwardly. Way to go, Ella."I...yeah, that's the one," I managed, twisting my fingers together anxiously. "He, uh...he's the one who's been giving me private dance lessons." "I see. You never mentioned that before.""Well, it's not like we were that close!" I retorted, folding my arms across my chest. "Ryan offered the lessons after he saw some kind of 'potential' in me while we were performing that play at the hall.""Wait, let me get this straight. Just because of the play we did together, Ryan decided you had...what, some kind of 'mysterious potential'? And you just went along with it and started taking private dance lessons from him? One-on-one?""Of course not!" I shot back. "I'll admit, at first I was hesitant. I mean, wh
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 106
ELLA'S POVI sat on the bleachers, my gaze fixed on the court where Trent dribbled the basketball and weaved between his teammates. I smiled as I watched him sink a perfect throw into the net. He high-fived his teammates and as if sensing my eyes on him, Trent turned and grinned at me.I mouthed, "Looking good!""Can I sit down with you?"A soft voice startled me. I turned to find Amelia hovering beside me, her fingers twisting together nervously as she nodded towards the empty space on the bleacher.."Uh, yeah, of course," I stammered, scooting over to make room for her.Amelia sank down beside me, her shoulders hunched, her entire body radiating tension. She drew in a deep breath, her gaze fixed on her hands folded in her lap."Hey, are you okay?" I murmured, leaning in closer. "You seem...I don't know, really on edge about something."She shook her head. "I...I actually have something to tell you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.My brow furrowed as I studied her prof
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 107
ELLA'S POVI couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up from my throat as Trent nuzzled his nose against the sensitive spot just below my ear. We were tucked away in a quiet corner in the courtyard, his solid form pressing me back against the wall as his mouth trailed kisses along my neck."You're going to get me in so much trouble one of these days," I murmured, my fingers burying themselves in his back. "If we get caught fooling around like this..."Trent pulled back just enough to fix me with one of his smoldering looks, the ones that never failed to leave me weak in the knees. "Then I'll just have to make it worth the risk, won't I?"His lips crashed against mine and I lost myself in the sensation, in the addictive taste and feel of him surrounding me. At least, not until a familiar voice shattered the moment with three words: "Are you kidding me?"We broke apart with a yelp, both of us whipping around towards the source of the voice. And there stood Damien, disbelief and disgust
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 108
ELLA'S POVThe walk to school seemed to stretch endlessly before me as my mind kept replaying Ryan's suggestion over and over again. "How about becoming my own personal...Server? And private tutor."I worried my lower lip, the surprise proposal replaying in my mind. When I'd asked Ryan why he needed a "personal server" as he'd first put it, he'd clarified - not quite a server in the traditional sense, but more like an...aide of sorts. Someone to help out around his home, running errands, assisting with tasks and such. And the "tutor" part? Apparently Ryan was struggling in some of his math courses and could use extra academic support.At first, I'll admit, I was a bit taken aback by the job offering. An attendant and private tutor for one of my classmates? It seemed...highly unusual, to say the least. Not to mention, Ryan and I just got close. Why would he single me out like this?But then the dollar amount he'd quoted flashed through my mind, and I couldn't deny how sorely I needed
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 109
ELLA'S POVDribbling the ball awkwardly, I stuck my tongue out in concentration as I tried my best to mimic Trent's smooth movements. Which was easier said than done."Not like that, Ella," he chuckled, reaching out to adjust my hand position. "You have to cup the ball, let it roll off your fingertips.""I'm trying!" I huffed, rolling my eyes as the ball went bouncing off wildly to the side again. "This is harder than it looks."Trent just grinned and went chasing after the loose ball. Those long legs ate up the ground effortlessly as he scooped it up and spun back towards me.God, could he be any more annoyingly athletic? I stuck my tongue out at him as he dribbled the ball with infuriating ease."Your turn to shoot," he said, gesturing towards the hoop with his chin. Taking the ball from him, I squared up and bent my knees, trying to imitate his perfect form.You got this, Ella. Just some hand-eye coordination, that's all. How hard could it be?Summoning all my focus, I extended my
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 110
ELLA'S POV"Cheers!" We raised our glasses, the crisp clink of glass on glass ringing out in the crowded bar. Amelia, Susan and I had ended up at this trendy little cocktail lounge in downtown Westbury - Susan's choice, of course. She had insisted we all go out for a "girls' night" to celebrate my newly confirmed relationship status. "We have to toast your budding romance!" Susan had proclaimed earlier when she pitched the idea, waving her hands enthusiastically. "Celebrating love is the best way to attract it into our own lives, you know."I rolled my eyes at her logic, but couldn't help laughing. Leave it to Susan to turn any mundane event into some cosmic ritual meant to summon romance. "You know I literally just started dating Trent like a week ago, right?" I'd teased. "We're hardly a fairytale epic yet."Susan had fixed me with one of her patent looks. "Exactly, Ella! That's why we have to mark this moment - to ensure your new love story only grows stronger from here." She wink
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 111
ELLA'S POV"Well isn't that just precious?""Shut your mouth, Lucinda," Amelia snapped. She turned her furious glare on Damien. "So this is why you went so cold on me out of nowhere? You were just waiting to get your hooks into the next available set of legs?" Lucinda just rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh please, don't act so shocked. We all knew Damien's motives from the start.""Is that true?" Amelia demanded, rounding on Damien again. "Was I really just some way to pass the time for you until Slutty McSlutterson over here became available?""Babe, don't be like that," Damien began. "You know you meant something to me..."All I felt was to gag.Lucinda scoffed loudly. "Uh, could you be more pathetic right now? If the loser actually meant anything, you wouldn't have come crawling right back to me the second I snapped my fingers.""You bitch!" Amelia's hands balled into fists at her sides. I could practically feel her anger. "How dare you act like you're some prize to be won? You're
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A deal with the playboy EPILOGUE PART TWO - THE END
ELLA'S POV "Remember when Connor tried to ask out Jessica by serenading her in the cafeteria?" Liam grinned. "He sang so off-key, the lunch ladies thought a cat was dying in the kitchen!"We all burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the luxurious ballroom of the Grand Plaza Hotel. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over our little group huddled around one of the many round tables. Large flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls played a slideshow of our high school memories.Connor's face turned beet red as he playfully shoved Liam. "Oh yeah? What about the time you accidentally set off the fire alarm trying to impress Dolly with your 'mad science skills'?"Dolly giggled, leaning into Liam's side. "I thought it was cute! Even if we did have to stand outside in the rain for an hour."I couldn't help but smile, taking a sip of my champagne. "God, we were such disasters back then. Remember the great cafeteria food fight of senior year?"Amelia snorted, nearl
A deal with the playboy EPILOGUE : PART ONE
FIVE YEARS LATERELLA'S POV The spotlight blazed down on me as I twirled across the stage, my body moving in perfect harmony with the music. As I neared the climax of my performance, I could feel the energy of the audience pulsing through the air.With one final leap, I landed in my ending pose, chest heaving and sweat on my skin. For a moment, there was silence. Then, like a dam bursting, the applause erupted. The sound washed over me that left me breathless.I straightened up, a wide smile spreading across my face as I took in the sea of faces before me. There, in the front row, sat some of the most respected names in dance. Critics, choreographers, fellow dancers - all on their feet, clapping and cheering.As I made my way off stage, I was immediately surrounded by a swarm of people. Hands reached out, voices called my name, all clamoring for a piece of my attention."Ella! Ella! Can I get your autograph?""Ms. Thompson, that performance was breathtaking!""Ella, when's your ne
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 198
ELLA'S POV The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Before I knew it, we were all outside, the summer sun beating down on our black gowns. I stood apart from the crowd, watching as my classmates tossed their caps into the air, their laughter and cheers filling the courtyard.I looked down at my own cap, running my fingers over the tassel. Then, with a deep breath, I flung it skyward, watching as it spun through the air before disappearing into the sea of black and gold.As I searched the crowd for my cap, a familiar voice called out behind me. "Ella! We did it!"I turned to see Susan racing towards me, her gown billowing behind her like a superhero's cape. She crashed into me, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug that nearly knocked us both over."Can you believe it? We're officially high school graduates!" Susan squealed, jumping up and down while still clinging to me.I couldn't help but laugh, her excitement infectious. "I know, it's crazy!"Amelia appeared at our side, her perfe
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 197
ELLA'S POV The guest speaker's voice droned on, barely penetrating the fog of my thoughts. I shifted in my plastic chair, my graduation gown suddenly feeling too tight. My eyes wandered across the sea of black caps, finally landing on a familiar pair of figures.Ryan and Susan sat a few rows ahead, their heads tilted towards each other in quiet conversation. A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched Ryan's hand slip into Susan's, their fingers intertwining. Thank God they finally worked things out. As if sensing my gaze, Susan turned, her eyes meeting mine. Her face lit up with a warm smile, mouthing a silent "Thank you" in my direction.I nodded back, genuinely happy for them both. But as I turned away, a familiar discomfort bloomed in my stomach. It started as a dull ache, quickly escalating into a churning sensation that made me grip the edges of my seat. I swallowed hard, willing the nausea to subside.This wasn't the first time. For the past two weeks, these waves had becom
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 196
ELLA'S POVThe summer sun beat down on us as we streamed out of the auditorium, a sea of black gowns and square caps. I squinted against the brightness, my hand instinctively reaching for Tom's. His fingers intertwined with mine, warm and comforting, yet not quite right.I forced a smile, trying to ignore the hollowness in my chest. "It's so awkward, right? Us being together like this."Tommy's eyes met mine. "We'll make it work, Ella. We have to."And we did, in a way. The past few months had been a whirlwind of pretending, of plastering on smiles and playing the part of the perfect couple. It was easier than facing the truth - that Trent was gone, possibly forever. The pity in people's eyes when they thought about 'poor Ella' was too much to bear. At least this way, I could pretend everything was normal.I'd thrown myself into the charade with a desperation that surprised even me. Late-night study sessions with Tommy, learning every detail of Trent's life. Practicing his mannerism
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 195
ELLA'S POV I placed my trembling hand in his, still stunned by his sudden appearance. As he led me to the front, my mind raced with questions. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, their excited whispers creating a noise around us.We glided across the floor, and I couldn't help but stare at Trent. He moved with such grace, showing no signs of the injuries that had kept him hospitalized. Something felt off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.As we stepped onto the stage, the spotlight bathed us in its warm glow. Trent's eyes sparkled with an intensity I'd never seen before. Just as we were about to begin our dance, he dropped his crutches. I gasped, instinctively reaching out to steady him.But he didn't falter. Instead, he swept me into his arms with a flourish, spinning me around as if he'd never been injured at all. The crowd erupted in cheers, but their excitement felt distant, muffled by the doubt growing in my mind.As we swayed to the music, I studied his face closely. T
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 194
ELLA'S POVI stood before the mirror, my reflection staring back at me.The dress hugged my curves perfectly, its deep purple fabric shimmering in the light of my bedroom. My fingers traced the beadwork along the bodice, memories flooding back of the day Trent had bought it at the store."You're beautiful," I whispered to my reflection, trying to summon the confidence I once had. I smoothed out a non-existent wrinkle, remembering the day Lucinda had "accidentally" spilled punch on it at the couple's dance. It had taken three trips to the dry cleaner to remove the stain completely, but I didn't care. This dress was more than just fabric and thread; it was a symbol of everything Trent and I had been through.Let them stare, I thought defiantly. Let them whisper about how I'm wearing the same dress. This isn't about them. This is for Trent.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I caught sight of Mr. Matthews in the living room. He was pacing back and forth, his fingers drumming nervo
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 193
ELLA'S POV"Ella!" Susan's arms wrapped around me like a vice. "We've been worried sick about you!" Her voice cracked, and I felt her shoulders shake. "It's been like walking through a ghost town without you here."I hesitated for a moment before returning her embrace, burying my face in her shoulder. The warmth of human contact after so long in isolation nearly overwhelmed me.As Susan pulled back, I caught sight of Amelia hovering a few feet away. Our eyes met for a split second before she looked down, her fingers twisting the hem of her sweater. The pain across her face made my chest tighten.Susan followed my gaze, her voice dropping to a whisper. "She's been like that for days now, Ella. Ever since... well, you know." She bit her lip, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I think she blames herself for what her dad did. She won't talk about it, but I can see it eating her up inside."I took a deep breath, steeling myself. This wasn't going to be easy, but I couldn't bear t
A deal with the playboy CHAPTER 192
ELLA'S POVI opened my eyes to another gray morning, the sunlight struggling to penetrate the heavy curtains I'd drawn weeks ago. The silence in my room was deafening, broken only by the occasional ping of my phone - another message I'd ignore. Everything wasn't okay. It hadn't been for weeks.Trent was still in the hospital, and I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The worst part? I didn't even know how he was faring. Some ridiculous ban on visits had been imposed, cutting me off from the one person I desperately needed to see.I dragged myself out of bed, my feet hitting the cold floor. My reflection in the mirror was a stranger - hollow-eyed and pale. I barely recognized myself anymore.For the umpteenth time, I found myself outside the Donovan mansion, my fists pounding against the imposing iron gates. "Please!" I screamed, my voice hoarse from overuse. "I just need to know if he's okay!"My cries echoed in the empty driveway, met only by the rustling of leaves. As always, th
