Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
“Oh, nothing’s wrong with me,” the girl said. “I just wanted to let you know-don’t bother waiting. Ms. Watson’s ex-boyfriend showed up at the hotel – today, causing trouble, so she took the day off and went home this morning.”
“Her ex caused trouble?” Gavin’s frown deepened.
The girl quickly recounted everything that had happened that morning. “That scumbag was absolutely awful!” she concluded.
“Thank you.” Gavin’s expression had turned dark, but he thanked the girl politely before rolling up the window.
“Drive to Britney’s place,” Gavin said quietly.
Minutes later, the Rolls-Royce pulled up outside Britney’s apartment complex.
Before getting out, Gavin made a phone call. “I want to buy a hotel. Look into it for me!”
When she heard the knock at the door, Britney instinctively thought it was Soren again.
Earlier that morning, she barely got home when Soren showed up to pester her. No matter how hard he knocked, she pretended not to hear him
Now she figured it was Soren again.
Gavin knocked on the door for what felt like forever, but no one answered. He pulled out his phone and texted Britney: [Are you home?)
Britney stared at the message on her screen, momentarily stunned.
‘Gavin? Is that Gavin?’ she whispered to herself. She jumped up to answer the door, forgetting to slip on her shoes.
He stood in his sharp suit when she pulled the door open.
“Gavin, what are you doing here?” Britney kept her eyes down. After all, they’d had that unpleasant fight just last night.
Gavin didn’t answer. His eyes swept over her quickly, checking to ensure she was okay. Only then did he let out a small breath of relief
During those moments when Britney hadn’t answered the door, his mind had raced through all sorts of terrible scenarios, He’d been worried about her
“Come with me.” Gavin took her hand.
Britney looked up at him in surprise. Even though Gavin had pursued her for months, he’d always been a gentleman, never crossing any lines.
When Britney didn’t move, Gavin bent down and swept her in his arms.
“Gavin!” Britney gasped, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders.
“You can’t stay here anymore,” Gavin said.
Britney remained silent. Soren could show up here anytime to cause trouble-it wasn’t safe. But she still felt unsure about leaving.
Gavin didn’t wait for her to protest. He grabbed her purse and phone from the couch, scooped her up in his arms, and headed downstairs.
“Gavin. Wait, I can’t go with you,” Britney finally said.
Gavin said nothing, his jaw tightening. He kept carrying her down the stairs. Britney wasn’t even wearing shoes.
When they ran into a neighbor downstairs, Britney tried to get down, but Gavin wouldn’t let her go. The neighbor smiled and said, “You two lovebirds are so sweet together.”
–Britney buried her face in Gavin’s shoulder, embarrassed. Thank goodness it was past seven in the evening-most people were home having dinner.
Otherwise, she would have died of shame.
Gavin’s handsome face showed no expression at all. He carried Britney straight to the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.
“Drive.” Before Britney could settle in properly, Gavin had already given the order.
The driver immediately started the car.
“Gavin, where are you taking me?” Britney asked quickly.
Gavin reached up and loosened his tie. Having held her soft, fragrant body just moments before had stirred something in him, making the tie feel uncomfortably tight around his neck.
“The apartment complex across from your hotel,” he said.
Britney pressed her lips together. She thought, ‘We have no relationship at all. Moving into his place just isn’t right
But Gavin didn’t give her a choice.
The drive was short, and they arrived quickly.
The driver opened the car door in the spacious underground garage, and Gavin got out first.
Britney stayed in the car, curling her bare feet under her. After a silence, Gavin bent down and lifted her into his arms again.
Britney bit her lip softly.
Adher
He carried her to the elevator and up to his floor, using his fingerprint to unlock the door.
The apartment was massive-nearly three thousand square feet of luxury. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting light across the elegant furnishings.
Gavin set Britney down gently on the sofa. The warmth of her body lingered in his palms as he flexed his fingers.
“You’ll stay here from now on,” he said. “The security system is top-notch. Only residents can get in.”
He walked to the shoe cabinet and pulled out a pair of women’s slippers for her.
Gavin spotted a pair of men’s slippers sitting nearby when he reached for them. His eyes went blank for a moment.
Gavin asked Wesley to pick up some clothes and daily necessities for Britney today. Still, apparently, the man had bought men’s slippers too.
Gavin stared at those slippers, thinking, ‘Still a long way before I’ll move in here.’
He walked over to the couch and crouched down, reaching to slip the slippers onto Britney’s feet.
Britney instinctively pulled back.
Gavin frowned. “They’re new.” The tags were still attached.
“Thanks, but I can do it myself.” Britney’s cheeks flushed pink. She thought, ‘We’re not close enough for him to be putting shoes on me, are we?
Gavin handed her the slippers instead.
Britney tore off the tags and slipped them on.
Standing beside the couch with one hand in his pocket, Gavin asked, “Have you eaten dinner?”
“No.” Britney shook her head.
“Good, I haven’t either. I’ll have Wesley pick something up. Tomorrow I’ll hire a housekeeper to take care of your meals and daily needs.”
Britney pressed her lips together. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Gavin was keeping her like some sort of mistress.
Her fingers twisted together as she looked at him. “I’ll find a place and move out as soon as I can.”
Gavin sat down beside her. “Why? This place is close to the hotel. It’s convenient, and the security is good. I feel better knowing you’re safe here.”
Britney bit her lip. “Then let me pay you rent.”
Gavin smiled slightly, “Fine. Go check out the room. See if you like the style. If not, we’ll change it.”
“No need to look,” Britney said. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I won’t be staying long.”
She was only here to avoid Soren. Given enough time, he’d get the thessage about how she felt. Then he’d stop bothering her, and she could move back home.
Wesley came quickly with the takeout, setting everything on the brand-new dining table.
Gavin bought this place years ago, but today was his first time coming here.
As they ate, Gavin asked casually, “Did your ex give you trouble today?”
Britney looked up at him briefly but didn’t deny it.
Gavin said, “If he shows up again tomorrow, just kick him out.”
Britney stayed quiet. She thought Gavin didn’t understand how the service industry worked. They never, ever threw customers out.
After dinner, Gavin left. Britney felt all the tension drain from her body when he was gone. She looked around the luxurious house, and nothing felt real.
She thought, ‘Gavin is pretty domineering.’
Britney entered the master bedroom and immediately noticed the glass wardrobe filled with trendy dresses and outfits.
