Danger vs Danger

Gray offered to help me change into dry clothes. So, he led me up to his bedroom upstairs. There were suitcases everywhere, assuming he just moved in or will be staying temporarily.

"I'm sorry, my room is such a mess. I just arrived yesterday and will be staying for another two days before my tour starts," he explained.

I just smiled as a response. I was freezing already.

He opened one of the suitcases and took out a white shirt and a pair of black jeans.

"I'm really sorry. These are the only spare unused clothes I have," he said, handing me out the clothes. "The bathroom is over there." He said, pointing at the door at the end of the room.

"Thank you. Sorry for causing you trouble," I replied.

"No, it's an accident and it's my party so it's my responsibility," he reassured.

After I went inside the bathroom, I immediately checked myself in the mirror and I looked horrendous. My hair is wet and messy and I look pretty pale. I showered since liquor and alcohol smells were all over me. There were men's toiletries and I was desperate to wash off the smell and the itchiness so I stole a small portion of his shampoo and bodywash, thinking he wouldn't know if I did take a small amount.

The clothes were just two sizes larger than mine and it almost felt like they were my own clothes: baggy and masculine. His T-shirt looked like an oversized shirt to me. Thankfully, there was a blower so I was able to dry out my undergarments and hair. I did it quickly, thinking that Gray had to use the bathroom too.

When I stepped out, a breathtaking, half-naked Gray Jansen befell on me, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, leaving out his toned muscular chest and abs on display.

I muttered a curse under my breath that surprised both of us. Gray immediately turned around and apologized, scratching his head, feeling so awkward.

"Sorry, I thought you would take a long time in the bathroom so I changed already," he explained.

"No, it's fine," I said while taking a few steps away from the bathroom. "I think you should shower if you don't want to get sticky and itchy," I suggested.

"Yeah, right," he said turning around. "Just leave your wet clothes in that basket then I'll have someone to dry it."

We avoided each other's glances as he passed by me. Before he went inside the bathroom, he turned around. "By the way, my clothes looked cool on you," he praised.

"Yeah, they're so comfy too. Thanks by the way. I'll be waiting outside then."

As we were going down, I noticed Gray Jansen keeping a very close distance with me, and caught him sniffing me. F*ck, did he knew? Better come out clean than regret later.

"I actually used your shampoo and bodywash, sorry," I said, truly embarrassed.

"No, it's fine. I liked it actually," he said, smiling generously.

Anna and Charlie were waiting for me downstairs. They almost dropped their jaws upon seeing Gray Jansen with me.

"We heard about what happened. Are you okay?" Charlie asked, worried.

"Shit! Did you just shower with Gray Jansen?!" Anna was squealing behind my ear.

Anna almost shouted in pain when Charlie pinched her side.

I introduced Anna and Charlie to Gray.

"Yeah, of course, I would remember you two. You were having so much fun back there," Gray shared.

"Just so you know, we are your biggest fans," Anna shared enthusiastically.

"Oh, thank you. Sorry for the trouble I had with your friend," Gray apologized. "Why don't you three stay here and enjoy the party? I'll get some drinks for you."

"God. He was the most charming man I've ever met!" Anna was fangirling over Gray.

"He was as kind as what people say. Missy, I hate you for being so lucky tonight," Charlie complained.

"Yeah, except that I almost drowned," I said, chuckling. "FYI, he is Gregory's cousin."

The girls turned to me with their mouths gaping. " What the f*cking hell?" Anna exclaimed.

"What a small world. But if I were you, I would choose Gray Jansen over all Gregory combined," Charlie commented harshly.

"Hey, we barely know him," I defended.

Gray came back with our drinks and sat with us on the patio.

"So, you're Gregory's cousin?" Anna inquired very curiously.

"Half-cousin, to be exact. I'm his uncle's illegitimate son," Gray shared confidently. "I knew Gregory just a few years ago. But he's the best cousin I have. He's the one who told me to pursue music."

"Well, that's one point to Gregory then," Charlie whispered.

"Oh, you're taking scores?" I whispered back.

Suddenly, we were joined by Jason, Gregory and Alina. We were all having fun throughout the night except Gregory who has been silent the whole time.

As we were walking back to the villa, Gregory grabbed my arm and asked me to stay out a bit.

"What is it, Gregory?" I asked impatiently.

We knew we were both still sober so his rude action is inexcusable.

"Let's talk about us," he said in the most serious and demanding tone I've heard from him.

"What 'us'? There's no 'us'," I argued. "Let me be clear. We don't have that deal anymore. That deal is over. It has been settled."

"Settled by who?" he asked with curiosity all over his face.

"Alina is going to marry you. Not me," I pointed out with decisiveness.

"What the hell? Who told you that? I'm NOT gonna marry her and she is NOT going to marry me!" he retorted.

"But why not her? All of our problems are solved whoever you're gonna marry between the two of us. And Alina volunteered."

Out of the blue, Alina appeared. Gregory calmed down and turned to me. "We are NOT done, Artemis." He glared at Alina coldly and left.

"What the hell is that?" Alina ran to me and asked.

"I told him that the deal is off and that you're gonna marry him and not me," I reported.

"Wait? What? The two of you were planning to get married?" She said, shocked.

"No! I didn't agree. But I thought, two of you talked about this already," I said rather confused about everything.

"No, he didn't have any idea about this. I didn't even know you two had a plan."

"There was no plan since I didn't agree!"

"You told him. This is gonna ruin everything!"

"Wait? What do you mean?"

"My dad didn't get the deed of sale of the resort. She gave it to Gregory. They will be signing papers tomorrow," Alina revealed.

As if my whole life appeared before me when she broke the news.

"Damn! Does that mean Gregory gets the upper hand?"

"Yes! He gets to choose who will marry him. I won't be able to help you if he wants you."

"What should we do, then?" I'm pretty sure now I don't want to ruin my life by marrying Gregory. And if Alina wants to, I'll help her get it done.

"We have no choice but to do the old tricks," she said as if she got all the solutions to our problems. "Make him fall in love with me." Alina decided in absolute resolution.