The Rivalry Pact ~ Pablo Gavi

Carmen Díaz

I took a deep breath as I tied my hair into a high ponytail, my fingers slightly trembling. It had been days since I last trained, and I felt like I was losing myself. Football had always been my escape, my way of shutting everything else out. It was the one thing I could always count on to make sense, even when the rest of my life was a mess. And right now? It was the only thing keeping me from completely spiraling.

I wasn't okay. Not yet. But staying locked up in Pablo's house, letting fear dictate my every move? That wasn't an option.

I had already missed a game. I refused to miss anything else.

Pablo had gone to my apartment earlier to grab my kit. I still wasn't ready to step foot in that place—not after what happened. Just the thought of walking inside, seeing the wreckage left behind, made my chest tighten. The shattered glass, the blood on the floor... I swallowed hard. No. Not now.

I'll wear my kit at the training facility, I told myself. One step at a time.

Grabbing my bag, I headed downstairs, my mind already trying to focus on the upcoming session. But the moment I reached the bottom step, my entire body froze.

A man—tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in black—stood waiting near the door.

My breath caught in my throat. My stomach twisted violently. No. No, no, no. Not again.

I barely registered the fact that he hadn't moved toward me, hadn't done anything threatening. My heart was hammering in my chest, my pulse roaring in my ears. My vision blurred at the edges. I wanted to run, to hide, to scream, but my body refused to cooperate.

Then the man spoke. His deep voice echoed in the hallway. "Pablo Gavi?" He was looking around, calling for him.

I couldn't think straight. I could barely breathe.

Was this a trick? Was he one of his men? Was this a setup?

The panic clawed up my throat so fast I thought I was going to collapse. My hands started shaking, my knees locking in place. I couldn't move.

The man turned to me, his thick brows pulling together in confusion. "Señorita, are you okay?"

I stepped back instinctively, my heartbeat erratic, my breath uneven. "Get away from me," I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

His eyes widened slightly, and he raised his hands in surrender, clearly shocked by my reaction. "I—"

"Stay back!" My voice was shaky, desperate. I wasn't even sure if I was saying it out loud or if it was just in my head.

Just then, footsteps echoed behind me. "Carmen!"

I knew that voice.

Pablo.

Before I could even process what was happening, Pablo's hands were on my shoulders, grounding me, his voice low and soothing. "Cálmate, it's okay. You're safe. I swear, you're safe."

My breathing was erratic, my vision still hazy. I gripped his arms tightly, feeling the solid warmth beneath my fingers, something real, something I could hold onto.

He kept his hands firm on me but turned his head toward the man. "She's been through a lot. Give her a second."

The man gave a small nod, still looking confused but patient.

Pablo's hands moved to my face, tilting my chin up so I'd look at him. "He's not a threat, Carmen. Look at me. Breathe." His voice was softer now, more careful.