Gamer Girl

JENNIVAHA

Jennivaha Devellis had spent most of her life being told she didn’t belong.

As a professional gamer girl in a world dominated by men, she had heard every insult imaginable. “Go back to the kitchen.” “You’re only good because guys let you win.” “Girls can’t be real gamers.” She had learned to ignore most of it, but it still followed her everywhere she went — in tournaments, in online lobbies, and even in her own inbox.

She wasn’t just any gamer. She was Videl_Zavara, one of the top players in the women’s division. She also worked as a video game tester, playing unreleased titles before they hit the market. Gaming wasn’t just a hobby for her; it was her entire life. And yet, no matter how good she was, she was constantly reminded that she was still seen as an outsider.

Now, on top of everything else, she was about to be homeless.

The eviction notice had come two weeks ago. The old apartment building she lived in was being demolished to make way for a new hotel. She had been searching for a new place ever since, but nothing was affordable. Not on her income. Not in Los Angeles.

That’s why she was standing outside a large house in Beverly Hills, holding a folded newspaper with a circled ad. The rent was ridiculously low, only fifty dollars a week — but the ad specifically asked for a “professional gaming tenant.” It was her only real option.

She took a deep breath and pressed the button on the black gate.

A deep voice came through the speaker. “Who is it?”

“I’m here about the room,” Jennivaha answered.

There was a pause.

“Are you a gamer?”

“Yes.”

Another long silence followed. Just when she thought the guy had hung up, the gate clicked and slowly slid open. She walked up the driveway, her baby blue backpack hanging off one shoulder. The house was massive — way too big for someone renting out a room this cheap.

The front door opened before she reached it.

A tall guy around her age stood in the doorway, arms crossed. He had sharp features, messy black hair, and intense blue eyes. Jennivaha recognised him instantly. Jayvon Kingsley. Evik_Mumme. One of the most popular pro-gamers right now.

He looked her up and down slowly, his expression unreadable.

“You’re a girl,” he said.

Jennivaha straightened her back. “And you’re looking for a gamer. I am one.”

Jayvon let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Right. Come in.”

She stepped inside, and the door closed behind her. The house was even more impressive on the inside — clean, modern, and expensive. Everything about it screamed money. Jayvon led her into the living room without saying much. She followed, trying not to stare at the way his black T-shirt hugged his broad shoulders and muscular arms.

He turned around and leaned against the back of the couch, looking at her again.

“Look,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was hoping for another guy. Someone who actually plays competitively. No drama.”

“I play competitively,” Jennivaha replied calmly. “I’m Videl_Zavara.”

Jayvon’s eyebrows lifted. He clearly recognised the name. For a second, he looked genuinely surprised before he quickly masked it.

“You’re serious?” he asked.

I pulled out my phone and showed him my profile — my ranking, my recent tournament wins, and my sponsorship with Sinful Mayhem Wrestling. Jayvon took the phone and scrolled through it. His expression shifted as he realised I wasn’t lying.

“Shit,” he muttered. “You’re actually good.”

“I know.”

He handed the phone back and studied me for a moment. His eyes moved over my body — my slim waist, the way my jeans fit, and the subtle curve of my chest — before he caught himself and looked away. I felt a small flicker of heat in my stomach. He might not want a girl living here, but he was definitely noticing me.

“How much cash do you have right now?” he asked suddenly.

“Enough for a few months,” I answered. “I can pay upfront.”

Jayvon stayed quiet for a few seconds, clearly fighting with himself. He didn’t want a female roommate, but the money was too good to turn down.

“Alright,” he finally said. “I’ll show you the room.”

He led me upstairs. I walked behind him, my eyes drifting down to the way his jeans sat on his hips. I quickly looked away. This was not the time to be checking out my potential new roommate.

The room was much nicer than I had expected. Queen-sized bed, walk-in closet, private bathroom, and even a small balcony. It was clean and simple — way better than anything she could afford alone.

“I’ll take it,” I said without hesitation.

Jayvon nodded. “A few rules. No guys are spending the night. No smoking. And my sister Madison lives here too.”

“I won’t be a problem,” I replied.

He held out his hand. I pulled the cash from my bag and gave it to him. Jayvon counted it quickly, then slipped it into his pocket.

“Welcome to the house, Videl_Zavara,” he said, his voice lower than before.

Our eyes met and stayed there for a second too long. Something thick and warm settled in the air between them. I felt it immediately — the tension. The way his gaze dropped to my lips before he looked away. I could tell he was attracted to me, even if he didn’t want to admit it.

I cleared my throat. “Thanks.”

Jayvon stepped back toward the door. “My boys are coming over later. You can meet them if you want.”

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

I stood there for a moment, heart still beating faster than normal. I walked over to the balcony and stepped outside, letting the cool air hit my face.

I could already tell that living here was going to be complicated.

Jayvon Kingsley was rude, arrogant, and clearly didn’t think much of gamer girls.

But he was also dangerously attractive.

And the way he looked at me just now… it wasn’t just judgment.

There was something else there.

Something hot.