Chapter 19

|| Ares's POV ||

It was out of expectation that Brittany would present herself like a pure whore in front of me. I admitted that I had a one-night stand with her. But it was a mutual decision and we never wanted to try it again. She broke her promise and insisted to me repeatedly that I shouldn't waste my youth on a single stupid girl.

I avoided her with a few cold words and headed back to my room backstage. That girl could be more meaningful than my imagination. She was trying to prove that we were good in bed. But fuck! I know, if I chatted with her for a long time, someone would pass this news to Savannah especially Finn who seemed fully fucked up after learning about our date. I couldn't lower her prestige in front of everyone. Sooner or later, she had to be mine. I wasn't going to force her to open her heart to me but I knew that she would eventually become the girl that I wanted in my life.

Fuck! I am not letting her go so easily!

Honestly, I was a little scared of Brittany. She was the kind of girl who could do anything to get her work done. I could feel that she wanted more than sleep with me. First of all, she was a little obsessive with players like me. The reason was that she could show off her boyfriend to the other girls proudly. Last time, she dated another player from a renowned club who played for the state, and guess what, they broke up after that boy found out about our one-night stand.

Kevin appeared behind me, his arms crossed over his chest as he notified me with a smirk,

" The TNT players list will be launching today. Aren't you gonna check it out?"

I whipped back at him, surprised as usual. TNT had always been the most expected match of a season. Each year, renowned clubs from various states hire players to perform on behalf of their team nationally. I was hired twice by JK Revengers who had been gripping the NO.1 position in the state game for the past few years. Naturally, all could guess that they would hire me again as it was me who scored two separate goals in the final round. Hence, I didn't worry about whoever team hired me as it was already decided partially. But the list was expected to be released at the end of this month but it seemed a little fast this year.

I replied with a smile, leaning down to fix my sneaker one more time,

" Hmm, I will try. Anyways, it won't be hidden from the news at least."

The name of players would be broadcasted highly through the news channel. I didn't need to personally check on the updates. Kevin pursued his lips, sadness leaping on his expression,

" Yeah, you don't have to. You will eventually get selected unless someone like me keeps searching for the name."

His voice was laced with sadness as I strode over to him, patting him on his shoulder. He was a good guy and needed a hard push to overcome in his career. He wasn't so bad in the game just lazy and unwilling to fix his mistakes. I gave him a few inspiring words before leaving for my home,

" Everyone has up and down in their career, Kevin. Don't pressure yourself too much."

With those words, I headed for the street, expecting good news in the evening. At least, I didn't have to worry about Aria's payout bills for the next months.

***|| Savannah's POV ||

A tap on my shoulder pulled me back to reality. I was getting lost again in remembering how Ares and I kissed each other like a real couple. Sometimes rumors say the ugliest truth. It's never a safe side to play games with a bad boy. They are always offside of love. You can play with them, flirt with them, sleep with them but try to get serious that will never happen.

" Yeah, I am almost done picking.", I notified Aria who went to the other shelf to get some fruit juice for us. My parents had gone on vacation for two weeks at least. Henceforth, I was left alone in the house and had to take care of these groceries. Luckily, I had rebuilt my relationship with Aria. Thus, it was not too lonely at my house. As we both lived in an empty house, it was a better idea to share a single house. Although Ares had told me a lot about his parents, I didn't reveal anything to Aria. Some scars shouldn't be discussed especially when it comes to family.

After we were done with our staff, we headed for the payout area only to be distracted by a piece of news playing on the television.

" Breaking News! The TNT Player List is expected to be featured within the next 2 hours. We are hoping for brand-new names this year. Let's see who calls the shot at the end."

Aria squealed at my side in excitement. She clapped her hands together, already expecting,

" I bet, Ares will be taken by JK again. Aren't you excited? Oh, come on, Sav. Your boyfriend is going to join the top club in the country. This deserves a party."

I didn't have a clear idea about how TNT mattered to the players. Dating Finn only made me realize that he never bothered to share each detail of his professional life that much. Having heard rumors, I guessed that TNT was another chance for the top players to showcase their talent in front of the entire country. This held another meaning that they would be noticed by the coaches from the national team and they might get an invitation call to play in the national team later on.

I smiled generously as Aria returned with a few bottles of beer. She was already thriving to celebrate the day on behalf of Ares. Honestly, I wasn't much concerned about Ares. All I wanted was that Finn doesn't get his position. As long as Finn stayed behind his back, my revenge would be done naturally.

Now let's wait for the player list in the evening!

***

|| Ares's POV ||

The expectant evening came with a lot of mental stress more than I expected. It was better than I would have stayed in my home alone and watched the newly elected player list without any tension. Unfortunately, my plan didn't go according to my plan. Coach called all of us back to our club in the evening. He wished to share the excitement with all of us as 70% of his players would be joining this big club for this season of TNT. Hence, I had no choice left but to follow back in the club.

Aria texted me during the ride and wished me good luck in advance. She informed me that she was staying in Savannah's house. They were ready for the party but fuck! Savannah didn't contact me a single time in a day.

As expected! Why would she? This dating game is just a sweet revenge for her. I was nobody in her world. Would she act so nonchalant if it was Finn instead of me?

The truth hurt like hell but I had to endure the pain for the sake of something big for our future.

My return to the restroom caught everyone's attention as they were already waiting for my arrival. I loved the see their excitement when I was chosen by any renowned club. I guess, that's how the team works.

Happy for everyone!

We lay across the couches, sprawling all over. Eyes fixed on the sports channel, we were counting for the moment mentally. Kevin accompanied me as usual but as soon as he came across to sit near me, another figure squeezed between us, forcing her massive butt to fix on that little space.

" Hi Ares!", Brittany shot us a grin as she plopped between us. Kevin's expression grimaced as he moved away irritating. If she wasn't the loving niece of our coach, he would have kicked her out of the couch like shit.

Brittany squirmed beside me, leaning onto my shoulders unnecessarily,

" I am so excited for you, Ares. I can't wait to see you in the top Club."

I smiled back with gratitude and tried to withdraw my arms from her cage. But gosh! This girl had begun to move all over my body.

I mean, how could someone act so clingy? Doesn't she feel bored?

Our attention was diverted suddenly as the host began to speak through the speaker. The scoreboard was already ready to display in front of us as we both held our breaths. I noticed the way the coach kept shooting his expectant eyes at me. Naturally, it made me nervous to think that my mentor was expecting something good from me but I didn't know why I was getting nervous all of sudden.

The result was pretty similar for the past two years yet the possibility of having a change was an option. I exhaled through my nose heavily as Brittany pressed against me closer. She was rubbing her body against mine more than necessary but fuck, I was too nervous to give a damn about her action.

The female host announced loudly as a weird silence reigned among us. Finally, the most expected JK player list was featured on the screen.

What!!!

Almost together everyone gasped in their position. I didn't gasp literally but my lips were slightly open in disbelief to see the name on my position.

Finn Hansley!

Finn was hired by JK this year. Not even my name was on their selection list. This didn't feel right as I had been their best player for the past two years. Then how on earth Finn suddenly popped out to take my place?

I didn't meet the coach's eyes as it was obvious that he was heartbroken by the news. Something felt fishy in their selection period. Everyone glanced up at me occasionally to check my reaction but I was too speechless to give any response. The blow was unexpected for me and I was still scratching my head to find any exact reason.

Then the screen hanging in front of us suddenly changed as number 2 in position was going to display their player's name for this season. This time, it was club PK's player list who wished to show their interest to hire those players. Fuck! Their announcement left me more shocked as PK had my name on their choice list.

On second consideration, it was justified since JK wasn't willing to hire me for this season. Naturally, their opponent would take this opportunity of choosing me for this season. I stayed silent for the entire announcement until Kevin spoke cheerfully, trying to erase the awkwardness among us,

" Why are you all silent? It isn't like Ares has been left unchosen by every club. At least, he has PK in this choice list, man. Cheers to you!"

Kevin smacked my shoulder, snapping me back to reality. I wouldn't have been soo mindful if they chose any other player above me but fuck, it was Finn..my biggest enemy, my love rival... The reason behind my princess's tears. My heart wasn't accepting the truth and I felt the urge of running for JK's head team.

Brittany leaned on me, muttered after planting a kiss on my cheeks,

" Congratulations, Ares baby. You have entered in No.2 club. When are you going to sign with them?"

I blew my cheeks out angrily. My phone vibrated on the desk and I looked down at it with a tight frown. Because it was no one else but Finn who was calling me to mock possibly.