TEASING HIM
1261 Words
WILLIAM
The camera shutters finally stopped clicking.
I peeled the tape off my wrist slowly, letting it fall onto the table as the crew began to scatter.
Sweat clung to the back of my neck, my muscles still tight from holding poses that weren’t meant to feel natural.
Modeling shoots always felt like a waste of breath to me. Too much standing still and pretending.
My manager walked toward me, a tablet tucked under his arm, with his expression already businesslike.
“William,” he let out, matching my stride. “We have a friendly match this weekend. Would you like to participate?”
A scoff sounded immediately to my right. I didn’t even need to look to know who the person was.
“That would be nice,” Victor answered easily, hands in his pockets. “Let’s make a bet. Pretty sure it’s going to be our team taking the win.”
The manager nodded. “If you are in, the coach will want extra training sessions this week.” I stopped walking at once.
“The team can go,” I said calmly. “I am not interested.”
Victor turned sharply. “William?”
I rolled my shoulders, stretching slightly. “I have spent the whole week playing finals. I am not doing extra drills, so reschedule everything for today.”
The manager stared at me like I had lost my mind. “You already have plans?”
“Yes.” I glanced at my watch. “I have got a date.”
Victor’s mouth actually fell open. My manager blinked. “A… what?”
“A date,” I repeated, slower this time, just to be clear.
“With who?” he pressed. “And why is this the first time I’m hearing about it? Your father…”
“Don’t,” I cut in sharply, my gaze snapping to him. “Don’t bring him into this.”
He raised his hands slightly. “Fine. I will let it go. Just this once but be ready by the weekend.”
I smiled faintly. “That depends.” Then I turned to leave.
Victor’s hand clamped onto my shoulder, stopping me.
“This date,” he said lowly, stepping closer. “It is with her, isn’t it?” I turned slowly, meeting his stare head-on.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Any Problem?” Victor swore under his breath. “What the hell is wrong with you? The only relationship you’re supposed to have with her is the one behind closed doors. Why are you taking her out like this?”
I exhaled through my nose. “Because that’s the only way I get to keep her around.”
His jaw tightened. “And what happens when your dad finds out? You know he watches every step you take.”
“I don’t give a damn about him.”
Victor studied me for a moment, then asked quietly, “What about her?”
I smiled.
“Would you believe me if I said I don’t give a damn what happens after I am done?”
“You’re brutal,” he muttered. Before I could reply, a familiar presence slid into my peripheral vision.
“Levi.”
He was walking toward us, fresh from his own shoot, still dressed in fitted black, looking annoyingly put together. The sight of him made something sharp curl pleasantly in my chest.
Because while he was here, smiling for the cameras. His fiancée was in my suite and slept in my bed.
I had worn my shirt and satisfaction settled deep.
“Grant,” I said smoothly. “Didn’t expect you to survive this long.”
Levi stopped in front of me, unimpressed. “Funny… Last I checked, you are still better at posing than playing.”
I chuckled. “That’s rich, coming from someone who lets his team carry him.”
Victor shifted uncomfortably beside me. Levi tried to move past, clearly not interested. That annoyed me.
“So,” I continued casually, stepping slightly into his path, “how’s your fiancée?”
He paused and just barely.
“How is your girl? Don't see her that much” I added, voice light. “And you seem… distracted lately.”
Levi’s jaw clenched. “Watch your mouth.”
I tilted my head. “Oh? I thought you didn’t mind, you barely protected her dignity anyway.” His eyes snapped to mine.
“You don’t get to talk about her.”
“Why not?” I shrugged. “You certainly don’t seem to.” His fists tightened at his sides. “You don’t know anything.”
I leaned closer, lowering my voice just enough. “I know she didn’t come home last night.” That did it, Levi swung. I didn’t flinch at once.
Victor moved fast, grabbing Levi by the shoulders and yanking him back while pulling me away at the same time.
“Enough!” Victor snapped. “Both of you!”
Levi struggled against him, eyes blazing. “You Bastard!”
I laughed softly, straightening my jacket. “Careful,” I said lazily. “You wouldn’t want to lose control again. People might start wondering what else you’re losing.”
Victor dragged me backward, muttering curses under his breath. As we walked away, I glanced over my shoulder.
Levi was still staring at me and for the first time, I could tell I had hit exactly where it hurt.
Victor didn’t let go of me until we were well past the chaos of the set.
The moment we reached the parking area, he spun me around, fury sharp in his eyes. “What the hell was that, William?”
I loosened his grip easily. “That,” I said calmly, “was me having fun.”
“That wasn’t fun. That was you deliberately poking a man who’s already unstable.”
I shrugged, walking toward my car. “Then he should learn control.”
Victor followed, his steps heavy. “You used his fiancée, you crossed a line.”
I stopped beside my car and turned to face him. “There are no lines, Victor and that is not in my world.”
He stared at me for a long second, like he was searching for the version of me he used to recognize. “You are playing a dangerous game.”
I unlocked the car. “I always do.”
Before he could say anything else, I slid into the driver’s seat and shut the door. The engine purred to life, sealing me away from his voice, his concern, his useless warnings.
I leaned back, exhaled slowly, then pulled out my phone.
With one tap the live feed filled the screen of my living room.
I watch Sky sit on the sofa, surrounded by boxes and fabrics, with a stylist orbiting her like a satellite.
A smile tugged at my lips.
“She’s ready,” I murmured, and then outside, movement caught my attention.
Victor had circled and was now standing by my window, his hand knocking sharply against the glass. His mouth moved rapidly, clearly still mid-lecture.
“Open the damn door!” I met his gaze through the window, utterly unbothered.
Instead of rolling it down, I lifted my hand and gave him a slow, deliberate smile. Then, with great care, I raised my middle finger.
His eyes widened in disbelief. “You are unbelievable!”
I laughed under my breath, shifted the gear, and pulled out smoothly, leaving him standing there, arms thrown up in pure frustration.
- Writer
