How To Be A Player?

Rule #3: Every Win Comes with a Temptation

The aroma of truffle risotto and roasted vegetables greeted me before I even stepped into the dining room. Crystal chandeliers reflected off the polished hardwood floors, casting a soft glow on the table set impeccably with silverware, fine china, and freshly folded napkins.

"Finally," Jada's voice floated from her seat at the head of the table, dressed in a sleek blouse and gold hoop earrings. She tapped her glass, eyes narrowing playfully. "We were beginning to think you'd skip us for a pregame nap."

I smirked, adjusting my crisp polo as I approached. "You know me too well."

"Sit," Monique said smoothly, pouring a glass of sparkling water for me. Even after all these years, my mother had a way of commanding the room without raising her voice.

Malik, dad, leaned back in his chair, the cufflinks on his sleeves catching the light. "Eat something before you go showing off on the court," he said, half teasing, half serious.

Trey, my younger brother, reclined in his chair like he owned it, but his sharp eyes betrayed his excitement. "Just don't get too comfortable being the star. Remember who taught you the moves."

Indigo had been waiting nearby, leaning casually against the wall, quietly taking in the scene before stepping forward with a grin. "Big game energy tonight, man. You ready?"

I nodded, pouring myself a drink. The formal setting didn't make me tense—it reminded me why I worked so hard. The silver, the polished wine glasses, the careful plating—it all reflected the discipline my family demanded and the privilege I'd been raised with.

Jada leaned in, smirking. "Just promise us you won't embarrass us out there. We know you've got skill, but don't forget that charm is the other half of your game."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Don't worry. I got both."

Mom raised her glass. "To Xae. Play with heart, but also with respect. And remember—no matter how the game goes, this is always your home."

I clinked my glass against hers, feeling the grounding pull of the family around me. The tension of the game, the stress, everything melted just for this moment. This was my calm before the storm.

I was lacing up my sneakers in the locker room, the hum of the crowd already creeping through the walls. Indigo was stretching nearby, focused as ever, while Nic leaned against the lockers, smirking like he already had the upper hand.

Then the door cracked open. Amber slipped in, all elegance and edge, holding a clipboard like she owned the place.

"You actually show up on time," she said, voice smooth, teasing. "I didn't think you'd make it before warm-ups."

I looked up, grinning. "Maybe I like surprising people."

She leaned against the lockers, arms crossed, eyes locked on me. "Or maybe you just like trouble."

I laughed, tossing the ball in my hands. "You got that right. So...what's your deal being here? Scouting me?"

"Maybe," she said, stepping closer, her perfume mixing with the leather and sweat in the air. "Or maybe I just like seeing you work. The tension, the pressure...it suits you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Pressure, huh? You sure you can handle it?"

A sly smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, I can handle it. But don't think I won't make you sweat before the game even starts."

Indigo snorted in the background, clearly entertained, while Nic's jaw tightened. Amber's eyes flicked to him for a split second, a smirk playing at her lips, before returning to me.