Playlist - Euphoria by BTS

Ares

The crowd parted, and I coasted through them. I spotted Chase talking with Jack, the person who administered the races currently. We were still new to this business and the best way to ensure our longevity and success was to keep the right people by our side. 

“About time you made it.” Chase’ eyes snapped to mine, ending his conversation with Jack. “I was beginning to think that you might have forgotten your way.” 

“I made it, didn't I?” I turned my attention to Jack. “When are they going to fucking race?” I asked him. 

“There’s still time. I'm waiting for some reputed guys to arrive. They bring the crowd and money,” Jack answered. 

A tense Jeffrey swaggered over as fast as his feet would allow him. Jeffrey was another of our guys. He was damn good in keeping the violence which usually erupted in the races at bay. 

“We have a problem.” His voice dripped in worry. “I don't know how, but Vipers are here.” 

“Who the fuck are they?” Chase rolled his eyes. Jeffrey had a tendency to stress on every minute detail. 

“I called them,” Jack said. “They bring in the money and crowd," he explained.

“Have you completely lost your mind?” Jeffrey growled, his strong shoulders tense. “They’ve the most violent track record.” He turned to face both me and Chase. “There isn't enough security to handle them.” 

“Chase, let my crew handle this. I know what I'm doing. Don't listen to Jeff. He fuses over everything.” Jeffrey didn’t crack a smile like he normally did whenever Jack dismissed his concerns. 

“Fine. Go.” 

Jack raced over to the track and an irked Jeffrey followed him. Sometimes, I wondered whether they were boyfriends or bickering brothers. 

My eyes drifted to the side of the track where I had left Luna, with my car. I spotted her bright head, and I tensed up when I saw her talking to Axel. I turned my head, getting aggravated. I had specifically asked Axel to not show his face around Luna, at least for tonight. 

“You look distracted. It doesn't have anything to do with your little toy, does it?” I heard Chase’ voice.

I darted my eyes back to him. His blond hair laid haphazardly over his forehead, while his blue eyes narrowed at me. 

“I'm not distracted.” My face fell back into position. “I have a few things on my mind.” 

“Care to enlighten me?” He crossed his arms, appearing smug about his observation. 

“No,” I replied. 

A thick silence filled the air around us. I broke it all too soon. “I won't be staying for tonight's race. I'm going to take her someplace else.” 

A sardonic smile played on Chase’ mouth. It insinuated as if he was waiting for me to tell him about my change of plans. 

“Alright.” He nodded his head very calmly. “But have you decided what you would like to do?” 

“What do you mean?” I damn well knew what he meant. I was trying to evade answering that particular question for as long as I could. 

“Stop acting like a fuck. What are you doing with her?” He spoke in a low tone which made him sound dangerous, even to me.  “Is she your plaything? For your personal enjoyment? That's all she is to you?” His jaw ticked. “You’re wasting everyone's time over here, Ares. This cannot go on for very long. You're attaching feelings to her.” 

“Fuck off,” I grumbled and headed back to my car. “I don't explain shit to you or to anyone.” 

My game plan with Luna had changed, and I had no clue how to explain myself to him. So I didn’t. I was still trying to get acquainted with my change of feelings. I wasn't ready to deal with the consequences, not just yet. 

“Try explaining it to your mental sister then.” A challenge arose in his voice. “That psycho has a much bigger grudge on your little plaything than I do. Weren't you this ready to mess with Luna to keep your sister safe in the first place?” 

I twisted my head back, looking at Chase. “Don’t,” I warned him. 

Chase remained quiet, but I saw a flicker of something close to hatred in his eyes. I ran my fingers to my hair, frustration settling inside me. I was caught in a dilemma. Unexplainable one. 

His eyes thinned, regarding me. “What was the point in including me in your game when you'd never cared enough to execute it? This is the closest I can ever get to closure, Ares. I have to live everyday without Mia and believe me when I say, I won't stop until I get it.” 

I sighed in apprehension. “You'll get closure from humiliating Luna? Is that what you want?” 

“No,I want her to fall in love as deeply as I fell and just when she thinks everything just couldn't get better; the reality check hits her.” 

I tore my eyes away, looking straight at her. Even in the heavy, buzzing crowd, you could never miss the sight of Luna. She was just so damn prominent in every way when she should've been invisible. 

She was lovely in every aspect and despite convincing myself to hate her, view her as nothing more than a challenge-- I just couldn't continue to deny my feelings for her. She was addictive. 

Like heroine. 

And now, she began to tease me. Showing me all the things she could do to me. Like a goddamn goddess. 

My lips curled up as flashes of how my idea of tormenting Luna had changed. I want her for myself. It was simple as that. 

But only, I couldn't.  

There was a lot riding on me. I have to shove my feelings aside just for one moment and think about what was at stake. 

Fuck. I almost loathed Luna for dragging herself in all kinds of problems and I hated Axel for being the core part of the problem Luna dragged herself into, unbeknownst to her. 

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. 

“You’re on borrowed time, Ares. I'm pretty sure if you don’t do it, we'll have someone else do the deed,” Chase said. 

Like I was letting anyone get even an inch closer to my addictive Luna. She was mine, until I decided otherwise. I couldn't pinpoint why it was hard for me to continue with the plan. 

I suppose it was because of her… fuck! She wouldn't even begin to comprehend why she got herself jumbled in this game of chess. It will be wrong. She would be heartbroken when I'm done with her. 

She had already began to trust me and it swelled my chest to see that little glimmer of mischievousness in her eyes. Always taunting me. Looking at me as if I was someone who could be trusted. 

Lost in my thoughts, I finally disengaged from them when the crowd cheered wildly as the engines revved. 

“You have three weeks. Get inside her head, body and heart. I'm not going to wait any longer. You have to do it right before my engagement.” Chase gave me an ultimatum. 

I clenched my jaw, unable to refuse him.  

“You’re doing this for Charlotte as well. I hope you remember that.” 

Not wanting to answer him, I decided to walk away from him and to where Luna was standing. I approached her with low predatory steps. 

Axel was still beside her, leaning on the hood of my car, watching her with a look I was too familiar with; seductive. He was taken aback by her, obviously fascinated. 

I hated how he shamelessly stared at her body, feasting his eyes on her skin. When he shot his tongue out to lick his lip, I wanted to make his eyes bleed. Forget that he was my cousin. He shouldn't be staring at Luna like he had a possible shot with her. 

Luna sauntered over to me as she saw me get nearer to where I had left her. 

“Where did you disappear all so suddenly?” Luna pouted and with the sudden rush of adrenaline in my veins, I made a fucking show of grabbing her and taking her succulent lips in my own 

I swallowed the gasp that left her mouth, wrapping my hand tightly around her waist. I kissed her right in front of everyone who thought they had a chance with her. 

I punished myself and her with that kiss. Showed her what she could do to me. What we could do together. And that was just a taste. 

When my mouth finally left hers, she was gasping for air. 

“Let's go,” I whispered in her ear, nibbling her earlobe softly. 

“We are not going to watch the race?” She was still out of breath. 

“Not tonight because tonight it'll just be me and you.” 

                                     *** 

“Where are we going, Ares?” Luna pursed her lips and wiggled her eyebrows playfully at me. “You've been silent for awhile now.” 

I tilted my head. “It’s a secret.” 

“I hate the anticipation. I want to know where we are going.” 

With a smile and a wink, I assured her that we would reach our destination soon. Once I pulled up to our destination, Luna looked at me, puzzled. 

“We are here,” I said to her as I pulled up my car to a parking spot. “Now, get out. We are going in.”

“We are having a date at the planetarium?” She sounded unimpressed by the tone of her voice. “I thought…” 

I grabbed her hand and we both went inside the centre. It was late in the night and the place usually closed by eight. I had made arrangements with the security to let us have our own private screening. 

It felt amazing to hold her hand in mine. Her palms were relatively cold on my skin and I understood that she was nervous. Was it because this was her first or because of the fact that her first date was with me? I chose to assume the latter to be true. 

If I was her or anyone, a date with me seemed like a farfetched idea and I wondered whether she ever got the slightest bit of a hint of my intentions behind courting her. 

I wish she'd come to the severe conclusion before things escalated further between us. Only I wished that maybe I could pretend for one moment that this was normal. It was our first date and I wasn't gonna let my inner demons ruin this for me. 

So I held her hand tightly in mine, reassuring both ourselves that everything was going  to be fine.

Expecting our arrival, the guard on duty let us in without any fuss. I handed a couple of bills to the guard and he smiled, looking satisfied. 

Once we were settled into the auditorium, just the two of us. Luna looked at me and whispered,”Now will you tell me what are we doing here?” She clearly didn't enjoy being kept in the dark. 

“Today we are going to learn all about stars, constellations and all astronomical starry shit there is to know about.”

“Stars? Why them?” 

Shifting my gaze to her, I smiled. “Because I know how much the symbolic representation of stars means to you. It’s the way you can feel the presence of your mother in your life. So I thought your first date should hold a deep meaning to you.” 

I surprised myself here. It was totally out of character for me to show compassion and empathy to someone whom I was set out to ruin. I guess Luna could do that to you. She can make you care. 

It was unsettling because as much as I didn't want to give a shit about anything related to her, I did care a lot. 

Luna paused to take all in. “Ares… I didn't think you would… wow. I didn't expect…” She was at loss of words. 

She looked at her feet. There was a shift of color on Luna’s face, like she didn't know what to do next. Her mother was special to her and stars meant a lot to her. It had a sentimental value to her. 

I leaned into her and grabbed her chin and tilted her head so she was looking at me. “I told you I wanted your first date to leave a lasting impression, be memorable and most importantly, I'm glad that I'm the one who's taking you on this date.” 

Luna’s cheeks reddened at my words and a blush ignited her face. I gave her a soft kiss, which led to a deeper kiss, which led to a breathless kiss. 

Someone cleared their throat, and that was when I noticed that the lights had dimmed. The show was about to start. 

“It’s 45 minutes running time, youngblood. Do your business after it has ended,” the prissy security guard said. “I need to close this place up.” 

“Yes, sir,” I feigned being serious.” Take your seat Ms. West.” I tried to ease Luna up as her cheeks flushed with residual embarrassment from being caught, but it only made her even more attractive.

Luna laughed a little and my heart skipped a beat hearing the carefree sound escaping her mouth.

We settled in the auditorium and soon the show started. I watched with interest everything that was told and shown and it amazed me that I actually found it interesting. 

The show was set at a comfortable pace, but I could feel Luna’s eyes on me. After a moment, she whispered, “Why me, Ares?” 

I tensed inwardly at the meaning behind her words. Had she figured everything out? Was this was her way to confront me? God, I hope not. 

I cocked my head, appearing as if I was perplexed by her question. 

“Why me? Why did you show an interest in me? There are so many prettier, confident and better girls than me in our school, in our town. Why did you choose me to be your girlfriend? She whispered the last words. “I'm not really interesting and special.” 

I didn’t like the way she described herself. She was far from the shallow girls I had been with. All of them were selfish and clout chasers. I was grateful that Luna was nothing like them. 

I wasn’t sure how this conversation would begin, but explaining why she’d caught my eye seemed like a bad place to start. I couldn't tell her the truth so I chose to go with fragments of the truth. 

Shifting my gaze to her, I smiled. “You have no idea how attractive you are to me. I kind of like that. You're all mine and believe I want nothing more than to beat the shit out of every asshole who thinks they have a chance with you.”

Luna blushed in a beautifully modest way, and I paused as I pondered how to explain everything to her. I decided not to explain myself to her. It all started from a fucked up incident, but my emotions changed over the time. 

I got possessive in the midst of my game and I was not going to give her up without a fight. 

“You’re full of surprises and the best thing about you is that you're untamed. I want you to remain fearless, not afraid to speak your mind. It's what makes you so different from the others.”

“Is that so?” Her fingers threaded through the hair above my ear. “I thought you wanted to corrupt me. Have you admitted your defeat, Mr. Torrance?” 

I grabbed her cheeks and pulled her to me. “I never lose, Luna. Never.” The playful grin that appeared on her lips slowly faded away. “Because you are my prize and I'll never give you up, not now or ever.”

The dramatic shift of intensity was evident in the air between us. “If your victory awards you everything, but me, would you still want to win this game?” 

I didn’t bother to ponder on her question because I knew what answer was going to be. “Only if losing means winning your heart.” My lips hovered over hers. “Your body.” My lips lightly touched hers. “Your soul, your everything then I'll gladly lose.” With that I took her lips in my mouth. 

She slipped a hand around the back of my neck and whispered between our frantic kisses. “You make me feel all these unfamiliar things. It's nerve wracking.” 

The auditorium was filled with her breathy moans and sound of our kisses. My dick swelled and hardened, and I threaded my fingers through the back of her hair, fisting it and relishing the feel of her soft lips. 

“God, Luna,” I groaned in ecstacy. 

She climbed on my lap, abandoning her seat, both of us tightening our arms around each other as we continued to explore each other's mouth. Her tongue brushed with mine, a little shy but I dominated it's movement with my own tongue. 

I wanted everything at once, and my hands shook so fucking bad, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself. I didn’t want to scare her. 

I bit her bottom lip with my teeth, she whimpered, the sound sent jolts up my body and my cock twitched.

God! She was such a dream when we're together. It was hard to keep my hands off her skin. I wanted the close proximity with her, but I even wanted this moment to last forever. 

I slipped my hand under her dress and squeezed her thighs as she repositioned herself and straddled me. 

“You've the softest lips ever,” I panted over her mouth. “It was made to complement my own lips.” 

I kissed her, both of us getting faster and harder. I was high from the feeling of this dancing ecstasy and by the delicious sounds that left her mouth, I knew she felt the same too. 

My dick strained against my pants, and I gripped her thighs, pressing her down on me. She moaned as I dived  down to her slender neck, leaving little bite marks on her neck. 

I nibbled the area just above her breast and it drove her crazy. She wanted me to take it up a notch, but I wanted to explore her. It pleased me to find her breathless, writhing in desire from my touch. 

I loved the fact that no one had ever witnessed Luna in this state. It was all for my eyes and ears. She was mine and I would make sure she remained mine because I was going to ruin her for every other guy that came after me. 

No one would meet the mark that I will set for her. No one would come even remotely closer to compete with me. 

When my delicious torture on her skin didn’t ease off, Luna grabbed my chin--between her forefinger and thumb--and pulled my bottom lip between her teeth, lightly biting it then her kisses went further down and played on my neck. 

I groaned and felt my head float. The feel of her mouth blazing through my body with the sweetest pain. We nibbled, tasted and teased each other. 

My cock bulged, and I felt it almost there. I grabbed her head, holding her to me and stopping her from moving, but not letting her go. 

“Ares,” she whimpered when she left my unmistakable hardness pressed against her thighs. I grinded on her and she sucked in a breath. 

She breathed hard into my neck, and I could feel her heart racing. 

I dug my fingers into her thighs, everything else forgotten. I didn't want to come grinding against her or from kissing her. That would be too fucking embarrassing. 

I leaned in and kissed her gently, starting slow and taking my time. I would take her soon, but not here in this auditorium. 

When our lips finally parted from each other, she averted her eyes from my face and flushed furthermore under my gaze. She was nervous and embarrassed, but there was nothing for her to be embarrassed about. 

“Look at me,” I commanded. “Now.” 

Her eyes met mine, but she couldn't hold them for more than a small glance. 

“Luna..” I kissed her cheek, gently. “You’re the most beautiful person I've met. There is nothing for you to be ashamed of. It's perfectly natural.” 

She looked back at me and blushed. “It's funny sometimes. I don't understand why I feel so embarrassed after… you know.”

I laughed at her change in demeanor. She really was so naïve and adorable. 

“Oh, Luna.” My fingers played with her head. “What am I going to do with you.” 

“You're going to shut your mouth and watch what's left of this show.” Her sharp mouth was back again. I love it. 

She put her head on my shoulder and held me tight. As I held her head in place and rubbed her back. I felt her unease dissolved. 

I closed my eyes, savoring the feeling of having her in my arms. It relaxed me. 

My plan was to get inside her head first, but now I'll get inside her heart, mark it with my essence. 

Because even if the odds were not in my favour, this thing between us wasn’t going to end even after everything goes down with us in future. 

                                  ***

Luna gripped my locks tighter between her fingers as I ravaged her mouth. It was already past ten in the night which meant that we crossed the curfew set by her aunt. 

“Baby, stop,” I said in between kisses. “I don't want to get my ass beaten up by your aunt on our first date.” 

“That would surely leave a lasting impression,” she giggled and wrapped her arms around my neck. 

I had barely taken my eyes off her throughout the duration of our date. She looked breathtaking in her little white dress. Her lips were swollen by the clear force and intensity of our kisses.

“Yeah, but if you keep up with your words then your aunt may witness something that she shouldn't.” My voice was thick with untamed desire. 

“Ares.” She playfully hit my arm. “Sometimes your words are completely…” she searched for an adjective,”brazen.” 

“You love it,” I mumbled against her lips. 

Her laugh was cut short when a knock on the window interrupted our moment. I immediately rolled the passenger side window down which revealed Lucille. 

“I think that’s enough fun for you tonight, Luna,” she chided Luna. “And Ares.” 

“It was all Luna, Miss Monroe. I had blatantly reminded her of your curfew, but anything I say is like dead weight on her ears.”

Luna gasped. “He's lying.” And then pushed my head away from hers. “I would never do that.” 

“So you would always listen to what I have to say to you?” I decided to tease her a little. 

“That’s not what I meant-” 

“No, I'm correct. Don't you agree, Lucille?” I winked at her aunt and to my surprise she remained immune to my flirting. 

“That’s enough for both of you. Say your goodbyes and then your lover boy will go to his home and you'll bring yourself inside.” 

“She’ll be right in,” I assured her aunt before Luna could respond. 

She waved at me and then left us alone. I'm sure she was standing somewhere spying on us. 

“I liked tonight.” She seemed genuine and by the blush that marred her face it was evident that she more than just ‘liked’ tonight. “I'll remember it.” 

“I'll hope you do.” I kept my hands on the steering wheel aware of the eyes that were watching us. 

“So goodbye?” I chuckled at how unsure her words sounded.

“I'll see you tomorrow.” 

Disappointment flashed on her face for a second as she quickly recovered and gave me a gloomy smile. I knew exactly what was going on inside her head. Fuck her aunt. I wasn't going to let her go without explaining myself. 

She reached for the door, I grabbed her arm. She turned to look at me, almost hopeful. 

“I'll pick you up at 6:30 tomorrow.” 

“Why is that?”

“Because this has just started, baby.” 

                                   *** 

SIX MONTHS AGO 

Men acted stupid when they’re jealous, but women acted disastrous when when they're jealous or even when someone potentially posed a threat to them. 

And everytime Axel behaves stupidly, his girlfriend erupts like a volcano. This daily occurrence was tiring me. I wanted both of them to act sensibly just for a change. 

I know for a fact that Axel will throw a fucking tantrum if he ever catches his girlfriend talking to another guy. But the problem is, his girlfriend will go to destroy anyone who comes remotely close to capturing Axel’s attention. 

And it fucking bothered me that my sister, Charlotte could posses such a disturbing side to her usually sweet persona. 

Tough times. 

Chase turns to me. “Everyone is getting trashed downstairs. You don't wanna join them?” He repositioned himself to shoot his aim perfectly this time. He sucked big time at playing pool, but just couldn't seem to admit that he sucked at it. 

His pride would cost him someday. 

I chuckled when he missed his aim. He shot me an icy glare and tried a couple of more shots before finally calling it a day and settling beside me. 

“Do I seem scary to you?” He spoke into oblivion, staring outside the window frame. “Tell me honestly.” 

“Not to me, but you surely would appear intimidating and scary to someone who is meek,” I answered truthfully. “Why do you ask?” 

“Just…” He didn’t bother giving me an explanation and I let it go. He was dealing with his own demons inside his head. 

I focused on the monitors on the wall which gave me the live feed of whatever was happening down at the party. It was buzzing with ballistic energy and I always feared for the wrong things to happen at my party, so I kept an eye on everyone. 

Most of the time, it was invite only, but on rare occasions like tonight, everyone was invited. 

But something else caught my eyes and suddenly I feared the worst of Charlotte. 

                                ***

[IGNORE IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN CAST IN YOUR HEAD]

Ares' date look