THE SWEETEST SIN(BxB)

38: Basket Ball Practice

GAVIN

I bounced the ball against the smooth, hard surface, my bicep bulging in response. Perspiration oozed from my glands, dampening my jersey which in turn, clung to my body like second skin.

The sole of my converses creaked against the floor as I dribbled the ball expertly. I played center, being the tallest in my offense team.

Tony who was playing defense started advancing towards me in an attempt to intercept the ball but before he could, I passed it to Gomez, who played small forward in my team. He was a shorter player and more agile.

Gomez in turn passed the ball to Kareem who was the shooting guard. Kareem dribbled the ball, heading for the defense's hoop. He shot the ball which went straight through the hoop, adding two more points to my team.

"Fuck yeah!" Gomez exclaimed, his fist bumping Kareem's in a celebratory manner. He then did a ridiculous dance which brought a smile to my face. Tony's loser team started grumbling about how unfair the tournament was. Yeah that's all they are good at. Whining like little bitches.

"Gav, welcome back to the team man. The team wasn't the same without you." Kareem acknowledged, a smile of admiration swimming on his face.

"Thank you Reem. It's good to be back." Was my retort as I took a seat on the bench. Kareem joined me. "So, what did I miss while I was away?" I enquired.

"Well...nothing much. Just Tony missing out on the big game a couple of weeks ago. He didn't show up for the game. Coach Bri was pissed. Nearly kicked him off the team." Kareem revealed.

"Why am I not surprised? I mean the guy is a coward so he obviously chickened out and failed to show up for the team. Don't understand why coach made him captain in my absence." I spat a remark.

"Tony is an annoying bitch mostly but it wasn't entirely his fault that he missed the game." Reem's statement left me stranded in a desert of puzzlement.

"What do you mean?" My full attention was on him.

"Heard that he got beaten up pretty badly by his dad for damaging his car. As you know, his dad is an army commander with quite the temper." Kareem revealed.

"Shit. That's...unfortunate." A comment skidded past my mouth. A wave of guilt suddenly washed over me. It was my fault that Tony got beaten up by his dad. If I hadn't thrown a rock at his car then none of that would have happened.

Normally I can't stand the guy and I love basking in his torment but why the fuck do I suddenly feel...sad for him?

"Yeah. His dad is a demon I tell you. I wouldn't wanna cross that man's path." Kareem stated.

My gaze wandered to Tony who seemed to be in a conversation with Mark, one of his friends. He laughed, revealing a set of white teeth. He had an extra tooth on his gum, above his left canine on the upper jaw. Always thought he looked hideous with that misplaced extra tooth.

When he laughed, his raven irises twinkled like a constellation of stars in the dark sky. His pronounced Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he laughed at whatever Mark was telling him. He looked carefree and weirdly attractive.

A snort accompanied his laughter. I always found his snorting to be funny. It's why I couldn't hold a smile that sneaked to my lips after he snorted.

Suddenly, he caught me staring and winked at me. I arched an eyebrow quizzically at him, not in the slightest affected by his flirtatious wink. Amusement danced in his eyes as he dragged his tongue along his bottom lip. Then he started strolling towards me, in slow predatory moves.