a/n: Thank you for the reviews, favorites and follows so far on this story! I really appreciate it! This story is going to be a short one, probably about 10 chapters or so as I get back into writing again. Without further ado, here's the next chapter!

Chapter 2: Wicked Games

"1…2…3! Here is your winner, Audrey James!"

The crowd roared as Audrey's match wrapped up and she got the win over her opponent; a rush of adrenaline surge through her as her hand was raised and she posed for the fans. It was a win, sure, but it had been a struggle. She'd pulled through with grit and determination, but something about the match had nagged at her—an edge she couldn't quite cut. She wiped sweat from her brow as she made her way back to the locker room, trying to push aside the growing doubts creeping in.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, taking a few deep breaths as she removed her elbow pads and peeled off her gear. The mirror in the corner caught her eye, and she glanced at her reflection. Her match had been good, but not great. She could feel it in her bones, knew there was room to grow and there was still so much more she could achieve.

It had been several months since her debut, and while she had become a crowd favorite, traveling across cities and states, she still felt a sense of dissatisfaction with her wrestling abilities. Despite constant training with Seth and others, there was a nagging feeling that she wasn't quite as skilled as her performances seemed to suggest.

As she buttoned up her jeans and pulled her shirt over her head, Audrey heard a knock on the door, "Come in!" she replied as she finished changing.

Upon her response, the door creaked open behind her and she didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The distinct sound of sneakers on the floor, followed by a familiar voice, cut through the air.

"You know, for someone who says she's always ready, you sure seemed a little off out there."

Audrey didn't even flinch as Punk's voice sliced through the air. She just tossed gear into her bag, her eyes still on her reflection. "What's your point, Punk?" she asked, her voice cool.

Punk leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes scanning her with a mix of amusement and something else; an unreadable flicker that she couldn't quite place. "Just making an observation," he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You've got the fire, Audrey, but you're still a little unpolished. I saw your weaknesses. And I'm sure I'm not the only one."

She turned to face him now, her expression sharpening. "Thanks for the advice, but I don't need your help," she shot back.

"Really?" Punk's voice dropped a little, his eyes darkening with an odd seriousness. "I watched your match. You've got something, but you're missing the little things. The nuances. The kind of stuff that'll make you a lot more pristine and refined. You're a raw talent, but you could use a little fine-tuning."

Audrey let out a sharp exhale, a mix of frustration and exhaustion setting in. "I'm not some charity case you can just swoop in and fix, Punk. I'm doing fine on my own."

"I didn't say you weren't doing fine." Punk uncrossed his arms, taking a slow step toward her. "But you could be doing better. I know what it's like to fight for every scrap, Audrey. You want to stand out in this business, you need more than just the basics. You need a strategy, a foundation to build on."

Audrey's brow furrowed and she let out a small chuckle. "And what, you think you're the one to teach me?" she asked sarcastically.

Punk gave a short laugh, but there was no malice in it. "I'm not saying I'm the only one who can. But I've been doing this a lot longer than you, and I've seen it all. Hell, I've been in the ring with some of the best and some of the worst. I know what works and what doesn't."

She eyed him, unsure whether to laugh at his arrogance or roll her eyes at his sudden shift in tone. But the truth did gnaw at her; she was still figuring out some parts of her game. She had the fight in her, but sometimes, that wasn't enough.

Punk seemed to sense her hesitation. "Look, I don't do this for everyone. I'm not here to babysit. But I'm offering something that could make you better, and whether you take it or not is your call." He paused, "But if you want to be more than just another face in this business, you should think about it."

Audrey glanced away and folded her arms against her chest, the weight of his words settling in. She didn't want to admit it, to Punk especially, but there was something in her that stirred at the thought of getting better. The competitive side of her—the part that had never backed down from a challenge—felt the tug.

"How would that work? What would even be your plan?" she finally asked, her voice low but steady.

Punk's smirk widened, the first flicker of approval in his eyes. "First thing we do is figure out what's holding you back. The little things. The technical stuff. And I'll help you sharpen that edge." He said nonchalantly, letting out a shrug. "Just don't expect me to go easy on you."

"I wouldn't want you to," she shot back, her tone sharp and determined. "But don't expect me to go easy on you, either."

Punk raised his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it, sweetheart." His cocky grin as big as ever, but there was something else in the way he looked at her now—something that wasn't just about getting under Seth's skin or playing a game. For the first time, there was a hint of genuine respect behind that smile. And Audrey, despite herself, couldn't help but wonder if this was going to be the most unlikely alliance she'd ever have.

She wasn't sure what this was and didn't want to jump to conclusions, after all it was just training but she had a feeling it was going to change the way she looked at this business. And maybe, just maybe, it was going to change the way she looked at Punk.

Later that night, after the show

Seth and Audrey were riding in the car together, Seth going to drop Audrey off to her apartment. The adrenaline from the crowd still buzzed in her veins, but his serious expression immediately caught her off guard.

"So," Seth started, voice low but firm. "I saw you talking to Punk earlier." His tone wasn't accusatory, but the concern in his eyes was clear.

Audrey nodded, keeping things honest with Seth, "Yeah, he uh, he said I could use some more work and oddly enough, offered to train me."

Seth shook his head, "You really need to be careful with him."

Audrey raised an eyebrow, looking over at Seth as he stayed focused on the road. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just saying, Punk's trouble," Seth pressed, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "He's manipulative. Reckless. Don't let him fool you into thinking he's offering help—it's all part of his sick, twisted mind games. He doesn't do anything without an angle. Trust me, I know him."

Audrey shook her head, slight irritation creeping in. "You may know him, but he's not wrong about me. And I'm not that naïve, Seth. I can make my own decisions. I'm not a kid anymore. I know what I'm doing."

Seth's eyes softened slightly, but his concern remained. "It's not about being a kid or not, Audrey. I know you can handle yourself, but we both know he's got something against me. I wouldn't put it past him to use you just to get to me. Think about it—he's barely even acknowledged you until now, and suddenly he's offering to help? You know how he works. He'll manipulate you, use you, just to get under my skin."

Her eyes narrowed at that. "So, that's what this is about? You're worried I'll fall into his trap because of you?"

"I'm just trying to protect you," Seth replied, his voice a little sharper now. "Punk's a piece of work. And he'll use you just like he's used everyone else. Don't let him manipulate you."

Audrey crossed her arms, her thoughts conflicted. "I'm not asking for your protection. I've got it under control. I don't need either you or him telling me what I can and can't do."

Seth sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You don't get it, do you? I'm not trying to control you. I'm just trying to keep you from falling for his crap."

"I can handle Punk," Audrey said. "And if I want his help, I'll ask for it."

Seth sat quietly for a moment, jaw clenched, before he nodded slowly, the tension between them thickening. "Just be careful, Audrey. I know what he's like."

Audrey didn't answer right away. Instead, she turned her gaze to the window as the car continued its drive. She understood Seth's protective instincts, but she couldn't help feeling defensive. Maybe it was because he always tried to look out for her—and while she appreciated and loved that about her best friend, there were times when it felt like too much. She was an adult now; she could handle things on her own.

Finally, she spoke, her voice softer. "Seth, I know you mean well, and I know you always want to protect me. I feel the same way about you." She turned to face him. "I love and appreciate you for that. You're my best friend. But I've got this, okay? I'll be fine."

Seth took a deep breath, his expression still heavy with concern but softening slightly. "I know you're strong, Audrey," he said quietly. "I just… I don't want you getting caught up in something you can't get out of. Especially because of me but I get it. You're your own person, and I can't control that. Just promise me you'll be careful, alright? I'll always have your back, no matter what." He gave her a small, reassuring smile.

Audrey smiled back, appreciating the gesture. "I promise, Seth. And hey, I'm glad you've got my back…just, maybe a little less hovering?"

Seth chuckled, the tension between them starting to ease as he nodded. "Deal." He paused, then added, "But seriously, if Punk starts pulling anything shady, you call me, alright?"

Audrey rolled her eyes playfully but nodded. "I will, I promise."

With that, the car settled into a comfortable silence, the drive home no longer weighed down by the earlier tension, but instead filled with a mutual understanding. However, Audrey couldn't shake the feeling that Seth's warnings weren't going to be the last she'd hear about Punk.

Punk's House

Punk sat at his kitchen table with Mox and Daniel, the three of them playing poker after the show. His mind wandered as Mox and Daniel took their turns, but he snapped back to the conversation when Mox spoke up.

"So, how'd it go with Audrey?" Mox asked, taking a swig of his beer. Daniel glanced over as he shuffled his cards.

Punk shrugged nonchalantly, his lips curling into a small smirk. "She's tougher than I thought," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "Had a good talk with her. She's got potential, but she's definitely not what Rollins thinks she is."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Punk leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. "Rollins thinks he's her protector, that she needs saving. But she's got more fire than he gives her credit for. She was actually interesting to talk to."

Mox chuckled, raising his beer in a mock toast. "So you're not just trying to get in her head, huh?"

Punk's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm definitely in her head. But it's more about seeing how far she'll go when I start offering her 'help.' Seth's gonna love that."

Bryan snorted, amused. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

Punk's grin stretched wider. "I know. But sometimes, that's exactly what people need."

a/n: Hm, it seems like the games have begun and slight tension is already brewing between Audrey and Seth. What could happen next? Please feel free to leave a review and let me know what you think! Until next time! :)