Chapter Three

Ryan's smirk is exactly as I remember—smug, self-assured, and laced with the kind of confidence that used to make my heart stutter.

Now? It just makes my skin crawl.

Jaxon shifts beside me, his usual carefree attitude evaporating. He straightens, broad shoulders squaring slightly—not in an obvious way, but enough to make his presence known.

Ryan chuckles, shoving his hands in his pockets like he owns the place. "Relax, Lena. Just saying hi."

"Well, you said it," I reply coolly. "Now you can leave."

Jaxon lets out a low chuckle, stepping slightly in front of me. "You heard her, Carter. Run along."

Ryan's eyes flick to Jaxon, his smirk tightening at the edges. "So that's how it is now? You and Walker? Didn't think he was your type."

I open my mouth to protest—because God forbid anyone thinks I'd voluntarily spend time with Jaxon—but before I can speak, Jaxon beats me to it.

"Oh, she's definitely a handful," he muses, his tone infuriatingly casual.

I jab my elbow into his ribs, and he lets out an exaggerated grunt. "Not helping," I mutter.

Ryan scoffs, shaking his head. "Whatever. See you around, Lena."

He turns and strolls off, but not before shooting Jaxon one last glance—something sharp, something almost challenging. Jaxon watches him go, his jaw tight.

"Well," Ethan finally says, dragging a hand through his hair. "That was uncomfortable."

I let out a long sigh. "Uncomfortable is one word for it."

Ethan shoots a look at Jaxon. "You planning on inserting yourself into every conversation she has, or was this a one-time thing?"

Jaxon shrugs, completely unfazed. "Hey, don't blame me for having better instincts than you."

Ethan scoffs. "Oh, right. Because Lena was clearly in need of your heroic intervention."

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Please, spare me from whatever testosterone-driven competition is about to happen, or I swear I'm leaving."

Ethan holds up his hands. "Fine. I'm done. Not my problem."

Jaxon smirks. "Wow. Personal growth. Proud of you, man."

Ethan narrows his eyes. "You know what? I take it back. I hope she sells you for pocket change."

Jaxon scoffs, tilting his head toward Ethan with a smug grin. "Hey, at least someone's willing to pay for a date with me. Pretty sure they left your name off due to 'lack of interest.'"

Ethan groans. "Why am I even friends with you people?"

Lena shakes her head. "Great question. Let us know when you figure it out."

Ethan mumbles something under his breath as he shakes his head and turns to leave, looking slightly irritated.

And then, it's just us.

I barely have time to process the sudden quiet before I feel Jaxon's gaze on me. His usual smirk is gone, replaced by something quieter—something that makes my chest tighten.

For a second, he just studies me, and I hate that it feels a little too knowing, like he can see past my carefully put-together front.

Then, just as quickly, the serious moment dissolves, and his signature smirk is back, all playful arrogance once again. "But just so we're clear—I totally saved you back there."

I exhale sharply. "You inserted yourself into an interaction that was already ending."

"Semantics."

I shoot him a glare, but it only makes his grin widen.

But just as I was about to turn away, Jaxon's voice reaches me again—quieter this time.

"Hey, you okay?"

The question is simple, but something about it makes my breath catch for just a second.

I force a small smile. "I will be."

Jaxon studies me for a beat, his usual smirk nowhere in sight.

Then, he nods. "Good. Because we still have an auction to survive."

I groan. "Don't remind me."

He smirks, falling into step beside me. "Oh, Carter. I live to remind you."

And just like that, the moment of sincerity vanishes.

Back to normal. Back to this.

Unfortunately, "this" also means spending even more time with Jaxon Walker.

And I'm not entirely sure that's a good thing.