Chapter Seven

The auction is finally over, and I am still processing what just happened.

Jaxon Walker just spent two hundred fifty dollars on me.

I don't know what's worse—the fact that he did it in the most dramatic way possible, or the fact that a small, very stupid part of me isn't even mad about it.

Unfortunately, Ethan is mad about it.

The second we step outside the gym, he turns to Jaxon, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "What the hell was that?"

Jaxon stretches lazily, completely unfazed. "What was what?"

"You bidding on Lena like some kind of—" Ethan makes a frustrated noise. "You know what I mean!"

Jaxon smirks. "Oh, relax. It's not like I just bought her. It's a date. For charity. You like charity, don't you, little brother?"

Ethan scowls. "Don't patronize me." He turns to me. "And you. Why did you let that happen?"

I blink. "Let it happen? Do you think I had control over any of that?" I throw my hands up. " I was ambushed, okay? It's not like I had time to mentally prepare for a full-blown bidding war over my existence."

Ethan sighs, dragging a hand through his hair. "This is ridiculous."

"Agreed," I mutter. "But also—not my fault."

Ethan exhales sharply, clearly still not over it. His gaze shifts back to Jaxon, more pointed now. "And why exactly did you feel the need to step in?"

Jaxon's easy smirk flickers—just for a second. Then, just as quickly, it's back. "Felt like making an investment."

Ethan glares. "Try again."

Jaxon shrugs. "Fine. Ryan was being a creep. I didn't like it. So I handled it."

Silence.

Ethan studies him for a long moment before shaking his head. "Not your job."

Jaxon's smirk finally fades. "Yeah, well. Someone had to do it."

Ethan goes rigid. I can practically see the storm brewing behind his eyes.

And I know—I know I should step in before this turns into a full-blown Walker Brothers War, but I don't.

Because Jaxon's words are still lingering in the air.

Someone had to do it.

And the worst part? It wasn't me.

It never was.

Because I never told him.

A lump rises in my throat, but I swallow it down before it can ruin me. This is not the time for guilt.

I force a light scoff, stepping between them. "Alright, boys, as fun as this little macho standoff is, I think we've hit our drama quota for the night."

Ethan doesn't move. His jaw is still clenched.

Jaxon tilts his head, waiting.

I sigh. "Ethan. Can we just... go?"

After a beat, Ethan exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Whatever." He shoots Jaxon one last warning look before turning on his heel and stalking off.

Jaxon watches him go, expression unreadable.

I turn to him, crossing my arms. "You really like stirring things up, don't you?"

Jaxon grins. "Oh, Carter. You should know by now—I live for it."

I roll my eyes, but before I can walk away, his voice drops—quieter, softer.

"Hey, Carter."

Something in his tone makes me pause. It lacks the usual smugness, carrying an edge of something else.

I glance back. "Yeah?"

Jaxon watches me, his smirk flickering—like he's weighing his words, debating whether to actually say what's on his mind. His fingers twitch at his side.

Then, just like that, he shrugs it off. His signature smirk sliding back into, masking whatever almost slipped through. "Try not to fall in love with me, alright?"

I snort. "I'd rather fall off a cliff."

Jaxon chuckles. "That's fair."

I shake my head and finally walk away, pretending my heart isn't still racing.