Chapter Five

The Bachelor Auction is finally here, and I am not ready for the chaos that's about to unfold.

The gym is packed. The lights are bright. Girls are almost vibrating with excitement, their whispers and giggles blending into a constant buzz. Tonight, the school's most eligible athletes are being auctioned off, and at the centre of it all? Jaxon Walker, the undeniable star of the show.

I exhale, running a hand through my hair as I scan the gym. My job is to make sure everything runs smoothly—not to stand around watching Jaxon soak up the attention like the shameless spotlight addict that he is.

"Carter, you look stressed. You should really relax," Jaxon teases, leaning against the auction stage like he belongs there. "Maybe bid on me. I'd make it worth your while."

I glare at him. "I'd rather invest in a dictionary. At least then I'd get something with substance."

He grins. "Ouch. That one actually hurt a little."

Ethan appears beside me, arms crossed. "Can we just get this over with before my brother's ego inflates to a size that can't fit in the gym?"

The microphone crackles, and the auction officially begins. One by one, the basketball players walk onto the stage, greeted with cheers and competitive bidding. Everything is running smoothly...

Until Ryan Carter steps forward.

"I'd like to place a bid," Ryan announces, his voice cutting through the noise.

A few girls sigh dreamily, but my stomach drops.

Ryan smirks, his gaze locking onto me. "On Lena."

The entire gym falls silent.

My pulse pounds in my ears. I was not supposed to be part of this auction.

Jaxon straightens beside me, his jaw tightening. The easy-going smirk he's always wearing? Gone.

"Yeah, that's not happening," Jaxon says, stepping forward.

Ryan raises a single eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Why not? Last I checked, this was a bachelor auction—the highest bidder wins, right?"

Jaxon crosses his arms, his voice dropping. "Because if anyone's bidding on her, it's me."

The crowd erupts into gasps and whispers.

Ethan groans beside me, rubbing his temples. "Oh, great. This is going to be a disaster."

I want to disappear. Because now? I'm the prize.

Ryan's smirk grows, clearly enjoying this far too much. "Well, if Walker wants to bid on you, Lena, I guess it's only fair you get a say in this."

All eyes turn to me. My throat goes dry.

Jaxon's gaze flickers toward me, something unreadable behind his eyes. His usual confidence is still there, but there's something else now. Something different. And the worst part? I don't hate it.

I take a deep breath, straightening my shoulders. If Ryan thinks he can play games with me, he's about to be sorely mistaken.

"Fine," I say, tilting my chin up. "But if you're bidding on me, Jaxon, you better hope you can afford it."

Jaxon's lips twitch. "Oh, don't worry, Carter. I'm all in."

Ryan scoffs, shaking his head. "This should be interesting."

The auctioneer clears his throat, trying to regain control of the situation. "Uh... right. Bidding for Lena Carter starts now."

Jaxon's hand shoots up immediately. "Fifty."

Ryan leans back, clearly enjoying himself. "One hundred."

Jaxon doesn't hesitate. "One hundred fifty."

I cross my arms. This is ridiculous.

Ryan smirks. "Two hundred."

Jaxon's jaw clenches. "Two hundred fifty."

The crowd erupts again. Ethan mutters something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like this is the dumbest thing I've ever witnessed.

Ryan considers Jaxon for a long moment, then smirks. "All yours, Walker."

The auctioneer stammers flustered. "Uh—sold! To Jaxon Walker!"

The gym explodes into cheers and laughter. I don't even have time to process what just happened before Jaxon turns to me, his usual cocky grin back in place.

I stare at him, my pulse still racing. "You just paid two hundred fifty dollars to prove a point."

"Nah." He leans in, voice low enough that only I can hear. "I paid two hundred dollars to keep you away from him."

My breath catches. My heart stumbles over itself.

Jaxon winks. "Totally worth it."