Chapter Four

Jaxon's pov- Morning at the Graysons'

Amelia came early to catch up on schoolwork she missed during vacation. Since we were both seniors-and since she believed we were still something-I was stuck helping her.

"Baby, I'm tired," she whined.

I exhaled. "Stop calling me that around people. What should my parents think?"

I didn't wait for her reply. I walked into the kitchen.

The aroma hit me first-barbecue, seafood, spices.

"Mom... What's going on? Are Nana and Grandpa coming?"

She gasped softly. "Oh, my darling, did I forget to tell you? The Smiths are coming. For a reunion!"

I paused.

Aurora... here?

"Oh! And tell Amelia to join us too," Mom added. "Her parents won't be home until night. Be a good boy."

Of course.

Upstairs, Amelia was half-buried in my sheets.

One glance at her bare thigh peeking out-and immediately, unwanted heat stirred in my stomach.

I looked away fast.

I didn't want to make a terrible mistake in my parents' house.

A cold shower was mandatory.

Under the running water, the mint soap, the steam-my mind wandered places it shouldn't. And when I stepped out, towel slung low around my waist, Amelia wrapped herself around my back, arms sliding over my bare chest.

I stiffened instantly.

"Amelia. Respect my home, at least."

She groaned. "Jaxon, I'm your fucking girlfriend. Why are you denying me?"

I pulled her off gently. "You're not. We only hooked up two days ag-"

That was when it happened.

The door burst open.

And there she stood.

Aurora.

Frozen.

Mortified.

Her eyes dragged-unwillingly-over my body, then lower...

and I realized, too late, that the towel didn't hide much.

Especially not the bulge pressing against the fabric from Amelia springing on me a minute earlier.

Aurora's face twisted with shock and disgust-and she slammed the door so hard the walls shook.

My entire body went hot.

Not with embarrassment.

With something else. Something I shouldn't feel.

"Jaxon-" Amelia started.

"Just go downstairs," I snapped. Harder than I meant. "Everyone's waiting."

My pulse was loud in my ears.

She saw me like that.

Why did I even care? A lot of girls wants to see what she saw freely.

Layla poked her head in moments later.

"Mom says the Smiths are here-oh. I didn't need to see all this."

"Ever heard of privacy!?" I barked.

"Bet," she said, rolling her eyes.

I wasn't mad at her.

I was mad at myself.

And at why my stomach flipped when I thought of Aurora's expression.

~~~

Aurora's pov

It was the weekend, and today was finally the day Mom and I would properly visit the Graysons. The first time I ever stepped into their house was because of Layla, and it barely counted-i didn't meet her parents. Today was meant to be a full reunion.

I woke up earlier than usual.

The first golden rays of the Californian sun spilled through my half-open curtains, washing my room in honeyed light. The Ravenwood's breeze drifted in, soft and salty, carrying faint whispers of jasmine from the yard. It slid across my bare shoulders as I stretched, legs dangling lazily off the bed.

I tumbled over my pillow, brushing a cascade of flossy chestnut waves out of my face. The tug pulled a tiny groan from my lips.

"Aurora! Be ready in an hour!" Mom yelled from downstairs.

My phone buzzed with a notification from the female football group chat.

"Official match in one month. I expect more resilience and team spirit - Coach Ramirez."

I squealed quietly. This already made my morning. I couldn't wait to tell Layla.

I stepped in front of the mirror and admired the look I'd chosen last night:

A sleek jade-green sundress that hugged my body just right. The soft fabric shaped my waist, skimmed my hips, and stopped mid-thigh-playful, but not too loud.

My nails-glossy nude with tiny gold flakes-glimmered when the light caught them.

I wrapped my chestnut hair into a tight doughnut bun.

Then I fastened the friendship bracelet Layla and I got together.

"Aurora!" Mom called again.

"I'm coming!" I yelled back, slinging my sleepover bag over my shoulder.

The moment I stepped into the living room, Mom eyed me top to bottom.

"Oh wow. Who are you looking sexy for? Hmm? You've got a boyfriend"

I groaned loudly. "Mom, please don't ruin my beautiful morning."

She laughed, grabbing her car keys. But before she opened the driver's door, Dad called her phone-and her mood shifted instantly.

She stepped out and slammed the door harder than necessary.

Her voice turned sharp and frustrated. She paced the length of the car; her hands cut through the air with every word. I couldn't hear the conversation, but the tension wrapped around my ribs.

I hoped it wouldn't ruin her day.

~~~At the Grayson's house ~~~

Mrs. Grayson said Layla had gone upstairs to call Jaxon, so I followed.

I should have remembered it was his room.

I should have knocked

I should have done anything except what I did.

I opened the door.

And instantly regretted being alive.

Jaxon stood there-wet hair falling over his eyes, towel hanging dangerously low on his hips... mint scent drifting through the air.

Amelia behind him.

Hands on his chest.

Both are still half-naked.

And him,

Hard.

My throat closed.

I gasped.

Nearly swallowed my tongue.

My heart slammed into my ribs so loud I thought everyone heard it.

I searched the room desperately-praying Layla was magically in there.

She wasn't.

I slammed the door with enough force to cause trauma to the wood.

I leaned my forehead against it.

Breathing fast.

Face burning.

"What the hell did I just see?"

I bolted to Layla's room.

Flopped onto her bed.

Covered my face with a pillow.

Layla came out of the bathroom humming.

"Hi gir-why do you look like you fought with God?"

"Let's just go eat," I muttered, refusing eye contact.

At the table, Amelia already sat pretty-acting innocent.

Mom glared at us. "You two took too long."

"Sorry, Mom."

"Where's Jaxon?" she asked.

"Right here, Mrs. Smith."

He arrived smelling like mint and trouble, dressed in a perfectly tailored two-piece.

His wet hair still framed his face carelessly... tauntingly.

He slid into the only empty chair.

Between me and my mother.

I grabbed my phone and texted Layla under the table: "Please switch seats "

Before I saw her reply-

Jaxon snatched my phone.

"We've wasted enough time," he said. "Let's eat."

He winked.

I clenched my hand into a fist.

"Damn him," I whispered under my breath.

And silently added-

"Why does he have to look like that today of all days?"

Amelia's pov-

Jaxon walked in and I nearly choked on her own breath.

He looked criminally good.

The two-piece.

The damp hair.

The mint scent.

The quiet, dangerous confidence.

And then he went straight to her.

The girl from earlier.

The one who walked in on us.

He took her phone.

He winked at her.

my stomach twisted.

Who the hell is she?

And why was she getting the attention I fought so hard for?

Even if he has other flings. I wasn't losing him.

Not today.

Not ever.

I would find out who that girl was.

And handle it.

Chapter Five (5)

Aurora's POV

The reunion party was alive with chatter, laughter, and the gentle clink of cutlery and glasses. Everyone seemed so comfortable, so intertwined, like a big, perfect family-but I couldn't relax.

My eyes kept drifting to Jaxon, That damn shirtless figure, sprawled on the couch like he owned the world, stretching back my phone as if it were some fragile, meaningless object. The infuriatingly casual way he held it made me want to throw it across the room.

"Why would you even grab it like you own it in the first place?" I muttered under my breath, immediately texting Layla: "Let's go get our nails done, parents said yes!"

We were practically at the glass doors when Mrs. Grayson's voice floated from the dining area:

"Amelia should come with you both, if you don't mind."

I snapped: "No!" while Layla simultaneously said, "Yes."

I shot Layla a warning glare, girl, it's our first outing together! She could only shrug apologetically, whispering: "I'm sorry."

Jaxon's calm voice slid into the moment, colder than ice: "Oh yes, I think she needs to go with you both too, so she doesn't get left out." He brushed past me deliberately, the faint touch of his shoulders sending a hot pulse up my spine. I grind my teeth and give in, muttering under my breath in defeat.

Amelia insisted on driving, which meant I got to know her a little better while she navigated the streets of Ravenwoods. My hands flexed over the emerald-green nail polish I had picked-a tribute to Jefferey's braces, and Layla had chosen her own color. Amelia's long, sharp red nails drew my attention despite myself.

Getting home, Amelia waved goodbye. Layla and I went straight to our paired assignments. I was halfway through freshening up when the door burst open.

"AHH!" I shrieked, my eyes flying wide. Shirtless Jaxon stood there, stormy grey eyes locked onto me like I was a puzzle he needed to solve.

"What the actual fuck!" I yelled, pressing my hands to cover my chest as the bralet did its best to contain everything.

"I just came around to see if Amelia was still here," he said in a hoarse voice, his gaze sliding dangerously down to my waist beads.

"Then you call her, you fuckin' prick!" I yelled, grabbing the nearest object and hurling it toward him.

He closed the door slowly behind him, as if daring me to react further. I sank to the floor, clutching my head and muttering curses under my breath.

Layla emerged from the restroom, lotion in hand.

"Yo! Did you see a ghost?"

"I thought you locked the door while I was in there," I muttered, voice low.

"Oh, no, I didn't. What's wrong?" she said casually.

I crawled onto the bed, whispering nothing.

"Can we continue our assignment later? I'm feeling weak," I said, forcing a smile.

"Weak? Should I help you get something you can use?" she asked, panic flickering across her face.

"No, just rest a bit," I said, closing my eyes.

In School,

The partying weekend had left me drained. Arriving early, I called Layla immediately. A notification popped up from Jefferey:

"Princess, are you in school already?"

"Yes," I texted back, smiling.

"Oh, same here. Can you come around the love pack?"

"Sure."

I found him easily. Jefferey enveloped me in a warm hug, faintly smelling of cherry. His hands traced my arm to my palm, kissing it softly. His eyes flicked to my nails and sparkled:

"Ooouuu! My favorite color?"

"Yup," I said, smiling.

"Come here, princess," he said, pulling me into another hug. He handed me a paper bag.

"I want you to wear this today. The male team is having a friendly match, and I want you to cheer me on."

"Your jersey?" I asked, astonished.

"I've got something else. I just want to see you cheering me up."

The bell rang in, and I sped off to class, stashing the bag in my locker.

Class ended, and I was feeling drained.

"Layla, is the men's football team playing today? Will you go?"

"Definitely. Jaxon's on the team, so why not?" she replied, surprised I didn't know.

"Jaxon plays football too?" I asked.

"Of course. He's one of the top three players... yes, that's my brother," she said, doing a little chicken dance.

I jumped in excitement.

"Girl, Jefferey gave me a jersey to wear! Let's go cheer him on!"

Layla squealed, and we ran to the field.

The crowd's cheers were everywhere-but I felt eyes burning into me. Whispers rolled around:

"Are they dating?"

"Why is she wearing Jefferey's jersey?"

"She's not even that pretty."

I rolled my eyes. Layla dragged me to the first row. I loved the view. My eyes immediately searched for Jaxon, and as if sensing me, he locked eyes with me. Tension surged.

Jefferey waved from the field, and I smiled, waving back.

The match started, Jefferey's team scoring first. The crowd erupted. Jaxon's team fought back fiercely. By the end, Jefferey's team had won, and I rushed to congratulate him, leaving Layla to catch up later.

---

I was at the last corner of the hall, scrolling through the match pictures that were already posted on the school's platform, when I collided with someone-hard.

"Uurrghh!" I groaned, clutching my head. "Jaxon?! Why would you have to stand on the way?" What the hell. Angry from pains forming on my head.

"And what's the reason for this?"Jaxon asked, staring cold and harsh, lifting the jersey between two fingers like it was something contaminated. His brows pulled together in a bored frown, eyes dragging over it like he was personally offended by the color alone.

"Do I look like someone you fuck around with? What right do you have to question my choice?" I snapped, brushing past him.

He grabbed my arm and pulled me back with enough force to knock my balance off. My foot slipped, and before I could even process what was happening, I stumbled straight into him. My body collided with his, My breasts were practically on his chest, warm and solid. In the messy blur of movement, one of his large hands landed firmly on my bum, while the other slid instinctively to my waist beads, his fingers brushing my skin. dizzy shiver racing up my spine.

A cold, sickening wave shot through me-disgust so sharp it made my stomach twist. My skin crawled where he touched me, heat rising not from embarrassment but pure humiliation. My breath caught, my heart punching against my ribs as the reality of his hand on me hit like a slap to my chest.

Before I could think, before I could even blink, my body reacted.

My palm flew up on instinct, fueled by shock-and I slapped him, hard, the sound cracking through the air like my own heartbeat trying to escape my throat.

My fingers stung, my pulse roared in my ears, but I didn't care.

"Get your hands off me.i whispered silently.

And he let go immediately.

Layla arrived seconds later.

"What's happening here?" she asked, scanning for trouble.

I ran off without changing back into my dress. I couldn't let this ruin our friendship.

"I'm not one of those girls he can mess with never!"

I can't bring myself to tell anyone what just transpired between us.

Chapter six

Jaxon's POV

Staring speechless at the marbled tiles of the hallway, I could still feel the sting of Aurora's slap against my face. My hands instinctively went to my jaw, touching the spot where her nails had dug in. My eyes went flat, icy-cold enough to make anyone think I was capable of murder in that instant.

I turned away, heading back to the locker room. Jefferey's team was still buzzing with victory energy, loud and obnoxious, replaying every moment of the match as if they'd just won the World Cup. Their laughter echoed through the metal lockers-sharp, cocky, deliberately aimed to needle anyone wearing my teams' colors.

"Bro, did you see the knock on Jaxon?" one of Jeff's teammates cackled. "He fell like a fucking leaf!"

More laughter exploded, bouncing off the walls.

Jefferey leaned casually against a locker, smirking. "Leaf? Nah. More like a toddler learning how to walk."

My jaw tightened. I walked straight to my locker, trying to ignore them. But Jeff's voice followed, sharp, mocking-

"Hey, Jax! Next time try staying on your feet, yeah? Or do you need training wheels?"

The room erupted again in laughter.

My shoulders stiffened. I inhaled slowly, trying to remind myself murder was illegal-but only barely.

Then I turned.

"What the fuck did you just say?"

Jeff grinned, stepping closer. "Oh relax, golden boy. Don't be salty because you lost. Again. And that knock? Man-your ass hit the turf like a bitch."

The room froze for a moment.

I didn't hesitate. My fist crashed into Jeff's jaw, lockers rattling with the force. Jeff's head snapped back, stumbling into a bench, water bottles flying.

"Motherfucker!" Jeff yelled, blood trickling from his lip.

He lunged forward fast. His punch connected with my cheekbone, a sharp crack echoing through the room.

"YEAH? You mad because you got flattened on the field?" Jeff spat. "Or because my team showed you how real players score?"

My eyes went ice-cold.

I grabbed Jeff by the front of his jersey, slammed him against the lockers, and drove another punch into Jeff's ribs-hard enough to steal his breath. Jeff groaned, half-collapsed, before forcing himself upright.

Players tried to intervene, coaches shouted from the hallway, chaos erupting around them. But I shoved everyone off, breathing like a storm barely contained.

I leaned in, voice low, venomous:

"Talk shit again, Jeff... and I'll fuck up more than your teeth."

With that, I shoved Jeff away violently, letting him collapse once more against the lockers. I wiped the blood from my own mouth, grabbed my bag, and kicked the locker room door open with a resounding slam. I didn't look back.

Coach barged in, furious, voice booming. "What the hell is wrong with both of you?!

I didn't even glance at him-jaw tight, knuckles split, breath sharp. Jeff wiped his bloodied lip, still glaring like he wanted a second round.

Coach pointed, shaking. "Jaxon, you're suspended for two games. Effective immediately!"

A few teammates gasped. Big deal-but I only smirked.

"Whatever," I muttered. "Your team can choke without me."

Jeff stepped forward, chest heaving. "Coach, he threw-"

"And YOU," the coach snapped, turning to Jeff, "are benched for the next match and running laps for the rest of the week. Since you apparently don't know how to walk away."

Jeff froze, humiliation written all over his face.

"One more fight," the coach continued, voice cutting, "and both of you sit out the entire tournament. I don't care how good you think you are."

He stormed out, leaving a choking silence behind.

I tossed one last cold look at Jeff-sharp enough to slice.

"Next time you mock my team," I said in a low, icy drawl, "I won't wait for the locker room."

Then I walked out, suspension or not. I wasn't just angry. He was dangerous.

---

When I got home, my mom shrieked. "Omg! You fought at school?!"

"No, mom, I fell down the stairs," I lied, barely glancing at her.

"What do you mean you fell?" she pressed, puzzled.

"A little wound, don't worry," I said, heading to my room to freshen up.

Layla appeared with a first aid kit, eyes full of questions. I ignored her, numb, not wanting to think about the fight. She left.

I lowered myself into the steaming tub, mint-scented water curling around his skin. "The Hills" by The Weeknd played from the speaker-the same edge-laden song I'd been blasting in the locker room.

No lady has ever done that to me...

What the fuck! Aurora! Smirked in my mind. No one gets away with that... I'll make you pay.

I got out, grabbed my bike keys, and called Amelia. She'd be on standby for sure. Maybe letting off some frustration elsewhere would clear my head.