Lena Hayes knew this was a mistake.
A stupid, dangerous mistake.
But she didn't walk away.
Jaxon Cole's hand was warm against the small of her back as he led her down the sleek marble hallway of the Mayfair Hotel. The soft click of her sneakers against the polished floor contrasted with the muted hum of champagne glasses and lazy, expensive laughter drifting from the rooftop behind them.
He hadn't let go of her hand since they left the balcony.
And worse she hadn't pulled away.
Jaxon pushed open a set of glass doors, leading her onto a private terrace overlooking the city. Cool night air kissed her skin as the skyline stretched out beneath them, endless and glittering beneath the dark stretch of sky.
"You have about sixty seconds to explain what the hell is going on," Lena said, folding her arms across her chest.
Jaxon's mouth curved at the edge. "Not big on patience, huh?"
"I don't have time for games."
Jaxon's blue eyes glinted beneath the soft terrace lights. "That's why you need me."
Lena's jaw tightened. "Explain."
Jaxon stepped toward her, his movements slow and deliberate. He slid one hand into his pocket while the other lifted his glass to his lips.
"My father's deal with Ryan Kingston includes controlling interest in the New York Empire, the team you're trying to sign with." His gaze sharpened. "Kingston's already made moves to block your contract."
Lena's heart slammed against her ribs. "Why the hell would Kingston care about me?"
"Because my father told him to."
Lena's fists curled at her sides. "Why?"
Jaxon's gaze darkened. "Because you're not part of the plan."
Lena's head spun. This wasn't just about basketball anymore.
This was power. Control. Money.
And Jaxon Cole, golden boy, billionaire heir, walking problem was standing right at the center of it.
Lena took a slow step toward him, her chin lifting. "And what exactly is your play here, Cole? You want to be the hero?"
Jaxon's smile sharpened. "I don't play hero."
Her eyes narrowed. "Then what do you want?"
Jaxon's gaze drifted over her mouth, then back to her eyes. His hand slid from his pocket, fingers brushing over her arm just enough to make her skin heat beneath the contact.
"I want to watch my father lose." His voice was low, dark, and sharp. "And I want you to win."
Lena's breath quickened. "Why me?"
Jaxon's smile faded. For a beat, his expression was unguarded raw. "Because you're the only one who's not scared of him."
Her pulse stuttered.
Jaxon stepped even closer. The space between them thinned to nothing. The crisp scent of his cologne mixed with the warm city air.
"You said you're not interested in playing games," Jaxon murmured.
"I'm not."
"Good." His eyes burned into hers. "Because this isn't a game."
Lena's breath hitched.
Jaxon's hand brushed down her arm light, deliberate before curling around her wrist. "If you want to walk away, now's your chance."
Her heart hammered in her chest.
She should walk away.
She should end this.
Instead, Lena lifted her chin. "And if I don't?"
Jaxon's gaze darkened. "Then you're in it with me."
Lena's eyes narrowed. "And what exactly is 'it'?"
Jaxon leaned in, his mouth inches from hers. His breath was warm against her skin.
"Revenge," he whispered.
Lena's pulse spiked dangerously.
Jaxon's hand slid from her wrist down to her fingers before releasing her altogether. He stepped back with the kind of controlled grace that only someone born into wealth could pull off.
"So?" Jaxon's smile was lazy, dangerous. "Are you in or out?"
Lena's gaze stayed locked on his.
She hated that he had her heart racing.
Hated that she was considering this.
But this wasn't just about her.
This was about Jordan.
This was about her future.
"Fine," Lena said. "But we play by my rules."
Jaxon's mouth curved. "Of course."
"And if you screw me over…"
Jaxon's smile sharpened. "I don't lose, Lena."
Her eyes flashed. "Neither do I."
They descended the terrace steps side by side. Jaxon's hand hovered just above the small of Lena's back, not touching her but close enough that she felt the heat of him through her jacket.
The hotel's main lobby was bathed in soft golden light. Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, and a deep jazz melody floated through the air.
Jaxon led her toward the exit but they didn't make it far.
"Lena Hayes."
The low, honey-smooth voice sent a chill down her spine.
She turned and saw Ryan Kingston standing at the entrance of the lobby, flanked by two other men in dark suits. Tall. Handsome. Predatory.
Ryan's gaze slid over Lena with quiet calculation before settling on Jaxon. His mouth curved into a slow smile.
"Well, this is interesting," Ryan said.
Jaxon's expression iced over. "Walk away, Kingston."
Ryan's gaze sharpened. "No need to be rude. I'm simply congratulating Miss Hayes on an excellent game."
Lena's jaw tightened. "Thanks."
Ryan's smile didn't reach his eyes. "It would be a shame if… things didn't work out for you professionally."
Jaxon stepped forward, his body aligning with Lena's. His voice dropped into something cold and lethal. "She's not your business."
Ryan's smile sharpened. "She will be if my contract goes through." His eyes flicked toward Lena. "Think about it, Miss Hayes. You'd be far more comfortable in my world than… his."
Lena's mouth twisted. "Not interested."
Ryan's gaze sharpened but before he could speak, Jaxon's hand slid around Lena's waist, pulling her closer.
"She's with me," Jaxon said. His tone was velvet over steel. "And she's already made her decision."
Lena's breath hitched. Jaxon's hand was firm against the curve of her back, his body radiating heat.
Ryan's gaze cooled. "Well. That's disappointing."
"Not to me," Jaxon said smoothly.
Ryan's eyes narrowed. For a second, tension coiled so tight Lena thought someone might actually throw a punch.
But then Ryan's smile returned cold and precise.
"See you soon," Ryan said. His gaze lingered on Lena. "I'm sure we'll be talking again."
Ryan turned and disappeared through the glass doors.
Jaxon's hand stayed at Lena's back steady and possessive.
"You didn't have to do that," Lena muttered.
Jaxon's eyes flashed. "Yeah, I did."
Lena's breath hitched. Her skin burned beneath his touch.
She hated how much she liked it.
"Stop looking at me like that," she said.
Jaxon's mouth curved. "Like what?"
"Like you're winning."
His gaze darkened. "Oh, Lena." His hand slid away from her back, but the heat of him lingered. "We haven't even started."
Lena's heart thudded painfully hard.
Trouble.
Jaxon Cole was pure trouble.
And now she was right in the middle of it.
Lena's heart was still hammering by the time Ryan disappeared through the glass doors.
Jaxon's hand had left her back, but the heat of his touch lingered, a ghost beneath her jacket.
"That guy's a prick," Lena muttered, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve.
Jaxon's mouth curved. "Ryan Kingston's not a prick."
Lena arched a brow. "Really?"
Jaxon's blue eyes darkened beneath the low lighting. "He's a snake."
Lena's gaze sharpened. "And what does that make you?"
Jaxon's smile sharpened. "Someone who knows how to cut the head off one."
Lena's lips twitched despite herself. "I'm not looking for a knight in shining armor, Cole."
"Good." Jaxon's gaze dropped to her mouth. "Because I'm not one."
The tension stretched between them, tight and sharp, until Lena finally pulled her gaze away.
"Well, thanks for the save," she said flatly. "But I've got it from here."
Jaxon's brows lifted. "You've got it?"
"Yeah." Lena crossed her arms. "Not my first time dealing with entitled rich boys."
Jaxon's mouth curved. "I'm sure it's not."
Lena's eyes narrowed. "Are you always this cocky?"
Jaxon stepped toward her close enough that she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze. His hand lifted, brushing a stray curl from her face. The touch was light, almost too soft for someone with his level of control.
"I don't do cocky," Jaxon said, voice low. "I do confident."
Lena's breath hitched.
His gaze stayed locked on hers, and for a beat too long she let herself look. Really look.
Beneath the arrogance and the easy charm was something harder. Something guarded. A quiet storm beneath the surface.
A dangerous edge.
And she didn't know if that made her more cautious or more intrigued.
Jaxon's hand lingered at her jaw for a half-second longer than necessary before he let it fall.
"I should go," Lena said.
"You should," Jaxon agreed. But his gaze said something else entirely.
Lena turned toward the exit, her sneakers scuffing lightly against the marble. But halfway there, Jaxon's voice chased her down.
"Hayes."
She stopped without turning.
"If you're serious about winning," Jaxon said, his tone steady, "meet me tomorrow. Six o'clock. Empire Stadium."
Lena's eyes narrowed. "What for?"
Jaxon's smile sharpened. "Strategy."
Lena hesitated too long.
"Or," Jaxon said, tilting his head, "you could let Kingston's offer stand."
Lena's jaw tightened.
She turned just enough to meet his gaze over her shoulder. "Six o'clock," she said. "Don't be late."
Jaxon's smile deepened. "I never am."
Lena slipped through the glass doors and into the dark Manhattan night, her pulse thudding beneath her skin.
She hated how good it felt to have Jaxon Cole's eyes on her.
Hated it even more that part of her wanted to turn back.
The subway was mostly empty this late at night. Lena sat at the far end of the car, her duffel bag at her feet, headphones in her ears. The city lights blurred through the grimy windows as the train hurtled beneath the streets.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
She pulled it out. A text from Zoe.
Zoe: You left the party early?
Zoe: Did you seriously turn down Kingston??
Zoe: Girl, WHAT IS HAPPENING??
Lena's lips twitched. She was halfway through typing a response when another text came through from a different number.
Unknown: See you tomorrow, Hayes.
Her pulse spiked.
Lena stared at the screen until the subway lights flickered overhead.
She should have blocked the number.
Instead, she slid the phone back into her pocket.
She was in trouble.
Big trouble.
When Lena got home, the apartment was quiet except for the low hum of the TV from Jordan's room. The air smelled like leftover pizza and the faint scent of the lavender candle her mom liked to light when things got stressful which was often.
She dropped her duffel bag by the door and peeked into Jordan's room.
Her fourteen-year-old brother was sprawled out on his bed, his leg propped up on a stack of pillows. His crutches were leaned against the wall nearby. He was half-asleep, but his eyes cracked open when Lena stepped inside.
"Hey," Jordan murmured sleepily.
"Hey." Lena perched on the edge of his bed. "How's the leg?"
Jordan made a face. "Sore. But I'll live."
Lena's mouth twitched. "That's the spirit."
Jordan's eyes slid toward her, sharp despite his exhaustion. "You're home late."
Lena hesitated. "I had… a thing."
Jordan's brow lifted. "A thing?"
Lena sighed. "A party."
Jordan's eyes narrowed. "You? A party?"
Lena smiled faintly. "Believe it or not, people invite me places sometimes."
"Uh-huh." Jordan's mouth curved. "And did this party happen to involve Jaxon Cole?"
Lena's gaze sharpened. "How do you"
Jordan lifted his phone. A picture of Lena and Jaxon on the rooftop, his hand at her waist, their bodies far too close, was already circulating on social media. The comments were relentless.
WHO IS THIS GIRL??
Jaxon Cole's new plaything??
Damn, why is he with HER?
She doesn't even look like his type.
Lena's throat tightened. "Damn it."
Jordan's eyes darkened. "Do you want me to report it?"
Lena rubbed a hand over her face. "It's already out there."
Jordan's brow furrowed. "Do you like him?"
Lena's head snapped up. "No."
Jordan's brow lifted. "You sure about that?"
Lena's jaw tightened. "It's not like that."
Jordan smiled faintly. "Mmm-hmm."
Lena stood. "Go to sleep, Jordan."
Jordan's smile widened. "Night, sis."
Lena crossed the apartment, her pulse still racing. The city lights flickered faintly through the thin curtains, casting soft shadows across the worn wood floors.
Her phone buzzed again.
Another text from Jaxon.
Jaxon: Don't be late tomorrow.
Jaxon: We've got work to do.
Lena stared at the screen.
She should have ignored it.
Instead, her fingers moved before she could stop herself.
Lena: I don't lose.
Her pulse hammered as the message sent.
A moment later, three dots appeared.
Then
Jaxon: Neither do I.
Lena exhaled hard and dropped her phone onto the nightstand.
This was dangerous.
This was reckless.
But it was also the only shot she had.