Chapter 13

Years had passed since Alexia last called Waylon by that old nickname. Back then, neither of them saw the other as an enemy.

Alexia embodied sweetness itself-charming, soft in every word,always glued to his side. Waylon, on the other hand, built walls as high as his ego. Untouchable.Admired and envied in equal measure.

A silent moment stretched out as Waylon simply watched Alexia, his gaze drifting over every detail.

Attention to her looks had always come naturally for Alexia. She never missed a chance to turn heads,and today, she did just that. The cold seemed to bother everyone but her. Draped in a fitted evening gown,skin bared to the chill, she moved with an effortless grace, her bare shoulders and elegant neckline drawing more than a few lingering stares.

Waylon remained unmoved. When no response came from him, Alexia's fingers slipped away, the light in her eyes dimming to a believable sorrow-a vulnerability so convincing it left the onlookers shifting uncomfortably.

Turning to go, she barely made it a step before Waylon's voice cut in, cool as ever.ome with me."

Alexia stopped short. The crowd's breath caught and then spilled out all at once.

Off to the side, Elton let out a weary sigh. It was always the same. Waylon never saw through her tricks,always ready to spoil her.

With effortless grace, Alexia turned back, the hint of a smile on her lips. No words were needed as a heavy coat settled across her shoulders, radiating Waylon's warmth.

For a moment, her hands tightened around the fabric,a tiny reaction betraying her calm, and she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes.

Words weren't needed. She understood, and with a quiet assurance, slipped into place at his side. Elton shifted away, giving her space to stand close.

Inside the club's upper lounge, the group took their seats. They had the best view, overlooking a crowd gathering for the city's annual equestrian and shooting competition.

Excitement buzzed through the room as Alexia glanced toward Waylon. "Wally, did you put your money down? You know everyone's picking either Black Mamba or Royal Lion. Which one's yours?"

Not once did Waylon meet her eyes, his attention fixed on the arena. His reply was flat. "Since when did you get to call me that? We don't exactly have that kind of relationship."

The sweetness in her voice didn't waver. "Isn't that what we're here to figure out? Maybe we're closer than you think."

Waylon's gaze sharpened as he studied her enthusiastic demeanor with quiet suspicion. "We're anything but close."

Alexia tipped her head, laughter in her eyes. "Give it forty-eight hours. We'll see how close we get."

Clearly done with her playful needling, Waylon nudged the conversation back to the present. "I haven't made my pick yet for the finals. Tell me,do you have a tip?"

A spark lit up in Alexia's eyes as she grinned with a playful edge. "Simple. Put your money on me."

That answer made Waylon's eyebrows flicker upward,if only for a moment.

"Choose me,Waylon."

A hush swept through the lounge, leaving only the sound of puzzled whispers and curious stares.

Weren't these two just trading flirtatious remarks? Now she wanted in on the contest herself? Nobody could keep up.

Waylon shot her a sharp look. "You're not listed as a participant."

"Plenty of time before things get started. Slpping another name onto the roster isn't exactly a hassle."Alexia let her gaze land on Elton, a hint of challenge in her smile. "As the club's biggest shareholder, I'm sure Elton has the final say."

Lounging comfortably, Elton let out a laugh, more than happy to watch the back-and-forth unfold."Depends-only if Waylon's on board."

There was not a flicker of doubt in Alexia's smile.win? Think of it as my gift for you."

Waylon's brow arched slightly, mild curiosity surfacing beneath that usual cool exterior. "So, what's the price tag for betting on you?"

"Every last cent," she answered, clear and unflinching.

That boldness pulled the air out of the room. Stunned looks bounced between Elton and Korbin, while Ada's hand flew to her lips, eyes huge with shock.

Had Alexia really just thrown that down-right in front of Waylon?

Elton just grinned, clearly relishing the chaos. "Pretty sure I've never seen anyone so sure of themselves."

Alexia retorted, "Not just talk-check my track record.I only play for stakes that matter. The rest? Not worth my time. Are you worried the risk is too much for you,Waylon?"

For a moment, nobody spoke. The tension ratcheted higher. Ada sputtered on her drink, shocked beyond words.

No way-was Alexia really baiting Waylon out in the open like this?

Korbin glanced nervously between the two, struggling to guess what Waylon would do next. Surely he wouldn't bite at such a blatant dare.

However, a slow smile crept onto Waylon's lips."Match her bet," he said, his voice dropping to a command.

People scrambled to follow his order.

Before anyone caught their breath, Waylon leaned forward,voice steady but laced with a hint of menace."But if you lose, Alexia, the payment is you."

The words hit like a jolt, and suddenly, everyone in the room could sense the shift in the air.

Alexia's heart stumbled. "And what exactly does winning me entail?"