FANS WILL GO CRAZY

CHAPTER 2

PARADISE MALL  

[Perfume Section]

Jaxon glared up at Leonard, irritation burning in his eyes.

“Shorty? I’m not short. Get your damn hands off me,” he snapped.

Leonard let go instantly.

Jaxon hit the floor with a sharp thud, landing hard on his backside.

“Shit—” he hissed, rubbing the sore spot. “Why’d you just drop me like that, idiot? Wonder what Kai even sees in a block of ice like you.”

Leonard’s face stayed blank. He turned to leave.

“Hey! You’re seriously walking away? Help me up, damn it.”

Leonard paused, exhaled through his nose, then turned back. He offered a hand.

Jaxon grabbed it, pulling himself up.

Leonard’s grip was cold—almost unnervingly so.

Once standing, Jaxon kicked off his boots completely, now barefoot. He looked Leonard dead in the eye.

“Next time don’t bother. I don’t need anyone’s help.”

Leonard tucked his hands into his pockets, calm as stone. “You literally told me to help. Memory issues? Need almonds for that?”

Jaxon scowled. “Don’t lump me in with anyone. I’m gorgeous, sexy, and way above your pay grade.”

He flicked his hair sharply—a few strands brushed Leonard’s face.

Leonard didn’t react. Not a blink. Not a flinch.

Most people would’ve at least looked rattled.

This guy? Nothing.

He shrugged once, cold and detached, and started walking again.

“Wait—you’re leaving without helping with my cologne? Some gentleman.”

Leonard’s patience cracked—just a tiny fracture in the ice.

“You said you’re not short. Grab it yourself.”

Jaxon snorted. “Waiting for a ‘please’? Keep dreaming. I’d rather kiss a random stranger on the street than beg you.”

He turned, staring up at the top shelf.

Without boots, it looked even farther out of reach.

But backing down wasn’t in Jaxon’s blood.

He jumped. Once. Twice. Fingers swiping empty air.

Leonard leaned against a nearby display, arms crossed, watching with the barest hint of a smirk.

Stubborn. Defiant. Entertaining.

Jaxon finally stopped, breathing hard, cheeks flushed from effort. He turned and shot Leonard a dramatic pout.

“Giving up already?” Leonard asked, voice low and edged with amusement as he stepped closer.

His frame towered—broad shoulders, long reach, presence heavy.

He didn’t need to jump.

One easy stretch and he pulled the bottle down.

“Here.”

Jaxon snatched it. “Thanks… I guess.”

He twisted the cap open and inhaled deeply.

“Damn. Smells insane.”

Without warning, he shoved the open bottle under Leonard’s nose.

“Right? Hits different.”

If Kai talked a lot, Jaxon was next-level—bold, relentless, zero filter.

Before Leonard could answer, a familiar voice cut through.

“What’s going on here?”

Kai appeared, casually holding Leonard’s phone, silver hair catching the mall lights.

“Your sweet boyfriend was just being useful,” Jaxon said smoothly, throwing Leonard a quick side-wink. “Couldn’t reach my cologne. He’s actually helpful when he wants to be.”

Kai grinned wide, looping an arm through Leonard’s. “I know, right? He’s the best.”

Leonard’s gaze dropped to the phone in Kai’s hand.

“My phone. Why do you have it?”

Kai handed it over with a shrug. “You got an email—invite to Bruce Wilson’s cocktail party tonight. I’m coming with you. No arguments.”

He reached up to playfully cup Leonard’s face.

Leonard caught his wrists gently but firmly, pushing them down.

“You know not to touch my phone without permission.”

His tone hardened. He stepped back and walked off without another word.

Jaxon leaned close to Kai’s ear. “How did someone that cold even end up with you?”

Kai laughed quietly. “He didn’t ask me. I confessed first. Told him I was in love with him.”

Jaxon raised an eyebrow. “And he said it back?”

Kai shook his head. “No. We agreed—one year. If he doesn’t feel the same by then… we’re done.”

He looked at Jaxon seriously. “You won’t tell anyone, yeah?”

Jaxon tugged Kai’s cheek lightly. “Never. Your secret stays with me.”

They walked out side by side.

PRIDE HIGH  

[Parking Lot]

The air carried mint and cigarette smoke.

Lionel Clifford—youngest Clifford heir—leaned against his car, exhaling slowly.

Footsteps.

“Dude, I’ve been looking for you,” Evan said, appearing with a smirk.

He snatched the cigarette from Lionel’s fingers, took a drag, then passed it back.

“Rude,” Lionel muttered.

“Why hide to smoke?” Evan asked.

“You know why. Leonard hates it. He’s got eyes everywhere. But it’s my… thing.”

“Therapy. Yeah, heard it,” Evan cut in.

Lionel narrowed his eyes. “Saw what you did in the cafeteria. Only jumped in because your crush was watching. Bet he didn’t even look at you.”

Evan punched his shoulder. “Not funny.”

They both looked up as a curly blonde guy approached.

Jeremy.

Evan’s heart kicked hard.

Jeremy stopped, casual.

“Your earbud fell out earlier. Figured you’d want it back.”

He held it out.

Evan froze solid.

Lionel stepped forward smoothly, taking the earbud. Their fingers brushed briefly.

Eyes met for a second.

Jeremy nodded once, broke contact, and walked away.

Lionel watched him go, smirking faintly.

Evan finally breathed. “He was right there and I just… blanked. Mortifying.”

“Yep,” Lionel agreed, sliding into the driver’s seat.

Evan got in. Lionel drove off.

LATER THAT NIGHT  

[BRUCE WILSON’S COCKTAIL PARTY]

The mansion was alive—elites, flashing cameras, low music, expensive drinks.

Jaxon entered alone—black suit sharp, hair styled back, aura commanding.

Cameras swung toward him. Flashes popped nonstop. Other guests muttered under their breath.

Bruce appeared, sliding an arm around Jaxon’s waist with easy confidence.

“You look good,” Bruce murmured.

“I know,” Jaxon replied, posing for the lenses.

“Let’s talk private. About the collab.”

Jaxon tilted his head. “Why?”

“Fans will go crazy. You saw how they reacted when I touched you.”

Jaxon’s smile sharpened. “Don’t touch me without asking again.”

Bruce saluted playfully. “Yes, sir.”

Jaxon let out a short, dry laugh.

“Meet me at my studio tomorrow,” Bruce said.

Jaxon nodded.

Throat suddenly dry, he turned toward the bar area.

Bruce’s gaze followed Jaxon’s back as he walked away.

Moments later, Leonard and Kai entered.

Cameras shifted again.

Whispers spread fast.

• Are they official?  

• They look insane together.  

• Leonard, give us one smile.  

• Cold exterior… but damn, he’s fire.

Leonard’s eyes scanned the room—and caught Jaxon disappearing toward the pool area with Bruce.

Something brief and unreadable crossed his face.

TO BE CONTINUED...