“You ready for more?” she whispered, lips grazing his ear, voice low and teasing.
He let out a rough laugh, head tipping back against the chair. “Give me… just a second, baby. You’ve got me spinning.”
His hands settled on her hips anyway—steady, needy—holding her close as she began to move, slow and gentle at first. She rocked against him, the slick heat of her gliding along his length, coaxing him back to life with every subtle shift.
He groaned softly—surprised, already stirring. “God, Aria… you’re impossible.”
She smiled against his neck, nipping lightly. “I'm not done with you yet.”
She kept the rhythm easy, deliberate—teasing him until he hardened again beneath her, quicker than he’d thought possible. The feel of her, the warmth, the way she fit against him—it pulled him under fast.
He gripped her hips a little tighter. “Now,” he murmured, voice rough. “I’m ready now.”
She lifted just enough, then sank down slowly, taking him in with a soft gasp. The connection was deep, perfect—her body welcoming him inch by inch until they were fully joined. Shepaused there a moment, forehead resting against his, both of them breathing the same air.
Then she started to move—slow rolls of her hips at first, circling, grinding in a rhythm that made them both sigh. Her hands braced on his shoulders; his slid up her back, pulling her closer. She sped up gradually—lifting and sinking with growing need, the soft sounds of their breathing and skin meeting filling the quiet room.
“Jax…” Her voice cracked, soft and breathless.
He leaned in, kissing along her collarbone, then found her mouth again—deep, hungry.
She came apart with a quiet cry—body tightening around him in waves, trembling as the pleasure rolled through her. The feel of her pulsing, the way she clung to him, pulled him right to the edge with her. He rocked up to meet her through the aftershocks, breath ragged, hands gripping her hips as the tension snapped again—hard and sudden—his own release hitting in deep, shuddering waves. He buried his face against her neck, groaning low against her skin as they rode it out together, locked tight, hearts pounding in sync.
They stayed like that—still joined, her straddling him in the chair, his arms wrapped around her waist, foreheads touching as their breathing slowly evened.
He lifted her gently after a while, carried her to the bed, and pulled her close under the sheets.
She curled into him, head on his shoulder, leg thrown over his hip.
“Happy birthday,” she murmured again, sleepy, satisfied.
He kissed her forehead. “Best one yet.”
They fell asleep tangled together—limbs heavy, hearts steady.
???
Aria
Sunlight slanted through the curtains—late, lazy, Montreal time. Aria woke first—warm, sore in the best way, Jax’s arm heavy across her waist, his breathing slow and even against her neck.
She smiled—small, private—stretched carefully so she didn’t wake him, reached for her phone on the nightstand.
The notification popped up immediately.
A photo—grainy, taken from the side—Jax in the hotel bar last night, a dark-haired woman pressed against him, lips on his.
Her stomach dropped.
She stared at it—heart hammering—until Jax stirred behind her, arm tightening.
“Morning,” he mumbled, voice rough with sleep.
She turned the phone so he could see it over her shoulder.
He went still.
“Shit,” he breathed. “I was going to tell you last night. She was a fan—got flirty, wouldn’t take no for an answer. I was trying to be polite, and bought her a drink to keep it civil. Then she just… lunged. I pushed her off. I did notkiss her back. There was a flash—I knew someone got it. I came straight up here to call you and warn you.”
