Jax stood outside the Steele mansion, a wrapped present tucked under his arm.

The building was massive. Elegant. The kind of place that screamed wealth and taste.

He'd received Kai's message right after classes ended.

[Kai: Hey Jax, please come to my house this evening for the celebration. I know it's awkward to tell you in a message after we're classmates, but some things led to this. I'll explain when we meet today.]

Jax had replied: [Nah, you don't have to clarify. I know what it would be. Besides, what celebration?]

[Kai: It's my birthday! That's what the party is for, so don't reject it. And I only have you as my friend. Mom told me to bring all my friends.]

Jax's heart had skipped at the mention of "Mom."

Without asking directly, he'd probed further. [So Kai, who would be there at the party?]

[Kai: Me, you, Thalia, and Mother.]

Jax had typed immediately: [Beatrix will be there too?]

[Kai: Yes, of course. It's one of the few days where she forgets everything and spends time with us, taking a leave from work. Also, the cake is prepared by her!]

Jax had grinned like an idiot. [I'll be there on time. I'm really excited.]

And now here he stood, heart pounding, ready to cross another line.

The door swung open just as Jax raised his hand to knock.

Kai stood there, grinning widely. "Jax! You came! I was worried you'd bail."

"Bail on your birthday? Never." Jax stepped inside, handing him the present. "Happy birthday, man."

Kai's eyes lit up. "Dude, you didn't have to..."

"Shut up and open it later."

The interior of the mansion was even more impressive. High ceilings, polished floors, artwork lining the walls.

'This is what generational wealth looks like.'

"Come on," Kai said, leading him deeper into the house. "Everyone's in the main hall."

They walked through a corridor, Kai chattering about classes, the tournament.

'Poor bastard. If only he knew I'm here for his mother, not him.'

Jax suppressed a grin.

They entered a spacious hall. Balloons. Streamers. A table laden with food.

And there, standing near the far end, was Thalia.

She wore a simple dress, hair tied back. She looked up as they entered, smiled politely, and waved.

"Jax! Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it," Jax replied.

She approached, gave him a friendly hand shake, then immediately turned back to adjusting decorations.

'Efficient. Cold. Just like in the game.'

Jax's thoughts turned darker. 'Wonder if she'd be as composed if she knew I'm planning to fuck her mother tonight.'

He bit back a laugh.

Thirty minutes later, the lights dimmed.

Beatrix emerged from the kitchen, carrying a massive cake.

She wore a casual dress, nothing fancy. But on her? It didn't matter. She could've worn a trash bag and still looked like a goddess.

Her eyes found Jax immediately.

She smiled. Warm. Genuine.

"Jax. I'm so glad you're here."

His chest tightened. "Wouldn't miss my best friend's birthday."

She set the cake down on the table, and everyone gathered around.

They sang. Kai blew out the candles. Thalia clapped politely. Beatrix laughed, her voice like music.

Jax watched her the entire time.

'Two weeks left on the quest. But tonight? Tonight I'm ending it.'

An hour later, Jax was bored out of his mind.

Kai had launched into a story about some childhood mishap. Thalia listened with polite interest. Beatrix smiled, nodding along.

Jax slipped away, heading to the balcony for air.

He leaned against the railing, exhaling slowly.

'Finally. Some peace.'

Behind him, the glass door slid open.

He didn't turn. He already knew who it was.

Beatrix stepped out, closing the door gently behind her. She carried two glasses of wine.

"You looked like you might need this," she said softly.

"Thanks." Jax took the glass but didn't drink.

She stood beside him at the railing, close enough that their arms almost touched.

For a moment, neither spoke.

The silence stretched. Comfortable. Heavy.

"You know," Beatrix finally said, "I've been thinking about what you said. On the film set."

Jax's pulse quickened. "Which part?"

"'What if I don't want it to be pretend?'" She turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face. "Did you mean it? Or was it just... the intensity of the scene?"

Jax set his wine glass down on the railing. He turned to face her fully.

"I meant it."

Beatrix's breath hitched. "Jax... you don't understand what you're saying."

"I think I do."

"No." She shook her head, expression pained. "You see me on a screen, on a stage. You see the idea of me. But I'm not that person all the time. I'm a mother. I'm tired. I'm complicated. I have responsibilities that don't go away just because..."

"Because what?" Jax stepped closer. "Because you feel something too?"

She closed her eyes. "This is dangerous."

"I know."

"I'm twice your age."

"I don't care."

"My children..."

Jax cut in "Are adults who can handle their mother being happy."

"Jax." Her voice cracked. "If we do this, if we cross this line, everything changes. My career, my reputation, your future..."

"Then don't cross it." Jax's voice dropped, intense. "Tell me to leave. Tell me you don't feel anything. Tell me it was all just acting, and I'll walk away right now."

Beatrix opened her eyes. They shimmered with unshed tears.

"I can't," she whispered. "I can't say that."

"Then what do you feel?"

She let out a shaky breath. "I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff. And I want to jump. But I'm terrified."

Jax reached up slowly, giving her every chance to pull away. He cupped her cheek gently, thumb brushing away a stray tear.

"Then jump," he whispered. "I'll catch you."

Beatrix's resolve shattered.

She closed the distance, hands gripping his jacket, and kissed him.

The kiss was desperate. Hungry. Like they'd both been starving and finally found sustenance.

Jax's hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him. Beatrix made a small sound in her throat, fingers threading through his hair.

She tasted like wine and vanilla from the cake. Her body was warm, soft, perfect against his.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Beatrix pressed her forehead to his.

"We shouldn't," she breathed.

"I know." Jax's hands tightened on her waist.

"This is reckless."

"I know."

"If anyone finds out..."

"I don't care." He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "I don't care about any of it. I just want you."

Beatrix's eyes darkened. Her hand slid up to cup the back of his neck.

She kissed him again, harder this time. More certain.

Jax backed her up against the railing, his body pressing into hers. His hands slid down to her hips, gripping. Possessive.

"Jax," she breathed between kisses. "We can't. Not here. They're inside..."

"I know." But he didn't stop. He kissed down her jaw. Her neck. The spot where her shoulder met her throat.

She let out a broken moan, head falling back. "God, you're... this is..."

"We have to stop," she said, but her hands were still on his chest.

"I don't want to stop."

"Neither do I." She laughed shakily. "But if we don't, I'm going to do something incredibly stupid. Like drag you to my bedroom with my entire family downstairs."

Jax's expression turned devilish.

Before she could react, he scooped her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively.

"Jax!" she gasped. "What are you..."

"Isn't it good to let them see their future father giving their mother what she deserves?"

Beatrix's eyes widened. Then she laughed, breathless and reckless. "You're insane."

"You love it."

He carried her through the balcony door into an adjoining room. A guest bedroom, dimly lit.

He kicked the door shut behind them and laid her on the bed.

[An Hour Later]

Kai wandered through the mansion, bored.

Thalia had retreated to her room. His mother had disappeared somewhere.

And Jax? Nowhere to be found.

'Where did he go?'

Kai checked the main hall. Empty. The kitchen. Empty.

Then he heard something.

A sound. Faint. Coming from the far hallway.

He followed it, frowning.

'Is someone...?'

The sound grew louder.

Kai stopped outside a closed door.

His hand reached for the handle.

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