The Traps of Black Swan

Nico stood up. He wasn't an anxious man who was guilt-ridden or impatient to know the past. His sharp eyes flickered with determination. His handsome face was certain and overbearing.

"You must have forgotten. I am trained to kill criminals soundlessly and smoothly." He was optimistic about his strengths. Others might have to think and recheck if they were leaving any proof behind or if the criminal is dead. He was sleek in getting his job done in the shortest time.

Captain Turner, Aarvi knows he goes on highly confidential missions, especially out of the country to protect the country.  Yet never once failed or got caught. Still, she didn't want to include him in her plans. She wasn't an idiot to keep a military man who grew up hearing about the morals and laws rather than the affectionate words, who studied in military school learning how to tackle the criminals physically and psychologically, who learned and believed that the country and law stands above everyone.

Well, she admires such a strong-minded man but not fool enough to have him around her. She decided to get rid of him placidly. Aarvi crossed her arm over her chest and tried to read him, looking at his eyes. There was no doubt he wanted to help her without any ulterior motive but corrupting the righteous officer wasn't in her dictionary.

"You will receive a tip-off about the major illegal activity next week. Seize them." She had planned to destroy Leon's new deal worth billions. She was sure Nico's team was capable of handling them. But her main focus was, 'One less work to Apple Pie.' She thought, planning to enjoy that evening with her friends, brother, and Aaron while Leon breaks everything in his office.

Nico understood it's about Leon Harmon. He was glad he could be of some help to her. And she was helping him and his teammates with their career growth. He accepted her plan without asking a question about how she knows about it and how it would be helpful for her.

He was leaving, which the couple was anticipating from the time he stepped in. Anyway, he paused and smirked. He discerned how to deal with Aarvi to get his dog tag back.

Turning around, he saw Aarvi's entire attention was already back on the man who had silently provided comfort to her. He was kind of envious of their relationship after witnessing how they just needed to look at each other to relax and feel light. He felt invisible around them.

He uttered provokingly, "Ms. Evans." He got the attention he needed before he questioned, "Don't you think it's inappropriate for you to keep my dog tag, which Ava gifted to me?"

Aarvi straightened her back while leaning on the table. 'Sneaky and oversmart.' She thought, looking at his smirk. Nico was indeed smart to use his words to get his dog tag back. Since she mentions Ava Kelly as a different person, he used it on her. He knew she wouldn't give if he overbearingly asks, and pleading wasn't in his book.

Aaron propped his head on his fist, supporting his elbow on the table. 'Oh boy, grow up.' He thought, looking at Nico's confidence at the thought that he took the upper hand against Aarvi.

'Is he trying to prove he isn't docile?' Aaron snickered in his mind and waited to see Nico's next reaction.

Aarvi went inside the private office. Nico was now aware the flower shop was just an exterior for Aarvi's private office. He already knew Aarvi is the President of Skylar Industries.

'Clink.'

Nico turned back at the private office door, aware of Aaron's gaze on him. Aarvi exited the room shortly. The dog tail and the bullet were making soft clicking sounds in the air while Aarvi held the chain between her fingers.

His eyes narrowed at his chain when she reached him and lifted her hand in front of him. It took all his self-control to keep his jaw from dropping down. Excluding the real bullet, Aarvi had got him a new dog tail replacing the previously broken one.

He realized his appearance at the shop might be abrupt, but Aarvi had expected him to reach her, and she was prepared for it. From the looks of it, he was late to meet her high expectations.

He understood how it feels to fall on the face.

Embarrassed, he extended his hand. Aarvi dropped the chain without smiling at his state. It was fun to see Nico digging a hole for her but ended up falling inside.

Aaron rubbed the salt on his awkwardness while being shameless, "Captain Burton, I suggest you stop using your brain against my girlfriend." He paused, looking at self-conscious Nico, who didn't show any reactions. Aaron sounded proud, "My girlfriend always stays ten steps ahead."

Nico: "..."

He held the chain, grabbed his helmet, and left quickly. He felt like a young man who was disciplined for his misconduct. While his team and the rest think a hundred times before speaking with him, he was being treated like a teenager by a young couple.

How could he not be embarrassed?

As soon as Nico left, Aarvi skipped to Aaron and sat in front of him on the table, "You are late for your work." She said tunefully.

Aaron wanted to pull her on his lap and wrap her in his arms. He controlled because the shop was on the ground floor, and the wall was see-through glass. Anyway, those didn't stop him from stealing a kiss from her.

He tugged her arm to pull her closer. Lifting his head to a perfect angle, he captured her red lips. Aarvi involuntarily closed her eyes to feel his lips tenderly glide over hers before it disappeared, leaving a lingering trace on her lips and softening her heart with just that.

Aarvi opened her eyes when his thumb caressed the corner of her lips. There was barely a small space left between their faces. A little tilt of their head was enough to steal another kiss. Looking at his loving gaze had a hint of mischief. Aarvi controlled her hands from grabbing his face because she craved to bite his lips.

"Are you asking me to leave?" His magnetic tone tickled her ears while his gaze started to turn her little face pink. He was enticing her to let him stay with her for longer.

She actually wanted to be with him, but she didn't want his workload to increase."I will follow you around." She could trail behind him just like how she used to follow him in the cafe in her little legs.

Aaron turned her head to shift her line of sight towards the shop. The small indoor and desk plants in small pretty pots were on the shelves. The flowers in big vases around the hall set the interior like a beautiful garden in spring. It was soothing and refreshing to calm one's mind.

"I like it here." He confessed. He turned to Aarvi, who had a faint smile looking at the flowers and small plants, "With you." He completed his words. The place means nothing to him without her.

Her face bloomed with contentment feeling her heart alive and blissful.