The Traps of Black Swan

Friday night, at Dax's villa

Dax watched Shawn emptying all beer cans from his refrigerator. He didn't bother asking him to slow down. He swirled the vintage wine in his flute, occasionally taking a sip.

Shawn smashed the six cans and hissed in annoyance, "Are they filling water in them?"

Dax elegantly took a sip and left the wine flute on the counter of the parlor. Even though that question needed no response, Dax was in the mood to tease the man who looked frustrated for some reason.

"I just filled water to save my money." He actually meant, 'Dude, how could you drink six cans in a go?' On contrary, Dax was glad those were beer instead of whiskey.

Shawn rolled his eyes hearing him call himself poor, "Let me adopt you and become your daddy."

Save money? He would have believed it if it was three years ago.

Dax laughed when Shawn grabbed another can. He had completed his dinner but from the looks, Shawn hadn't eaten so he went to the kitchen to get some snacks for him with the drinks. Since it was crossing ten, he just cooked an omelet for Shawn with bacon.

Shawn was tipsy by the time after his eight can was down. Dax frowned. After he missed listening to Aarvi aka Ava Kelly three years ago, Shawn never drank to the limit one could even call him slightly drunk.

"Shawn, what's wrong?" Dax took the can away when Shawn was reaching for another.

Shawn shifted suddenly to face Dax and was about to scold him for taking the can away but felt his head heavy and slightly dizzy. He stood up suddenly and Dax realized Shawn recalled his own promise for himself.

Dax tried to hold him and calm him, "It's alright, Shawn. Everyone is safe. Go to bed, we will talk tomorrow."

Shawn shrugged Dax as he staggered, then balanced himself, sauntering towards the stairs to reach the guest room for a cold shower while saying, "Danger doesn't come asking our permission." He slurred but clearly audible to Dax.

Dax couldn't blame him. After that day, he learned to be calm-minded in a desperate situation. If he wasn't distressed with the fact of people looking down on him due to his family background, he would have accompanied his Dum Dum in the Mocon.

Breathing a long sigh, he chugged the remaining wine and went to the kitchen to cook something light and honey-lime water to avoid dehydration.

He was still curious why Shawn was drinking that way. During this time, he truly missed Aarvi who would coax them and know the truth before helping them. They were men, such things never existed in their library unless the person talks it out himself.

Meanwhile, Shawn turned the water tap, standing under the cold shower, hating that he couldn't keep a promise to himself. The cold water running down his brawny frame failed to reduce his angst.

He knew neither the cold shower nor anything could help him impair with the alcohol, it was just short-term alertness. He needs to sleep but the images of Ariel lying on the hospital bed without senses and Aarvi's state on the operation theatre bed were like a curse replaying in mind. Those successfully replaced his previous thoughts of Shea.

---- previous day ----

Everything started after the banquet. Until he entered his room at the Rivas mansion, he hadn't even realized he had laughed and smiled more than usual. And was dancing with her on the floor without considering changing his dance partner. After all, she wasn't his girlfriend or a wife.

He was getting comfortable with her too fast and felt like he was easily getting attached to Shea. He doubted if his body was getting attracted to her, as they obviously had the mindblowing night together.

He had cursed his thoughts and went to bed, just to have the dreams of Shea laughing, giggling while dancing with him. There was no sexual tension when they were together, yet he was sleepless half of the night with her smiling hazel green eyes all over his mind.

He tried to assume as he was probably comfortable with her because they had a nightstand. Nonetheless, shouldn't that make them more awkward while facing each other?

When having breakfast with everyone and Elder Harmon, Shea had flashed him a smile and chat with everyone like usual. He honestly didn't know what he had expected but was disappointed to see her the same while he was sleep-deprived.

He concluded that he was just sexually frustrated hence his last one-night stand, Shea was appearing in his mind. Assuming everything would be fine if he relieves his body tension, he decided to go club in the evening after completing the work at Rivas Industries.

He worked diligently without her thoughts but when it was time to get off the work, he recalled Shea had asked him to call her if he drops by at the club.

He messaged like a gentleman without any other thoughts. Instead, he was thinking to hook her up with somebody who wouldn't be a trouble to her.

He had unknowingly waited for the response so that he could pick her up from the hospital, but it came late and he had reached the club. [Great, on my way.]

…

Somebody caught his attention before he could step near the music system. Surprisingly, the lady was also interested in him.

He was busy flirting with her who had offered him a drink, absolutely unaware who he was. Just like as he preferred.

After some time, the club manager excused herself and reported at his ear, "Shawn Sir, Ms. Morris just came but she ran away to her car."

Shawn had instructed everyone to report him if Shea goes to the club. So that he could provide her security. Hence the manager let him know.

Shawn fished his mobile out to called if in case Shea was in a problem.

'Ding'

Shawn checked his mobile, [I can't make it today. Enjoy your evening.]

He was appalled without understanding why she was lying to him. Turning back to the manager, "Are you sure it was her?"

The manager nodded, "I am certain, Shawn Sir. I welcomed her."

Shawn nodded in response before waving her away. He was thinking why Shea ran away after coming to the club when the lady's arms rested on his shoulder. Her body closed the distance between them as her gorgeous face moved next to his face without noticing he was lost in the thought. Then she coquettishly whispered into his ear, "So… Is it my room?"

Shawn knew she was calling him to her hotel room. Instead, he blurted out what he discerned, "She saw us." She is Shea.

The confused lady: "..."

He shrugged the lady off and ran out to bring Shea back to the club. He met with disappointment when he saw she was gone. He was confused when he realized why did he have to act in such a way.

The lady with whom he was flirting, tapped his shoulder. All he had for her was, "I am sorry." Well, he had no mood to bed with any woman and needed time to sort his thoughts and behavior.

"Alright!" That lady had rolled her eyes at him.

Then he went to his penthouse but he recalled his night with Shea. He didn't want to go to the Rivas mansion where Shea will be there so he appeared at Dax's place out of blue.

He had ignored Dax's gaze, grabbed the bottles himself, and sat for drinking as if those were the solution to sort his feelings.