"Falcon! Can we talk?" Aselia had been punching a boxing bag when Jaguar approached her. Although the weather had gotten extremely cold she was still sweating.

"Sure," she wiped away the sweat from her forehead with the back of her arm and focused her turquoise hues on him.

"Not here. Can you freshen up and meet me outside?" his eyes wanted to roam on her body but he knew better, so he kept them focused on her face.

"Are we going somewhere?" she asked taking off the practicing gloves she had been wearing. The ruby bracelet shimmered in her arm. She had taken it off but Esma had requested that she should keep it on at all times.

"Yes!"

"Ok, give me ten minutes. I will meet you there," Aselia moved to the training table and throwing her gloves on it she picked up the hand towel and wiped her sweat before leaving the training room. Jaguar went outside to his bike and waited for her.

Yurian was in his office so Aselia informed him that she was heading out with Jaguar. He gave her a quizzical look but only said:

"Be safe and return before sundown."

"I will," she shouted back with a roll of her eyes.

Aselia emerged all freshened up, clad in blue jeans, a white top and a leather jacket. Her hair and ears were still hidden away. Recently the pain in her heart had intensified especially whenever she was near Jaguar and it baffled her.

"Ready to go?" he cockishly grinned at her and tossed the helmet which she effortlessly caught.

"Why not?" Aselia no longer asked him where he was taking her because he would always surprise her as they would end up in some beautiful place or a small diner.

They both mounted the bike and off they went. Soon they arrived near the foot of a small hill, which had a winding path taking it to the top where a small shack and open sitting area had been created.

Jaguar parked the bike in the designated small parking area and they dismounted. Taking off her helmet Aselia handed it to Jaguar. He placed it on the bike along with his.

"Come!" he offered his hand and she took it without reluctance. They both began climbing the path and soon reached the top. A small restaurant which had been built out of a shack with a chimney stood at one side.

The rusty exterior of the shack provided a vintage look. A spicy aroma of freshly grilled chicken mingled with the mountain air and pine trees. Aselia breathed in heavily, making her mouth water.

Comfy-looking wooden chairs with cushions had been strewn in the front of the shack and small bonfires had been lit. Jaguar led her to one of the settings and they both comfortably sat down.

A middle-aged man approached them with a warm smile. His hands clasped behind his back.

"Good day! My lady, Sir. How may I serve you today?"

"Good day!" Aselia greeted him back. "What is your speciality?"

"Charcoaled and grilled chicken. Soups and stews," he respectfully answered.

"I would like some spicy charcoaled chicken and a bowl of soup, thank you," Aselia placed her order.

The man nodded and shifted his gaze to Jaguar.

"Same as the lady," he answered and the man left with their order.

Aselia craned her neck to have a look around, the place was breathtakingly beautiful. With flowers and enormous pine trees surrounding it, she could see the mountains in the distance.

"It’s so beautiful and tranquil," she murmured, lost in the serenity of the place.

"I know, that’s why I brought you here. I knew you would love it," he leaned back in the chair, with his legs open and his hands resting on them, drumming away.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Aselia shifted her gaze at him by tearing her eyes from her surroundings. He had a half smile on his curved lips.

"Can you promise me not to flare up and listen to what I have to say with an open mind and heart?" she narrowed her eyes at him and her forehead creased just a little. She knew this was something serious.

"I will try," he adjusted in his chair before saying:

"My family is holding an event. I want you to accompany me on it. I was hoping to introduce you to my family. Please say, yes," he pleaded with puppy eyes. Aselia’s heart sank, this was getting serious. Although she enjoyed his company and had eased down with him, her heart still didn’t feel any ping towards him. It ached mostly not for him, but for the man from her dreams.

"Umm... I c...can’t," he invaded her personal space and grabbed her hand in both of his.

"Please! I am begging you. Just give me a chance. Come with me to my city, stay with my family, just for two days. Enjoy the event, I am not asking you for more. I won’t force anything on you," the pleas in his voice and the swirling emotions in his eyes made her sigh. She knew he would be heartbroken and she didn’t have the strength to do that.

"Ok, but no funny business and no trying to kiss me in front of your family," she warned with an angry glint and his face beamed like a thousand watts bulb. He brought her hand closer to his lips and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.

"Thank you! Falcon. I promise I won’t disappoint you. This means so much more than you can imagine," he spoke in that sultry voice of his and Aselia gulped.

What had she landed herself into? She enjoyed him and was getting comfortable but it felt like she was leading him on. Every time she tried to turn him down, he would become more persistent and charming and would remain clinging to her.

Their food arrived and Aselia couldn’t help but lick her lower lip with her tongue at the sight of it and rubbed her hands together. Jaguar cracked up at her actions and said:

"Dig in."