Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 56: The Flight of Boundaries

Aari reached home and immediately checked her mail, finding the details about the business trip. The destination was a secluded spot in Mexico, nestled between mountains and forests, with a beach-like tropical atmosphere. As she scanned the information, she forgot to check the agreement that specified professional clothes only on this trip.

Aari started packing her suitcase, her irritation evident in her movements. She threw in a mix of formal attire, beachwear, and club outfits, not wanting to miss out on any potential fun. As she packed, she muttered to herself, "I hate this. Why do I feel like I know him from somewhere, but can't quite place it?"

Her packing included a few tailored blazers, silk blouses, pencil skirts, and sensible heels for the business side of things. Then she added bikinis, sundresses, and flip-flops for the beach, along with a couple of sexy, figure-hugging dresses and high heels for potential nights out.

The next morning, she made her way to the private plane. The flight was luxurious, but the silence between them was almost unbearable. Aari, already irritated by Nikol's stoic demeanor, poured herself another drink, hoping to numb the awkwardness. After a few sips, she felt the alcohol loosening her tongue and her inhibitions.

"You know, Nikol," she said, her voice louder and more playful than usual, "it's not office hours right now. You can call me Aari."

Nikol glanced up from his laptop, his expression unreadable. "Professional boundaries, Ms. Arison. They are important."

Aari rolled her eyes, the alcohol making her bolder. "Oh, come on. We're on a private jet heading to a tropical paradise. Do you ever have fun, or are you always this... robotic?"

Nikol's jaw tightened slightly, though he didn't respond immediately. Inside, his heart ached with the truth he couldn't express. He loved her, but the stakes were too high. "Fun is a relative concept, Ms. Arison. And my idea of fun is achieving success."

"You know, Nikol," Aari began, "for someone so intent on success, you sure know how to kill a mood."

Nikol didn't look up. "Mood is irrelevant. Focus is what matters."

Aari smirked, determined to lighten the atmosphere. "Is that what you tell yourself every day? That feelings don't matter? That you're some kind of machine?"

Nikol's eyes flicked to her, icy and piercing. "Feelings are a distraction. Distractions lead to mistakes."

Aari leaned forward, an impish grin on her face. "So, Mr. Model-turned-businessman, do you ever take a break from your high-powered meetings to grace a runway or two?"

Nikol's expression remained stoic, but a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "I don't model, Ms. Arison."

Aari pretended to be shocked. "No? With those chiseled features and smoldering eyes, I'm surprised you aren't on every magazine cover. Maybe you missed your true calling."

Nikol's lips twitched slightly. "My interests lie elsewhere."

Aari laughed, the sound light and infectious. "Of course they do. But seriously, when was the last time you did something just for fun? Or are you too busy dazzling supermodels at charity galas?"

Nikol's jaw tightened, though he couldn't entirely hide his amusement. "My personal life is not your concern."

Aari rolled her eyes dramatically. "Right, because you're just scraping by. What, did you run out of arm candy to parade around this month?"

Nikol's eyes darkened slightly, but there was a spark of something more behind them. "I don't engage in such frivolities, Ms. Arison."

Aari leaned back, grinning. "Well, that explains the serious face. So tell me, Mr. Russo, how many hearts have you left shattered on your path to success? Any scandalous stories I should know about?"