The Deadly Nightshade | { BOOK 1 of The Flower series }

[11] Meeting Natasha

Jade walked into the open fitness room where Tony and Happy currently having a boxing match. She let out a small smile before heading towards the window, peering out, staring at the twinkling blue ripples that rhythmically moved in sync before crashing into the rocks.

She sighed, closing her eyes. She missed her mother deeply. She was raised in Boca Raton in Florida. It was only her and Victoria, but they were like best friends: inseparable. Every weekend, they'd go to the beach and have a picnic, play in the ocean, and toss a tennis ball around for Aiden (their one-year-old golden retriever).

She loved Tony, but she barely ever saw him. Even though she moved in with him, she still didn't see him that much. These past couple of days were probably the most she had seen him. The only thing they really bonded about was technology and science.

In her mind, she heard the laughter of her mother as the image became clearer. A ginger-haired woman was chasing after Jade and Maximus on the beach before the two troublemakers jumped into the ocean, letting the warm waves crash into them.

Jade smiled at the memory, looking up at the clear blue sky. "I love you, mom."

"Jade!" Tony called for her.

Jade turned away from the window. "Yeah?"

"Want to join?" Tony asked, holding up another set of boxing gloves.

Jade shrugged her shoulders as she walked up to the ring box. Her fingers trailed along the red rope before Happy lifted it for her. She easily bent down and made her way inside as she grasped the black boxing gloves from Tony. "Do I just hit people?"

Happy chuckled, shaking his head, a white rubber helmet strapped around his head. "Only if it's Tony."

Jade laughed, slipping on the gloves. "Okay." Jade aimed for Tony's side, lightly hitting him but giving the effect that she went in fast.

Tony grasped Jade's shoulders, gently pulling her back. He bent down, slightly and discreetly pointed at Happy. "Now, when it comes to self-defense, you want to wait for the right time," Tony whispered in her ear. "Always sneak attack when they lose focus, or they let their focus slip on something else. Never show any weaknesses; always search for your opponent's, though. Aim for the sensitive areas; nasal cavities, the windpipe, the crouch, anything that'll get them to lose their stance."

Jade brought her fists up close to her face, getting in a defensive stance. "This is why I prefer science."

He chuckled, patted her shoulders before letting go. "Make your father proud, JJ."

"The notary's here!" Pepper called out as she walked into the room, typing away on her phone. "Can you please come to sign the transfer paperwork?" Her eyes shifted to Jade. "When I said that she should be doing other things besides inventing machines, this is not what I meant."

Tony shook his head, keeping his eyes on Happy and Jade. "I'm on happy time." He nudged Jade. "Now!"

Happy swung his fist out, startling Jade at the sudden command and movement. Out of instinct of survival, she locked his forearm between her boxing gloves as she slid to the left. She took the bottom hand and aimed forward; not knowing where to hit, she just let it go on its own. Her fist made contact with the center of Happy's face. Jade gasped, covering her mouth as she let go of his forearm. "Sorry!"