Chapter 701 - Manipulated Felicia (2/2)
---
After the whole debacle, Nik and Cindy finally returned to New York with Nik instantly storing both the rings in the Dream Core and starting the process of upgrading it. Of course, he had to map out a few details which can be easily projected in the temple of Paradise. In fact, after upgrading Cindy's ring into something far more capable suit, he planned to put the technique into good use by altering Mary's and Anna's suits, too.
In a Cafe named Havanna, Nik silently sat while holding the menu in his hands. The evening sun had finally slumbered while dusk reached the skies. His intense gaze elicited a soothing chuckle when a rather flamboyant and fashionable figure sat in front of him.
Long black hair and deep green eyes were the most notable characteristic of the woman followed by a pretty oval face and thin, inviting lips.
”You look well in black hair, too,” Nik smiled and looked up, ”But I'd say your eyes look even better without contact lenses.”
”And how do you know that I'm not a natural brunette and I'm not wearing contacts right now?” The woman countered as Nik placed the menu down.
Both of them stared at each other for a moment, marveling at the others' charisma. ”I don't know,” Nik lied, ”But it's my preference.”
”White hair and green eyes? Quite an unusual taste,” the woman smiled.
”You have proven to be an unusual woman, Felicia. To think that you could steal from Doctor Strange,” Nik chuckled as Felicia Hardy brushed her hair behind her ear and shook her head. A dreadful expression passed through her face when she spoke up weakly.
”I am honestly thankful that Ava passed my message. In reality, your identity is under too much scrutiny, and contacting you directly would have been dangerous. Even now, it's risky. But... I have researched you well, Vanish,” she whispered, ”I know you can get in and out of places unimaginable even to me...”
”Pun intended?” Nik inquired.
”What pun?” Felicia questioned as Nik looked at the woman carefully.
”Anyway, I want you to help me get rid of the item I stole from that... mansion,” Felicia stated with a forceful expression as Nik thought for a moment and inquired, ”Why not give it back to Strange?”
”Because my services are required to keep the item away from Strange for as long as I can. There's no time limit but I'd rather try to perform my job perfectly.”
”Hmm, interesting. I suppose, you won't tell me anything about the mysterious employer of yours?”
”It's not a possibility, sadly. After all, you look really pleasant to spend one's time with,” she smiled as Nik huffed, ”Oh, come on. You're just saying that. You must have found out that I'm just a shy teenager.”
”I would really love to continue this conversation on a later date but... my apartment is on verge of destruction. So can we just—”
”What about my pay?” Nik suddenly spoke up, stunning Felicia.
”Your pay?”
”Yes. You've done your research, right? I don't work for free. What do I get in return for helping you?” If Felicia really thought that Nik would just believe that her apartment was on verge of destruction then she shouldn't have taken the time to disguise herself. After all, if Nik's life was in true danger, he wouldn't have the time to apply make-up.
”Oh, you,” Felicia sighed with her eyes flickering in disappointment, ”A hero of your caliber and just... someone with your face shouldn't really be worried about money, right? In fact, why don't you do this for me as a personal favor? Ask Ava, she knows that I'm honorable in many ways,” she looked with her gazes slightly widened as Nik crossed his arms.
”Lady, if you want to use me without any pay then find a toy for yourself. My services require a lot of cash. Think it over and then just ask Ava for me once again,” Nik stood up.
But the moment he walked past Felicia, she grabbed Nik's hand and looked up with a slightly desperate face.
”Come on. Here's what we can do. You should take the item I stole from Strange. Yeah, nobody needs to know anything.”
'There's... someone is manipulating her,' Nik's gaze turned slightly strange before he pulled up his own defenses before nodding.
Sighing in relief, Felicia stood up and led Nik deeper into the city.
***
Consider supporting novel through powerstones and/or read 54 advance chaps on, or, if you wish, please support me @
Patre on.com/fanharem
????