******Ava’s POV*****

My heart pounded in my chest as the police officer approached my jail cell. The sound of the keys jingling filled the air, sending a shiver down my spine.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction as the bars creaked open, granting me freedom once again.

I stepped out, my eyes locked on the officer.

I glared at him, a silent reminder on how he dragged me like a rag doll on the day I was arrested. The officer seemed unfazed, his gaze flickering with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"What? You don’t want to leave?" He asked me with his annoying smirk.

I rolled my eyes at him before turning to walk out of the place.

As I walked out of the police station, my eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for that devil. His name is Axel, a rough and burly looking guy who always found himself in trouble.

I couldn't help but be drawn to him, always coming to his defense no matter the cost.

Finally, my gaze landed on him. He leaned casually against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched me approach.

I rolled my eyes, knowing that his mischievous grin meant trouble was never far behind.

"I thought you could handle yourself this time as well." I teased, my voice laced with amusement.

"But I got you out of prison." He scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly.

"You got me here in the first place, don’t try to lecture me about being careful or I’ll smack you.” I said seriously, the smile on my face already disappearing.

"Hey, someone have to keep things interesting around here. Besides, you always come to my rescue, don't you?" he couldn't deny it. He sure had the audacity.

Despite the risks and the constant headaches, he would always feel a sense of loyalty towards me. We had been through thick and thin together, our bond unbreakable.

With a playful glint in my eyes, I nudged him lightly.

"Well, don't get too comfortable. I won't always be there to take the blame." I said, a smile appearing on my face, knowing I couldn’t remain angry with him forever.

Axel chuckled, his carefree laughter echoing through the air. "Oh, Viper, where's the fun in that? Besides, we make a great team. You know it."

I smiled cheekily, a mixture of exasperation and fondness. He was right. We did make a great team, our strengths and weaknesses complementing each other perfectly.

With an amused expression, Axel ordered,

"Viper, get in the car.”

I gasped, realizing he had called me Viper in public!

And that too for the second time.

I glared at his face and he just rolled his eyes and got in the driver’s seat.

In order not to be left at the police station, I immediately hopped in, sliding into the passenger seat.

He drove the car quietly and didn’t even answer when I asked where we were going.

It turned out he was taking me to our favorite lunch spot, a restaurant called "The Whimsical Willow Cafe."

I loved this place!

The moment we walked in, the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries filled the air.

The interior of the cafe was adorned with whimsical decor, from hanging fairy lights to colorful murals.

The whole place was packed but we successfully found a seat.

Axel led me to a seat by the window, and as we settled down, he called the waiter to take our orders.

With a playful smile, he turned to me and said like a noble gentleman,

"Vi.... I mean, Ava, what would you like to have? Consider it a token of appreciation and apology. You're free to order whatever deliciousness you desire.”

Oh no he didn’t just say that!

I let out a dark chuckle, rubbing my hands together like an evil mastermind.

Axel's face contorted into a comical expression of regret, resembling a confused cartoon character.

I playfully snatched the menu from his hands and flipped through it in a sweet ladylike manner,

"Well, well, well, Mr. Apology Expert. Since you're offering, I'll take this opportunity to order one of every meal on this menu. After all, it's not like I've had the chance to try any of these delicious dishes since I was unjustly incarcerated, thanks to you.” I grinned mischievously, reveling in the chance to finally savor the flavors of this restaurant.

When my words finally got registered in his ears and mind, his face contorted into a mix of anger, surprise, and a touch of disbelief.

His eyes narrowed, and he pointed a finger at me, a warning dripping from his voice. "If you dare make me go penniless, I'll leave you here," he threatened.

But little did Axel know, I had a wicked sense of humor that couldn't be contained. As he finished his warning, a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips, and I couldn't help but let out a burst of laughter that echoed through the restaurant.

The sound of my laughter seemed to hang in the air, catching the attention of everyone nearby. Heads turned, and curious gazes locked onto us. The waiter, who had been discreetly observing our banter, couldn't help but stifle a laugh, his hand quickly covering his mouth to conceal his amusement.

Axel's face transformed from anger to confusion, his brows furrowing as he tried to comprehend my unexpected reaction. It was as if my laughter had caught him off guard, leaving him scratching his head in bewilderment.

My eyes twinkled mischievously while I turned to the waiter, "I'll have a mouthwatering chocolate milkshake, please. Extra whipped cream and a cherry on top.”

The waiter nodded with a smile and quickly jotted down my order before heading off.

"Viper, the sweet tooth." Axel mumbled and I rolled my eyes.

While I enjoyed the anticipation of my delicious treat, I just couldn't help but notice Axel's tired expression.

Playfully rolling my eyes at him, I leaned closer, my voice obviously filled with mock concern as I wiggled my eyebrows.

"Come on, Axel, don't be all sulky like a child. I was just joking." A playful smirk danced on my lips.

Time passed, and our meal finally arrived, filling the air with tantalizing aromas.

Just as I was about to savor my first bite, Axel's impatience broke through. He suddenly urged me to hurry up and eat, but my eyes narrowed as I shot him a warning glare.

"Don't rush me, Axel. I'm going to take my time and savor every delicious bite. You better calm down too. I just got out of jail. Why the rush?"

I would smack his head if he rushed me again. Bastard.