**
There is nothing as terrifying as your brain getting the 'missing' signal the moment you loose something pretty valuable to you._you start to panic while imagining all the worst case scenarios that could take place especially if that something has gone missing possess the ability to either get you, your dream job or make you loose it even before you got started.
Now, this was the exact case scenario Aria has found herself right from the moment she found out her credentials has gone missing.
Having been given the chance to participate in the job interview in the first place was a sheer act of grace but not without the promise of turning in her papers early the next morning.
While she was still outside contemplating on what next to do. She was lucky to have been met by one of their staffs who was willing to attest to the fact that she was indeed speaking the truth about her qualification even though she couldn't present them at that moment because of the situation she had found herself in.
Aria was obliged to return her originals and all the requirement the next day at the same time for confirmation after she was given the job or her appointment will be terminated if she fails to do so.
Faced with a bitter sweet experience, she drove back home in silent. She has the job but keeping it would depend solely on her papers and turning them in on time as well._what if she can't find them as expected.
Sighing out in frustration, she shook her head slightly to get rid of the negative thought clouding her mind as she rather stay positive.
Aria arrived back at her apartment with the hope of finding them lying around on the couch only to realize there were still missing and not at home as she had thought.
Still pacing around in frustration, she came to a stop when a thought crossed her mind. She went over the event that took place that morning in her head carefully. While analysing every detail with kneaded brows, she finally realized it could be Frank as he was the only contact she had before leaving that morning.
It had to be him and no one else but then again, could he actually stoop as low as stealing her papers just to keep her from getting a new job since she turned down his offer.
The thought of him being capable of such act against her was enough to get her in a really bad mood.
The thought of calling him and giving him a piece of her mind was tugging at the tip of her tongue as she searched frantically for his number only to realize she had delete its existence from her phone.
She couldn't help but scream and kick at the nearest cushion in anger after which she had to calm herself down with each in take of breath_just one at a time until she was no longer feeling like she was no longer feeling like she was about to murder a particular someone.
Frank!
Aria began to rub circle at her forehead to calm herself even more.
Going over to his office seemed like the only option at that point as she stood contemplating on her next move while staring at her car keys.
**
Frank had just finished reviewing the report for the month and was about to head out for lunch when he heard voices followed by his office.
Being overly familiar with the two female voices heading at his direction. He knew exactly who they were. So he stood up and leaned against his desk, while waiting for their impending presence.
It didn't take long before Aria stepped into his office, followed by his secretary Gina who was obviously trying to prevent her from going in.
Staring back at a fuming Aria and a slightly annoyed Gina who was obviously offended by Aria's stormy attitude had turned towards her boss to offer an apology for her inability to keep her from barging in without permission but was cut short before she could even begin.
"It's Okay Gina. You can go" Frank said, waving her off.
Turning to Aria, he shot her a sweet little smile.
"To what do I owe such a pleasant visit miss Davis?"
Aria was still dressed from her outfit from earlier which could only mean one thing. _she was coming directly from where she had gone earlier or she was there for her credentials as expected.
Ouch!
"Please tell me, you didn't stoop as low as stealing my credentials earlier this morning" Aria's expression a silent glare.
Frank gave a short chuckle at her comment causing her to stare gingerly at his rather calm demeanor.
"Took you long enough to forgive it out but I didn't steal anything from you. I simply found it lying on the floor where you left it"
He couldn't help but notice the relief on her face the moment he confirmed her papers were indeed in his possession but that didn't last long as it was quickly replaced by a new kind of fire when she took a step towards him with a weak glare.
"Well, I want it back" she deadpan and leaving no room for further argument.
Frank only nod his head a few times before settling down on his chair while staring at Aria's reaction which was quite amusing to him as well.
Who could have thought his calm and quiet miss Davis has so much fire in her?_he must have been really blind all these years not to have realized it.
"You will get it back but not until you do something for me in return"
"I didn't come here to bargain for my credentials with you. Am only here to get them back so will you be kind enough to hand them over". Aria had countered back while getting slightly irritated at his demeanor.
Frank gave a low chuckle at her comeback. "Of course you will get them back but not until you listen to what I have to say to convince you so please have a seat will you?"
He pointed to the opposite chair with a small smile. Aria only stared at the chair wryly not certain if it was a good idea to seat or not. Her facial expression says it all.
"C'mon Aria. I don't bite so you have nothing to fear"
She hesitated for a while before settling on it with a sigh. "What do you want?" Her tone totally flat.
Pushing himself forward_he leaned towards the edge of his desk, just close enough to perceive her alluring body spray which only cause Aria to fall back on her chair in total disgust or was it fright?
Being overly satisfied with her reaction. Frank began to explain in a rather low tone. "So here is the thing._there is going to be a book launch this weekend and I have been invited along side my mom but it's unfortunate that she won't be able to make it so am going to have to take someone in her place"
Aria answered with a shrug. "So what has your book launch got to do with me"
With a deep sigh. He began to explain further. "Here is where you come in. Since i can't take my mom,I need you to come with me to the book launch this weekend and act as my companion if not for the whole day, atleast until we are out of there"
"You are kidding me right?"
"Unfortunately no. Am serious"
"And if I don't follow you there?" Aria had asked with a raised brow.
Pushing himself forward,_he had all fingers interlocking each other and placed in front of his desk calmly before sending a devilish little smile her direction.
"I'm sure you will because I don't think I made myself perfectly clear the first time but it will interest you to know that, it's a matter of getting your credentials back._so?"
"Are you blackmailing me right now?" She asked him through gritted teeth._not believing her ears. She had her hand coiled into a tight fist to keep herself from scratching that stupid smirk off his face.
He only gave her a careless shrug before leaning against the comfortability of his arm chair.
The choice was hers to make and knowing how badly she'd give into his demands but not without a fight.
He was sure!
Aria just sat there with blood boiling through her veins. If she was a female dragon_angry fumes would have been evaporating through her nostrils at that point but she wasn't and Frank should be thankful for that fact.
Why in the world would he want her when she has made it crystal clear to him that she doesn't even want to speak with him not to talk of being seen anywhere with him.
She has always admired his zealous nature and ability to conquer but not to this case._not even in her six years of working beside him as she thought for a second he'd stoop as low as blackmailing anyone just to have his way which only made her to realize that, she didn't know him at all.
"Why exactly are you doing this?"
"I already told you. I need someone to take to the book launch. I don't understand why that is too hard for you to understand"
"You know that's not what am asking about. What is your reason for wanting me when you can have any girl you want to take to the launch" Her lower lips visibly trembling with rage.
"Why would I want some random girl when I can have someone as efficient as you and besides, you and I know we are a match made in heaven"
His upper lips coiled into a smile causing Aria to glare at him even more. She was beyond furious as she sat there staring dagger at him and hoping he could bleed to dead but right after handing her papers back of course but unfortunately, the only person who was sure to die at that point was Aria if Frank doesn't quit smiling at her and causing her to grow more upset.
She continued to blink rapidly in an attempt not to calm herself down. Getting angry won't get her, her papers back. Hell it'd get her nowhere even and she knew that for a fact.
Aria was faced with the decision of coming to terms with his demands so long it would get her, her papers back and as soon as possible too.
"Okay then. You win._I will go with you to your book launch. Can I have my credentials back now?"
"What? No you can't! I mean not yet"
"But I thought we agreed you will give it back if I agree to go"
"Yes true but not until we go someplace together right now. I still have a couple of hours to spare so come on"
Frank was up and walking towards the door before Aria could even think to say no or even start another protest.
The last time they went to someplace, it didn't end very well but this circumstance was different and nowhere in hell was Aria letting her guard down ever again.
Frank stopped at the door with one hand placed against the doorknob when he heard no movement behind him.
Aria was still mounted right at her seat with that confused look decorating her face and staring right back at him.
"Are you coming or not?" Frank had asked and jolting her out of her dazed mind.
"