blind date-he had called his friends to help confirm her- his stom

-up with her, and now, he was about to sit down with another str

e adjusted the collar of his shirt

re... normal but when he laid eyes on Isabella,

, and a look in her eyes that screamed confidence. But she lo

from her phone to ackn

t her attentio

ked across her screen with a bored expres

Marcel blinked. "Sorry, I had

phone down on the table as she spoke. Her tone dripped with disda

to maintain his calm. "It wo

have got a thousand excuses, but let's g

Marcel could feel his patience fraying, but he took a deep

to figure out if he was worth her time. "I don't know

as he answered, "I'

"A soldier turned nurse? You really have no ambition, do you? Can't even make

rcel fought for calm.

igh. "But seriously... what kind of man chooses a career

f water and without warning, splashed it across his shirt. He

at what she just did. "Maybe

time with men who have no respect for themse

With a huff, she grabbed her purse and storm

arcel sat there for a moment. Was that it?

nds for the second

around. The cafe seemed so much quieter now-as

is way toward the door, but as he stepped

o the cafe. Marcel glanced toward the entrance of the alleyway as

a Blackwood-standing near her ca

look good. The thugs were crowding her and leering at

an to heat as ange

s he walked straight t

hugs sized him up, and one of them grinn

tone colder now as the military training in

a do about it?" one of them asked, st

by the collar before tossing him aside with one fluid motion. The others lunged at him, but he was faster

th. But it was too late for him. Marcel rushed forward, grabbed him by the a

el asked, his voice sounding d

ed rapidly. "We're done!

of men scrambled away and disappeared int

stood still, her face pale,

cel asked as he too

ly. "I... I'm f

on a brave face, but he could see through it. He wasn't sure why he felt so compelled to protect her

es holding a mix of gratitude and something

it off. "It's

roduce you to a position at one of the top companies in town. You wouldn't have to

an eyebrow. "I appreciate it, but I'm

perceptible smile. "I see. Well, if you ev

rom her bag. "Take this then," she said, holding i

. "I don't need money," he said firmly. "I did it b

as something in her eyes shifted. "

sure my assistant looks into you," she added, almost as

gine started with a low purr. As she pulled away, he watched her

different. Something was changing even tho

e had no idea that the last thing he expe