Page 32 of Scarred Ruin

“You will.”

The man was infuriating. “What did you call me?”

He had the door opened before he answered. “My guardian angel. But be careful, Isabel. Even those lucky enough to be on the receiving end of such a tremendous gift are often forced by experience to second guess the reason why.”

CHAPTER 7

Isabel

“I shouldn’t be here.” My statement was one I should have made at least once before, including in my office. Then I’d had a perfectly good opportunity to say something while sitting in his cobalt blue sports car.

I hadn’t because I was drawn to the man in inexplicable ways.

Now that we were taking a stroll past several seaside businesses, I finally decided to thwart his offer. Or at least try to. All the rumors about his possessive nature appeared to be true.

“But you are.”

“Yes,” I said, laughing nervously. “Against my better judgment, here I am.”

“Are you under the impression you were brought here under nefarious circumstances?”

Now I looked him directly in the eyes. “Am I?”

“If I had any intention other than to enjoy an evening with a beautiful colleague, I certainly wouldn’t have brought her to a favorite restaurant. Should I have asked if you’re allergic to shellfish?” Maxsim seemed genuinely concerned.

He also managed to ease some of the tension.

“Living in a gorgeous seaside city while being allergic to seafood is most certainly a crime and no. Just so there is zero confusion. I was very clear earlier with my conviction and stand behind it.”

He had his hands in his pockets as if he had not a care in the world. Meanwhile, I’d already sensed he had a weapon hiding in the waistband of his jeans, carefully placed underneath his shirt.

“What exactly do you think will happen by sharing dinner?” His deep voice penetrated the darkest parts of me.

“Nothing will happen. Not a thing.”

“Now that we have the subject off the table, I will ease your concerns by saying this is merely a thank you.”

“For?” I couldn’t explain or understand the number of shivers coursing through me.

“Isn’t it obvious, Isabel? For saving my daughter. Try and relax. I think you’ll enjoy where we’re going. As long as you aren’t allergic.”

“No. I’m not. Do you always have men protecting you?” I asked casually, uncertain if I even wanted to hear the answer.

“What men?” Maxsim asked.

I stopped long enough to swing around in the opposite direction. “Not that I don’t enjoy being followed by two big alpha guys, but I doubt they’re interested in me.”

A single eyebrow arched. “I assure you they are very interested in you. To answer your question, I have dozens of employees who perform various duties.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” We continued walking. I’d yet to ascertain how I felt about going out to dinner with the man but apparently, I had no say in the matter.

“How quickly you forget we were both almost killed.”

“While portions of the shooting are still fuzzy in my brain, I’m fairly certain you were the target, not me.”

“I guess that remains to be seen.”

My laugh sounded hollow, but my system was full of emotions. Before leaving my office, he’d made it clear he didn’t trust me. What I’d yet to share was that the feeling was mutual. “I assure you I have no enemies.”