Chapter 269: Chapter 269

269 Second Chance

“Fine,” Marcel gave up on convincing her. If there was anything he noticed about the both of them, it was the fact they were passionately protective of the things they loved.

Same way, that means it was as good as impossible to change their mind about what they didn’t want. Two stubborn people, Marcel wondered how it was going to work out between the both of them.

Marcel stood up to his feet intending to leave when he faced her, almost stealing the space she created between them as he said, “You know if there was one thing I could wish for right now, it would be a mother.”

Call her stupid or something, but Arianna found herself asking, “What happened to her?” Why was she even interested in his family when she wasn’t planning evil with it?

“She died. Fell sick. Withered slowly till there was nothing left of her.” He said in a voice that was taut, telling Arianna how much control he summoned to tell her this.

While others would say “Sorry” in this situation, Arianna didn’t. Instead, she looked the other way, saying, “At least, she was there for you, mine wasn’t. My mother didn’t even give me a chance and decided I wasn’t good enough for her. I don’t need her now, Marcel.” She lied.

Arianna wanted to meet her mother so much but the truth was that she was simply scared. If her mother abandoned her at birth, what’s the possibility she wouldn’t reject her once again if she does find her. She was scared of being rejected.

Marcel suddenly took a step forward and she took one back, conscious of the distance between them. He noticed that and didn’t move any further, so as not to spook her.

“I’m not saying you should forgive her, Arianna. I’m just saying you should meet her, moreover, she’s your only family left. You should know why she left you in the first place.” He said to her, catching her gaze with his.

.....

Arianna saw the sincerity in Marcel’s eyes even though this deal would only benefit him. He really wanted to find her mother, and God help her, if she doesn’t want to as well, but her fears wouldn’t let her. Plus the fact this means she’d have to be good else the deal’s off. She would not give him that satisfaction; she can’t remain here.

So after a few minutes of silence and staring into his eyes – and trying not to get affected by his smoldering gaze. She made her final decision.

“No. Thank you.”

Disappointment flashed across Marcel’s face for barely thirty seconds. He lost – this had been his chance to prove himself to her.

“If you say so, then.” Marcel didn’t push her any further, he knew when to give up on a losing battle.

“Have a nice day, Arianna.” He said to her and took his leave.

Arianna watched him as he left the balcony and into her room, headed for the door, her heart pounding in her throat the entire time. She had a feeling that she was making a mistake and this might be the last time Marcel would offer her help or a deal like this one but her pride wouldn’t let her acknowledge it.

However, the moment Marcel pulled the door open, she shouted, “Wait!”

Marcel stopped immediately as if he had been waiting for this exact moment and turned to meet her just as she hurriedly left the balcony to meet him.

“If I....” Arianna said, standing in front of him. She was tall in the first place and had no problem looking at him – Marcel was just a head taller than her, “agree to this deal, would I be free to go anywhere I want?”

“In the base? Yes. Outside? Not yet, until I’m assured I have your trust and you don’t have anything up your sleeve. Your numerous futile escapes have made quite a record and it’s incredibly hard to trust you, so even when you’d be here, my men would have their eyes on you all the time. What do you say? ”

“Just one.” She said,

“What?”

“If you’re going to have your men on my tail, I just need one of them. It makes me uncomfortable to be under their scrutiny, not to mention all the time.” She demanded.

“That would only happen if you promise not to shoot any of my men again,” He made his demands.

Arianna gulped, hesitating for a moment. However, she didn’t want to shoot anyone again anyway. The guilt was horrible, so she gave in,

“Fine, I won’t.” she added, “However, you have to promise not to....” She paused, avoiding his gaze before saying, “You won’t kiss me or try to seduce me.”

At that statement, a smile quickly crossed Marcel’s face, he gestured to his body, “Darling, this face is a seduction incarnate already.”

She glared at him, “Promise me.”

“I promise,” Marcel said cockily, “I won’t seduce you unless you are horny and decide you want to fuck with me. My services are free.” he winked at her.

“What the....” At once, Arianna became wide-eyed, a deep flush filling her cheeks. How could someone be so foul-mouthed and candid? She calmed herself down, he was just rousing a reaction out of her – and succeeded.

“That is not going to happen,” Arianna said confidently.

Marcel didn’t refute her words nor say a word. Sometimes, you need to prove yourself with actions, not words. Arianna has just given him a second chance, he would not mess it up.

“Anything else?” He asked.

“Yes,” She said.

What now? Marcel rolled his eyes mentally, women were so demanding.

“Make sure he’s handsome.”

“What?”

“Whoever you’re sending to watch me for twenty-four hours, seven days. I need to feast my eyes on a handsome face,” She grinned at him knowingly.

Marcel growled at her, no way was that happening. The only handsome face she would be seeing around here was him. How dare someone else tries to come and steal her attention from him? That was not going to happen.