The Devilish Assassin Meets The Angelic Detective

The man extended his hand as he introduced himself to her.

"Yes, I am that Mr. B.S. Brandon Stone… this is my name."

Marie reached out to hold his hand. The moment her hand got in contact with his, she felt the sudden surge of spark deep inside her heart.

'Who is this man? Why am I feeling this way towards him? I feel strange.' Marie couldn't help but wonder.

"I'm Marie Mendez. It's my pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Stone." Marie tried her best to be calmed.

She gave him a faint smile, her eyes still lingered on Brandon's face, or shall we say Black Shadow's face. Of course, he couldn't introduce himself as Black Shadow.

Black Shadow was a wanted criminal. Marie had no memories of him so she couldn't recognize him. She would freak out once she learned that he was Black Shadow, one of the infamous assassins.

By just looking at Marie's reaction, Black Shadow could sense that she was restless and… nervous. But why? He couldn't help but ask himself.

'Do I look frightening to her? Is she afraid of me?'

Black Shadow didn't know what to say to make Marie comfortable with his presence. He couldn't tell her 'Don't be nervous. I am not a bad guy.' Because he was certainly a bad guy.

But as consolation, though he was a bad guy he had no ill-intention for her. He didn't plan to hurt her instead he wanted to protect her… protect her against Kelsy's threat.

He had been doing that for the past two years. Kelsy hated Marie. She was blaming her for Black Shadow's betrayal. She wanted to harm her but he protected Marie in shadow.

Kevin and Kelsy… both of them were trying to hunt Black Shadow. He made use of that opportunity to divert their attention away from Marie.

That's one of the reasons why he couldn't appear in front of her for these past two years. But after receiving Marie's message, Black Shadow could no longer stand still and do nothing.

He also wanted to meet her in person and talked to her once again.

[ Mr. BS, I would like you to know that this coming 22nd day of the month, I will be celebrating my birthday. Can you grant me my birthday wish? Will you meet me in person? I want to see you. ]

That was the message he got from her a few days ago. He didn't have the heart to refuse her request. He came today to fulfill her wish.

Before appearing in front of her, Black Shadow made sure that the Azumi Twins would be busy with some matters.

Black Shadow knew the danger he would cause her if the Azumi Twins saw him and Marie together. So he made a preparation. He gave the Azumi Twins a difficult task, diverting their attention.

Black Shadow also made a certain decision two years ago. In order to ensure Marie's safety, he accepted James's offer to work for him full time. 

James was also helping Black Shadow, fighting against the Azumi Twins ever since he learned that they were responsible for killing Catseye two years ago. 

He seized that opportunity. He didn't regret it. Skull Gang was very helpful to him. They assigned people who were also protecting Marie in secret.

"Mr. Stone?" Marie called her out since Black Shadow seemed like he didn't have the intention to let go of her hand.

Her voice snapped Black Shadow out of his wandering thoughts.

"I am sorry about that. It's just that it's been a long time since the last time I saw you up close." Black Shadow said apologetically, releasing her hand from his grasp.

An awkward laugh escaped her mouth. She didn't know how to react in front of him. She was still starstruck by this gentleman called Brandon Stone.

Her gaze moved from his face going down his body, eyeing him from top to bottom and vice versa.

His dark hair was styled up and off his forehead and typically featured his short hair on the sides of his head with his long hair on top. That pompadour style suited him very well. So [email protected] gorgeous.

He was wearing black sunglasses. Every time he smiled his two cute dimples would appear near the side corner of his lips just below his tantalizing eyes. So [email protected] charming.

And his very manly get-up could make any woman drool because of his broad shoulders and strong body build. By just watching him, Marie could guess that there were lots of hard muscles beneath his blue shirts and a leather jacket.

Marie suddenly felt her cheeks heated up having those thoughts in mind.

'[email protected]! What am I doing? Why am I thinking like this? MARIE… BEHAVE! He's your guest, your visitor. Don't ruin it. He might have received a wrong idea about me.' Marie reminded herself.

"Mr. Stone, you may take your seat first. I'll get you some drinks. What do you want? Coffee, tea, juice, or soda?"

"Brandon…" Black Shadow stated instead of answering her question.

"Huh?" Marie halted on her steps as she turned to look at him.

"I mean just call me Brandon. Mr. Stone is too formal." He explained to her as he saw the confusion in her eyes.

Marie nodded with a smile.

"Alright, Brandon… now tell me… what do you want to drink?" Marie asked him once again.

Black Shadow paused for a moment, looking at her intently. His penetrating gaze was making her more nervous.

"Do you mind if I ask you out right now? Let's go and grab some drinks somewhere… not here." Black Shadow suggested. His eyes were sparkling with anticipation.

Marie was tongue-tied for a moment. That was very surprising. Brandon Stone was asking her out for their first meeting? She should say no right? Since he was still a stranger.

However, for an unknown reason, she didn't feel that he was a stranger to her. She felt secure with his presence as if she had known him before.

After a few seconds of silence, Marie gave him her answer.

"Sure… I don't mind. Let's go?"