Page 6 of Inescapable Gravity

Mister Blackwood didn't disappoint.

"Marine?"

"Yes, sir."

The man's eyebrows raised in an almost comical way. "I was hoping that Marchand would have a SEAL or a Delta Force operator available for this."

Marius' vision sharpened for a moment, looking at the man sitting before him. Even without the brief that he'd been given, it was easy to catalogue a few things about the man who would be hiring him.

Or rather, hiring Big Sky Bodyguards.

Either way, he was a man with money and a need he was going to spend it on.

He didn't like bullshit.

Men with that kind of money wanted to know that they would get a return on their investment.

And he would want things done. Clean or dirty didn't matter. Done was golden.

"Marine Raiders can take a SEAL or a Delta any day, but what you really want to know is whether I'll be able to protect you."

Marcus stood up and saw the security man standing behind the desk take a step forward and put his hand inside his coat.

Without lifting his gaze to the other man, Marcus felt a smile tug at his lips.

"I'm happy to give you a practical demonstration if your security guard doesn't take a step back and put his hands down at his sides."

The corner of his mouth quirked up and settled almost immediately after. "Max? You should probably listen to the man."

To his credit, the security guard backed down immediately.

He took a step back and stood still.

Marius nodded. "Thank you."

The guard returned the gesture.

Blackwood spoke into the silence. "You should know that you're not guarding me."

Marius absorbed the news quickly. "Alright."

"It's a bit of a unique situation actually. You'll be guarding a violin."

Dipping his chin down, Marius raised his brows as he spoke to the older gentleman. "A violin, sir?"

Blackwood grinned like a mad hatter. "Not interested?"

"I didn't say that, sir. It's just a unique situation for me."

"Oh," he stood from his chair and took in a deep lung-expanding breath, "there's more to it than that."

Marius nodded. "I'm listening."

"The violin," the older man smiled, "comes with the artist who is playing the instrument."

With a nod, the security guard walked around the desk, picking up a folder as he rounded the front corner.

He placed the folder in Marius' hand and then returned to his place behind the desk.

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