The Black Mark's Resistance (Book 1: The Black Mark Series) - [Sample]

Chapter 2

"What is that horrible noise?" Jasper groaned hiding beneath his pillow next to me.

"My phone," I growled, rolling over to collect it from the bedside table. "Hello?" I answered my phone and gave myself points for sounding wide awake. I looked at the clock, saw the first number was seven and groaned internally.

"Miss Ellis, I was hoping we could have breakfast this morning," a mild Scottish accent came through the phone.

I frowned. "Who is this?" I looked at the screen, it was a private number.

"Darius Rafal. I'll meet you at Lucina's in an hour."

"What-" The dial tone came through the ear piece. "Son of a bitch," I grumbled sitting up in bed. "I have to go."

"Since when does Stuart call you into work on a Saturday?" Jasper turned his face halfway to peer out at me from under his pillow.

"Stuart is probably still passed out from his own celebrations last night." I threw back the sheet and climbed out of Jasper's bed. "That was a client. I need to meet them in an hour."

"Come back afterwards? I need some more sleep, but I'd like to spend the afternoon with you."

"Sure." I shut the bathroom door with a smile. Jasper was my weekends. I lived and breathed work all week, but the weekends were my time. I remembered why I was out of bed so early and frowned. Why was I rushing off to meet with Darius Rafal just because he called? 'Because he hung up before you could tell him where he could stick his breakfast.' Oh, well. At least I'd get a delicious breakfast out of it.

I arrived at Lucina's five minutes before the hour was up. Darius Rafal was already there sipping his tea and watching me approach. He wore a green polo shirt and chinos with what looked to be volleys, but a much more expensive version. This was Darius in casual mode. He looked like he was on his way to the golf club. He looked pointedly at his watch and set the tea down.

"Well, that's an improvement on yesterday," he murmured. I bit back the retort on my tongue, only because I could see the jerk waiting for it. When I slipped into the chair opposite him without a word, he nodded as if approving. "Coffee?" He offered.

"I don't drink coffee, thank you." Leaning forward I caught the eye of Jackie, who regularly worked Saturday morning, and waved. She smiled, signalled she knew I was there, and walked off into the kitchen. "What can I do for you so early on a Saturday, Mr Rafal?"

"Explain yesterday to me?"

"Excuse me?" I asked utterly confused.

"You were late. I've been told you are never late. You were rude. I was informed you are very well mannered. You walked away from the deal leaving someone who knew nothing about it to try and garner my interest. I'd like you to explain why you behaved the exact opposite to the way you do for every other client and your employer." He picked up his tea and took another sip.

Jackie put a glass full of green liquid in front of me. "Usual, Mora?"

"Yes please, Jackie."

"And you sir?" Jackie eyed Darius like I would cheesecake.

"The big breakfast please." Darius handed his menu to Jackie and turned his attention to my drink. "What is that?"

"Refreshing green goodness." I took a large sip and smiled as the refreshing taste of mint, lime, and apple tantalised my taste buds.

"Also known as?" Darius pushed.

"I don't know. Lots of fruit and herbs that wake me up after a late night."