Dangerous Embrace: Golden Cage
Chapter 2: Shadows in the Coffee Shop
"The Daily Grind," a cozy coffee shop in Greenwich Village
Isabella
(To her friend, Chloe, over steaming mugs of latte) You won't believe what happened today, Chloe! I literally ran into the most intense man. He was so… dark. And kinda scary, but also… intriguing?
Chloe raises an eyebrow, taking a sip of her coffee.
Chloe
Ooh, tell me more! Sounds like something out of one of your romance novels. Was he handsome? Did he have a mysterious aura?
Isabella
He did! He had these really piercing eyes, and he barely spoke. Just grunted, basically. But there was something about him. And I totally just blurted out my name! I’m such an idiot.
Chloe
(Chuckles) Well, maybe it's fate! The universe sends you a tall, dark, and broody stranger. Better than your usual dates, at least. Remember that guy who tried to pay for your dinner with a coupon for a car wash?
Isabella
(Laughs) Don't remind me! But seriously, this felt different. Like… a jolt.
Liam sitting at a table in the corner, hidden behind a newspaper, a black coffee untouched in front of him. Furthermore, he watches Isabella, his eyes never leaving her. Furthermore, he knows she works here part-time. He knows her favorite coffee. He knows her schedule.
Marco
(Whispering into an earpiece, hidden beneath his suit.) Boss, we have a visual. She's with a friend. No threats detected.
Liam
(Muttering, barely audible) Just observe. I need to understand her routine. Her weaknesses.
Isabella stands up to clear their empty mugs.
Isabella
I should get back to work soon.
Isabella
My shift starts at twenty. Are you staying for another?
Chloe
Nah, I’m good. But keep me updated on your mysterious stranger! I'm invested now.
As Isabella walks past his table, he subtly lowers the newspaper, allowing his gaze to sweep over her one more time. He notices the way she hums softly as she works, the gentle smile she offers to customers. His grip on his coffee cup tightens. "Weaknesses," he thinks. No. "Strengths."
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