Chapter 36: Cinderella's Rendezvous

Sapphire's POV

A look of confusion tinged with disappointment was plastered on my face as I stared directly at the stranger standing in front of me. He was like a dark mountain, towering over my little frame. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest, the fabric of his black suit straining against his biceps. His dark skin glistened under the porch light and his bald head reflected the soft moonlight. He wore dark shades that covered his eyes and hid any emotion, making it impossible for me to read him. The man's face was stern with lips pressed into a thin line.

"Good evening, Miss Smith,"he rasped in a deep voice. "I have been assigned to ensure your safety."

I blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected arrival of this man. "Um... why?"I managed to stammer, my curiosity piqued.

He straightened his broad shoulders, revealing a glimpse of a concealed earpiece beneath his shaved head. "Mr Donovan requested I bring you to him,"he replied, the words delivered with a detached