Sean stood motionless for a moment in disbelief.  He was trying extremely hard not to smile.   The little minx was jealous.   He was certain of it, as there was no other explanation for her rude behavior.   It was completely out of character for Marioselle. 

However, and although he was flattered and wanted to savor this moment a bit more, they really didn't have time for these distractions.  Marioselle needed a clear head tonight.  If she was going to pull this charade off, she would have to completely immerse herself into the part.  She would need the other girl's support as well.  One mistake, one oversight could get them all killed and that wasn't something he wanted to contemplate at the moment.  He was not willing to risk it all on some petty squabble or his ego being glossed for that matter. 

He would have to do what he could to diffuse the situation, something that would put an end to this nonsense once and for all.   What that something was at the moment, he wasn't quite certain. He couldn't very well send the buxom blonde back to the brothel.  She was expected at the estate with the other girls.  She was one-fourth of the standing order.  One less prostitute, especially one as...accommodating as she, would surely be missed.  Her absence would prompt questions, questions they didn't have answers for.   

The Marquis was a smart, ruthless man, he wouldn't be fooled easily.  He would notice anything that wasn't of the norm.  He had men that reported everything out of the ordinary to him, of that Sean was certain.  

It was something Sean would do himself.  However, he wasn't infallible. His ego has caused him to let down his guard in the past.  Men in his position weren't used to being challenged. They were feared to the point that most would not dare to cross him.  Sean was hoping this would be the case tonight.  The Marquis wasn't aware of their presence and he didn't see Chen Li as a worthy adversary.  Therefore, he would only be waiting for Li to strike. His own puffed-up self-inflation would not expect anything else.

However, Sean would still remain cautious.  Sémonville didn't get where he was by being careless.  He planned for every situation.  His lackeys covered up any mistakes and he used women like Chen Li to tie up the loose ends.   A man like him paid attention to everyone around him, and to those who dared to get close.  Sean thought it was a sad life to live never trusting anyone.  Although he still had to maintain certain friendships and acquaintances.  Connections to those in power were important to a man of his lifestyle. Of course, those men were just as greedy and evil.  The Marquis probably blackmailed half of them to do his bidding, accounting for why Sean had so much trouble finding out the man's identity. finding out the man's identity. Sean shook his head in disgust at the thought of their perfidy, his thoughts trailing back to Marioselle and what she was heading into.  Should he be more concerned?

He doubted the Marquis would recognize Marioselle.   Although the man knew her and had met her at parties she wasn't important enough to a man like him to take notice.  Women were merely playthings to enjoy and be discarded at will.  A pleasurable necessity for him and his cronies.  No, Sean deduced, he wouldn't recognize her.   She would be safe, he thought.

A thought which brought him back around to the situation at hand, making certain the charming young lady didn't expose them all.  He would have to handle the situation delicately.  The old saying, " Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," could most assuredly be applied to this particular female.  This woman wasn't one to be crossed, and certain to hold a grudge if she wasn't sufficiently placated.  He had encountered jealous females before in his adventures, and they could be quite venomous if they felt threatened.  He could tell she was used to getting her way, and he admired being the center of attention.  It didn't matter if the Marquis used her or not.  In her world being number one was key to survival.  He couldn't fault her for that.  However, for that honor alone she would give them all up and he couldn't allow her to do that.  

He looked over to the now seething prostitute and back to Marioselle who was looking none too pleased herself.  Her hands fisted and placed on each side of her hips told him she was ready to march into battle, a battle he himself didn't want any part of.   Although, if he was honest being honest with himself, he was extremely curious to find out what the woman had said to make her so angry.  He sighed as placed his cap back upon his head and walked towards her, careful not to smile.  This was extremely difficult as she looked quite beautiful standing there in all her indignation, which he was certain she had a good reason for.   He stepped in front of her, purposely blocking the other woman from her view.   He was about to find out what had offended her so, though the look in her eyes told him he wasn't going to be too pleased himself.