The door gently creaks as I push it open and quietly scan the hallway for any signs of life. When I'm sure that Beau isn't going to pop out of some crevice to lecture me about going out when the Serpent's Circle is after me, I step through the doorway and quickly lock the door behind me.

I then lift the hem of my blue T-shirt and shove my pistol under my arm as I attempt to buckle my leather sling around my waist. The metal bar of the buckle gets stuck on one of the holes, and I give it a little extra shove to go through the hole.

My arm jerks forward from the movement, causing the pistol under my elbow to clatter to the floor.

I freeze when the door beside me swings open to reveal Beau standing in the doorway with his arms crossed, his pale eyes leveling me with a lethal glare. "You really thought you could sneak out without me knowing?" he drawls, as my eyes travel from his brown boots and black jeans up to the tawny-colored leather jacket slung across the shoulders of his T-shirt.

"You were waiting for me." I state, reaching down to retrieve the pistol at my feet and shoving it back into the sling across my waist.

"Of course I am! I knew you would try something like this, as predictable as you are." Beau growls. I shrug indifferently as I tug my T-shirt over the gunsling, Beau's jade eyes following the movement. "You do know that carrying a gun without a license is illegal here, right?"

"Burris made sure to give me a license before I left America, so it's not a problem." I assure him, as I start to walk past him and towards the exit doors.

"Uh, where do you think you're going?" Beau asks, snagging my arm and gently pulling me back.

I stare at his hand on my arm, ignoring the way he immediately springs forth, his hands squeezing my lungs in warning.

"Take your hand off of me."

Beau grinds his teeth together as he continues to glare at me, before he finally releases my arm.

"Well," I say, taking a step forward. "Good talk, and I'll see you around, Beaureguard." I give him a mock salute and continue walking towards the exit doors.

"What makes you think I'm going to let you go?" Beau calls after me, his light footsteps trailing behind me.

I press my hand to the cool metal bar of the door as I turn to glance back into his arrogant eyes. "Well, I believe you're a chivalrous man, as infuriating as you are."

Beau raises an eyebrow confusedly as he crosses his arms. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

I grin and turn back to the door as I shove it open. "It means, that a chivalrous man wouldn't touch a lady who doesn't consent to him doing so. Therefore, how would you stop me?"

"I can always come with you," Beau growls behind me, as I step out of the door and begin walking down the sidewalk.

"I can always shoot you," I retort over my shoulder, my grin widening as I warningly place a hand on the gun concealed beneath my T-Shirt.

Beau steps up beside me and narrows his pale eyes. "You wouldn't dare."

I chuckle as we reach the crosswalk, and I lean over to press the button. "Try me and we'll see."

I continue to stand there grinning as Beau glares at me seethingly. "Now, if you would be so kind as to leave me alone, I'll be on my way." I say as the light turns green, and quickly stride across the sidewalk.

"But I believe you owe me a meal," Beau blurts out beside me. I glance back over my shoulder to see him lift a challenging eyebrow. "Unless, you're going back on your word."

I scowl and stop when we reach the curb of the sidewalk. "Must we do that now? I was planning on doing other things with my last day in Paris."

"Last day?" Beau mouths silently, but then his eyes darken and he quickly looks away.

"What is it?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at his odd expression.

"Nothing... it's nothing." he says quickly, but I step in front of him and cross my arms.

"Tell me this instant, or I will force you to tell me, and you won't like it," I growl, pressing my lips together when he finally meets my eyes. His eyes flick between mine for a few seconds, before he groans and rips a hand through his sandy curls.

"Oh fine, Harks and your superior decided to allow you to continue your mission on the condition that you pass the evaluation Sunday and I escort you anytime you step foot outside of Raven Sector territory."

"Well, that's good that I get to stay," I say slowly, but I frown as I glare up at Beau. "But that's stupid that you have to escort me, I'm twenty-one, I can take care of my own goddamn self.

"I know just how capable you are Harper, but in this situation, having another person to guard your back is the smart option." Beau urges, a pleading look in his eyes. I open my mouth to protest, but pause when I see a flash of pain streak across his face, realizing he must be thinking about his brother.

"Whatever," I relent, unsettled by the somber look that crosses over his face. I begin to walk forward, desperate to lighten the mood. "But if someone does attack us, I'm using you as a meat shield."

I feel myself relax slightly when Beau snorts and rolls his eyes. "That is, if you don't freeze up first."

My lip curls as we walk past the Cafe de Flores. "Ouch, now that hurt."

I feel Beau roll his eyes beside me, but he stays quiet as we walk up to a small building with a sign that reads Martha's Hair Salon. I start to reach for the door handle, but Beau's hand quickly snakes forward and jerks it open before I can.

I cut him an annoyed glare, but step past him and into the cute little shop that has an abundance of potted plants, and five small hair stations

"Might as well make yourself comfy," I say over my shoulder, as a pretty lady with blond ringlets walks up to us. "It's going to be a while before I'm done."

"What do you mean?" Beau asks confusedly behind me, his head slowly scanning the shop. I ignore him and smile at the blond lady.

"Bonjour! Je suis ici pour une coupe de cheveux, acceptez-vous les visites sans rendez-vous?" I ask her, to which she nods. Her light brown eyes dart to the fresh scab on my cheek, causing me to shift uncomfortably.

Thank god I decided to cover up the wound on my throat with a turtleneck, instead of just wearing this T-Shirt.

"Yes, we take walk-ins! Now have a seat in the first chair, and your boyfriend can sit over there in the seating area." the lady replies in french, pointing to the tiny black chairs on our right.

I scowl at the word boyfriend, but Beau merely looks down at me with an amused look. "Amusez-vous ma chérie!" he mocks, and I snarl at him when he pretends to lean forward to give me a kiss.

"Touch me and you die," I snap at him in English, which causes him to throw back his head and laugh.

I roll my eyes, but give the startled lady another gentle smile as I make my way over to first station. The lady walks away for a few seconds as I look into the mirror, and lock eyes with Beau who sits behind me. I flip him off in the reflection of the mirror when he gives me an evil grin, before quickly dropping my hand as the blond lady steps behind me.

"So, what would you like to do today?" she asks as she gently plays with my hair. "A trim, maybe some layers? Your hair is so thick and gorgeous when it's this long!"

I give her a thankful smile, seeing Beau's eyes narrow curiously out of the corner of my eye. "Thank you! But actually, I would like it if you could just cut it to my chin."

The lady gasps behind me as my eyes automatically flick up to see Beau looking at me interestedly, his brows drawn together as his eyes seem to burn into mine through the reflection of the mirror.

"Are you sure Miss? It will take many years for it to grow back." the hair dresser warns, but I shake my head, my mind already made up.

"I'm sure, to the chin will be just fine." I assert.

The lady shakes her head sadly, but reaches over me to grab a pair of bright-silver scissors. "If you insist," she sighs, and begins to cut away the length of my waist-lenght hair.

I can't help the huge smile that tugs up my lips as I twist my head from side to side to see all of the angles of my new-cut hair, and how it hangs boldly at my chin.

I tilt my chin down as I stare into the mirror daringly, my short hair causing my jawline and bright blue eyes look even more defined. I cup my chin in my hand as I look up at the hairdresser through the reflection of the mirror.

"Magnifique! It looks amazing," I smile satisfied, as she gives me a delightful nod.

"I have to say, I was hesitant at first, but I think you made the right choice," she agrees in French, before spinning my chair around to face Beau. "Now how about we get the boyfriend's opinion! What does he think?"

My eyes dart to Beau, who leans back in his black chair to rub his chin, as he stares at me with an amused smirk. "Tu es ravissante chérie;" You look lovely darling.

I roll my eyes, cursing myself when light tinge of warmth creeps up my cheeks. I force myself to look into the hairdresser's bright hazel eyes, and give her a thankful nod. "Merci! We will be on our way now," I tell her, rising from my chair as I hand her a fifty-euro bill.

"Very well, I hope to see you again!" the lady calls after me, as Beau rises from his seat with that annoying smirk still on his lips. I mentally berate myself when I still feel the warmth in my cheeks.

"Why my chérie, have I made you blush?" Beau laughs, as I step through the door, clenching my hands when I feel my cheeks brighten even more.

What is wrong with you Harper? Get it together! I scold myself, as Beau steps in front of me and shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

"Why so bashful? Who are you, and what have you done to Harper?" he teases, and I force myself to take a deep breath and look into his mocking eyes with a menacing glare.

"You better be careful with your words, or you'll find your tongue cut out soon enough." I snap, shoving past him as I walk down the steps of the little hair salon and turn towards the Cafe de Flores. "Now, do you still want that meal or not?"

Beau catches up to me, and gives me an infuriating wink. "Only if you can control yourself around my presence."

I feel him seethe in the shadows of my mind, but I shove him away and cross my arms as I stop. Enough is enough, it's time to put this cocky bastard in his place. "You know, I think it's the other way around, actually."

Beau jerks to a stop beside me and raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

I give him an arrogant sneer as I fully turn towards him. "Well, last night you seemed to care a great deal about my well being. And it was you who didn't deny being my boyfriend when the hair dresser assumed it. I'm beginning to believe that you have a crush on me, Beauregard.

Beau snorts and dramatically rolls his eyes. "Why would I like such a snake as yourself? And how can I make you understand that I'm trying to save you from your self-sabatoging habits of throwing yourself headfirst into danger."

"A snake eh?" I challenge, taking a step forward to press my forearms against Beau's chest. "Even a snake's prey is captivated, before it is swallowed whole."

Beau's eyes draw together as he leans forward until his nose brushes mine, causing my lungs to tighten painfully. "Is that so?"

We stand there glaring into each other's eyes stubbornly, waiting for the other to retreat. Suddenly Beau's eye twitches, and he glances down at my lips.

"I knew it!" I cry, stepping back triumphantly to grin as I watch a slight tinge of red creep up Beau's cheeks.

"I just looked down! That doesn't mean anything!" Beau snaps angirly, but I shove my hands into my pockets and quickly walk away.

"I know what I saw," I sing, though the grin suddenly drops of my face when his voice echos through my mind.

I told you he likes you, I hear him growl. Now it's only a matter of time to see if you feel the same way.

Oh you be quiet! I think back at him. Despite what a jerk you've become, I will always love you... and no one else.

We'll see, he drawls. We shall see.