Page 32 of Wrong Pawn. Right Capo.

“Glad you took the initiative to ask.”

Her pout morphs into a sneer. “Don’t start.”

The way she leans in aggressively draws my attention to the cleavage spilling from the top of her jacket. Those perfect tits make me want to—

“Eyes up here, Mr. Cole.”

I look up to see a mischievous smirk plastered on her lips. My cock twitches. Did she walk in here dressed like that on purpose? Who runs with their cleavage spilling out anyway?

“If you wanted my attention, you could have just asked,” I say, irritated that she chose to wear this when there are other men around.

Her smirk fades. “I’m dressed for a run. If your mind is in the gutter, that’s a you problem.”

“The only thing you’re running in that outfit is a fever.”

“Get dressed and fulfill your bodyguard duties while I run.”

“Of course. The damsel in distress always needs a knight.”

She scoffs, and I see the flicker of annoyance in her eyes… and something else. Pride.

Good! Pride makes people talk.

“Again, I’m no damsel in distress. And a knight has more honor than you do,” she hisses.

“You know,” I continue, leaning against the windowsill. “For someone who claims to be smart, you’re remarkably careless with your own security.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She frowns, crossing her arms over her chest.

“This villa is big enough, Elena. Run inside.”

“I can run anywhere I want,” she bites back.

“Freedom is not a luxury you have, Principessa. Get used to the chains that bind you.”

“There are no ch—”

“You’re a liability,” I interrupt smoothly, shoving a hand into the pocket of my joggers. “The people after you want something...”

Her brows perk up, but she doesn’t say anything. I continue.

“Information only you are privy to.” My voice comes out steady, but my heart is racing hard. All I need is to nudge her in the right direction and watch her slip.

“I wonder what that is...”

She slowly straightens, arms unfolding from beneath her breasts. I can see the wheels spinning in her head before she shakes it and scoffs.

“I don’t know anything.” Her voice is unsure at first, then it turns hostile. “And even if I did, why should I tell you?”

“I’ve saved you twice, Elena,” I say, using a tone that’ll make her feel stupid. “If I’m going to continue keeping you safe, I need to know what you think they are after.”

My eyes briefly fall to her chest as she takes a deep breath.

“Think about it, Elena. You were away for four years, yet these people are after you. Before we left New York, the team and I managed to narrow down the culprits to one of the mafia’s enemies.”

That’s a half lie. But from the way she nods absentmindedly, it seems she’s buying it.

“Enzo has many enemies, but your father had more. For all we know, it could be a long-standing feud.”