Page 35 of Wrong Pawn. Right Capo.

“Ouch!”

“Miss Rossi!” One of the guards nearby rushes to my side, lifting me to my feet. “Easy.”

When I take in his face, my breath almost catches. Jet-black hair and a slightly crooked nose that gives him this nerdy handsomeness. I’ve seen more handsome people, but I’ve never seen a guard this fine… considering all the ones in New York look like Satan.

He eases his foot out of his shoe, helping me into it. Oh, and his shoes are unique, too.

“Wow. I’ve never seen sneakers in peach. I love them.”

“Get your fucking hands off her!” The guard is suddenly thrown off his feet. Adrian crashes on top of him, sending his fists into the guy’s face, yet again.

“Stop! He was trying to help,” I shriek, pounding my fists on Adrian’s back to stop him. It’s almost like hitting a rock. “Adrian, enough!”

His fist hangs in the air, his chest rising and falling rapidly like an angry beast.

“What the hell is your problem? Get a hold of your fucking temper!” I yell as the guard rises to his feet, scrambling away from us with his bloodied nose.

“No one touches you. That’s a fucking order.” His voice is low and shaking with fury.

My eyes narrow, fingers curling into fists. This man is insane.

“Enough with that controlling bullshit. It’s not like you own me. You’re just a bodyguard.”

“Exactly. For now, your survival lies in my hands,” he says, his voice chillingly low now. “And I’ll protect you in whatever way I deem fit. Conventional or not.”

I gasp when I see the expression in his eyes. Dark with something deadly swimming in them. Something that dares me to defy him.

Everything seems to be still as he trains an intense gaze on me.

“You need help.” That’s the only thing I can mutter.

Almost immediately, he closes the distance between us. We’re a hair’s breadth away from each other now, his eyes leaning down into mine, forehead touching mine lightly.

“Say that again, and I’ll bend you over and give these men a fucking show.”

My legs quake at the thought. Somehow, I know he’s not bluffing.

His face inches further into mine, and I close my eyes, waiting for his lips on mine. Instead, I feel his hot breath on my ear. And god, it’s even better.

My pussy leaks with moisture as he growls, “Take those ridiculous shoes off.”

My eyes snap open. “What!?”

“Now.”

“You arrogant piece of shit, I…” I suddenly feel myself lifted off the ground, and the shoes yanked off my feet. “What are you… put me down! Now!”

The smack on my ass shuts me up, heat flushing my cheeks.

“You were saying?” He snarls. I can hear the amusement in his voice, and just like that, I lose my ability to speak. “Words, Elena.”

“Just… just get me to the house.”

He carries me quietly to my suite, laying me gently on the bed like I’m some delicate chinaware.

“Get some sleep,” he says, walking out. It’s not until hours later that I open my eyes. I fell asleep all through the day like that.

Stretching my arms, I probe my feet around for my flip-flops when I hit something solid. Peeking down at it, my mouth falls open.