Page 30 of Wrong Pawn. Right Capo.

I freeze, my breath catching. Heat burns my cheeks in flames of anger, fear… and something else. I’m torn between slapping him and—

“You have until we get back to New York,” I say, though my voice is weaker than intended. “Then I’ll make you eat every word in front of Enzo.”

I don’t expect him to cower, but neither do I expect the slow, dark smile that spreads across his lips as he pulls back slightly to stare at me.

“The only thing I’ll have on my tongue is the taste of you. And I plan to savor every last drop.”

Against my will, a low whimper clenches in my throat, and I suddenly find it difficult to stand. His breath becomes hotter against my lips, sending my stomach into a tangle of maddening knots.

He groans and presses me closer. And I almost lose it. Sanity, control… myself. Until a voice interrupts us and we quickly detach from each other.

“Oh, Miss Elena,” the concierge smiles nervously, and I hope she can’t see my reddened cheeks from the landing. “I thought both of you were still behind me. I had already shown two rooms.”

I clear my throat and wear a smile. “It’s fine, Alessia. Was just… having a talk with my bodyguard.”

With that, I push past him, almost tripping on my own feet as I climb the staircase and follow closely behind Alessia.

She shows us to our rooms and babbles about how I have everything needed in the villa and must not leave the premises. But I pay her no mind. I can’t.

My wretched mind is on Adrian, who’s a few steps behind me. I knew this was the worst idea, sending me to New Orleans with him, but of course, circumstances would have it no other way.

And I think it’s unfair. That I have no choice, that those people, whoever they are, want to kill me for reasons I don’t even know about… or reasons I probably have no hand in. For all I know, it could be enemies from the mafia.

I shiver at the thought and quickly shake my head—like I do anytime the thought crosses my mind.

It could just be enemies who aren’t pleased with my business success.

I sigh, stealing a glance at Adrian. It’s ridiculous how I hate him and want him at the same time. How he has the power to rile me up, drive me crazy… and make me lose all sense of dignity every time he speaks.

The concierge finally finishes her tour and shows me to my room. I enter, liking the vintage-style settings, then plop on the king-sized bed with a sigh.

These threats have made it impossible for me to hang out with my best friend or my sister. My lips curl in a fond smile when Bella comes to my mind. Reaching into my purse for my phone, I dial her number immediately.

There are angry shrieks and wailing in the background when she picks up.

“Hey, Bell, is everything okay?”

“Lena, thanks for calling, sis. You’re a lifesaver. These kids are on a mission to drive me crazy. They’re always doing something horrifying!” My grin widens. I imagine her scurrying after tiny humans.

“I’ve heard that kids are always trying to kill themselves in their first few years on earth,” I chuckle.

“Oh, you can’t imagine!”

There’s silence for a beat, then she speaks again. “How are you, Elena? Last time you called, you sounded... I’m sorry I haven’t had time to call you and—”

“No, it’s fine. I’m fine,” I quickly cut in. Even with kids, Bella genuinely makes the effort to call, and I’m grateful for that.

“We should hang out sometime. But I’m not in New York right now. I’m traveling for a business deal.”

I used to visit her even when I was in New Jersey… but it’s just been a lot lately.

“Ms. Moneyyyy,” Bella drawls, and that draws a genuine chuckle from my lips.

“I’m proud of you, Elena. I may not say it much, but I am,” she whispers, then a loud scream rips through the phone.

Chapter ten

Adriano