right hook. The bodyguard staggered back, and Cole grabbed his arm. He did a twist that Evie could only admire, and in the next moment, using perfect pressure and pain, Cole had the guard on his knees. Cole had angled the guy’s arm up high behind him, and the bodyguard’s face turned white.
“This is what I warned you about.” Cole shook his head in admonishment. “Now you look like a dick.”
The guard wasn’t moving. Probably because if he moved, Cole would break his arm. She’d been taught that same technique but never used it.
“Harrison, your hands are still on Evie. Get them off.”
“You can’t tell me what to—”
Evie pushed away from him. “Call off your guard.”
Cole laughed. “Doesn’t really need to call him off. He’s not exactly on. But we do want to send the bozo outside.”
She glared at Harrison.
“Fine,” he muttered. “Go outside, Tommy.”
Cole finally let him go. “Outside, Tommy, you heard the boss. I saw your buddy waiting by the door. Go join him.”
Tommy practically ran outside. And, yes, Evie had seen the other guy waiting out there, too. Another new guard.
At this point, neither of Harrison’s two guards were inspiring a whole lot of confidence in Evie. Because they weren’t Wilde?
“Please tell me that you don’t think you’re going to fire me, then replace me with that dude?” Cole jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Because that’s bad planning.”
Evie put her hands on her hips. “You’re not firing Cole.”
Harrison’s eyes were hot with fury. “You were taken under his watch! He’s not competent!”
“I was recovered under his watch, too. He killed the man who took me. What more do you want?”
Harrison’s gaze snapped to Cole. “A lot more.”
If possible, the tension in the air grew even thicker.
“It was a mistake to bring him back.” Harrison nodded. “I can see that now. I thought he’d do anything to keep you safe, but the problem is that he can’t see past you. He’s too involved where you’re concerned. He cares too much.”
Her gaze slid to Cole. But there was no reading his expression.
“Thought he’d be over it by now. Or at least, have that shit controlled, but it’s working against you. He’s putting you at risk, and I can’t have that.” Harrison’s voice thickened as he added, “You are my only family, Evie. I can’t lose you.”
Hadn’t she had the same thought about him? That he was her only family?
“About that…” Cole cleared his throat. “I think we need to talk.”
Harrison frowned at him. “You’re fired. I have been over this several—”
“You can’t fire me because I don’t work for you.”
Harrison opened his mouth. Closed it.
“I have been over that with you, too. You’re not paying for Evie’s protection. I’m watching out for her. Case closed.”
She could easily read the fury on her step-brother’s face. But then…that fury…it turned sly.
“I’m going to tell her,” Harrison threatened. “Is that truly what you want?”
“And is the ass kicking I promised you truly what you want?” Cole tossed back, almost casually. “Because I already warned you it was coming. If you want it now, I am happy to oblige.”
Her temples throbbed.
“But, keep in mind how easily I took out your guard. So just know going into this that you will have zero chance against me.” Cole rolled one shoulder. “The ass kicking will be fast.”
Harrison glared at him. Then looked at Evie. “He’s a killer.”
Her spine snapped straight. “He was protecting me. Cole did not have a choice last night—”
“Not talking about last night. I’m talking about before you met him. Since you met him.”
“Harrison,” Cole growled. “Shut your damn mouth.”
But Harrison’s mouth kept going. “When I hired him, he was a mercenary. He would do anything for money, Evie. Anything. You get what I’m saying? He was hired, knowing that he might need to kill the abductors who held you in LA, and he didn’t hesitate. Told me it wouldn’t even be his first time.”
She sucked in a sharp breath.
Cole lunged forward.
She put her hand on his chest, right over his heart, stopping him before he could get too close to Harrison. Tension poured from Cole’s body, but at her touch, he stilled.
Harrison’s voice sped up as he quickly added, “After he left you, he worked for criminals. The mob. Do you hear what I’m saying? He’s not some good guy knight—”
“They lied to me.” A muscle jerked along Cole’s jaw. “As soon as I found out the truth, I did what was right. I didn’t hurt any innocents. I have