Chase paused, lifting his gaze to meet hers. Eliana's grin was like that of a sly fox. Turns out, she didn't bring the food back because she was thinking of him; she wanted him to protect her for free.

What a calculating girl... Chase mused.

Eliana, fearing his refusal, chimed in, "You've already chomped down the steak, so no turning back now."

"Hah, figured you were up to no good," Chase grunted, realizing he'd wolfed everything down and had no choice but to play ...