Damon knew that Elena wouldn't approve of any of this. Using a poor, helpless girl as bait. And knew that she'd want it to bother him too. But, it didn't. Oh, he'd try to make sure she didn't get killed. But, if she did, well, it didn't bother him...much.
"Let me just finish this." he said, as he downed the bourbon. "You see which way they went?"