Chapter Four
Well, that was an absolute massacre to my ego.
Elodie tapped her foot on the marble floor and stared at the elevator doors, willing them to open.
She thought the years of being embarrassed by a man turning her down were long past her. Apparently not.
She peeked over her shoulder to the empty table. Her business card was still on it. When the doors opened, she blindly walked inside. The entire night had been an endless rollercoaster ride, and she was ready to get off.
Oz. He’d cornered the market on mysterious, tense, and unfortunately for her, incredibly sexy. He had all the makings of a walking red flag. Why would I be interested? She wasn’t. Elle, come on, yes, you are.
“Shit,” she muttered, hiking her pocketbook strap over her shoulder. Her mind was so clouded with thoughts of Oz and their interaction, when the elevator opened, she didn’t bother to look up as she walked out.
“Elle?”
She spun around and internally groaned when she saw him two feet away. Julian. My nemesis. It hadn’t always been that way. For quite a long time, Julian had been a friend. A close one. Until he showed his true colors. Seeing him was the last thing she needed right now. Why me?
“My lawyer said as long as the lawsuit is active, we shouldn’t speak,” she replied.
“Forget the lawyers.”
Elodie widened her eyes and gasped. The nerve of this man. She would love nothing more than to forget about the lawsuit, but her bills wouldn’t allow it.
“I can’t forget because as of right now I owe my lawyer over three grand, Julian.” When she tried to pass him on the left, he stepped into her path. “Get out of my way.”
He held up his hands. “Just talk to me. Maybe we can work something out.”
You son of a bitch!
“Oh really? What were you thinking?” She folded her arms and sneered. “Let me take a wild guess at what your idea of working things out would be. I drop to my knees, suck you off, and you’ll give me more time to pay you back? I hope you know what a disgusting waste of a human you are. An absolute, goddamn pig.” Elodie looked him up and down, scoffing. “You loaned me money under the guise of wanting to help. You forgot to mention the disclaimer that sleeping with you was part of the deal.”
His lips pursed, and his face turned a dark shade of red. “That’s not true!”
“What are you talking about?” Elodie waved her arms. “You’re basically suing me because I wouldn’t fuck with you.”
“I’m suing you because I need the money back. That’s all.”
If this wasn’t real life, it would’ve been comical.
“Bull. Shit! If that’s the story you want to tell, then by all means, do it. But you and I both know the truth.” She tried to pass him again, but he grabbed her arm. Before she could tug from his grip, a figure appeared next to her, hooking his arm around her waist and whipping her out of Julian’s hold.
“Keep your fucking hands off her.”
Elodie craned her neck, peering up at Dalton. Oh God, no. These were the last two men she wanted fighting over her, though she appreciated Dalton’s effort. She turned, resting her hand on his arm.
“I’m fine.” That should’ve settled it. Ended it immediately. But Elodie was reminded once again of Dalton’s youth.
He pointed over her head directly at Julian, “Who the fuck are you?”
What was happening?
“Dalton,” she snapped, trying to regain his attention. It was a fruitless effort.
“I could ask you the same thing,” Julian spat and turned to Elodie, his gaze wild. “Do you know this kid?”
Before she could answer, Dalton lunged forward, and she made the mistake of wedging herself between the two angry men. While she didn’t think either of them would intentionally hurt her, there was always a risk of wild swings, and she didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
Again… Happy fucking birthday to me.
“Who the fuck are you calling a kid, asshole?” Dalton shouted.
She pressed her hand against Dalton’s chest. “Calm down.”
Dalton’s fury turned on her. “Who the fuck is this clown?”
“Clown?” Julian laughed, clearly mocking Dalton. “Exactly how do you two know each other?”
“That’s none of your business,” she snapped.
That answer should’ve been enough. Julian had no right to know anything about her life, and she certainly wouldn’t offer up any information. Dalton, on the other hand…
“We’re lovers.”
Eww. He did not just say that. Right? Once again, heat shot up from her chest to her face like a blast from a furnace. This time it was from second-hand embarrassment, and she cringed. There were a slew of words that gave people a physical reaction. Moist being very popular. Cunt and twat not falling far behind. But for Elodie, it was lovers. There’d always been a creepy connotation. Never mind the sole implication by definition was sex. Which we’re not doing anymore, Dalton.
Julian curled his upper lip in disgust. “Looks like those legs do spread after all.”
Asshole!
Elodie whipped her head back around to Julian, balling her fists. She was beyond livid. Who the hell was he to speak to her like that? She straightened her back. She needed to remember she was in a public space and had to stay calm. These two had already made a spectacle of themselves. She wouldn’t do the same. She wouldn’t strike with her hands. She’d use her words.
“Yes, they do” —the corner of her mouth spiked— “but not for you.”
Julian’s jaw squared, and for a brief second she saw something shift in his eyes. He wasn’t offended, not hurt. It was something more. He was furious. Elodie rarely backed down to anyone, but she had enough sense not to anger someone who, at the moment, appeared unstable.
“Is there a problem?” The smooth deep voice came from behind her.
His voice was like molten lava. Only one conversation, and he hadn’t said much, but she could still distinguish it from any other.
Elodie slowly turned to the end of the hall. He stood about ten feet away near the elevators, along with Nash and three other men. From their expressions, it was clear they’d caught most of the altercation. As they moved closer, she noticed Oz’s darkened gaze lingering on her hand resting on Dalton’s chest. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she dropped her arm to her side. His gaze shifted to hers, and he raised his brows.
“It seems I have to repeat myself. Is there a problem, Elodie?” It may as well have been rhetorical. It was clear to everyone there was an issue. However, Elodie would rather avoid any further conflict and certainly an explanation.
“I apologize for the, um…” She needed to choose her words wisely.
“Yet another disruption?”
He was using her own words against her. She mustered up enough dignity, and gave a small nod. This was beyond embarrassing.
“What is the issue?”
She opened her mouth, but Dalton sidled up next to her, closer than she’d prefer in Oz’s presence. It gave off a couple vibe. Elodie stepped away, missing her chance to answer him.
“Got this handled, bro, but thanks.”
Bro? Ugh, Dalton. Why did everything coming out of his mouth have to remind her he had the maturity level of an eighteen-year-old? Madalyn would love this.
Oz’s jaw clenched. “Sir.”
She shifted her gaze to Dalton, who furrowed his brows. “What?”
“You’re in my club, on my premises. You’ll address me as everyone else does.” Oz’s gaze hardened, and her heart rate spiked. “Sir.”
What the fuck was happening? This man was beyond tense, and she was getting heated, but not from anger. She peeked up at Dalton, who nodded.
“Yeah, sorry. Sir.”
“And you are?”
“Dalton.” He cleared his throat. “Sir.”
“Are we in the presence of such infamy that you only require one name?”
Elodie flattened her lips, holding back a chuckle.
“Dalton Kyler.”
Oz nodded and shifted his gaze to her other side.
“And you?”
“Julian Shipman.” He held up his hands. “I’m sorry for the disruption . But it’s a private matter.”
She watched Oz’s gaze darken and his jaw square. “So private that you’ve made it public in my club?”
Elodie swallowed the knot in her throat, unsure of her next move. Luckily, Nash took the conundrum out of her hands. He stepped forward, addressing the men.
“We hope you’ve enjoyed your time at our club, and we’d be happy to personally escort you out.” Nash smiled. “Do not come back. You’re not welcome.”
Madalyn would’ve been so proud. Her first night out at a club, and she was being kicked out. Could this birthday be any more memorable? Elodie’s heart sank to her stomach. This wasn’t her best night, the girls had put a lot into making it special. And in return, she’d been booted. Hopefully, she could reason with Nash to allow the girls to stay.
“Come on, Elle.” Dalton reached for her hand, and she was seconds from yanking it away. She understood Dalton was trying to be a gentleman, but he was not her man, and she didn’t need assistance. She didn’t blame Dalton for his chivalry, but she was handling Julian just fine without his help. He’d only escalated the situation and gave Oz front row seats.
“Let her go,” Oz snapped with his harsh glare aimed at Dalton.
“I was just…”
“Take your hand off of her. Now.” His tone, while calm, was menacing. Possessive and threatening. It left no room for argument. It should’ve scared her. Oddly, it had the opposite effect. Elodie was getting off on his level of protection. Being on her own for so long, Elodie was accustomed to her independence and handling herself in these situations. It was nice having someone step in on her behalf. Not to mention, very sexy.
Dalton dropped his hand, and Nash lifted his chin. Three men started forward as Dalton and Julian backed away. Elodie was confused and unsure of her position in this. She remained still and watched as security passed her without a glance. She looked over her shoulder until they rounded the hall then turned back to Oz, who remained standing, Nash by his side.
Elodie hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “I’ll just grab my things and leave.”
Oz arched his brow but remained silent. This was probably not the best time. But…
“Is there any chance you’ll allow the rest of my party to stay? This” —she waved to the empty hallway— “was my fault, not theirs. They put a lot into this night. And money. Can they just stay? Please,” —she paused, lowering her voice— “Sir.”
She expected it to sound foreign coming from her lips, but it rolled off her tongue while she looked up at him. She ignored the tingling tremble over her skin. Oz’s gaze darkened, but it was different from earlier, lacking the angry glare.
She was so focused on Oz, she almost missed the two members of his security exiting the elevator, stopping a few feet behind him. Oz never took his eyes off of her as if inspecting. Tense was putting it mildly. He stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Elodie’s pulse elevated, her heart pounding in her chest. She was seconds from breaking into a sweat. There was an undeniable heat between them.
“They will escort you back to your table” —Oz paused— “where you’ll enjoy the rest of your night.”
“You’re not asking me to leave?”
“No.”
The corner of her mouth curled. “And you’re providing me with personal bodyguards?” It was a bold move, but she inched closer and lowered her voice. “I should break the rules more often.”
Oz scowled. “I wouldn’t advise it. It won’t be in your best interests next time.”
“Is that your way of saying there will be a next time?”
Oz slowly angled his head, and his jaw squared. It was hard to get a read on him. If she had to guess, he was the type of man who never wavered in his control. It was a sexy trait, and one she found extremely attractive.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?”
I can think of a few things .
“No.” Elodie cleared her throat. “But again, my apologies for” —she paused and chuckled— “the whole night.”
His gaze scanned her face and lowered to her chest. She was feeling a sexual chemistry unlike any other. It was not one-sided. She may have had her doubts earlier, but it was clear now his attraction was as strong as hers.
Oz lifted his eyes, and she gasped slightly.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His security stepped forward, and she turned slightly, walking down the hall. She could feel his eyes on her, but she resisted the urge to turn around.
Happy birthday to me.
****
Oz had two offsite meetings scheduled for the day, one being a very lucrative deal for the Underground. His mind should’ve been solely focused on that. It wasn’t.
He cupped his mouth, staring at his laptop screen in his office. It was the third time he’d watched it. He’d ordered Nash to transfer the surveillance footage from last night to his private computer.
He watched the confrontation between Elodie and the two men. Oz didn’t allow any audio recording in the club or his office. The evidence would be too incriminating. But he’d been there to witness most of the interaction and overhear everything they said. From the aerial angle, he was getting a clear view with his gaze zoned in on her.
Elodie had a heated exchange with the older of the two men. At one point she tried to walk past him, but he’d blocked her path. As he’d moved closer, she’d stepped back in defense mode. Oz stroked his beard, reading her lips. The most he could get was a deal was in place between the two. When she’d turned to the side, shielding her mouth, he looked over at the man.
When the younger guy approached, Oz could’ve sworn Elodie rolled her eyes. The corner of his mouth curled as she held up her hand and stood between the men as if acting as a mediator. The younger of the two was shouting. Oz squinted and rewound the footage. Did he say lovers?
His men had escorted her back to her table in VIP. Two members of his security were stationed on either side of VIP but blending into the crowd.
Oz heard a faint knock on his door and waved his hand, never taking his eyes off the screen. Nash walked in, moving next to him.
“I want a full background on her,” Oz said with his gaze trained on the screen.
“We’ve already done a complete check, and…”
Oz held up his hand, silencing Nash. He slowly angled his head and narrowed his eyes. “Dig. Deeper.”
He wanted to know everything about Elodie Martin. Any potential connection to Sal was at the forefront. But he couldn’t deny it went beyond that. She’d piqued his interest in more ways than one.
“Yes, sir.”
“And I want a full background on the two men and their connection to her. Set up a meeting with Trey and Rogue.”
“You’re not buying into it being a coincidence?”
Oz ignored the question and continued to watch her on the screen. Their equipment was state of the art high tech. He spared no expense on security. This was a tool he didn’t use often, and certainly never for a woman. It had the capability to zoom in directly on one person and follow their every move.
“Who reserved the table?” Oz asked.
“Saylor Callahan. The brunette on the right. I pulled up the reservation log. It was booked three months ago.”
Everything was pointing to coincidence, but Oz had never been a believer in fate. Things happened for a reason. Cause and effect. He didn’t trust many people, least of all strangers. Elodie didn’t give off any immediate red flags and showed no signs of recognition when she learned his name. Either she was a skilled actor, or she had no idea who she’d sat across from. Flirting. Oz couldn’t remember the last time any woman had attempted to make a move on him. His vibe was completely unapproachable to everyone, and people steered clear. Except Elodie.
“When did she run into Sal?”
“About four months ago.”
The timing was too close. Oz had never been paranoid, but he was cautious. Maybe he’d been wrong to dismiss Rogue and Trey’s concerns. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.
“Do you still want me to comp the drinks?”
“Comp everything.”
Nash raised his brows, “They had VIP for the whole night, along with valet.”
That would’ve been an expensive night at his club. It seemed her employees thought very highly of her.
“Everything.” Oz said.
Nash nodded and turned to leave.
“Nash.”
He turned and Oz held out his hand. “Her card.”
He’d left on the table last night, but was confident Nash had it in his possession. He dug into his pocket, pulling out his wallet. He handed Oz the card and walked out of his office.
Oz stared at the screen, tapping the card on his desk and watching her. She sipped her drink and smiled with the other women. She was seated at the table, appearing calm. He noticed she casually and frequently glanced up at the balcony. From her view, she wouldn’t have seen much. Oz had been particular with the design. Other than seeing security lined up at the railing, nothing else was visible. It was done with the intention to keep that area private.
But still, she’d looked.