Chapter Seven
“Enjoy your night.”
Elodie smiled at the driver and got out of the backseat, closing the door behind her.
Elodie glanced up at the sign over the building. X-Lounge. She pressed her hand against her stomach, willing away the butterflies swirling in her belly. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this anxious about meeting up with a man. Nervousness was reserved for middle school crushes and first kisses. Not this! She rolled her shoulders trying to relieve the tension in her neck. This probably would’ve gone smoother had she been able to get a better read on Oz. Usually, men who were interested gave off a flirty vibe. Not Oz. He was enigmatic, aloof, and extremely intense. And I kind of like that.
Elodie walked across the parking lot and to the main entrance of the club. She’d been given instructions to go straight to the front door and give her name. It was similar to how she’d arrived with the girls for her birthday. But she didn’t remember the line being nearly this long. It wrapped around the corner of the building. There was a mix of men and women, mostly in their twenties and early thirties, if she had to guess.
She walked up to the man closest to the door holding a phone. He glanced her way, eyeing her up and down. Elodie had changed after closing the store, opting for a more club appropriate outfit. It didn’t quite resemble the younger people in line. A little less skin showing, but her plunging neckline had her cleavage on point.
“Can I help you?” His gaze lingered on her breasts.
“Yes. I’m on the list. Elle Martin.”
He nodded, glancing at his phone and sliding his finger over the screen. He scrolled. And scrolled. And scrolled. Elodie peered over her shoulder at the small group of women at the front of the line, offering a smile. It wasn’t reciprocated. I get it. They’d probably been in line for a while. Having someone walk right in before them would’ve annoyed her too.
“You’re not on the list.”
What? Elodie spun around to face him.
“I was told I would be.”
He shrugged. “Well, you’re not.”
She didn’t embarrass easily, but she could feel people staring at her. She grasped the back of her neck and lifted her chin, forcing a smile.
“Can you check again?”
“I can, but it’s pointless. We get one list a night, and as I said, you’re not on it.”
Elodie ground her teeth. What kind of fucked up bullshit is going on? Elodie drew in a breath, trying to batten down her anger. Oz had specifically told her to give her name at the door. She hadn’t pegged him as a man who played games. He was too mature for that. Right?
“I took a car service here because I was told I’d be on the list. Just humor me and check again.”
His gaze narrowed, and she was sure he’d deny her, but a woman a few feet away grabbed the phone from his hand and snapped, “Name.”
Thank you.
“Elle Martin.”
She scrolled over the screen. Unlike when the man did it, the woman’s finger stilled, and she glanced up at him. He raised his brows.
“ Elle Martin. I ain’t risking it.”
Elodie furrowed her brows, shifting her gaze between them. It was as if they were having a silent conversation. It lasted a few seconds before the woman addressed Elodie.
“Your name is Elle Martin?”
“Yes,” Elodie said.
“Your name isn’t on the list,” she said and stared down at the phone.
What the hell is happening?
“Oz said I’d be on the list.”
They shared another look, but neither motioned for her to enter the club. The girl cocked her head, and the man immediately shook his head, mouthing, “She’s lying.”
I’m lying?
The woman slipped past the guy and stood in front of Elodie. “You can get in line. It should only be a forty-five minute wait. An hour at the most, but I’ll make sure you get in.”
An hour? Who on earth would wait an hour in line to get overcharged for drinks and dancing? Elodie glanced at the line of people. There was her answer.
“Or you can call Oz .” His taunting tone had Elodie scowling at the man.
She reached into her bag for her phone until she remembered. She had called from the office landline so she didn’t have the number stored. Mistake number one . And…the slip of paper with his number was on her desk. Mistake number two…shit!
“I don’t have his number with me but…”
The man snorted, shaking his head. “That’s fucking convenient.”
“Bruno.” The woman snapped and swung her head back. “Continue with the line.”
He glared in her direction and then aggressively grabbed the phone from her hand. The woman didn’t even flinch and turned back to Elodie.
“We have a strict protocol for the VIP list. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in.”
“Can you call Oz and ask? He was the one who invited me.”
Tension marred her features, and she offered a shaky smile. “I don’t have direct access to the owner. If I call to question the list, it goes through three people before it gets to him. And if you’re not on the list, it’ll cost me my job.”
What?
“For asking a question? That’s absurd.”
“My job is to follow the rules, not make them. I’m sorry.” The woman shifted on her feet. “But um” —she glanced over at the door— “maybe I can…”
No.
Elodie grabbed her wrist when she started toward the door. She wasn’t going to let anyone put their job on the line for her.
“It’s fine. And thanks for checking the list again.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Elodie shook her head, stepped back, and winked. “Don’t be.”
She was putting on a calm and unfazed exterior, but inside? Her heated blood was racing through her veins. Elodie clenched her teeth, ignoring the stares from the women at the front of the line. She was now forced to do a walk of shame. It was fitting. ’Cause I definitely got fucked!
She walked toward the end of the line with no intention of getting in it. She’d call the car service and go home. She stopped near the edge of the lot under the light, pulled out her phone, and started sifting through her options. On a busy Thursday night, they were limited. It seemed everyone was jockeying for the cheapest ride.
Elodie scoffed, muttering, “There’s no way I’m paying that.”
She continued to scroll the list when a call came in. The minute she saw the blocked number, her muscles tightened, and heat ripped through her veins. Elodie considered ignoring it, but answered anyway.
“Yes?”
“How far away are you?” She recognized Nash’s voice.
Elodie glanced over her shoulder to the entrance. “About fifty feet.”
There was a long stretch of silence. But she wasn’t going to wait for his response.
“I’m not on the list, Nash.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oz obviously didn’t put me on it.” She clamped her lips, hearing the bite in her tone. She was not pulling off indifference.
“I personally added your name. You’re on the list.”
I don’t need this bullshit!
Elodie snorted. “They checked twice, and I’m not, therefore I’m heading home.”
“Stay where you are.”
The demand caught her off guard, and she flinched. Excuse me?
“I’ll be down in a minute.”
“That’s not necessary because I’m…” Elodie gasped and pulled the phone from her ear, glancing at the screen. He’d hung up on her.
What the… Elodie pulled up the car service site again. The quicker she got out of there, the happier she’d be. At this point, she’d gladly overpay.
“Elle?”
She spun around and saw Nash marching forward with two men following close behind. He hadn’t lied. It had been less than a minute since he’d so rudely hung up on her.
He stopped a few feet away and gestured her forward. “Follow me.”
Elodie laughed, shaking her head. “No.”
Nash stilled, furrowing his brows. If she had to guess, he hadn’t been told no often.
“I have a car on the way. I’m going home.”
His features tightened, and he stepped closer, reaching out and taking her phone. Elodie was too stunned to grab it from him. He tapped the screen, scrolled, then tapped it again before offering it back to her.
“I cancelled it,” he said.
What? She grabbed it from his hand and stared down at the screen. Yep, he’d cancelled it. What the fuck?
“There must’ve been a miscommunication at the entrance, and it will be handled. Come with me.”
She kept her feet planted on the ground, watching him take a few steps, then turn back. Nash appeared surprised she hadn’t followed his direct order. I don’t work for you, Nash.
“Oz specifically told me to go to the entrance and give them my name. I did exactly what I was told, and I wasn’t on the list.” She waved her hand between them. “I don’t know what type of bullshit this is, but I can tell you I don’t like it. Clearly, I was not on the list, which tells me he lied. I don’t like liars, Nash. And you can pass that along to Oz.”
Elodie stepped off the curb. She’d call another car service and wait near the street. She didn’t make it five feet before Nash blocked her path. When she glanced over her shoulder, the two other men were standing behind her. She glared over at Nash.
“This is veering dangerously close to a call to the police. Is that what you want?”
Nash’s lips twitched, and he lifted his chin. “That won’t be necessary. Oz is waiting for you.”
“Then Oz should’ve put me on the list.”
“He did. Allow me to prove it.” He gestured his hand toward the building. “After you.”
He said it with so much confidence, Elodie was second-guessing herself. Why? The list had been checked multiple times, and she wasn’t on it. This would be a victory for her to prove him wrong. She started across the lot and down the line of people waiting. She was acutely aware of Nash at her back. A few feet from the entrance he passed in front of her and stopped. Both the man and woman she’d interacted with looked up and lost a little color in their faces.
Nash didn’t say a word. He held out his hand, and the woman gave him the phone. Elodie noticed her hand shaking. She swallowed the knot in her throat and watched as Nash scrolled through the list. His hand stilled, and he flipped the phone over, showing her the list.
Elodie Martin.
She snorted, shook her head, and looked over at the man and woman. Their eyes were trained on Nash. Elodie expected him to hand the phone back to the woman, but instead he tucked it in his pocket. Nash stepped in front of them but faced Elodie, and lifted his chin toward the door. As Elodie passed, she peeked over at the woman who seemed completely distraught.
Once inside, she stepped to the right, making room for a woman and man to pass. They were dressed similarly to the two manning the door. Shit! Were they being removed from their position? She turned to the door just as Nash walked in.
“The two at the door? They aren’t going to get in trouble, are they?” Elodie wasn’t concerned with the guy, Bruno, but the girl had tried to help. Now that she’d settled down, she could see this for what it was…a mistake.
Nash cocked his brow and waved her toward the long hall on the right. They walked in silence until reaching the elevator.
“Are they?”
Nash motioned for her to get in the elevator. She sighed walking side. Once the doors closed, Nash looked down at her. “No.”
She felt a wave of relief. It only lasted seconds.
“They’re being terminated.” He said.
She jerked her head and widened her eyes. “What? For a simple mistake?”
“Making mistakes isn’t in their job description.”
“Nash.” Elodie groaned, shaking her head. “Only my mother called me Elodie.”
“And Oz.” Nash smiled. “But if you have an issue with how I’ve done my job, perhaps you should take it up with him.”
She folded her arms and narrowed her gaze. “I will!”
Nash’s lips twitched. “I’m sure he’ll enjoy that.”
She had no idea what Nash meant, but she fully intended to tell Oz what she thought of his harsh rules.
*
Elodie had every intention of speaking up on behalf of the girl at the front door. As they rode up the elevator, she’d gotten more riled up. If she fired everyone for simple mistakes, she’d have no staff. The doors opened, and Nash gestured for her to pass. She stepped out and off to the side then followed Nash down the corridor. It was the opposite to the way she’d gone last time, and incredibly quiet past the two metal doors.
She peered around, taking it all in. It was spacious with a warm ambiance. The walls were a soft brown with art accenting the color. The lighting was dim, almost tranquil. And it was quiet. Surely with the crowd downstairs and the music blasting there’d be some type of background noise. Elodie heard nothing. She peered over at the doors lining the hallway.
“This is very interesting. I would’ve never suspected there were offices up here.”
Nash remained silent and escorted her to the door at the end of the hallway. There were several men in suits lined up against the wall. As they passed, no one made eye contact. A shiver raced up her spine, and she tried to tamper down an odd feeling. This wasn’t the first time she’d noticed all the security, but this time, it gave her pause. What exactly did a club owner need protection from? Sure, the X-Lounge was clearly successful judging by the crowd waiting to get in. But his security seemed a bit over the top.
Elodie entered the office but stilled when she glanced around the room. It was massive, decorated tastefully. It had a masculine vibe, and an expensive one too. There was a spacious seating area to the left with a bar set up ten feet away. She was so focused on the space, she hadn’t even seen Oz until she heard him speak.
“Has it been taken care of?” She shifted her gaze to the desk where Oz was looking at Nash.
“It will be, but I believe Elle has an opinion on the matter.”
Oz slowly slid his gaze over. The man was extremely intense, which should have raised a red flag or been a turnoff. It had the opposite effect on her. He stood from his desk, rounded the corner, and stopped two feet in front of her.
Oz straightened to his full height, and she craned her neck slightly.
“Is there an issue?”
This should’ve been her cue to keep her thoughts to herself. After all, they were his employees, this was his club, and it wasn’t her business how he ran it. Elodie wouldn’t appreciate an outside opinion on what she did with her store. Still…
“Nash mentioned the guy and girl at the door were being terminated.”
Oz didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
She sighed. “Don’t you think that might be a little harsh?”
Oz slowly raised his brows. She may have overstepped. Before she could say another word, he angled his head toward Nash. They looked like they were having a silent conversation. Nash lowered his chin and stepped back.
“Let me know when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll have your car waiting.” Nash said and walked out the door, closing it behind him.
Oz turned back to her but remained silent. He’d clearly mastered the art of intimidation. She stepped closer and watched his gaze narrow.
“I’m just saying, it was an innocent mistake. In all fairness, I may have played a part.”
“From what I understand, you did. Had you given them your name, they’d still be employed.”
Was he putting this on her?
Elodie scoffed. “It was a small technicality. Nobody calls me Elodie.”
“But it is your name, correct?”
“Elle is my name!” she blurted.
“Is it on your birth certificate?”
She squinted. “Is Oz on yours?”
His gaze sharpened. This was not how she’d envisioned their date going. In fact, according to him it wasn’t even a formal date. This night was going to end before it even got started.
She held up her hands. “I’m just asking for a favor.”
Oz scanned her face and folded his arms. Just his stare had Elodie forcing herself not to react. She’d been around powerful, strong, and authoritarian men in the past, but Oz was on a level of his own.
“I wasn’t aware I owed you one.”
Gah, this man. He had an argumentative answer for everything. It should’ve been annoying, but she found herself enjoying the back and forth banter.
Elodie laughed, shaking her head. “You always have the last word, don’t you?”
Cold would’ve been a good description for him if his eyes hadn’t softened and the corner of his mouth hiked slightly. She had no doubt—this was no facade, and Oz was this intent and focused daily, but she saw a small crack. She was going to work that angle.
“Let’s make a deal.” She smiled. “If you allow them to keep their jobs, I’ll buy you dinner.”
His gaze narrowed. “You’re already buying me dinner. Isn’t that what you offered the other night?”
Technically, she’d offered drinks, but she’d pay for his meal. It was the least she could do knowing he’d comped her entire birthday night. And if she could keep the staff from getting fired, it was worth it.
“You’re right.” She stepped closer. “How about I throw in dessert?”
His stare went right through her, and she had to force herself not to fidget. It was like a game of chess, anticipating her opponent’s next move. There lies the problem . Elodie had no idea what he was thinking. Oz reached behind him, grabbing his glass from his desk. He swirled the whiskey, then lifted it to his mouth, his eyes focused on her over the rim.
“Choose one.”
“One what?”
“Employee.” He took a sip then lowered his glass. “I’ll keep one.”
It wasn’t exactly the deal she’d been hoping for, but she had the distinct feeling Oz was giving her more than he’d give someone else.
She hesitated for a brief moment, then blurted. “The girl.”
He arched his brow. “That was quick.”
She shrugged, glancing over at his chest. “I know what I want.”
Elodie hadn’t intended on the innuendo, but she wasn’t retracting it.
****
Oz seldom drove himself anywhere. He had a driver and security to contend with. Taking his personal car was dangerous and a hassle for everyone involved. On the rare occasion he did drive, it was usually solo. It had been that way for years. Being King had its limitations when his safety was an issue.
Tonight was one of the exceptions. He pulled into the side lot, noticing the second parking spot with a small makeshift sign. Reserved. He parked, and in the rearview mirror, watched his security file in. Unlike Trey and Rogue, who occasionally called off their security, it wasn’t an option for Oz. They’d always been discreet but hyper aware of his surroundings.
“I hope you made reservations.” Elodie scooted up in her seat, glancing out the window with her brows raised to her hairline.
“Have you been here?” he asked.
She laughed and angled her head. Her strawberry blonde hair swung past her shoulder. The interior was fairly dark except for the light shining in from the parking lot. It hit all her features perfectly, showcasing her beauty. In the tight confines of the car, he was gifted with an up close look at her. Pale blue, almond shaped eyes, a light patch of freckles over her nose and a small scar on her cheekbone she tried to hide with makeup. An imperfection. Oz had a lot of those.
She leaned forward over the console, and the corners of her mouth curled as she peered up at the restaurant. It put her an inch closer in proximity. Her perfume was faint, a fruity flowery mix. Almost as if putting it on had been an afterthought. Oz had been with more beautiful women than he could count but never like this.
This was an intimate setting. Nothing special for the average men who dated. For him, a rarity.
“I came here once on a date. I’m pretty sure he was trying to impress me.” Elodie glanced over with a small smile playing on her lips. “He didn’t know we needed reservations. The hostess said we could wait at the bar, and if there was a cancellation, she’d seat us.” She snickered. “We sat at the bar for four hours, got hammered, and left at closing without a meal. It turns out when people snag a reservation here, they don’t cancel.” She sighed. “And did you know they don’t serve food at the bar?”
Oz had never given it a thought. He’d always gotten a table. In fact, this reservation had been called in two hours ago, most likely bumping another. That was a fact he’d be keeping to himself as it probably wouldn’t impress someone like Elodie. If he had to guess, she’d insist on going somewhere else with that possibility.
He got out of the car and looked across the lot. His security was already in place, with Ridge about twenty feet from his car and Caine and Cyrus closer to the entrance. He buttoned his jacket, waiting for her to round the bumper. He’d gotten a look at her earlier, but breathed deep watching her walk toward him in the fitted black dress, the hem sliding against her toned thighs. Oz rolled his shoulders back and squared his jaw as he clenched his teeth. His attraction to Elodie was instant upon seeing her in the club. This only heightened his want and desire.
He gestured for her to walk in front of him and scanned the lot. This was his life, always aware of his surroundings. On any given day, there were half a dozen threats to him. People were always vying for power, and taking him out would leverage the playing field in most minds.
As they approached the door, he passed in front of her, grabbed the handle, and opened the door.
Her cheeks pinkened, and she smiled. “Thank you.”
Nash was waiting in the foyer with the hostess beside him.
“Please follow me.” The younger woman smiled, batting her lashes at Oz. He didn’t engage at all, but he heard a soft chuckle next to him and peered down at Elodie. She seemed amused by the younger woman.
“Elle.” Nash cleared his throat. “I need a word with Oz, if you don’t mind.”
“No, of course. Take your time.” Elodie glanced up at Oz with a soft smile and followed the hostess through the dining area, disappearing through the arched doorway. It would be just them in a private room in the back. Oz never ate among all the other patrons. Privacy was his biggest concern whenever he went out.
Oz turned to Nash and cocked his brow.
“I wanted to make you aware. Garner is here. The party in the far left corner.”
Garner had made several calls asking for a meeting with Oz. All of which had been denied. He wasn’t sure how Garner would’ve known his whereabouts or schedule, but Oz suspected that this was no coincidence. Garner was playing a dangerous game, forcing Oz’s hand.
Oz ran the Underground like a well-oiled machine, and most members fell in line. But every once in a while, people made the grave mistake of crossing the Underground.
“Was he informed that we’re looking for his nephew?”
“Yes, sir.”
This wouldn’t be addressed tonight, especially in a public forum. He gave Nash a curt nod and started through the room. When he was ten feet away from the table, he glanced over, meeting Garner’s stare. Most people shied away from any direct eye contact with him. Not Garner. It was a move he’d respect in any other realm. But in Oz’s world? Know your place. Oz had no doubt Garner would come to him with valid reasons for his mistake. All of which would be a lie. Oz knew the Underground world better than most. Had the transport not been caught, Garner would’ve tried to fly under the radar across the whole state.
Oz stalked into the back room. As expected, it was empty except for Elodie in the corner table. She had her head down, studying the menu with her brows forming a tense, tight scowl. She nibbled on her bottom lip. Oz had an idea of what had caused her sudden state of distress. Considering her current financial state, this restaurant would be out of her price range. Unbeknownst to her, that wouldn’t be a concern.
When he took his seat, she jerked her eyes.
“Is everything okay?”
Underground matters were never up for discussion. But she didn’t know that. Or does she? Oz was still on the fence with Elodie. Aside from her encounter with Sal, nothing pointed to her knowing about the organization. But he couldn’t dismiss the coincidences. Oz didn’t believe or buy into them. Ever. He ignored her question and lifted his chin to the menu.
“Have you decided?”
She slid her finger over her lip, dropping her gaze to the menu. “I think so.”
When the waiter arrived, they placed their order. As expected, she opted for a less expensive entree though nothing on the menu was cheap. As of now, she was under the impression she’d be paying for the meal. He resisted the urge to smile.
His attention had been so focused on Elodie that it had just occurred to him they hadn’t ordered drinks. He looked across the room to call over the waiter. Surprisingly, he was on his way back to their table with a tray and two drinks. Oz hardened his gaze, sending a glare at the lanky man.
“I ordered you a whiskey,” Elodie said, and he shifted his gaze just as the soft pads of her fingers slid over his hand. “I said anything top shelf because” —her lips twitched— “you look like a top shelf type of man.”
She was taking liberties most people wouldn’t have dared. She pulled her hand away, and he immediately felt the loss of her touch.
The waiter stopped at the end of the table, placing her wine in front of her and then his whiskey. Oz grabbed the glass taking a sip, aware that she was watching him. It wasn’t his usual brand, but it was indeed top shelf.
“How’d I do?” There was a tease in her tone.
“Not my first choice.”
Elodie snickered and glanced across the room, taking no offense at his dig. “Such a hardass, Oz.”
In a world where only a select few were comfortable in his presence, Elodie seemed completely at ease. And though he’d deny it if asked, he liked that. It also peeled away a layer of his suspicions. It was clear, in her mind, she wasn’t sitting across from the king of the Underground. She’s having dinner with Oz.
“Do you come…”
Elodie was in mid-sentence when he noticed a man approaching their table. And he wasn’t staff. When he caught Cyrus and Caine stepping forward, Oz subtly shook his head. There was no need for theatrics, especially in front of her. He’d handle this.
“Oz,” Garner said, then turned, smiling down at Elodie. “My apologies for interrupting.”
Garner offered his hand, which Elodie immediately shook. An unfamiliar heated anger raced through Oz’s blood. A combination of possession and protection. Don’t fucking touch her! Oz clenched his jaw in an effort to retain his control.
“Ted Garner.”
“Elle Martin.”
“Elle.” Garner nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and again, I’m sorry for the interruption.” Garner shifted his gaze over at Oz. “I need a minute of your time. It’s urgent.”
Motherfucker.
“No.”
The room was drowned in silence. Even without looking at her, Oz sensed Elodie’s tension.
“My intention wasn’t to disrupt your dinner…”
“Yet here you are doing exactly that.” Oz’s tone said it all.
Elodie cleared her throat. “I can go…”
Oz jerked his gaze and hardened his stare. Elodie straightened her back, seemingly uneasy but she remained seated. Good girl.
“It’ll just take a minute. I think there’s been a misunderstanding, and I’d like to get it rectified before…”
Oz placed his drink on the table, glaring at him with a direct warning. Shut the fuck up. Garner clamped his lips but made no move to walk away. Oz had two choices. He could have Garner physically removed. Or he could take the quick meeting. Usually, Oz never allowed his hand to be forced. He glanced over at Elodie, who sat silently with her hands in her lap. She offered him a smile. It was clear she was reading the tension, and it was putting her on edge. A physical altercation would only heighten her fear.
Oz grabbed the edge of the table. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
She held up her hands, and he saw the relief flash over her features. “Absolutely. Take your time.”
Oz stood and gestured for Garner to follow. Oz knew the entire layout of the restaurant. There was a private room in the back. It was isolated. Cyrus opened the door and stepped back as Oz walked in with Garner behind him. A few seconds later, the door closed. Oz turned toward Garner, who’d just noticed that Ridge and Nash had entered the room with them as well.
Garner was a seasoned member of the Underground and had worked for years under Oz, and Sal before him. There was a certain level of trust. Garner had fractured that, and he wouldn’t be given the courtesy of a private meeting.
“This is a misunderstanding, Oz.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I had her permission,” Garner snapped.
Oz narrowed his gaze and squared his jaw. “You didn’t have mine.”
Garner clamped his mouth and circled the small area, shifting his gaze to Nash and Ridge. Even being a higher-ranking member of the Underground didn’t mean he didn’t have to abide by all of Oz’s rules. No one was given concessions, especially someone who knew better than to cross Oz.
Garner sharpened his glare. He was set to go head-to-head with him. Oz welcomed it. You won’t fucking win.
“My plan was to transport just through Inez’s territory, and make the rest of the haul outside state lines.”
“In my state.” Oz folded his arms. “You’ve been doing this too long not to know while it’s her territory, it’s my state. That means anything coming over the state lines requires my permission.” Oz narrowed his gaze. “And compensation.”
“I’ll make good on the money. Just name the price.”
There weren’t many aspects of running the Underground that he enjoyed, per se. But this was one of them.
“I’ve already been compensated.”
Garner furrowed his brows and looked over at Nash. “I don’t…”
Nash smiled. “We have the shipment along with the thirty-five thousand in cash. Oz found that to be an even trade.”
Garner’s face paled. “That’s Polinski’s.”
“Yes, I know,” Oz said, and Garner jerked his head. “I spoke to him ahead of what would’ve been the delivery. I informed him that his product was in my possession. He was not happy, as you can imagine. However, he proved to be quite the businessman. I never understood his strict rule about not laying out the cash ahead of delivery.” Oz straightened, eyeing Garner. “It certainly worked out for him on this deal.”
“This is a fucking trifecta, Oz.”
“That isn’t my problem, nor is it Polinski’s.” He pointed at Garner. “It’s yours.”
If Garner hadn’t prepaid for the shipment, it meant he’d bartered a deal with the distributor. Garner would’ve taken his cut, but without payment, he essentially owed money, and it would come out of his pocket. It would be a hard and expensive loss.
Consequences.
Garner gripped his hips, lowered his chin, and muttered, “Fuck.”
The room was drowned in silence as the seconds ticked by.
“I’ll buy it back from you.”
The corner of Oz’s mouth curled as he started toward the door. “It’s not for sale.”
This meeting was over.
“Oz!” he blurted. “And Karl? I know you’re looking for him.”
Oz slowly turned, eyeing the man. “Same rules for him. Anything that happens in my state, I’m compensated. Where is he?”
Garner clamped his lips, and Oz arched his brow.
“I’ll handle it.”
“He was selling on the side. You know that? Dipping into Polinski’s transport for his own gain. Unless you knew about his extracurricular activities, then I’m led to believe he was taking money from you as well. You may not take issue with that.” Oz hardened his glare. “But I do.”
“Oz.” Garner growled and clenched his jaw. He was losing a bit of his control. “He’s my nephew, like a son to me and part of my crew.”
Oz scoffed, sharing a look with Nash. Desperation came in all forms. While Oz could respect Garner for wanting to spare his nephew the wrath of the Underground, it wasn’t an option.
“Do you know what I see? A man trying to help his family. In any other case, it would be considered noble.” Oz leveled him with his eyes. “However, since you’re the same man who brought him in, I don’t think that applies to you.”
Garner’s face turned red, and his jaw squared. Oz had hit a nerve. He lunged forward. Ridge and Nash immediately rushed forward. While Oz was surrounded by security, he rarely needed it. Oz could handle himself. And he did.
He reached out, grabbed Garner by the throat, and slammed him into the wall.
“Coming at me will only get you one thing.” Oz tightened his grasp on Garner’s neck. “Is that really what you want?”
Garner’s throat bobbed against Oz’s palm, and his face turned a dark shade of red as he gasped for a breath. A few minutes. That was all it would take to squeeze the life out of him. Oz dug the pads of his fingers into Garner’s flesh.
“It’s your sole responsibility to make sure those working under you have a grasp on how we do things. Your nephew? He made a mistake. Now he has to answer for it. To me. Do you understand?”
Garner scowled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he shot a harsh glare at Oz. The Underground was built strong and deadly. Garner was no different. But at some point even the strongest had to cave into defeat. This was a battle Garner couldn’t win. Oz slowly loosened his grip, but not before giving the other man a shove against the wall.
“You deliver him, or we find him,” Oz said, hearing the soft gasping of breath. “But your nephew will answer to me.”
Oz dropped his hand to his side and turned, lifted his chin to Ridge, who opened the door. He stalked to the end of the hallway, just a few feet from the dining room where Elodie was waiting.
Oz glanced back at Nash. “Find his nephew.”
It was a direct order, and one he knew Nash would make a priority. Oz had no doubt Garner would play a pivotal role in hiding him.
Oz returned to the table, and when he was a foot away, Elodie glanced up, smiling.
“Is everything okay?”
Oz sat down. “Yes.”
The encounter with Garner changed the mood for the whole evening. Oz didn’t have many expectations for the night, but it didn’t go as he’d planned. It seemed with Garner’s interruption came her silence. Just another reason why when they found Karl, he’d make him suffer more.
The food came out shortly after. He noticed her peek up from her plate a few times, but conversation was minimal. Her energy had shifted since he’d come back to the table. She mentioned the food being some of the best she’d ever had and made small talk about the décor of the private room. It was all surface level chatter. For his part, Oz didn’t add much. He was still harboring anger over Garner’s intrusion.
When the check arrived, it was placed in front of him, and he watched as she stretched her arm to grab it. Oz was quicker, wrapping his hand over her wrist. The second he touched her skin, a fire raced through his veins. It was no secret to him he wanted to fuck her. He’d made it known the first night he’d laid eyes on her. Elodie in his bed had been a given, merely put on hold until he found out her identity. He may not have acted on it, but it hadn’t changed his desire. He wanted her.
Her lips parted when he slid his thumb over her racing pulse. The chemistry between them was undeniable.
“My treat, remember?”
He dug the pads of his fingers into her skin. Not hard enough to hurt her but strong enough to make his message clear. “Let it go.”
“But…”
“Elodie.” He growled.
The corner of her mouth spiked, and her gaze heated. In a restaurant full of people, it was not the look she should be giving him.
She released the padded bill folder and pulled at her arm slightly. Oz tightened his hold, and her smile turned sultry with her bottom lip pouting as she grazed her teeth over it.
Fuck!
Oz released her wrist, and she drew her hand back only to rest her elbows on the table and lean forward. The move gave him a direct view of the tops of her breasts. It was a well-orchestrated move that he didn’t ignore.
“If I had known you were paying, I would’ve gotten the New York strip steak.” She grinned.
It would be easy to give in to someone like Elodie. Beautiful, charming, and easy-going. Oz had spent his time with women who tried to impress him. They wanted an in with him and his life. He guarded himself like a fortress. No one had ever penetrated his walls.
Until Elodie.