Chapter Eight
It’s over. Elodie ignored the disappointment seeing her street sign coming up in the distance.
None of the night had gone how she’d expected. It had taken a drastic turn when their date was interrupted. It wasn’t her place to ask questions, but Oz’s demeanor had changed with the arrival of Ted Garner. After that, it hadn’t fully recovered.
When Oz pulled into the back parking lot of her store, she assumed the night was coming to a close. But I’m not ready. Maybe she was reading into it or driven by lust, but there was some type of connection. She just hadn’t breached anything deeper. With any other man, she’d brush it off and never think twice about it, but Oz was different. He had a mystique she couldn’t quite shake, nor did she want to.
He parked in the open spot in front of her back door, and she noticed he didn’t shut down the engine. That was never a good sign. For the last year or so, she’d been a serial dater. Never once had she been nervous. If it didn’t work out, so be it. Elodie wasn’t looking for the love of her life. But there was something about Oz. He carried himself with so much confidence. His persona was strong, intense, and she always got the impression he was trying to figure out what she was thinking. At the moment, she’d give anything to know what he was thinking.
Elodie glanced over. His eyes were trained on the second floor of her building. There was a soft glow from the lamp in her bedroom.
“That’s my apartment” —she drew in a breath and muttered— “for now.”
“You’re moving?”
“Most likely. The landlord doubled the rent.” Elodie scoffed, looking up at her window. “Who does that?”
Elodie had put that worry to the back of her mind, but now it was on the forefront.
“Someone who wants to make the most money off their investment. You’re in a central location downtown. It’s prime realty.”
Business 101, she assumed.
She snorted. “And this is why your club is very successful, and my store is on the verge of closing.”
Elodie flattened her lips and immediately regretted her words. I’m supposed to share impressive accolades on a first date, not all my baggage. This was a fitting end to a rollercoaster ride of a night. Accept defeat, Elle. It’s over.
“Thank you for dinner.” She grabbed the handle of the door. “And the company.”
Oz slowly reached for his keys and turned off the car. “I’ll walk you in.”
The area was fairly safe, but she appreciated the gentlemanly gesture. She turned toward the door in an effort to conceal her smile and got out. As she rounded the front of his car, she noticed two black SUVs idling in the far corner of the lot. They were the same ones from the restaurant. His security.
She stopped at her door and dug in her pocketbook for her keys. “Do you always have security tailing you?”
Oz didn’t look back at the vehicles. Obviously, he knew they were there.
“Yes.”
Elodie hummed, glancing over at the SUVs once more. “Why is that?”
“I’m important.”
Her eyes quickly shifted to Oz. He showed no signs of humor. He was serious, which made his response all the more amusing.
She snickered, shaking her head. “And humble, I see.”
Elodie unlocked the back door and reached for the handle, bumping into Oz, who was inches away. She hadn’t realized he’d moved closer. His hand spread over her lower back, and she tightened her lips. It was far from an intimate touch, but she felt her blood heat and her heart pound. She turned slightly, watching him reach for the door and open it. Elodie was independent and self-sufficient, but she appreciated a show of old world charm. Oz was giving it tenfold.
His next move was unexpected but welcome. Oz walked in behind her and locked the deadbolt. When he stepped closer, she had no choice but to press her back against the wall. Her belly swirled, and she drew in a breath trying to level her racing heart. There were only a few inches separating them.
“Invite me upstairs.”
Elodie knitted her brows, second-guessing what she’d heard.
“Excuse me?”
His gaze darkened. “Invite me upstairs.”
His command was beyond sexy. He wasn’t asking for permission. How had that shitshow of a date turned into him coming to her apartment? Don’t question it, just invite him up. There was one gleaming fact that was stopping her.
“If this was a date?” Her heart pounded, and she licked her lips. “I would.”
His eyes scanned her face, and his jaw squared. He had to know she wanted this as much as it appeared he did. But she wasn’t going to take him to her bed on a debt of sorts. He closed the small gap between them, cupping her jaw. His thumb caressed over her lips, and the soft touch shot straight to her core.
“Was this a date, Oz?” she whispered.
Elodie was waiting for some falter to show on his steeled features. Not even a crack. He was so close the scent of his cologne tickled her nose. Oz lifted his chin to the staircase. And she folded.
Verbal affirmation is overrated.
*
Elodie’s heart was threatening to beat out of her chest. She had no explanation for her nervousness other than an insane attraction to this man. Lust had a way of playing tricks on the mind. Her hand shook, but she managed to get the door open and stepped inside. Elodie hadn’t had plans to invite him up, and her apartment reflected that.
Living on her own in the small one bedroom apartment didn’t leave her with too many entertaining options. With her mother’s things taking up a good portion of her living room, it shrunk the already small space significantly. For that reason alone, she could count on one hand the number of guests she’d had over. Also, Elodie had a strict rule of not allowing dates into her personal space.
And look at me now…
She slipped off her coat, dropped it on the bench near the door, and turned. Elodie wasn’t sure what she expected. A slow burn or pleasant conversation? She got neither. Oz descended on her, forcing her back to the wall. His hands gripped her waist in a tight hold, and his mouth came over hers. The second their lips touched, she felt a warmth spread over her skin, which contradicted the tremble racing through her veins. She gasped a breath, and his tongue slipped past her lips. Warm, wet, and strong. Masculine. Elodie grasped his arms, sliding her hands over his biceps. Even through his suit jacket she could feel his defined muscles. I knew it.
His fingers dug into her hips, and his chest rumbled against her breasts in an undeniable growl. Her nipples beaded, and she thrust herself closer, driving her arms over his shoulders.
In their limited encounters, he seemed so controlled, but in this moment it was as if he was ruled by pure lust. Or maybe that was just how she was feeling. Elodie dropped her hands down his chest, wrapping her arms around his back, and pulling him closer. She couldn’t remember wanting a man this much. She pawed at his back and Oz tightened his grip, crushing her against his chest. There were too many clothes separating them. She slipped her hand into the waist of his pants, tugging at his shirt. While she was impressed by and appreciated his tailored suits, she wanted it off. Now!
Oz drove his hand up to her neck, skimming her breast in the process. The small tease sent a fiery heat to her core, and she deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue over his and earning her a graveled grunt. He hooked his arm around her waist, hoisting her up, and her immediate reaction was to wrap her legs around his waist. She felt him turn and then sudden movement. She thought about giving him directions to her room, but that would’ve meant talking. There was no way she was interrupting their kiss. She slid her hands over his shoulders, sliding her tongue against his, emitting a soft moan. His hands slipped under her dress, and his fingers dug into her ass. Thong for the win.
Where was he taking her? Her bed? Her couch? The kitchen counter? Yes, yes, and yes!
She pried her eyes open just enough to see a painting on the wall and smiled against his lips. He could’ve taken her anywhere, but they’d be most comfortable in her bed. His exact destination.
Her back hit the mattress, and his hand splayed over her breast down to her waist. She hadn’t realized it when she was choosing an outfit, but her wrap dress proved to be the perfect choice for the night. Oz grabbed the tie and pulled, undoing her dress in one move. It fell open and exposed her. Silvery lace bra and matching panties. It was a new addition to their intimates collection at the boutique. His eyes heated as his gaze dropped over her breasts. She’d make a mental note to order more stock. He obviously approved. With his eyes locked on her body, he ripped off his jacket, carelessly tossing it on the chair in the corner of the room. He yanked at his tie, loosened it, and pulled it off, dropping it beside her on the bed.
He moved closer and she inched up to her pillow as his body covered hers, and he kissed her. His soft lips were a contrast to his beard prickling her mouth. She’d probably end the night with reddened, tender skin.
Elodie was only half coherent with his mouth moving over hers and his hand sliding over her stomach and between her legs. She gasped and arched her back, wanting more. And Oz delivered. He slipped his hand inside her panties and strummed the pad of his finger over her clit. The sensation was almost too much.
“Oz…” She moaned against his lips.
He tore his mouth from hers, caressing his lips over her throat. Elodie closed her eyes, slowly swiveling her hips in motion with his hand. She could feel her orgasm building at rapid speed. She’d never come this quick with anyone. Except me and my trusty vibrator.
Oz clearly needed no assistance. She blindly reached for him, grabbing his shoulder and following the collar of his shirt to the top button. He was wearing too many clothes. Naked. That was her only goal. When Oz pulled away, she fluttered her eyes open. He was hovering over her with his hard gaze staring back at her. For a man as stone cold as he’d come across, she’d never had a man look at her with such desire and need. Her breath labored and she couldn’t figure out if she was about to climax from his hand or his eyes. Her heart rate spiked, blood rushed through her veins, and before she could stop herself, she reached out, grabbed his shirt, and tugged at the material.
Elodie got as far as one button.
Oz gripped her wrists in one hand, forcing her back to the bed and her arms over her head. She blinked and looked up. He’d taken his tie and was binding her hands to her headboard. This may have been a cause for concern with some men. Not Oz. When he had her locked in place, he grabbed the waist of her panties, slowly sliding them down her legs. He slid his knuckles over her inner thigh and up her entire body, pausing at her breast. With a single hand, he unclasped her bra. The cupped material fell to her sides, exposing her hardened nipples. The corner of his mouth curled, and he lightly teased the sharp beads. This man was the king of foreplay.
“Oz.” Her whisper was barely audible through her heavy breath.
He balled his fists, pressing them into the bed on either side of her head and leaned closer. Elodie tugged at her restraints, but she was bound tight. His breath fanned over her face.
“What do I like?”
What? Elodie was confused. What did he like? Hopefully me. She shook her head, and her jaw dropped. Oz leaned closer, sliding his tongue over her bottom lip and sending a tremble through her body. When his teeth bit down, she gasped.
“What do I like, Elodie?” His virile tone was clouding her mind as to what he’d asked.
“Oz, I don’t…”
“Not Oz ,” he ground out on a growl.
It finally clicked, and she knew exactly what he liked .
She licked her lip, feeling the heat rise from her chest to her face. “Sir.”
His gaze softened, and the corner of his mouth spiked. “Good girl.”
Holy. Fuck!
Oz pushed up from the bed, standing beside it. She watched as he unbuttoned his shirt and dropped it to the floor, all the while keeping his gaze locked on her. Elodie had quickly become distracted as he undressed. She expected an amazing body, but she wasn’t quite prepared for perfection. His arms were defined, along with roped muscles lining his abs. There was a small dusting of salt and pepper hair on his chest. Beyond sexy. Her gaze was focused on the waist of his pants. He ripped open the snap, lowered the zipper, and his pants fell to the ground. It left him completely naked.
Oh dear God. This man was bigger than most and obviously ready.
He shucked off his pants and kneeled on the bed. Her heart pumped as she tugged at her hands. She’d momentarily forgotten she was bound to her bed. But when she remembered, the bubbling excitement hit her straight to her core. Oz came over her, and she felt his cock slip between her legs. She lifted her hips, but it was clear he was the one in complete control. His hand spread over her neck, and he leaned closer, barely an inch away.
“This is a date.” His voice rumbled, and his mouth covered hers in sync with his cock sliding inside of her. It was as if it was an orchestrated move.
She moaned against his lips and slipped her tongue inside his mouth, tasting him and inhaling his warm breath. He settled between her legs, forcing her to spread her legs wide. Oz deepened his strokes, and she dug her heels into the mattress. She felt him everywhere.
She broke away from their kiss, sliding her lips over his neck and dropping her face into the crook of his shoulder. She sucked in a breath, fighting against her rising orgasm. For the first time in her life, it was coming too soon. She wasn’t ready for it to be over. As if he could read her thoughts, he slowed his pace to a mid-blowing sensual fuck. Elodie brushed her lips across his shoulder, inhaling his cologne. His scent served as an aphrodisiac.
His hand caressed over her shoulder to the back of her neck, and he gripped her hair. She had no choice but to arch her neck. His mouth came over her throat, his tongue lapping over her as if she was drenched in honey. So fucking hot!
While Elodie wanted nothing more than him fucking her for hours, she was beyond the point of control. Her want had become a desperate need for release. She moaned, gasped for breath, and swiveled her hips. He thrust deep inside her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
“I’m so close.”
“You don’t come until I tell you.”
What? She shook her head but found herself fighting against her body’s natural response. Don’t come until he tells me. Never in her life had she been commanded to do anything in the bedroom. That fact made it all the more strange wanting to obey him. This would definitely be a secret locked behind her bedroom door, but she was getting more aroused and her desire heightened. I want to touch you. She shifted forward and fought against her bindings until his hand wrapped over her throat, forcing her head into the pillow. Oz licked her lips softly, and she tightened her thighs.
He drove inside of her, and she angled her neck, clenching her jaw.
“Oz,” she muttered. Even to her own ears she heard her desperate plea. Begging.
“Elodie,” his stern tone was a warning and sent a ripple of heat through her body.
“Please, sir.”
The rumbling from his chest vibrated against her breasts.
“That’s my girl.” His breath fanned over her ear. “Come.”
And she did.
****
Oz stared up at the ceiling. The stark white paint was chipping, and the trim meeting at the wall had been haphazardly painted. It was cheap. He hadn’t had much time to inspect her space once they’d gotten inside, but now he was getting a thorough view. Elodie had an array of mismatched furniture in her bedroom and clothes hanging off the chair in the corner. It was far from orderly and the opposite of how his room looked. It was a mere snapshot but showed how polar opposite they were in life.
He waited for her to fall asleep. He’d been eyeing the alarm clock for the last forty minutes. He wasn’t sure if it had been his presence or if she was just a light sleeper. But every time he moved, she curled into him, draping her arm over his stomach and nestling her face against his chest. This was new territory for him. He wasn’t accustomed to sharing a bed with a woman, let alone cuddling. It was outside his wheelhouse, yet he found himself giving in to the intimacy and strumming his hand over her back and ass. Had she been any other woman he’d have gotten dressed and left immediately.
Her body was a work of art. Smooth, flawless skin. Long, toned legs and curves in all the right places. But nothing was more perfect and beautiful than her face. Oz glanced down, caressing his finger over her cheeks and the small patch of freckles on her nose. Rarely did he spare any time for details on a woman’s appearance, but he’d spent the last thirty minutes staring at her while she slept. He drew his thumb over her lips.
You’re not meant for my world. The thought had Oz dropping his hand to his chest over his heart. Stone-cold, black heart. It was how he was built, how he’d survived, and what made him the man everyone feared. Being king didn’t come without sacrifices. Getting close to anyone was a risk. Oz had never taken chances with it. He had Rogue and Trey. A few years later he built a strong bond with Sal, and eventually Nash. Oz had always made a point to keep people at arm’s length and trust no one until they proved themselves. Even then he was cautious. In his position, he couldn’t risk a betrayal.
Elodie turned her head, and her lips parted with a soft snore.
Oz should’ve been out of there hours ago. If he was being honest with himself, coming up to her apartment had been his biggest mistake. He had no business getting involved with any woman, especially this one.
When his phone pinged for the fourth time, he knew he couldn’t ignore his duties any longer. Oz slid out from under her, got dressed, and locked up her apartment. He walked down the stairs, unlocked the main door, and walked out, but halted when he realized a concerning risk. The main entry could only be bolted from the inside or with a key.
“Sir,” Nash said, walking toward him.
Oz pointed to the door. “I want security watching the door until she leaves.”
Nash nodded. “We’ll leave a group behind, and I’ll relay the instructions.”
Oz started through the empty lot.
“There’s been a new development with Garner. Actually, with his nephew Karl. I took it upon myself to contact Rogue and Trey when I couldn’t” —Nash cleared his throat, shifting his gaze— “reach you.”
Oz had always made himself accessible to certain people, Nash being one of them. Calls were never ignored. Until now.
“Where?”
“Safe house in Hinton.” Nash lowered his voice. “Killcreek is meeting us there. Ace called a few hours ago. It’s not good, Oz.”
Fuck!
Oz gave a subtle nod and handed his car keys to a member of security. “Drop it off at my house.”
“Yes, sir.”
Oz walked over to the open door of the SUV. As he got inside, he glanced up to the second-floor window. He hadn’t left a note or his number. There were a million reasons to walk away and not look back. Oz dragged his hand over his beard, eyeing the soft glow from her bedroom knowing he’d be seeing her again.
He closed the door.
“Let’s go.”
The ride took longer than expected. Construction delayed their arrival by about thirty minutes. This wasn’t like Oz. He was notorious for showing up early. It was safer to be the first on the scene, therefore hit with fewer surprises. As the SUV pulled up, he noticed security lining the perimeter. Not mine. He sighed as the vehicle came to a stop. Oz usually didn’t answer to anyone, except occasionally Sal. Tonight would be different. He got out and watched his brother approach, followed by Trey.
In true Rogue fashion, he made his thoughts clear.
“Where the fuck have you been?”
There was so much irony in his question. Oz couldn’t count the number of times he’d had to wait on his brother. Hundreds would’ve been a fair estimate. He rolled his shoulders, shifting his gaze between Rogue and Trey.
Oz arched his brow. “Are you your brother’s keeper now, Rogue?”
“I am when we’ve been waiting for over three fucking hours. I think that warrants an excuse.”
“I’m sure you do.” Oz started walking inside, ignoring Rogue and gave a sharp nod to Trey before making eye contact with Nash. He gestured for him to follow.
They’d driven in separate SUVs, and he hadn’t been debriefed on the situation. Oz never spoke business over the phone. It was too risky. Nash stepped up next to him.
“The least you could do is tell us why you called in Killcreek,” Rogue snapped.
Oz slowly turned. “They called us with information.”
Rogue furrowed his brows and shared a look with Trey. Oz would give them full disclosure after his meeting, but he was going in alone. Rogue and the Killcreek Drifters sharing space never ended well.
Oz walked through the door, glancing over the empty room. “Where are they?”
Nash gestured to the hallway. “Ace, Cross, and Wraith are in the back.”
Oz made his way down the narrow corridor and walked into the office. Ace was in the corner of the room flanked by his VP and Enforcer. The president took no time explaining the situation.
“Got a call about six hours ago from a friend. He’s on the force outside of Killcreek. Gotta hand that kid credit, he was smart. Didn’t go local. Karl’s looking for some type of deal of immunity in exchange for information on the Underground.” Ace grasped the back of his neck. “Sang like a fucking canary, according to my guy.”
This wasn’t the first time they’d dealt with a similar situation. Betrayal was common among criminals. It was par for the course. However, the Underground had a reputation of showing no mercy when it came to going to the authorities. It was enough to scare most people. But not all.
Oz clenched his jaw. “Is it contained?”
Ace gave a sharp nod. “Yeah. The minute Karl mentioned the Underground, my buddy took him into interrogation personally. Most of the force isn’t familiar, so it was an easy transition that didn’t send up any red flags. Small time policing, you know.”
Oz gave a curt nod.
“But they got recordings, Oz. He can make that go away, but it’s gonna cost you. He said Karl implicated himself in enough shit to get minimum twenty years.”
“Did he mention us by name?” Oz asked.
“No. But he talked about Garner. That’s an easy link to you. And the motherfucker named the MC.”
This had to be handled immediately.
“Did your friend give you a number?”
“I can get it. Gonna have to give me a couple days.” Ace folded his arms, lifting his chin. “Gotta look out for our own asses. I’m sure you understand. Gonna lay low.” Ace arched his brow. “Suggest you do the same.”
Collectively, they were all part of the Underground but with separate entities. Oz didn’t fault Ace for taking care of his own first. He’d sacrifice everyone else for the sake of his family.
“Call him now.”
Ace blew out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. “Brother, we might need more time.”
“No.” Oz paused. “Do it now, Ace.”
Ace cupped his mouth, sharing a look with his VP. “Alright.”
“Your guy have contact information on Karl? A number or location?”
Ace shook his head. “No. Karl said he’d be in touch tomorrow. The kid is playing it smart, Oz.”
Yes, he is.
With the recordings being available, it was imperative for safety measures that they handled it immediately. Oz walked back out through the house, meeting with Rogue and Trey on the porch.
“What the fuck happened?” Rogue snapped.
“Garner’s nephew flipped. Gave a statement. Named Garner, Killcreek, and the Underground. It looks like he’s gonna try to parlay our identities for immunity.”
“Why the fuck would he do that?” Rogue growled and put his hands on his hips.
“I may have that answer,” Trey said. He ran his hand over his head, and for the first time in a long time, Oz noticed a small semblance of fear. Trey was a master at hiding it, but Oz knew him better than most.
No one wanted to get caught. But some had more to lose than others. Oz knew Trey’s first thought went to Dahlia. Both of his brothers had a lot at stake, and Oz would see to it they didn’t lose anything. But they had to be careful to protect not only everyone associated with them but the Underground itself. They’d all worked too hard, sacrificed too much, to go down.
Oz turned to Trey and folded his arms, lifting his chin.
“Spoke to Ace when we first arrived. He mentioned the possibility of a debt. There has to be a reason Karl went behind Garner’s back to make the sales. And that product was from Polinski’s load. Garner would have to cover that when it came up short.” Trey cocked his brow. “That’s a calculated move and risky. Karl had to know he’d never get away with it.”
“So what’s your fucking theory? Drugs?” Rogue asked.
“Gambling.” Trey said.
Oz jerked his head, sharing a look with Rogue.
“Made some calls to a few associates. Not many were familiar with Karl outside of working for Garner. But one mentioned seeing him a lot at the poker houses. At least two times a week. So I made a call to Dante.”
“And?” Rogue snapped.
Trey glanced over at Oz. “Karl is into Dante for over thirty grand. And hasn’t been seen in over a week, which Dante said was rare. He’s got his own men looking for Karl, but they haven’t found him.”
But I will. At least they knew the motivation behind his betrayal. It wouldn’t save Karl, but it provided information they’d need to not only locate him but weigh his mindset.
“Fuck!” Rogue growled. “Where do we fucking start with this shit?”
“First and foremost, we need to get the recording from Ace’s guy. He’s reaching out now. We do that immediately. Trey, call Dante back and find out if he’s gotten in touch with Garner about Karl’s debt.” Oz said.
“He said he hadn’t yet. Dante wanted to keep it internal.”
Oz nodded. “Then you tell him to keep his guys looking, but he doesn’t breathe a word to Garner until I say. He was adamant about wanting to handle Karl himself. He’ll hide him if he knows.”
Rogue scoffed. “Not if we tell him his fucking nephew gave him up.”
It would be leverage.
“We’re keeping that information to ourselves. For now.” Oz pulled out his phone and stalked into the house. There was one call he’d make out of courtesy. Oz wasn’t looking for guidance because he knew what had to be done. But it was imperative to keep him in the loop. Despite the time, Oz wasn’t surprised when he answered on the second ring.
“Oz.” His voice was groggy but alert.
“Sal, we got a problem.”