Chapter Ten
“I know you’ve been out of the game for a while, but” —Elodie cleared her throat, eyeing the man at the end of the bar. He’d been watching her since she sat down thirty minutes ago. She pressed the phone against her ear, and shifted her gaze to the wall of liquor, sighing— “three days is a lot, right?”
Sitting at a bar on a random Monday wasn’t exactly how she’d expected to spend her night. Elodie didn’t have much of a choice. This impromptu meeting was imperative for her finances.
Margot had made arrangements with a loan consultant. With her hours at the store and it being exam week for the girls, she’d worked almost every shift. Closing the store for even an extra hour would be detrimental to her finances. He’d agreed to meet her after hours, and she’d suggested meeting at a higher end bar, insisting it would be her treat. Elodie wasn’t above schmoozing him with cocktails to ensure her loan. I need this!
Elodie tightened her grip on her phone, listening to the soft giggle of her friend.
“Maybe he’s playing hard to get,” Madalyn teased.
With all she had going on with her finances, the lawsuit, and her business, the last thing she should’ve been giving any attention to was Oz. But here I am.
Elodie rolled her eyes. “I’ve already given him everything.”
“Everything? I knew you left stuff out.”
“You know what I mean.” Elodie sighed, grabbing her glass of wine and taking a sip.
“Maybe this is karma for ghosting the eighteen-year-old.”
“Twenty. Four.” Elodie ground her teeth. “That joke is getting old, Madz.”
“Older than Dalton?”
Elodie scowled. “I’m hanging up now.”
Madalyn chuckled. “Call me tomorrow and good luck. It’s gonna work out, Elle. I just know it.”
Elodie said goodbye and tapped the screen, ending the call. She noticed the time then glanced over at the door. The man she was meeting had texted he was running a little late, but this was pushing the threshold toward rude. Thirty minutes was excessive. But she’d wait as long as she had to. He was offering her an opportunity she needed. Beggers can’t be choosers.
Her phone rang and she eyed the number suspiciously. At the suggestion of Chris, Madalyn’s husband, she’d blocked Julian’s number. It only stopped calls for a day before she started receiving several from random numbers. Elodie wasn’t taking any chances. She hit ignore, turned off her phone and shoved it in her pocketbook. Elodie took a sip of her wine and another look at the entrance.
It was the perfect time to hit the ladies room before he showed up. She made her way through the main restaurant toward the back. She’d only been there twice for dinner but knew the layout. The back half of the restaurant was usually reserved for private parties. On a Monday, she was surprised to see it occupied. And even more shocked to see the couple dining at a corner table.
Elodie stopped mid-step. Her stomach dropped, her throat tightened, and her heart pounded in her chest. Of all the fucking restaurants in this goddamn city.
Oz was seated with a gorgeous younger woman in the corner of the room. It was reminiscent of her own date with him. It was quiet and intimate. The woman seemed to be doing most of the talking. Again, reminiscent. When the woman laughed, Elodie shifted her gaze to Oz and gasped. Elodie had barely gotten anything more than a shadow of a smile. But for this woman? The corners of his mouth spread, and his gaze softened. Elodie felt the heat rise from her chest and her blood race through her veins. Fuck! At forty years old, jealousy should’ve been long past her. Unfortunately, it was alive and well.
She must’ve been staring too long because Oz’s gaze shifted to her. She swallowed the knot in her throat, straightened her shoulders, and turned toward the bathrooms in the back hall. She was careful not to rush her steps. Elodie wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her unhinged.
She took longer than needed in the bathroom, stalling. She’d have to walk through the room again to get to the bar. It was inevitable. She braced her arms on the counter and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
“You got this!” She straightened. “And fuck him.”
She inhaled a deep breath and grabbed the doorknob. She would just walk through the room with her chin up and head held high. The likelihood he’d even say anything was small. He was obviously on a date with another woman. Why would he openly want to engage with a one-night stand? That fucking phrase.
Elodie opened the door and walked down the hall. It was the first time she’d noticed Oz’s security. None of them acknowledged her as she entered the room. She kept her eyes straight forward. She was only twenty feet from the main dining room and bar. In the home stretch.
Out of nowhere, Nash stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“Hello, Elle.”
Fuck!
She forced a smile. Too forced. It was as if the muscles in her face were at war. She rolled her shoulders to relieve the tension. It was fruitless. The only remedy for calming down would be to get far away from Oz and his associates.
“Hi, Nash.” She attempted to pass by him but Nash matched her steps.
“I thought it was you sitting at the bar.”
Elodie raised her brows. “It was. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back there. I have a drink waiting.”
Nash nodded but made no effort to step aside. “I’m sure Oz would like to say hello.”
That caught her off guard. She knitted her brows. “Excuse me?”
“If you have a minute.” Nash waved his hand to the opposite side of the room. Elodie didn’t look over at Oz’s table, but a chill ran down her spine. She knew he was looking at her.
“I actually, don’t. My date…” Elodie paused and blinked. Why did she say date? This was a business meeting.
“He hasn’t arrived yet,” Nash said, and motioned to Oz’s table. “Oz insists.”
Who the hell was Oz to insist on anything? We fucked once! Obviously he hadn’t been that interested if he hadn’t called her in three days. It was preposterous of him to think he could demand anything from her. Elodie was prepared to tell Nash no, but she hesitated.
“Does Oz always get what he wants?”
“I think you know the answer to that.” Nash’s lips twitched, and he stepped aside, clearing a path to Oz’s table. “Shall we…”
Oh yeah, we fucking shall.
Elodie squared her shoulders, walking across the room to the table. Oz’s gaze had been locked on her the whole time. She stopped at the edge of the table, smiling.
“Oz.”
His gaze traveled over her body, sending an undeniable heat through her veins. It was not the reaction she was hoping to have with him sitting across the table from another woman. When his eyes met hers, they darkened slightly.
“Elodie.” He lowered his chin then gestured to the woman. “This is Camille.”
It felt like a game of chess, and Oz was currently winning. Elodie smiled at the pretty young woman. She couldn’t have been more than thirty. Beautiful bone structure, striking eyes, and stunning smile. Goddammit! Elodie leaned forward offering her hand, which the woman immediately shook.
“It’s nice to meet you, Camille.”
“You too, Elodie.”
Elodie cleared her throat, dropping her hand to her side. “It’s actually just Elle.”
It was a subliminal challenge in a sense.
Camille smirked, glancing over at Oz. “He’s the only one who uses my formal name too. I’m Cam to everyone else.”
Elodie wasn’t sure how Camille thought the comment would land, but it only infuriated her more. She didn’t want anything in common with his newest and much younger conquest. Elodie ground her teeth and drew in a breath.
“I should let you get back to your dinner.” Elodie forced a smile. “I have to get back to the bar. I’m meeting someone. A man.”
The second those two words came out of her mouth, she cringed. How desperate and petty did she sound, throwing that out in an effort to make him jealous. Oh, the irony! Jealous of what? He was sitting with a gorgeous, younger woman.
“I believe he just arrived and is waiting for you at the bar,” Nash said.
Thank God. If luck was on her side, he’d be handsome, well-dressed, and younger. It was immature and childish, but she wasn’t above going tit for tat with Oz.
“It was nice meeting you, Elle.” Camille smiled.
“You too, Cam.” Elodie glanced over at Oz. His gaze was hard. “It was nice seeing you again, Oz. Enjoy your night.” She cocked her brow.
He dipped his chin, and his voice held a rumbling warning. “Elodie.”
She spun around and made a beeline for the bar. As she moved through the empty room, she noticed two other men standing near the wall. How much security did one club owner need? Oh, I forgot, Oz is important. Elodie rolled her eyes and flattened her lips. Arrogant asshole.
When she entered the dining area, she searched the bar. A few more people had come in while she was away, and half the seating was now occupied.
“He came in asking for you.”
Elodie flinched, not realizing Nash had followed her.
“I had one of my men seat him at the end of the bar. Enjoy your date , Elle.” There was no mistaking the taunting in Nash’s tone.
Apparently assholes flock together.
Her gaze travelled over the bar to the far end. He was not handsome, not well-dressed, and probably had twenty years on her.
Fuck me and my crappy luck.
Elodie didn’t bother responding to Nash’s comment, and she walked across the room. Hopefully, they could wrap this up quickly with positive news on a loan, and she could get out of there before Oz finished his meal.
****
Oz watched her walk away and lifted his chin for Nash to follow. It was an unspoken demand that from here on out, Nash’s job was to watch her for the night.
“Friend of yours?”
Oz shifted his gaze to Camille, who was staring at him with a small smile playing on her lips. He wouldn’t answer, but it didn’t stop her from prying a little deeper.
“She didn’t strike me as a member of the Underground. It seemed she wasn’t very happy with you, and it came off a little personal.”
Oz grabbed his glass, slowly sipping his whiskey. Camille might be out of the loop with most things in the Underground, but she still knew Oz very well.
“I didn’t invite you to dinner to talk about me.”
Camille chuckled, grabbing her glass and raising her brows. “This was an invitation? It sounded more like a demand.”
“And still you showed up.”
Camille lost her smile. “I’ll always show up, Oz.”
And she would. Camille would forever be indebted to him, Rogue, and Trey. There were rules in the Underground. They were cultivated years ago, and everyone entering the realm knew them. Once someone took an oath to the Underground, it was a lifetime commitment. There was only one way out.
Camille had been the exception to the rule. The only one. It was unspoken and never questioned. She’d earned it.
“You don’t owe us anything, Camille.”
The corner of her mouth hitched as she stared down at the table. “It’s so crazy how two people can look at a situation or event. It’s the same scenario, but they see it totally different.” She glanced up, her face pale. “Crazy, right?”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
She snorted and dropped her chin to her chest. “In an hour, I’m going home to my husband. A real home and a man better than most who reminds everyday he loves me. And he’s with our son. The best thing I’ll ever do in my life is that little boy. Years ago, I hadn’t even considered the possibility. Then I met Tracer and wanted it all. And I got it.” She shifted in her seat and glanced up, glassy eyed. “You let me have it. So yeah, I do owe you, Oz.”
They finished their meal, and he merely listened to Camille speak. These check-ins were mandatory as an agreement when he let her go from the Underground. While he’d never admit it to anyone, including Camille, this was personal.
“Well, thanks for dinner and” —she smiled— “everything.”
There wouldn’t be a hug, a kiss on the cheek, or any parting words other than “Caine will see you to your car.”
Camille nodded and walked over to his security. He noticed her smile brighten, and both Ridge and Cyrus stepped closer to Caine. There was a small break in their steeled features. Except Caine.
Nash walked to the edge of the table then slid into the chair. “I took care of the check.” He clasped his hands looking toward the back exit. Camille was following Caine out. “She looks good. Happy.”
She was. Camille wound up getting the life she’d deserved.
“Elodie,” Oz said, and Nash looked over at him.
“Still here.”
“And her date ?”
“Loan officer.” Nash smirked. “He’s at the bar with her, and they’re still discussing her options. From what I gather, she doesn’t have many.”
Oz resisted the urge to smile. He didn’t miss the small dig alluding to her date.
Oz stood and straightened his jacket. From his view, he could see her. She kept a respectable distance between herself and the man. Good girl.
“I’m going to have a drink at the bar.”
Nash stilled and slowly angled his head toward Oz. He never sat at the bar, even when he came in just for drinks. It left him too exposed. Tonight, he’d make an exception. He walked across the room and into the main dining area. There were only a few tables occupied and fewer people at the bar. Aside from a man at the opposite end and Elodie and the loan officer, it was empty.
He took a seat two chairs away from Elodie. She was sitting with her back slightly turned toward him. It was the perfect position for him to overhear the conversation without her knowing he was there.
“I wish there was more I could do for you,” the man said.
“I appreciate you taking the time to try.”
He waved his hand for the bartender’s attention. “Can I get the check?”
Elodie reached for her pocketbook. “I’ll get it. It’s the least I can do.”
He shook his head. “I insist. Besides this is a write off.”
Oz watched her grab her glass and take a sip. The man got up from the stool, grabbed two folders from the bar, and turned toward her.
“Can I walk you out?”
No.
The man was no threat to Oz. However, he didn’t like the idea of her being alone with any man other than him. He took no issue with showing his territorial and possessive nature, if necessary.
“Thank you, but I’m fine.” She shook his hand and watched him leave. She still hadn’t realized Oz was seated two stools away. Elodie swiveled in her seat, staring down at her glass of wine. He recognized the look of defeat. Her shoulders sagged, and she seemingly deflated. Elodie turned toward him, grabbing her pocketbook hanging from the back of the stool. As soon as her eyes met his, she squinted. Oz resisted the urge to smile. He was well aware of how she mistook his dinner with Camille. And she didn’t like it.
“Elodie.”
“Oz,” she whispered and placed her pocketbook on the bar. She grabbed her wine, finishing it off.
Oz lifted his hand, and the bartender immediately rushed over. “The usual, sir?”
“Yes.” He looked over at her and gestured with his chin.
She held up her hand and smiled at the bartender. “Nothing for me. I’m leaving.”
The fuck you are.
“Elodie.” He growled, and arched his brow. “Order a drink.”
It was a command. A demand. When Oz spoke, people listened. This would be no different.
Her back stiffened, and her jaw tightened, clearly annoyed by his order. Though she recovered quickly in an interesting manner.
She clasped her hands, rested her arms on the bar, and a small smile emerged. “Okay.” She turned to the bartender. “What is your most expensive whiskey?”
“That would be Pappy Van Winkle.”
“Great.” She settled back in her stool and turned to Oz. “I’ll have a double.”
Well played, Elodie.
The bartender shifted his gaze as if waiting for permission. Oz lowered his chin. He waited until the man walked away and turned to Elodie. Her legs were crossed, her foot was bobbing incessantly.
“Did you enjoy your date?”
“Did you enjoy yours?” There was a bite in her tone. She must’ve realized it because her face flushed. She looked over her shoulder, scanning the dining room.
“It wasn’t a date. Camille is a former employee.”
“Well, she seemed lovely.”
Oz nodded, intently watching her. “I’m sure her husband would agree.”
Elodie knitted her brows. “She’s married?”
“Yes.”
The bartender placed their order in front of them and walked away. Oz grabbed his drink, taking a sip. He watched Elodie stare down at her glass but make no move to take it.
“And your date ?” he asked.
Elodie scoffed, shaking her head and peering across the restaurant. The small lines between her brows became prominent. Stress was easy to read. She drew her hand to her mouth, lightly caressing her lips. Her mind was no longer with him.
Oz was aware of her financial state, and from what he’d overheard, she’d been dealt yet another blow. It was weighing heavy on her.
“I have to go,” she whispered.
Elodie stood, grabbed her pocketbook, and hooked it over her shoulder. She refused to make eye contact. Oz could’ve let her walk out. As she passed, he grabbed her wrist, and she immediately halted, glancing down. He slid his thumb over her pulse, which was pumping at rapid speed.
“Sit down, Elodie.”
“No.” She cleared her throat.
He tightened his grip. “Elodie.”
“I can’t do this right now. I’ve just spent the last hour confirming what I already knew. I’m screwed. I just exhausted my last option, and I have nowhere to go from here. This was my Hail Mary, Oz. So, I don’t have the energy for this back and forth with you, going head-to-head. And quite frankly, I’m not a fan of yours right now, so I have no interest.”
Oz steeled his features, fighting against his smile. It was a feat after her last comment.
“Why is that?”
She snorted, stepping closer. “You don’t think I’ll say it.”
Oz wasn’t sure what she would say. Elodie fired up was a side he’d only seen once, and it hadn’t been directed at him. She’d been rather loud at his club in the altercation with Julian. Oz wouldn’t stand for any outbursts. He’d always been discreet, careful not to bring any unwanted attention his way. It made his next statement all the more out of character for him.
“If you have something to say” —he paused— “say it.”
She lifted her chin. “You don’t think I will?”
Oz arched his brow, essentially challenging her.
Elodie laughed. “You’re looking at a woman who has nothing to lose. I barely have anything left. I was holding onto my dignity, but since that’s dwindling, I may as well go down in a blaze of glory without regrets.” She scanned his face, and her eyes lost a bit of spark. “I wanted you to call.”
Her admission, while honest, left her in a vulnerable state. Oz recognized that. But what she didn’t realize was his desire heightened hearing her say those five words. He’d had every intention of calling her once the issue with Karl had been contained. It seemed he’d waited too long. He stared back at her, knowing if she walked away, it would be the end.
Without thinking, Oz pulled her closer, but Elodie resisted. She tugged at her arm, and he tightened his grip. “I have to go.”
“No.”
“Oz.” Her warning did nothing to loosen his hold.
“No.”
Her eyes widened, and her demeanor shifted instantly. The silence between them was reeling with tension.
She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “In my bed, naked and spread for you, your dominance was hot. Never came so hard in my life, or with any other man, Oz.”
Oz clenched his jaw. He knew what she was doing. It was a good strategy. For all his control, even he couldn’t dismiss the visual she was describing. Envisioning her from that night sent a charge through his veins, heating his blood.
“But in a public restaurant, non-consensual” —she smirked— “it’s a felony charge.”
Touche, love. Elodie was proving to be an unexpected worthy opponent. For the first time in her presence, he let down his guard slightly and smiled.
Elodie knitted her brows and blinked. “I’m serious.”
“I know you are.”
Elodie snorted. “If I had known threatening you would get a reaction, I would’ve done that the night we met.”
Oz pulled her closer, and this time Elodie came willingly. Her hip brushed against his thigh.
“I had an issue with one of my companies. It took me out of town for a few days, and I was unavailable to almost everyone.”
She pursed her lips. His honest answer didn’t seem to be enough to convince her. It was fair, he hadn’t given her much. It was easy to tell she was weighing her options and in a silent struggle. Oz was good at reading people. She wanted to hear him out. Elodie brushed her hand over her neck, she bowed her head slightly, and her hair slipped past her shoulder. She slyly glanced down at his hand clasped over her wrist. His fingers caressed over her skin. She glanced up at him, and he knew she needed more. And Oz gave it to her.
“Give me your phone.”
She slowly glanced over and dug in her bag, pulling out her phone. Oz had several he used for different avenues of business. But there were only a handful of people who had his direct line. He was taking a risk, which wasn’t something he did often. Until now.
He tapped in his number and handed the phone back to her. “It’s my direct line. You can reach me at any time.”
Elodie smiled. “If I wasn’t opening tomorrow, I’d stay.”
Oz gestured to the bar. “You haven’t touched your drink.”
“I know.”
Oz smirked. “Ordering top shelf knowing you had no intention of drinking it?”
Her lips twitched, and she shrugged. “You insisted.”
Oz respected the move.
“What time do you close?”
“Eight.”
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow after ten.”
She raised her brows. “What makes you think I’m available?”
He darkened his gaze and growled. “Make yourself available.”
The corner of her mouth curled. She leaned closer, brushed her lips against his cheek, and whispered in his ear. “Maybe I’ll be there. Maybe I won’t.”
You’ll be there. If she wasn’t, he’d find her.
She straightened, and walked to the front door. Oz watched her through the window until she disappeared.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, flipped it open, and stilled. Peeking out from one of the sleeves was a pastel pink business card. Elodie’s. He wasn’t sure why he’d kept it. But he had.
He grabbed two large bills, tossed them on the bar, and turned, heading to the back. Nash was lined up with security. He always used the back door when he came in alone or to meet someone. As he passed the group, he stopped in front of Ridge.
“You make sure she gets home. Safely.”
“Yes, sir.”