Chapter Fourteen
Elodie took the long way to the X-Lounge. She had a million thoughts running through her mind. It was evident Oz had deposited the money into her account, hired her new lawyers, and orchestrated the whole meeting. Why would he do that? They’d only been together for a short time. Admittedly, she was falling hard, but for his part Oz continued to be guarded, giving little about himself while she opened up more. Wasn’t it too soon to step in and help her in this capacity? It’s long enough for me to profess my love. Heat immediately rose throughout her body as the embarrassment set in. Love you. Was not showing up a cowardly move? Yes. It was also not an option.
She parked in the rear lot of the club and was surprised to see Nash waiting by the entrance. She got out of her car, giving him a short wave.
“Hi Nash.”
He widened the steel door, gesturing her inside.
“Elle.” He smiled.
He escorted her up the elevator and down the long hall to Oz’s office. Nash knocked and waited a second before opening the door and stepping aside for her to pass. She walked in to find Oz behind his desk. When he glanced up, she averted her eyes. Love you. Those two words continued to replay over in her head.
“Did you get lost?” His tone was telling.
Elodie walked through the room and took a seat in the chair in front of his desk. “Traffic.”
It was a lie, and by the small smile playing on his lips, he knew it. Oz clasped his hands and rested his elbows on the desk.
“Which would you like to discuss first? The meeting?” He paused. “Or your voicemail?”
Shit! Elodie chose to ignore the elephant in the room.
“You didn’t even consult me.” She spread out her arms, widening her eyes. “I walked in there completely clueless. Didn’t even know those three lawyers were mine, and then you show up without any explanation. I’ve been at your house and in your bed consistently for the last few weeks, and you didn’t think to mention this?”
Her confrontational outburst did nothing to rock his composure.
“It slipped my mind.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Oz.”
His jaw squared. “I’m offering you a better deal.”
Elodie stood, inched closer, and pressed her palms against his desk. “You didn’t offer me anything. You forced my hand.”
He raised his brows. “Would you rather be indebted to me or him?”
Fuck!
She pushed off the desk, pacing in the small space in front of the chairs.
“Neither!”
“That’s not an option.” He paused. “It’s a loan.”
Where have I heard that before? Elodie groaned, driving her hands through her hair in pure frustration. Elodie recognized the circumstances were different with Oz versus Julian. Hell, I’m already sleeping with him. Still, she had her reservations. And even more importantly, her pride.
“I wanted to do it on my own,” she muttered, grasping her hips and looking down at the floor.
“And someday you will.”
She peeked up to find Oz staring back at her.
“Until then, you’ll take the loan. I’ll have the papers drawn up that protect you .”
He made it sound so simple. And easy. She hadn’t had that in a long time. Elodie folded her arms, biting her bottom lip and contemplating the offer. It would solve all her major problems. I won’t lose the boutique. She’d worked so hard, put all her energy, heart, and soul into her shop. How could she not accept this?
“So you just have fifty thousand dollars lying around to loan to anyone?”
His stare went right through her and his next words shot straight to her heart.
“You’re not just anyone.” His voice was deep and smooth as always but softer.
It wasn’t I love you, but it was something. Elodie felt a weight lift from her shoulders and a deep sense of contentment settle in.
The corner of her mouth curled. “No interest?”
Oz’s lips twitched, and he cocked his brow. “No interest.”
“How much does the lawyer cost? ’Cause she was good.”
“It’s covered.”
“Oz.” She sighed heavily.
“I’ll include that in the loan.”
“Fine.” She peeked up through her lashes. “I’ll take it.”
Elodie rounded his desk, and he watched her every move. She stopped at his chair, and he turned to face her. She didn’t even hesitate. Elodie slipped between his legs and sat, wrapping her arm around his shoulder. Oz slid his hand over her thigh and up to her waist.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“It’s a loan.”
It was so much more than that. Her eyes welled, staring back at him as she leaned closer.
“It’s a lifeline.” Her voice shook.
Oz cupped her jaw, pulling her in for a kiss. His fingers dug into her waist, and she spread her palm over his heart. She wasn’t sure how long they kissed, but it was not long enough when his phone pinged, and he ended it.
“I have a meeting.” Oz tapped her ass lightly, and she stood. He rested his hand on her lower back and walked her to the door.
When he opened it, Nash was waiting.
“Nash will walk you out,” Oz said.
She smiled at Nash. “You don’t have to.”
Nash arched his brow and jerked his eyes over her head. Before she could turn, she heard Oz’s distinct growl.
“Elodie.”
She peeked over her shoulder.
“Nash will walk you to your car.”
She snorted. “Oz, it’s unnecessary.”
There was a long stretch of silence.
“You have two choices.” His gaze hardened. “Nash can escort you to your car. Or I can. It would give us time to discuss other matters .”
Other matters?
When Oz cocked his eyebrow, it clicked. My voicemail. It was the one discussion she’d hoped to avoid. Her face immediately heated and she swiftly turned to Nash.
“Shall we?” Elodie didn’t wait for a response and started down the hallway. When she reached the elevator, the doors opened and she walked inside followed by Nash and two members of security. It seemed strange that they’d be walking her out as well. Elodie eyed both men. They looked nothing alike yet were so similar in their dress and demeanor.
She cleared her throat, gaining their attention.
“We haven’t met. Not formally. I’m Elle.”
Neither man reacted, but Nash stepped closer and pointed.
“This is Ridge and Cyrus.”
She flattened her lips and smiled. Both men nodded but remained silent. The elevator doors opened, and before she could fully walk out, a man stepped in front of them. His eyes were wild, and his forehead was beaded with sweat. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five years old.
“We need to see him. Been here waiting for fucking twenty minutes, Nash.”
“Back up.” Nash scowled, taking a step forward, half blocking Elodie. It felt like a protective move. “I will let you know when he’s available.”
Elodie glanced down the line of men recognizing only one. She remembered Ted Garner from her first date with Oz. He didn’t say a word, merely watched the young guy and Nash.
“Nash.” The younger man growled. “He said two, and we are fucking here.”
“He’ll see you when he’s ready,” Nash snapped.
Elodie wasn’t following the conversation, but she felt the tension.
The guy looked down at Elodie and his lips twisted. “If he’s got time to see a whore? He can see us.”
Elodie gasped at the implication. Fuck you, asshole. Garner lunged forward, grabbing the younger man by the arm. He whispered something she couldn’t make out, but it seemed to be a reprimand . It better be.
Nash’s phone pinged. When he glanced down, a small smile emerged.
“He’ll see you now.” Nash turned to Ridge. “If you wouldn’t mind walking her out to her car?”
Ridge gestured for Elodie to pass. “Not at all.”
Elodie walked past the men, glaring at the young guy.
Asshole!
****
Aside from Rogue, Trey, and Sal, there was no one more loyal and trusted than Nash. He’d been with Oz for decades, proving himself daily. Nash had rightfully earned his position as second-in-command and confidante to Oz. Elodie was safe with Nash and his security. But Oz had a heightened sense of protection when it came to her. As he made his way from his office to the balcony, he’d pulled up the surveillance. Without audio, he couldn’t make out everything being said during the confrontation. But there was one word he was capable of reading.
Nash had met him on the balcony and given him a debriefing on the whole interaction. Oz was careful not to give in to his emotion. There’d be time for that. Lessons would be learned soon enough.
Oz sat at the table on the balcony eyeing the elevators.
The doors opened, and Garner followed Nash to the table. He had about six men with him, but Oz was laser focused on one. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five, possibly new to Garner’s crew. A tough guy trying to make a name for himself. A man who wanted to be seen. I see you, motherfucker.
“Thanks for taking the meeting, Oz.” Garner said.
Oz heard the chair legs screech, and from his peripheral vision saw Garner sit down. But still he stared at the younger man. Oz pointed directly at him.
“Name?”
Garner cleared his throat, resting his arms on the table, “Oz, that’s…”
Oz lifted his hand and halted any further talk. He slowly angled his head, sending Garner a warning. “I didn’t ask you.”
“Rob Schuller, sir.”
Oz hardened his eyes and glanced over. “Do you make it a habit of calling all women whores?”
Rob’s throat bobbed, and his gaze darted to Garner. To his credit, the boss didn’t flinch or take his eyes off Oz. Garner knew the rules and protocol. He was also aware that once Oz was offended, there was no coming back from it.
He grabbed his cigar, tapping the ashes in the tray then taking a drag, all the while eyeing Garner. The room was silent. Garner’s associate would be dealt with in due time.
Nash cleared his throat and gestured toward the elevators. Unbeknownst to Garner, he’d invited others to their meeting. Mainly, the president of the Killcreek Drifters.
Oz didn’t bother acknowledging the MC. He was more interested in Garner’s reaction, which didn’t disappoint. He straightened in his seat, arching his neck, watching the bikers walk forward and settle in near the bar. Garner’s brows dipped into a severe scowl before jerking his head, bringing his attention to Oz.
“What the hell is going on, Oz?”
Oz shrugged. “Since you seem so lax on finding Karl and turning him over, I thought I’d add some new players to the game. The prize is fifty thousand to the first crew to find and deliver Karl to me.”
Garner’s face turned a dark shade of red, and he straightened, jerking his head between the MC and Oz.
“I’m going to handle it, Oz. I wanted this meeting to explain…”
“There’s nothing to explain. Karl betrayed the Underground. He knew the consequences and chose to go against us.” Oz arched his brow. “And the MC. Karl had a lot to say and named Killcreek. They have just as much vested interest in finding Karl as I do.”
Garner flattened his lips and folded his hands. “If you give me a number.”
“We’re beyond payoff,” Oz said.
Garner sat back in his chair. Oz had knew if Garner found him first, he’d try to hide him. Unlike Karl, Garner was still loyal to his family.
Oz placed his cigar in the ashtray and grabbed his glass. “I suggest you start your hunt. All of you.”
Garner abruptly stood, scowling at the MC. He tugged at the edge of his cuffs and started through the room. All his men fell in line.
Oz sipped his whisky and calmly placed his glass on the table. “He stays.”
Garner stiffened, glancing over at Rob, who seemed visibly shaken.
“It was a misunderstanding,” Garner said.
“I didn’t misunderstand anything.” Oz offered a taunting smile. “You can leave now.”
Garner looked over at the younger guy, who seemed to have lost his confidence. His gaze shifted around the room. There was no negotiation on this, and Garner knew it. He turned his back on Rob and headed toward the elevator. Rob rushed forward but slammed into Ridge, who blocked his path. When he fell back, Cyrus gripped his shoulders, giving him a hard shove forward, which landed him on the floor at Caine’s feet. His head of security pulled out a large knife from the sheath at his belt. Rob’s eyes widened, and he tried to scramble away, but there was no place to go. Oz’s men had him surrounded.
“Oh fuck, I didn’t know we were getting entertainment.”
Oz ignored Gent’s comment.
Caine gripped Rob’s hair, yanking his head back as he held the knife to his throat. Oz circled the table, eyeing the man. He was young, making a name for himself, maybe not knowing all the players involved. He’d made a grave mistake. And now he’d pay for it.
Oz stepped up next to Caine and glared down at Rob. His eyes welled, tears streaming down the sides of his face. His throat bobbed, and he mustered enough courage to say, “I fucked up. Won’t happen again.”
Oz eyed the man. “No, it won’t.”
He walked away listening to the sound of gurgling in the background.