Chapter Twenty-Five
There wasn’t much she missed about living in her apartment except its close proximity to the store. Oz’s house was a twenty-minute drive, and she had to come in a few hours before opening to do her payroll. He was in the process of converting one of the many spare rooms into an office for her.
Elodie heard the jingle of the bell over the front door. Had someone left the front door unlocked at closing last night? She tiptoed from the back office to the main showroom, peeking around the corner.
She drew in a sigh of relief when she saw the woman closing the door behind her.
“You scared the hell out of me.” Elodie laughed. “Your shift doesn’t start for another three hours and…”
Charley spun around, her eyes wide and her makeup smeared. She’d obviously been crying. Her clothes were disheveled and not her usual work attire. Elodie rushed toward her, scanning her body.
“What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Nothing.” Charley grabbed her cuffs in a fist.
“Charley,” she softened her tone. “You look like you’ve been crying.”
She brushed her sleeves under her cheeks, shaking her head. “No.”
A lie.
“Charley, you can…”
“I have to quit,” she blurted.
What? This was the last thing Elodie expected. Though she’d never admit it to the other girls working for her, Charley was her favorite. She was a hardworking and dedicated employee who loved the store as much as Elodie.
“I thought you liked working here?”
“I do,” she whispered, keeping her eyes on the floor, refusing to make eye contact. “But um, I can’t anymore, so…” Her voice trailed off. “I’m sorry. I thought if I told you now, you could get one of the other girls to cover my shift today. I’m sorry. Bye.”
Elodie rushed forward, stepping in front of her and blocking the door.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
Charley shook her head.
“I’m not letting you leave until I know that you’re okay. And I won’t know that until you tell me what’s wrong.”
Charley sniffled. “You know I live with my brother.”
“Yes.”
“Well, he had some really bad days, and he’s on new medication , but um—” Charley paused. “Sometimes he gets sick when they change his meds. And he doesn’t like to take them.”
Elodie knew the bare minimum, which is what Charley shared. She lived with her brother who was sick. She never asked anything beyond how her brother was doing in fear of being nosy. Charley never offered more information. But now Elodie was getting a vision of what her life looked like.
“He stopped taking his medication?”
“Yeah,” she muttered. “And he gets really anxious and upset and erratic. And I don’t know what to do to calm him down, so I just have to wait it out, you know? But um, he got mad when I called our neighbor to see if she could keep an eye on him because I had to work.”
Elodie reached out, rubbing her arm. “What happened, Charley?”
“He locked himself in my room for an hour. When he finally came out, I saw he’d taken a knife to all my work clothes.” Charley peeked up through her lashes, whispering. “The nice ones.”
The nice ones. Elodie gave a generous discount to all her employees. While the other three had invested in entire wardrobes, Charley had only three outfits that she recycled for every shift. Elodie chalked it up to the clothes not being Charley’s style, but now she was seeing the situation differently. The nice ones. As if those clothes were prized possessions.
“I’m sorry that happened, Charley.”
“Me too.” Her voice shook, and Elodie’s heart broke.
“Do you want to quit, or do you think you have to because of the clothes? ’Cause if that’s the case, it’s an easy fix.”
“I don’t have the money to buy new outfits.”
“That’s not the question.” Elodie arched her brow. As much as she wanted to coddle Charley, she knew tough love would get her an honest answer. “Do you want to quit or not?”
Charley bit her bottom lip, slowly shaking her head. “No.”
Elodie smiled, wrapped her arm around Charley’s shoulder, and walked her to the center of the show room.
“Good, because I really wasn’t going to let you.” Elodie rubbed her hand over Charley’s arm. “I love you all, but you’re my favorite, and I’m not losing you. So.” Elodie dropped her arm, and waved her hand in a circle. “Pick out seven outfits.”
Charley’s eyes widened. “I don’t have the money for one .”
“I’m not charging you for any .”
Charley’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Well, they are clothes from the boutique, and you look fabulous in everything. I’m going to use you to market them. Mannequins are fine, but people love to see the clothes on actual people. It gives them a real idea of what they’d look like on them. And you make everything look beautiful. So while it may seem like I’m doing you a favor, it’s actually the other way around.”
“I can’t take them…”
“Yes, you can.”
“No Elle, I can’t. What if he does this again? I can’t risk that.”
Elodie hadn’t thought of that, but Charley was right. She needed a solution. A thought popped in her head when she heard the dryer buzzer sound off. She smiled and folded her arms.
“You’ll keep the clothes here. You can change in and out during your shifts. And you can use the washer and dryer in my apartment to clean them. And if you ever want to wear them out, you have the key to the store and my permission to wear them outside of work. Sound good?”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’re not quitting.”
Charley’s lips twitched, but she didn’t respond. It didn’t matter, Elodie knew her answer. She stepped forward, prepared to give her a hug when the front door opened. Oz walked in with Nash following close behind.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” Elle said, smiling. But it’s always a pleasure.
He glanced down at Charley, who immediately averted her eyes. Oz had that effect on most people.
“Oz, this is Charley,” Elodie said and watched her reach out a shaky hand. She wasn’t sure if it was residual from being nervous or Oz’s presence. Elodie glanced up at Oz glaring at her employee. Then his gaze dropped to her hand. He had to have seen her trembling.
Oz reached out, shaking her hand. When he let go, she immediately dropped it to her side.
“And this is Nash,” Elodie said.
Nash extended his hand, and Charley reached for it, looking up. Her hand stilled, and she stared without making another move. I get it. While Elodie was completely and utterly enamored with Oz, she couldn’t deny Nash’s appeal. Blondish-brown hair, deep blue eyes, and a facial bone structure to rival any male model.
The corner of Nash’s lips spiked, and he reached closer, taking Charley’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Charley.”
Her cheeks instantly turned a dark shade of pink, and she flattened her lips, forming an awkward smile.
Nash stepped back and glanced at Elodie. She tried to hold back her smile, but it was next to impossible.
“Charley, go check out the catalog on the website to pick the clothes we talked about.”
She quickly nodded and turned, almost slamming into a display. Elodie cringed, knowing if she had any type of crush on Nash, this would be high level embarrassment. She strategically stepped in front of the men in hopes of taking the attention off Charley. Oz shifted his gaze to her, but she noticed Nash’s eyes lingered toward the back hall where Charley had disappeared.
Interesting.
****
Oz hadn’t thought of it before now, but he made a mental note to have Nash do a background check on all her employees. It was a security measure he assumed Elodie hadn’t taken when she’d hired them. It may have been a bit over the top, but he wasn’t taking any chances with her.
“You need to sign the papers.” He reached back, and Nash placed the folder in his hands.
He’d had documents written up giving Elodie sole ownership of not only her business but the building. It was best they not be tied to anything close to her. It was a precaution to ensure her safety. Much like Rogue and Trey, he didn’t want anything connected to the Underground traced back to Elodie.
“I should probably have my lawyer look them over.”
When Oz glared at her, she winked with a small smile playing on her lips. She grabbed the folder, walking to the counter. He gestured for Nash to go outside and waited until the door closed before making his way to her. She was already flipping through the pages of the documents with pen in hand.
Her brows furrowed, and she shook her head. “This has me as the owner.”
“Yes.”
She jerked her head. “But it includes the building.”
Oz cocked his brow.
Elodie widened her eyes. “Since when do you own the building?”
“As of a week ago.”
The building hadn’t been for sale but Oz had his lawyer reach out to the owner. Oz made an extremely generous offer which was accepted immediately.
Her gaze scanned the documents. “You’re giving me everything?”
“I’m giving you back what’s rightfully yours. What you’ve worked for and what you’ve earned. Consider the building a bonus.”
Elodie snorted. “I can’t take…”
Oz stepped closer, grasping her hips. “This is for your safety.”
Her gaze softened. “I’m not going anywhere.”
The corner of his mouth curled. “I wouldn’t let you go. But should something happen, you and our baby need a safety net. This is one of many you’ll have. I can’t predict the future, but I can ensure you’ll both be taken care of, provided for, and safe.”
“I love you.” She whispered.
Oz grasped her jaw, pressing his lips against hers. Elodie wrapped her arms around his waist and moved in closer, deepening the kiss.
“It comes with stipulations,” he muttered against her lips, and she froze.
“Of course, it does.” She sighed heavily. “Let’s hear them.”
Oz resisted the urge to smile. His woman knew him well and how he operated.
“You’re going to cut back your hours.”
“Well yes, when the baby comes, I’ll…”
Oz shook his head before she finished speaking. “You’ll start now.”
“Fine.” She grasped the counter and hopped up. She grabbed his waist, pulling him closer as she spread her legs. “I have a few stipulations of my own.”
“Really?”
She smirked and nodded. “I need a small loan.”
Oz balked at the term. A loan? He wouldn’t be loaning her anything. If Elodie wanted something it was hers, including money. Though he was curious as to what she needed it for.
“Alright.”
“If Charley’s going to take the position as manager, I want her paid accordingly.”
It was fair.
“Anything else?”
“Nothing changes with the original loan. I will pay you back.”
He arched his brow. “No.”
“Yes,” she blurted.
“No.” He growled digging his fingers into her waist.
“Non-negotiable, Oz.”
“Why?” he snapped.
“Because it’s important to me. I appreciate the help, but in the end, I need to know that I did this.” She waved her hands around the store. “Through all the struggles and failures, I made it happen in the end.”
As much as he wasn’t fully on board with it, no one understood it better than Oz. He’d lived in Sal’s shadow for a very long time, spending years proving himself worthy of holding the position of ruler of the Underground. It wasn’t handed to him, because Oz had earned it. He reluctantly nodded, knowing he wouldn’t be keeping tabs on payment, but he wouldn’t stand in the way of what she needed.
“And…” The corner of her mouth curled, her hands slid around his back, and her lips pressed against his throat. “You and me, naked in our bed in thirty minutes.”
Oz battened down his growl and tightened his hold on her waist. There was nothing more he wanted, but a meeting was going to delay her last stipulation. He angled his head, pressing his lips against hers. Kissing his woman would never grow old. He slipped his tongue between her lips, muffling her soft moan.
If he didn’t stop this now, he’d have her slung over his shoulder and carrying her upstairs to the bed in her old apartment. She’d moved all her things into his house, but most of the furniture had remained. Initially, Elodie had mentioned renting out the apartment, but Oz had put his foot down, forbidding it. There was no way he’d allow a stranger to live upstairs.
“I’ll be home in a few hours.”
She pouted, but he caught the small smile playing on her lips. “I can’t entice you?”
He grasped her jaw. “I have a meeting.”
“Where?”
It was rare that anyone questioned him about his whereabouts or schedule. While he’d always keep his world away from her, she was privy to know some things. This was harmless.
“Killcreek.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later then.”
He gave her one last kiss and walked to the door. Nash and Caine were waiting just outside with two SUVs parked directly in front of her store. The ride would probably be longer than the meeting, but he’d assured Trey he would make the trip. He was the only man who could keep some type of order when dealing with Rogue and Killcreek.
*
Oz stepped out of the SUV and rolled his shoulders. After the long ride, he was regretting his decision. But as promised, he showed for Trey. He eyed the grounds for the poker house. It was well off the beaten path and down a long winding driveway, surrounded by trees. It was discreet and private, leaving no risk of a random stranger stumbling upon it. Or authorities. It was a smart location choice. Trey and Rogue would get credit for choosing it.
He walked the grounds. There were a few utility vans on the side. As far as Oz knew, the electrical had been completed. He rounded the front porch. To outsiders looking in, it wasn’t more than an oversized cabin. But Oz knew better than to underestimate it. He opened the door and walked down the long corridor. It opened up to a large gaming floor with a wall-length bar. The final touches needed to be finished, and he knew Rogue would have art donning the walls. He glanced up to the second floor. The mirrored glass had been installed in the balcony.
He was a few feet into the room when he noticed a woman sliding her hand over one of the chairs and circling the table, looking up at the ceiling. It was obvious she had no idea that he and Nash were in the room. She was dressed in tight-fitting jeans, a crop top, and her hair bunched up in a ponytail. Young. It was the first thing he noticed. No more than twenty-three. She sighed with a smile as if she hadn’t a care in the world.
Oz glanced back at Nash, who leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Cleo.”
He knew the background but hadn’t set eyes on her. Until now. She was prettier than he’d expected. Beautiful in some eyes. Aesthetically pleasing. Her vibe was off though, being connected to a hardened MC like Killcreek. They were notoriously violent, dabbling in every illegal entity.
She spun around, innocently careless, and gasped when she realized she was being watched. Her back straightened, her mouth fell open, and her gaze darted between him and Nash. It was as if she was watching a tennis match. Back and forth. Back and forth.
“H-hi.” A one syllable word, yet she managed to stutter.
“Are you supposed to be in here?” Nash asked.
Her lashes flickered, resembling a deer caught in headlights. “No, sir.”
At least she was honest. His gaze landed on her hand as it shook. Oz was accustomed to seeing fear in most people he encountered, but hers was on the verge of terror. When Nash took a step forward, Oz held up his hand.
“What are you doing here?” Oz asked.
Before she could answer, the doors swung open, and the sound of heavy boots echoed off the walls. Oz didn’t even bother looking behind him. He knew who it was.
“For fuck’s sake,” the harsh snap was muttered, and Oz watched Wraith, Killcreek’s enforcer, descend upon the tiny-framed woman. He stood only inches away, and surprisingly, she seemed to settle, despite Wraith’s angry and volatile energy. “Where the fuck is Oak?”
She pointed to the door. “He’s down the road, I think. His cell service didn’t work.”
“Motherfucker,” Wraith snapped under his breath.
Cleo reached out, grasping his forearm. “I was totally fine.”
Oz watched the exchange. Wraith glanced down at her hand, his nostrils flared, and his jaw squared as if on edge. This wasn’t the first time Oz had heard of Wraith being territorial over Cleo, but it was the first time seeing it firsthand. Interesting. Wraith’s brows dipped into a menacing scowl.
“Go wait outside.”
She widened her eyes and glanced at Oz. “Oh sure. I’m sorry for coming inside. I just wanted to see it.” She smiled. “But I promise I didn’t touch anything.”
Oz steeled his features, glancing down at her hand on the back of the chair. She must’ve been watching him because she pulled her hand to her chest as if burned.
“Cleo,” Ace snapped. “Wait outside.”
Killcreek’s president, his VP, and a few brothers were lined up.
Oz watched her circle around Wraith. In a move he hadn’t expected, the enforcer walked toward the door, basically shielding her. He was in protective mode. As she approached the door, Trey and Rogue walked in.
“Oh hey!” Cleo’s eyes lit up, and she smiled, waving.
Trey and Rogue halted mid-step, clearly caught off guard at their welcomed entrance. Even Oz found the whole scene bizarre. This was not the usual business interaction with Killcreek.
“Cleo.” Ace growled. “Outside.”
She obediently nodded. She slipped between a few members of the club but stopped next to Rogue. She reached out, tapping his arm. His brother jerked his head and scowled. Cleo seemed absolutely clueless to Rogue’s vibe.
“Can you tell Quinn I said hi?”
There wasn’t much that shocked Oz or left him speechless. He’d seen it all, as had most men in the room. It made the scene all the more mind-blowing. The room was completely silent.
Rogue angled his head, his gaze hardening. Oz expected a nasty retort. Instead, he gave a curt nod and said, “Yeah, I’ll tell her.”
Cleo’s smile widened, and she rushed out the door.
He shared a look with Nash, who seemed just as surprised as Oz. When his gaze drifted to Trey, he noticed a small smile on his lips.
It was a rare sight. But every once in a while, Rogue showed humanity.
It was short-lived.
“What the fuck are you assholes doing here?”
Ace smirked. “Just checking out your place. In our territory .”
For Christ’s sake. The tension was high in the room with Rogue only adding to it. It was up to Oz to de-escalate. He held up his hand, silencing his brother.
Ace glanced around the room. “Who you got running things?”
Trey stepped forward. “We have Dante handling the operations.”
Ace nodded and lifted his brows. “Ever need security, you let us know.”
It was an olive branch that Rogue forcibly shot down. He lunged forward.
“We don’t fucking need anything from you.”
For his part, Ace had been dealing with Rogue for years and knew exactly what to expect. More importantly, how to handle him. Ace laughed, sharing a look with his enforcer, Wraith. It would only enrage Rogue more, but Oz had a feeling that was Ace’s intent.
? He drew in a breath, glaring at his brother. Rogue was too much of a hothead. Business relationships weren’t his forte, but Trey stepped up next to him, addressing Ace.
“We appreciate the offer. I’ll be in touch if we need your services.”
Ace nodded and walked out with the brothers following close behind. Killcreek Drifters MC had always been an ally to the Underground. Contrary to what Rogue thought, they could be trusted.