Chapter Twenty-Six
5:37pm.
Shit!
Elodie was already running late. Thankfully, she’d kept the apartment upstairs vacant. She’d converted it to an elaborate breakroom and storage area. But tonight it was her personal dressing room.
Friday nights were relatively quiet, and with only a few more hours open for operation, she trusted Charley to close on her own. Elodie had approached her a few days ago about taking over as manager. She’d been the perfect choice and most invested in her boutique. The other girls were great, but they were carving out their futures, which didn’t have her store as their end goal. They’d eventually leave to pursue their own careers. Charley was a different story, and that was proven when Elodie offered her the position. Her face said it all, and so did her immediate yes and promise to do her best.
“I won’t disappoint you, Elle.”
Those words and Charley’s dedication to Elodie’s boutique had her emotional. This was her store, her vision, her dream.
Elodie slipped on her shoes and rushed to the mirror to get one last look. It was a red, form fitting, ankle-length dress with a plunging neckline. Not exactly birthday party attire, but this wasn’t just any average event. She’d dressed with an ulterior motive. How can he kill me when I look this good?
Elodie hadn’t even second-guessed her decision to throw a small gathering in honor of Oz’s belated birthday. She’d planned it weeks ago with everyone fully on board. Well, almost everyone. Nash and Trey had been adamant Oz wouldn’t approve, but Elodie moved forward with her plans.
She checked the time when she heard the apartment bell ring.
5:50pm.
This was a time orchestrated party. She’d gotten Dahlia and Quinn on board. They were picking her up, and then they’d swing by Madalyn’s. That had been a full out argument with her best friend leading the brigade. Chris was against it, but Madalyn insisted. They’d come to an understanding and a strict set of rules doled out by Chris. It was a work in progress, much like all families, traditional or not. Madalyn was only a few weeks away from her due date, but Elodie had taken all the precautionary measures.
She rushed downstairs, whipping the door open for Dahlia and Quinn. In the past few weeks, she’d forged a friendship with them. They may not have been close in age, but they shared a common bond. They were family. Elodie waved them inside then rushed through the storage room and out to the sales floor. She wanted to give Charley a heads up she was leaving, but stopped short when she stumbled upon what sounded like a heated exchange.
Elodie slowed her steps, stopping at the doorway. Charley was talking with a long-haired redhead she’d never seen before. The girl huffed and rolled her eyes, grasping her hips.
“I don’t mind, Charley. Like I just said, he was fine.”
“Well, that’s good, right?” Charley said, her voice spiking slightly.
The redhead’s face softened as she inched closer. “Yeah, but he’s not getting better. If anything, he’s getting worse.”
“But you just said…”
The redhead grasped her hands, and Elodie straightened. She’d obviously walked in on a private conversation. Still, she stayed.
“I’m worried about you . You’re his main source, Char. That’s a lot. A few hours here and there is nothing compared to you handling him twenty-four seven.”
“I don’t mind,” Charley blurted,
“It’s not about you minding. You have to think of yourself and what’s right for you!” The redhead sighed, shaking her head. “You can’t keep doing this without…”
“He’s my brother!”
The redhead clamped her lips, nodded, and whispered. “I know.”
It felt dirty listening to a conversation obviously not meant for her ears. It may have been in her store, but she felt as though she was eavesdropping on an intimate moment between friends. She glanced over her shoulder. Dahlia and Quinn were both watching the exchange. Unlike her, they both shared a similar expression. Their brows knitted with their main focus on the redhead.
It was time to make themselves known. Elodie purposely cleared her throat and when both girls turned around, she smiled and walked over.
“Hey!”
Charley smiled, though it seemed forced. Elodie offered her hand to the redhead. “Hi there. I’m Elle.”
“Oh hey, yeah, the boss , right?” She eyed Charley then shook her hand. “I’m Keely. Friend of Charley’s.”
Before Elodie could say anything, Dahlia and Quinn rushed forward, hovering at her back.
“Keely!” Dahlia said.
Elodie watched Keely exchange greetings and hugs with both Dahlia and Quinn. There was some small talk and Elodie hung behind merely observing. She noticed Charley did the same. They shared a brief look, but Charley cast her eyes down to the floor. From what she could gather, Keely worked as a barback at Trey and Rogue’s club, the Bowery. There was definitely a rapport and familiarity with Dahlia.
“What are you doing here?” Dahlia asked, and Keely pointed to Charley.
“Visting my friend.”
Introductions were made with Dahlia and Quinn being more than welcoming. Elodie inched closer to the group, observing Charley. While she’d been welcoming and sweet, she stood a foot away from the group as if on edge. That visual forced Elodie closer, hoping to relax Charley. She eyed the box on the counter. She’d meant to give it to Charley earlier, but with the time crunch it had escaped her.
It may not have been the best timing, but it would give Charley the distraction she needed. Elodie grabbed the small wrapped present and moved toward the group.
“Happy birthday,” Elodie said and stretched out her arm, offering Charley the box. She blinked but made no move to take it. This was awkward. Elodie cleared her throat. “I meant to give you this a couple days ago, but I promise it doesn’t expire.” Elodie laughed. She was the only one. Shit!
Charley balled her fists, staring at Elodie’s hands. She bit her bottom lip, and her brows dipped tightly.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Charley’s gaze was laser focused on the gift.
Elodie scoffed, which got everyone’s attention, but she kept her gaze locked on Charley. “It’s your birthday.”
Charley’s face softened, and she slowly took the box from Elodie. She stared at it for a minute before Keely nudged her, encouraging Charley to open it.
She gingerly pried open the paper, following the corners of the tape. It was done meticulously, which sent a sharp pain through Elodie’s heart and confirmed her suspicions. Charley was taking too much care with this gift as if she hadn’t gotten one often.
Once the paper was unraveled, she lifted the top off the box. Keely leaned over and gasped then covered her mouth and glanced up at Elodie wide eyed. Keely obviously approved. Charley was still looking. Maybe this hadn’t been the best gift for her.
“It’s tickets?” Charley asked.
Elodie parted her lips to explain, but Keely’s excitement overtook the moment.
“Holy shit, Char! They’re passes.” Keely grabbed Charley’s arm, bouncing on her toes. “It’s VIP to the X-Lounge!”
Elodie bit back her smile. Keely was giving the reaction she’d hoped for from Charley.
Keely whipped her head grasping Charley’s arm. “When can we go?”
Elodie smiled. “Whenever you want. Just let me know, and I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Keely,” Dahlia said. “I don’t know if Killian would be…”
Keely spun around, glaring at Dahlia. “Then let’s not tell him.”
Elodie sensed the tension and shifted her gaze between Keely and Dahlia.
Dahlia held up her hands. “I’m just saying.”
Keely knitted her brows with a severe frown. “And I’m just saying I’m twenty-four, Dahl. An adult. I don’t have a chaperone or keeper, nor should I. I know you’re my brother’s friend, but” —Keely eyes were pleading— “You’re mine too, right?”
Elodie glanced over at Dahlia, who dropped her gaze to the floor. It was hard to maneuver this conversation, Elodie was clearly an outsider. But from what she could make of it, Keely’s brother would not be happy with her going to the club, and Keely was asking for discretion.
Dahlia smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Of course. I won’t tell him as long as you promise you’ll be safe.”
Keely who hooked her arm under Charley’s. “We’ll be super safe, I promise.”
Dahlia nodded. There was a long stretch of awkward silence until Elodie cleared her throat, gaining their attention.
“Alright, I’m heading out. You have everything you need, Charley?”
Charley straightened, tightening her grasp on the box. “Yes. You can trust me.”
Elodie softened and winked. “I know.”
Elodie, Dahlia and Quinn walked outside to the SUV waiting in front of the store. She opened the door, and Quinn hopped into back. When Dahlia got in, she paused and placed her hand over Elodie’s.
“When they go to the club, can you have them watched?” Dahlia paused, and her stress was evident. “They just need extra eyes on them. Okay? I need Keely to be safe.”
“Of course,” Elodie said. “Charley is one of my girls. She’s going to have a lot of eyes on her when she’s at the club. Same goes for Keely. You have my word.”
Elodie made a mental note to have double security on the girls when they visited the X-Lounge.
****
The car pulled up in front of his house. Something felt off. Oz always had a keen sense about those around him and his surroundings. It was a gift he’d developed over the years. The day had been anti-climactic, yet his security seemed on edge. Even Nash, who he could read better than most, appeared uneasy throughout the day. Oz had questioned him, but Nash denied it and brushed off his concerns.
Oz stepped out of the car and walked up the stairs toward his front door. When he heard the second SUV pull up alongside the first, he glanced over his shoulder. Two more trucks were pulling in the driveway.
“Nash.” He narrowed his gaze.
Nash sighed heavily, stopping a few feet away as the rest of his security filed out of their trucks.
“Yes, sir.”
Oz eyed all of his men, noticing none of them seemed particularly comfortable. They stood in silence shoulder to shoulder at the bottom of his steps. It was an odd scene considering half of these men had never stepped foot on his property.
“What the fuck is going on?”
Nash shifted his gaze to the men and cleared his throat.
“Nash.” Oz’s tone was stern and demanding. It was one he rarely had to use with his second in command.
“I was ordered not to say anything, sir.” Nash stared back at him. “I’m walking a fine line here.”
Nash only followed orders from one person. However, his woman was constantly taking liberties within his position. Oz glanced back at the door and pointed.
“Are there people in my house?”
“Yes, sir, and they’ll probably be shouting ‘surprise’ when you walk through the door.”
Oz clenched his jaw, cupped his mouth, and fought against the anger building in his chest. For fucks sake! He’d been adamant with Elodie about not celebrating his birthday in any fashion. Hadn’t she learned her lesson at his office that day? Apparently not.
“Who?” he snapped through gritted teeth.
“Trey, Dahlia, Rogue, Quinn, Sal, Elle’s uncle and Madalyn. Her husband declined.” Nash paused, lifting his chin to the men at the edge of the stairs. “She also invited your security along with me. I strongly urged her to reconsider anyone outside the family, but Elle insisted. She said—” Nash ceased speaking as if he was about to say something regrettable. That piqued Oz’s interest.
“What did she say?”
Nash grasped the back of his neck, stalling.
“Nash,” he growled and hardened his gaze.
“Elle is under the impression that security, considering their position and loyalty to you, should be included in something that celebrates you. That’s what Elle thinks.”
Of course she would. That was how she conducted her own business. She thought of all her employees as friends more than colleagues. And in some cases, they were family. The image of Charley popped in his head. Oz’s world would never look the same as Elodie’s. Making friends or getting too close to his security would send the wrong message and be detrimental to everyone’s safety. There had to be a line they never crossed.
But…
Years ago, Sal had crossed that line bringing him, Rogue, and Trey into his fold. Oz could make an exception for one night.
He lowered his chin and reached for the door.
“You’re okay with this?”
Oz gripped the handle tightly and glared at Nash. “No. But I will appease my woman for the sake of harmony for a few hours.”
Nash’s lips twitched until Oz arched his brow. He quickly flattened his lips and nodded.
Oz braced himself and opened the door. Elodie didn’t disappoint. She, along with the women, and Sal were standing ten feet from the door and shouted “Surprise!” when in. He noticed Trey and Rogue standing off to the side, smirking. They were obviously enjoying the uncomfortable show.
Assholes.
Elodie rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Even in his angered state, he pulled her close.
“I know you hate celebrating your birthday.”
He arched his brow, darkening his gaze. “Yet, here we are.”
She hopped up on her toes, and he lowered his head, meeting her halfway. She brushed her lips against his and whispered. “I couldn’t help myself. But I can promise there’s not one balloon in the whole house.”
Oz shook his head, resisting the urge to laugh. Elodie had definitely brought a different kind of vibe into his life. It was one Oz never anticipated or even wanted. But now that’d he’d gotten a taste of what life could be like with her, he’d never give it up. Elodie and their baby were his second chance. An opportunity few got in their lifetime.
*
Oz was returning to the living room when he heard the doorbell. He walked over to find a member of security standing in the doorway.
“Sir, there’s a new guest.” He stepped aside and Chris stood a few feet away on the landing. Oz had briefly wondered when he saw Madalyn where her husband was. It seemed odd he’d allow her to attend without being present. Had it been Oz, he would’ve never allowed Elodie to go into a space he didn’t deem safe. It seemed he and the officer had something in common.
Chris stepped forward, eyeing Oz’s security. Before he could say a word, Elodie rushed up beside him, hooking her hand over his bicep.
“You came!”
There was no denying the excitement in her voice. This was what Elodie wanted. Probably Madalyn too. This was a step Oz was sure Chris was making begrudgingly.
“Thanks for coming.” Elodie said.
Chris nodded and held out a bottle of Scotch. Oz recognized the label. It wasn’t anything he’d had in decades, but years ago when he wasn’t making the cash, it was the brand that’d sold him on this form of alcohol. Oz grabbed the bottle and offered a nod.
Elodie walked down the hall, waving Chris to follow. When they reached the arched doorway of the den, he could only see Chris’s profile. His brows dipped in a harsh scowl, and his lips tightened. Oz passed him and looked into the room.
Madalyn was standing by the edge of the couch talking with Dahlia. Her eyes shifted, and her face paled. She immediately held up her hands, obviously caught off guard but recognizing her mistake.
“I was just up to get a plate of food.”
Oz heard the rumbling growl before Chris stalked forward. “Sit your ass down!”
Madalyn widened her eyes and slowly sat on the couch.
Oz flattened his lips, holding back a smile. I respect that move. He walked to the bar, placing the bottle down and turned. He watched Trey and Rogue walk over. Trey had been more subtle with his glaring at their newly arrived guest. Rogue…not so much.
“This has got to be the most fucked up family in the history of fucked up,” Rogue snapped.
Oz couldn’t disagree.
Sal walked over smiling, and when he faced the three men, his brows dipped, and his gaze hardened. It was reminiscent of years ago.
“Fucked up or not, he is part of Elle’s family, which makes him part of ours. You alienate them from Elle’s life, you will deal with me, son. And as a refresher because it’s been a while” —Sal smiled— “you won’t enjoy it, Rogue.”
Rogue smirked, sipping his drink. He licked his lips, eyeing Sal. “You threatening me, Sal?”
Sal reached out, playfully slapping Rogue’s cheek with a smile. “Warning, son. Play nice. I know it’s out of your wheelhouse. But try.”
Sal may have been out of the life for a long time, but he was still the biggest influence on him, Rogue, and Trey. The only father they’d known. Much like Sal’s relationship with Dahlia and Quinn, he’d gotten close with Elodie. He even accompanied her on a doctor’s visit last week. Since then, he’d been overly excited without an explanation.
“Best part of the night?” Rogue grinned. “Watching your security. They look so fucking uncomfortable. It’s entertaining.”
Oz ignored the comment but glanced at his men. The description was accurate. Aside from Nash, and possibly Cy and Ridge, all the others seemed to be on high alert. Good. That’s how they’d been trained. This was a whole new world for most of them, and none seemed particularly at ease.
Oz had firmly shut down the idea of singing happy birthday. He had his limits. That didn’t stop Elodie from passing around the cake. It was interesting to watch his men. Whether they wanted it or not, each man took the plate of cake offered to him. It was out of respect for her and who she was to him.
“Fuck.” Rogue gagged and twisted his lips. “Who the fuck made this shit and what the hell is it?”
Oz glanced down at his plate. As far as he knew the food had been catered and presented in foil dishes. However, there was a platter of what looked like some type of chicken in a brown sauce along with a salad. Oz hadn’t eaten yet, so he had no way of knowing.
“It’s chicken marsala.” Elodie slipped in next to him, curling her arm around his waist. Instinctively, Oz wrapped his around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “It’s a new recipe. What do you think?”
Rogue’s brows knitted, and his lips twisted. Oz felt a heated rush through his veins. He angled his body, putting him face to face with his brother. Trey took a similar stand and scowled at Rogue.
“Yes, Rogue.” Oz narrowed his gaze making his intentions clear. “What. Do. You think?”
Rogue curled his lip, obviously not heeding Oz’s warning until Trey stepped closer.
“Rogue.” It was a clear warning.
Rogue snorted, then laughed, shaking his head. “Oh yeah, it’s fucking great.” His tone was laced in sarcasm. “So fucking great, I’m gonna share it with Quinn. She’s gonna love this shit.” Rogue stepped forward, glaring at Oz. But to his credit, Rogue didn’t share his true feelings.
“He doesn’t have to share,” Elodie said. “I made plenty.”
Oz sighed, glancing over at Trey. He’d always been the most polite and considerate out of the three. He smiled at Elodie as he passed. “I’m going to make myself a plate now before it’s gone.”
Oz glanced down at Elodie. Her glow embraced everything she was feeling. And Oz was feeding off it. He was still counting the minutes until everyone left his house, but Elodie made it worthwhile.
He clasped his hand on her jaw and leaned down, kissing her. PDA was something Oz never did, but Elodie had changed a lot of things.
“So?” She inched closer. “Are you enjoying your party?”
“No.”
Elodie laughed, and the sound settled him. “Not even a little? Everyone loves birthday parties.”
“My birthday was months ago.”
“It’s never too late to celebrate.”
“On the contrary, I would prefer never.”
She cocked her head. “Well, you’re going to have to make some changes. Because there’s going to be a lot of birthdays in your future that will be celebrated with macaroni necklaces, homemade cards, and probably finger-painted art. Your son is going to want to celebrate his daddy.”
Son? Without thinking, his fingers dug into her back, pulling her closer to his chest. The corner of her mouth curled.
“That was going to be my gift. I found out last week at my appointment.” She leaned closer, brushing her lips against his cheek and whispering in his ear. “We’re having a boy.”
A boy. A son. A legacy.
He may not have deserved this life with her and their son, but he’d spend the rest of his life earning it.