Page 100 of Conquering Oz

Her face paled, and her whisper was so soft, he almost didn’t hear it.Almost.

“What?”

“I was with Sal that day. In your house.”

Her lashes fluttered and she blindly stumbled backward into the couch. He knew the information would come as a shock but he hadn’t expected a physical reaction. Oz stood and she jerked her head, stepping back until she was inches away from Trey. He reached out, gently grasping her arm, but she jerked around and tore away from him. Her eyes darted around at each of them. She rushed toward the door, and Nash stepped in her path.

Oz held up his hand, and Nash immediately stopped.

“Let her go.”

“Oz,” Rogue snapped and charged to the door.

“Let. Her. Go.” Oz growled, and his men blocked the doorway, forbidding Rogue from passing through.

Elodie didn’t hesitate and ran out the door. There would be no reasoning with her. She wouldn’t listen to any explanation offered right now. She was scared, and forcing her to stay would worsen the situation. Even he recognized it.

Oz walked over to the bar, poured a double shot of whiskey, and shot it back, feeling the burn down his throat.

“What the fuck are we going to do?” Rogue shouted.

Oz continued to stare at the wall. For the first time in forever, he had no idea. Letting her walk away was probably for the best. Elodie wouldn’t talk. With her knowledge of the Underground, she’d be in fear of retaliation if she spoke to the authorities. Afraid of him. His muscles tensed and he balled his fist. Oz was the last person who’d ever hurt her. He’d protect her at all costs. He couldn’t let her leaving thinking any different.

Oz slammed his glass on his desk and turned, addressing Nash.

“Block her in,” he snapped. He grabbed the folder from his desk and stalked through the room.

“Sir?”

“You tell security to block her fucking car in.”

“Oz,” Trey started, but Oz ignored him, lengthening his steps as he walked out.

Elodie wasn’t leaving.

By the time he reached the parking lot, his security had done what they were instructed. Elodie’s car was boxed in with another car in front of her and an SUV blocking her rear. He stalked toward the car. Her head was bowed, and she made no move to look his way.

The last thing he wanted to do was scare her more, but he sensed a tough love method was the only way she’d listen to him. He grabbed the handle of her door. It was locked.

Good girl.

Elodie jerked her head, and her gaze lifted to meet his eyes. Her glare sharpened through her glassy eyes.

“You’re a bastard!” she shouted, though it was muffled through the window.

He’d been called a lot of things through the years. However, it had been some time since anyone called him a bastard. In this case, it was warranted.

He lifted the handle again. “Get out of the car.”

She rolled down the window an inch. “No!”

“Elodie.” He growled.

Her shoulders sagged, and she lost a little of her fight.

“Please, Oz.” She sighed and glanced up at him, her gaze pleading. “I would like to go home.”

Oz clenched his jaw. A twisting pain strangled his heart into a vice grip. Using force with her wasn’t an option. He’d sacrificehimself before allowing any harm to come to her. But he wasn’t above intimidation.

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