Page 109 of Conquering Oz

Oz’s child.

While Rogue may have been a loose cannon, Oz kept his control locked down. He’d get his revenge and release soon enough. But for now, Elodie was his main concern. He pressed his lips to the crown of her head.

“You need to pack a bag. Do you want to do it or have one of my men do it for you?”

She slowly craned her neck, her bright eyes dull and red-rimmed. “A bag?”

He slid his hand up her back, over her shoulder, and cupped her jaw. His thumb caressed across her cheek, wiping away her tears. Oz clenched his jaw, forcing his hand to remain gentle. It was what she needed from him. Inside? His muscles tensed, and his blood raged through his veins. Seeing the fear in her eyes sent him to another level of protection and possessiveness. Garner would pay but not in her presence. Oz would shield her from everything from this day forward.

“You’re going to pack your things. I’ll have someone drive you to my house. And I’ll be there shortly.”

Elodie widened her eyes. “I might not be pregnant, Oz. And I…”

He tightened his hold over her jaw. “That doesn’t matter. You’re coming home with me.”

She slowly nodded. “I’ll pack myself.”

He released her and stepped back, gesturing down the hallway leading to her bedroom. Oz watched, as she made the trek, not looking at anyone. When she walked into her room, he turned, glaring at Garner in the corner.I’m going to make you suffer.It would’ve been protocol to take him to a safe house to conduct the next course of action. Oz didn’t have the patience for that.

He lifted his hand, calling over Nash, who quickly stalked forward. “Where do you want him moved to?”

“Nowhere,” Oz said with his eyes locked on Garner. “Have a crew on standby. I want this whole place scrubbed in an hour.”

Nash gave a curt nod.

“I want you to take her to my house. Stay with her until I arrive.”

“Me?” Nash asked.

“I need someone I trust and who she feels safe with.”

Rogue and Trey would’ve been options, but Elodie didn’t have a relationship with them. His brothers were virtualstrangers to her. But Nash? There was a comradery. A comfortableness. Elodie needed to feel safe, and Nash would prove to be an adequate backup.

Nash straightened his shoulders. He took the job and responsibility as it was intended. An honor.

“Yes, sir.” Nash glanced down the hall just as Elodie walked out of her room, hiking her bag over her shoulder. “And I’ll have Doc come to the house. As a precaution.”

Oz nodded and started toward the door, which was halfway down the hall. If he could shield her from Garner one last time, he’d do it. He heard Nash following close behind.

“I’m all packed,” she said.

“Nash is going to take you to the house.”

“You’re not coming?” Her voice hitched.

Fuck!

“Soon.”

While he wanted nothing more than to stay with her, Oz had one more matter to deal with. He could’ve left it in Rogue and Trey’s hands. Oz had no doubt they’d deliver a deserving punishment.But this is personal.

“Okay,” she whispered.

He reached out, grasped her neck, and spread his hand across her throat. He leaned down, taking her mouth for a kiss. It wasn’t meant to be anything but reassuring, but he’d been without her for too long. The idea of losing her only increased his possessiveness. Her lips parted, and he deepened the kiss, pulling her body against his. Her warm breath mixed with his. His need for her to be close was too much to take. Oz broke away from the kiss and stepped back.

“Go with Nash.”

Elodie seemed hesitant but walked to the door. She walked out and glanced over her shoulder, meeting his stare briefly before Nash closed the door behind them. Oz waited another fewminutes. He wanted her in the car and out of hearing distance before he walked back into the living room.

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