Page 122 of Conquering Oz

This was a recipe for disaster.

“Shit,” Elodie muttered, dragging her hand through her hair. Madalyn showing up was one thing. She hadn’t come withsuspicions and background. Chris, on the other hand, felt like Oz’s enemy showing up at her door.

“Would you like me to speak with him?” Oz whispered, and she immediately jerked her head, widening her eyes.

“That’s a horrible idea!”

His lips twitched.

She slowly walked to the door, eyeing Madalyn. She’d been so engrossed in conversation with Sal and Tom, her friend hadn’t even sensed the tension. She grabbed the door, and Oz stepped in front of her.

“I’ll give you five minutes. If it’s not resolved, then I’ll be joining you downstairs.”

“Oz,” she hushed, glancing into the living room. The others were oblivious, which was how she wanted it to remain. She looked up and scowled. “I will handle this.”

Oz lifted his arm, slid back his cuff, and glanced down at his watch. His gaze narrowed as he met her stare. “You have four minutes and forty-five seconds tohandleit.”

Shit!Elodie gave a quick nod, rushed out of the apartment and down the stairs. She drew in a deep breath and opened the door. She’d only been semi-prepared for the anger rolling off Chris. His jaw was squared, holding so much tension she envisioned he was grinding his teeth. The vein at his temple protruded and pulsed. His silence only lasted five seconds.

“Imagine my goddam surprise when I geta notefrom my wife, which I know was intentional” —his scowl deepened “—saying she’s coming over here to meet your new boyfriend.”

Elodie flattened her lips, refusing to give in to her smile. Of course it was intentional. Had Madalyn mentioned leaving the house, he would’ve been livid.

Elodie held up her hand. “I had no idea. She showed up unannounced. And really upset, Chris. She thinks I’m trying to ice her out of my life. So while I know you’re upset” —she pausedand narrowed her gaze— “don’t give me this bullshit right now, okay? I respect your position, understand your concerns, and acknowledge they’re valid. But I’m not going to let her think she means nothing to me. I’m not doing that. And I can say without any hesitation Oz would never, ever let anything happen to Madalyn. You can believe it or not, but I know it as fact.”

He clenched his jaw, the tension reeling through his body, and she could see it. He drove his hands through his hair and paced in a circle. From the other side of the lot, she saw two occupied SUVs. Security. Elodie silently prayed they wouldn’t get out. That was the last thing she needed to contend with at the moment.

Chris stopped a few feet in front of her and grabbed his hips, sending her a scathing glare.

“My wife is upstairs with the leader of the fucking Underground.”

“And she’s having a great time.” Elodie smiled in hopes of lightening the mood. It did the polar opposite. Chris’s nostrils flared, and his brows dipped in a severe scowl. She immediately held up her hands.

“And most importantly, completely safe.” Elodie inched closer. “Look, I’m sorry that this is fucked-up right now. But you know me, Chris. Do you really think I would ever put her or the baby or you in danger?”

Chris jerked his gaze to the ground. He knew the truth. For all his fears, he knew she’d never let anything bad happen to any of them. They were family.

“Chris,” she said, and he looked up. So much stress marred his features.

She swallowed her breath and inched closer. “Long before you. And Oz. It was me and Madalyn. She has always been my solid. Our friendship has never wavered. It’s always been the two of us, all in. I don’t take chances with her, I wouldn’t risk hersafety. I’d forgo my own to ensure hers. That’s what she means to me.” Elodie was overcome with emotion. Their friendship was felt but never explained. How was that even possible? She couldn’t find the words to describe a relationship that defined her, comforted her, saved her. “Madalyn will never be in danger. AndI would neverbe with someone who allowed it. I know you don’t approve of Oz...”

Chris sighed, shaking his head.

“And you don’t trust him, and that’s okay. But trustme, Chris. Madalyn means everything to me” —she choked on her words as her eyes welled— “everything.

He shot out his hand and pointed at the building. “These guys are...”

“You said it yourself. The Underground handles their own. It’s a different world. Madalyn’s inmine, not his. And Oz makes it so mine is safe for me.” She placed her hand on her stomach. “Our child and everyone around us are inmyworld. Madalyn, you, and the baby are on the top of my list.”

“This is just great.” He cupped his mouth and peered across the lot. “Next thing you’re gonna tell me is she’s up there breaking fucking bread with Sal Caruso.”

Oh shit.

“Elle?” Chris growled.

She shrugged. “He’s actually a really nice guy when you get to know him.”

Chris’s face reddened, making his tension evident. Elodie didn’t discount his predicament. Chris was in a tight spot with little means of escape. But this was life. It was about choices, and not always the easy ones.

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