Page 126 of Conquering Oz

“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 makinganother 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.

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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.

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