Page 128 of Conquering Oz

It was rare that anyone questioned him about his whereabouts or schedule. While he’d always keep his world away from her, she was privy to know some things. This was harmless.

“Killcreek.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later then.”

He gave her one last kiss and walked to the door. Nash and Caine were waiting just outside with two SUVs parked directly in front of her store. The ride would probably be longer than the meeting, but he’d assured Trey he would make the trip. He was the only man who could keep some type of order when dealing with Rogue and Killcreek.

*

Oz stepped out of the SUV and rolled his shoulders. After the long ride, he was regretting his decision. But as promised, he showed for Trey. He eyed the grounds for the poker house. It was well off the beaten path and down a long winding driveway, surrounded by trees. It was discreet and private, leaving no risk of a random stranger stumbling upon it. Or authorities. It was a smart location choice. Trey and Rogue would get credit for choosing it.

He walked the grounds. There were a few utility vans on the side. As far as Oz knew, the electrical had been completed. He rounded the front porch. To outsiders looking in, it wasn’t more than an oversized cabin. But Oz knew better than to underestimate it. He opened the door and walked down the long corridor. It opened up to a large gaming floor with a wall-length bar. The final touches needed to be finished, and he knew Rogue would have art donning the walls. He glanced up to the second floor. The mirrored glass had been installed in the balcony.

He was a few feet into the room when he noticed a woman sliding her hand over one of the chairs and circling the table, looking up at the ceiling. It was obvious she had no idea that he and Nash were in the room. She was dressed in tight-fitting jeans, a crop top, and her hair bunched up in a ponytail. Young. It was the first thing he noticed. No more than twenty-three. She sighed with a smile as if she hadn’t a care in the world.

Oz glanced back at Nash, who leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Cleo.”

He knew the background but hadn’t set eyes on her. Until now. She was prettier than he’d expected. Beautiful in some eyes. Aesthetically pleasing. Her vibe was off though, being connected to a hardened MC like Killcreek. They were notoriously violent, dabbling in every illegal entity.

She spun around, innocently careless, and gasped when she realized she was being watched. Her back straightened, her mouth fell open, and her gaze darted between him and Nash. It was as if she was watching a tennis match. Back and forth. Back and forth.

“H-hi.” A one syllable word, yet she managed to stutter.

“Are you supposed to be in here?” Nash asked.

Her lashes flickered, resembling a deer caught in headlights. “No, sir.”

At least she was honest. His gaze landed on her hand as it shook. Oz was accustomed to seeing fear in most people he encountered, but hers was on the verge of terror. When Nash took a step forward, Oz held up his hand.

“What are you doing here?” Oz asked.

Before she could answer, the doors swung open, and the sound of heavy boots echoed off the walls. Oz didn’t even bother looking behind him. He knew who it was.

“For fuck’s sake,” the harsh snap was muttered, and Oz watched Wraith, Killcreek’s enforcer, descend upon the tiny-framed woman. He stood only inches away, and surprisingly, she seemed to settle, despite Wraith’s angry and volatile energy. “Where the fuck is Oak?”

She pointed to the door. “He’s down the road, I think. His cell service didn’t work.”

“Motherfucker,” Wraith snapped under his breath.

Cleo reached out, grasping his forearm. “I was totally fine.”

Oz watched the exchange. Wraith glanced down at her hand, his nostrils flared, and his jaw squared as if on edge. This wasn’tthe first time Oz had heard of Wraith being territorial over Cleo, but it was the first time seeing it firsthand.Interesting.Wraith’s brows dipped into a menacing scowl.

“Go wait outside.”

She widened her eyes and glanced at Oz. “Oh sure. I’m sorry for coming inside. I just wanted to see it.” She smiled. “But I promise I didn’t touch anything.”

Oz steeled his features, glancing down at her hand on the back of the chair. She must’ve been watching him because she pulled her hand to her chest as if burned.

“Cleo,” Ace snapped. “Wait outside.”

Killcreek’s president, his VP, and a few brothers were lined up.

Oz watched her circle around Wraith. In a move he hadn’t expected, the enforcer walked toward the door, basically shielding her. He was in protective mode. As she approached the door, Trey and Rogue walked in.

“Oh hey!” Cleo’s eyes lit up, and she smiled, waving.

Trey and Rogue halted mid-step, clearly caught off guard at their welcomed entrance. Even Oz found the whole scene bizarre. This was not the usual business interaction with Killcreek.

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