Page 13 of Conquering Oz

He glanced over her head briefly before looking down at her. “No.”

What? A cold chill spread across her skin, and she swallowed the knot forming in her throat.Oh my God, is this grounds for an arrest?Technically, she wasn’t trespassing. It wasn’t as though she’d snuck into the club. She was a paying customer who strayed into a staff only area. It happened at the boutique with wandering children or someone, like in her case, looking for the restroom.I never called the authorities.

She quickly spun around when she heard the chairs scratch the wood floor. The MC were headed in her direction with the redhead leading the pack. His gaze perused her body with a small smile playing on his lips.

“Darlin’, if you need an escort. I’d be more than happy to take you.”

Elodie glanced between the man with the bulging biceps and the man who approached her. In any other situation, it would be an obvious choice via outward appearances. However, while neither options were giving a safe vibe, she was going to take her chances with the bikers.

“That would be great. Thank you.”

His grin widened until the blond-haired man came up beside her, scowling at the biker. “No.”

The biker smirked, glancing down at Elodie. “Come on, Nash. Be a brother.”

“I’m not your brother, Gent, nor am I a friend. Your business here is done.” Nash jerked his chin to the elevator. “Caine will make sure you can find your way out to the parking lot.”

Gent laughed, and she looked past him to the others. None of them seemed as eager to help. Gent leaned forward, crowding her space, and held up his fingers. “We were this close to a real good time, darlin’.”

Instinctively, Elodie stepped back. His vibe shifted from welcoming and helpful to downright creepy. A good time? All she’d agreed to and was willing to accept was an escort. What the hell did he have in mind?

“Gent.” The deep rumbling warning came from the man toward the back. She peeked past the others. He was older, probably closer in age to her than Gent. His silver hair, mixed with a few dark strands, was tied back. Handsome in a brutish and rugged type of way.

Gent laughed, shook his head, and started toward the elevator. Elodie lowered her gaze to the floor, refusing to make eye contact with any of the bikers. Unfortunately, she misjudged the number of them and straightened just as the older biker was in front of her.President, his patch read. He glanced over, scanning her face with a sharp glare. It only lasted a few seconds.

He turned away, following the rest of the men to the elevator. It seemed to open on command, and they all disappeared inside before the doors closed. She may have been relieved to see them go, but she was still in her own predicament. She drew in a breath, offering Nash a smile. Surely, this had happened before.

“Nash, right?”

He gave a curt nod.

“Great. Well, Nash, I apologize for my untimely disruption. And I can assure you it will never happen again. It was an honest mistake.”

“And one you need to answer for.” Nash looked over her shoulder. “I believe he’d like a word with you.”

Shit.She brushed her hair away from her face and straightened her shoulders.

Nash stepped to her side and gestured to the table across the balcony. She slowly walked toward him. He grabbed his cigar, slipping it between his lips and watching her every move. Her heart pounded as she tried to level her breathing.He’s better looking than I thought.

“Hello.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “I somehow made a wrong turn and ended up in the elevator in my search for a bathroom.”

He took a drag from his cigar giving her no response. Cigars were a turn-off for some people. The smell was strong and pungent. Elodie loved it. She couldn’t explain why. Maybe it was a comfort thing. Her uncle smoked them all the time. She became a bit of a connoisseur.

“Cuban?”

His hand stilled briefly then he took a slow puff, shallowing his cheeks. And again, he said nothing.

Elodie licked her lips and pointed at him. “My uncle has a thing for cigars. Of course, he was never allowed to do it indoors.” She smirked. “He’s been on me for years to try one, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I’m just in it for the smell of the smoke.”

He lowered his hand, tapping the ashes into the glass tray.

“Your name?”

Oh, goddamn.His voice was smooth and deep. It should’ve been the last thing she focused on, but she’d been semi-enthralled since earlier.

“Elodie Martin.” She smiled. He didn’t. “Everyone calls me Elle.”

He motioned with a lowered chin toward the chair. She wasn’t expecting an invitation to join him, but she’d gladly take it. She pulled out the chair across from him and sat. When she crossed her legs, she noticed his gaze drop to the glass table. From his vantage point, he’d have a perfect view.Interesting.

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