Page 132 of Conquering Oz

Nash sighed heavily, stopping a few feet away as the rest of his security filed out of their trucks.

“Yes, sir.”

Oz eyed all of his men, noticing none of them seemed particularly comfortable. They stood in silence shoulder to shoulder at the bottom of his steps. It was an odd scene considering half of these men had never stepped foot on his property.

“What the fuck is going on?”

Nash shifted his gaze to the men and cleared his throat.

“Nash.” Oz’s tone was stern and demanding. It was one he rarely had to use with his second in command.

“I was ordered not to say anything, sir.” Nash stared back at him. “I’m walking a fine line here.”

Nash only followed orders from one person. However, his woman was constantly taking liberties within his position. Oz glanced back at the door and pointed.

“Are there people in my house?”

“Yes, sir, and they’ll probably be shouting ‘surprise’ when you walk through the door.”

Oz clenched his jaw, cupped his mouth, and fought against the anger building in his chest.For fucks sake!He’d been adamant with Elodie about not celebrating his birthday in any fashion. Hadn’t she learned her lesson at his office that day?Apparently not.

“Who?” he snapped through gritted teeth.

“Trey, Dahlia, Rogue, Quinn, Sal, Elle’s uncle and Madalyn. Her husband declined.” Nash paused, lifting his chin to the men at the edge of the stairs. “She also invited your security along with me. I strongly urged her to reconsider anyone outside the family, but Elle insisted. She said—” Nash ceased speaking as if he was about to say something regrettable. That piqued Oz’s interest.

“What did she say?”

Nash grasped the back of his neck, stalling.

“Nash,” he growled and hardened his gaze.

“Elle is under the impression that security, considering their position and loyalty to you, should be included in something that celebrates you. That’s what Elle thinks.”

Of course she would. That was how she conducted her own business. She thought of all her employees as friends more than colleagues. And in some cases, they were family. The image of Charley popped in his head. Oz’s world would never look the same as Elodie’s. Making friends or getting too close to his security would send the wrong message and be detrimental to everyone’s safety. There had to be a line they never crossed.

But…

Years ago, Sal had crossed that line bringing him, Rogue, and Trey into his fold. Oz could make an exception for one night.

He lowered his chin and reached for the door.

“You’re okay with this?”

Oz gripped the handle tightly and glared at Nash. “No. But I will appease my woman for the sake of harmony for a few hours.”

Nash’s lips twitched until Oz arched his brow. He quickly flattened his lips and nodded.

Oz braced himself and opened the door. Elodie didn’t disappoint. She, along with the women, and Sal were standing ten feet from the door and shouted “Surprise!” when in. Henoticed Trey and Rogue standing off to the side, smirking. They were obviously enjoying the uncomfortable show.

Assholes.

Elodie rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Even in his angered state, he pulled her close.

“I know you hate celebrating your birthday.”

He arched his brow, darkening his gaze. “Yet, here we are.”

She hopped up on her toes, and he lowered his head, meeting her halfway. She brushed her lips against his and whispered. “I couldn’t help myself. But I can promise there’s not one balloon in the whole house.”

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