Page 133 of Conquering Oz

Oz shook his head, resisting the urge to laugh. Elodie had definitely brought a different kind of vibe into his life. It was one Oz never anticipated or even wanted. But now that’d he’d gotten a taste of what life could be like with her, he’d never give it up. Elodie and their baby were his second chance. An opportunity few got in their lifetime.

*

Oz was returning to the living room when he heard the doorbell. He walked over to find a member of security standing in the doorway.

“Sir, there’s a new guest.” He stepped aside and Chris stood a few feet away on the landing. Oz had briefly wondered when he saw Madalyn where her husband was. It seemed odd he’d allow her to attend without being present. Had it been Oz, he would’ve never allowed Elodie to go into a space he didn’t deem safe. It seemed he and the officer had something in common.

Chris stepped forward, eyeing Oz’s security. Before he could say a word, Elodie rushed up beside him, hooking her hand over his bicep.

“You came!”

There was no denying the excitement in her voice. This was what Elodie wanted. Probably Madalyn too. This was a step Oz was sure Chris was making begrudgingly.

“Thanks for coming.” Elodie said.

Chris nodded and held out a bottle of Scotch. Oz recognized the label. It wasn’t anything he’d had in decades, but years ago when he wasn’t making the cash, it was the brand that’d sold him on this form of alcohol. Oz grabbed the bottle and offered a nod.

Elodie walked down the hall, waving Chris to follow. When they reached the arched doorway of the den, he could only see Chris’s profile. His brows dipped in a harsh scowl, and his lips tightened. Oz passed him and looked into the room.

Madalyn was standing by the edge of the couch talking with Dahlia. Her eyes shifted, and her face paled. She immediately held up her hands, obviously caught off guard but recognizing her mistake.

“I was just up to get a plate of food.”

Oz heard the rumbling growl before Chris stalked forward. “Sit your ass down!”

Madalyn widened her eyes and slowly sat on the couch.

Oz flattened his lips, holding back a smile.I respect that move.He walked to the bar, placing the bottle down and turned. He watched Trey and Rogue walk over. Trey had been more subtle with his glaring at their newly arrived guest. Rogue…not so much.

“This has got to be the most fucked up family in the history of fucked up,” Rogue snapped.

Oz couldn’t disagree.

Sal walked over smiling, and when he faced the three men, his brows dipped, and his gaze hardened. It was reminiscent of years ago.

“Fucked up or not,heis part of Elle’s family, which makes him part of ours. You alienate them from Elle’s life, you will dealwith me, son. And as a refresher because it’s been a while” —Sal smiled— “you won’t enjoy it, Rogue.”

Rogue smirked, sipping his drink. He licked his lips, eyeing Sal. “You threatening me, Sal?”

Sal reached out, playfully slapping Rogue’s cheek with a smile. “Warning, son. Play nice. I know it’s out of your wheelhouse. But try.”

Sal may have been out of the life for a long time, but he was still the biggest influence on him, Rogue, and Trey. The only father they’d known. Much like Sal’s relationship with Dahlia and Quinn, he’d gotten close with Elodie. He even accompanied her on a doctor’s visit last week. Since then, he’d been overly excited without an explanation.

“Best part of the night?” Rogue grinned. “Watching your security. They look so fucking uncomfortable. It’s entertaining.”

Oz ignored the comment but glanced at his men. The description was accurate. Aside from Nash, and possibly Cy and Ridge, all the others seemed to be on high alert.Good.That’s how they’d been trained. This was a whole new world for most of them, and none seemed particularly at ease.

Oz had firmly shut down the idea of singing happy birthday. He had his limits. That didn’t stop Elodie from passing around the cake. It was interesting to watch his men. Whether they wanted it or not, each man took the plate of cake offered to him. It was out of respect for her and who she was to him.

“Fuck.” Rogue gagged and twisted his lips. “Who the fuck made this shit and what the hell is it?”

Oz glanced down at his plate. As far as he knew the food had been catered and presented in foil dishes. However, there was a platter of what looked like some type of chicken in a brown sauce along with a salad. Oz hadn’t eaten yet, so he had no way of knowing.

“It’s chicken marsala.” Elodie slipped in next to him, curling her arm around his waist. Instinctively, Oz wrapped his around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “It’s a new recipe. What do you think?”

Rogue’s brows knitted, and his lips twisted. Oz felt a heated rush through his veins. He angled his body, putting him face to face with his brother. Trey took a similar stand and scowled at Rogue.

“Yes, Rogue.” Oz narrowed his gaze making his intentions clear. “What. Do. You think?”

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