Page 17 of Conquering Oz

Chapter Four

Well, that was an absolute massacre to my ego.

Elodie tapped her foot on the marble floor and stared at the elevator doors, willing them to open.

She thought the years of being embarrassed by a man turning her down were long past her.Apparently not.

She peeked over her shoulder to the empty table. Her business card was still on it. When the doors opened, she blindly walked inside. The entire night had been an endless rollercoaster ride, and she was ready to get off.

Oz. He’d cornered the market on mysterious, tense, and unfortunately for her, incredibly sexy. He had all the makings of a walking red flag.Why would I be interested?She wasn’t.Elle, come on, yes, you are.

“Shit,” she muttered, hiking her pocketbook strap over her shoulder.Her mind was so clouded with thoughts of Oz and their interaction, when the elevator opened, she didn’t bother to look up as she walked out.

“Elle?”

She spun around and internally groaned when she saw him two feet away. Julian.My nemesis.It hadn’t always been that way. For quite a long time, Julian had been a friend. A close one. Until he showed his true colors. Seeing him was the last thing she needed right now.Why me?

“My lawyer said as long as the lawsuit is active, we shouldn’t speak,” she replied.

“Forget the lawyers.”

Elodie widened her eyes and gasped. The nerve of this man. She would love nothing more than to forget about the lawsuit, but her bills wouldn’t allow it.

“I can’t forget because as of right now I owe my lawyer over three grand, Julian.” When she tried to pass him on the left, he stepped into her path. “Get out of my way.”

He held up his hands. “Just talk to me. Maybe we can work something out.”

You son of a bitch!

“Oh really? What were you thinking?” She folded her arms and sneered. “Let me take a wild guess at what your idea ofworking things outwould be. I drop to my knees, suck you off, and you’ll give me more time to pay you back? I hope you know what a disgusting waste of a human you are. An absolute, goddamn pig.” Elodie looked him up and down, scoffing. “You loaned me money under the guise of wanting to help. You forgot to mention the disclaimer that sleeping with you was part of the deal.”

His lips pursed, and his face turned a dark shade of red. “That’s not true!”

“What are you talking about?” Elodie waved her arms. “You’re basically suing me because I wouldn’t fuck with you.”

“I’m suing you because I need the money back. That’s all.”

If this wasn’t real life, it would’ve been comical.

“Bull. Shit! If that’s the story you want to tell, then by all means, do it. But you and I both know the truth.” She tried to pass him again, but he grabbed her arm. Before she could tug from his grip, a figure appeared next to her, hooking his arm around her waist and whipping her out of Julian’s hold.

“Keep your fucking hands off her.”

Elodie craned her neck, peering up at Dalton.Oh God, no.These were the last two men she wanted fighting over her,though she appreciated Dalton’s effort. She turned, resting her hand on his arm.

“I’m fine.” That should’ve settled it. Ended it immediately. But Elodie was reminded once again of Dalton’s youth.

He pointed over her head directly at Julian, “Who the fuck are you?”

What was happening?

“Dalton,” she snapped, trying to regain his attention. It was a fruitless effort.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Julian spat and turned to Elodie, his gaze wild. “Do you know this kid?”

Before she could answer, Dalton lunged forward, and she made the mistake of wedging herself between the two angry men. While she didn’t think either of them would intentionally hurt her, there was always a risk of wild swings, and she didn’t want to be on the receiving end.

Again…Happy fucking birthday to me.

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