Page 19 of Conquering Oz

“Dalton.” He cleared his throat. “Sir.”

“Are we in the presence of such infamy that you only require one name?”

Elodie flattened her lips, holding back a chuckle.

“Dalton Kyler.”

Oz nodded and shifted his gaze to her other side.

“And you?”

“Julian Shipman.” He held up his hands. “I’m sorry for thedisruption. But it’s a private matter.”

She watched Oz’s gaze darken and his jaw square. “So private that you’ve made it public in my club?”

Elodie swallowed the knot in her throat, unsure of her next move. Luckily, Nash took the conundrum out of her hands. He stepped forward, addressing the men.

“We hope you’ve enjoyed your time at our club, and we’d be happy to personally escort you out.” Nash smiled. “Do not come back. You’re not welcome.”

Madalyn would’ve been so proud. Her first night out at a club, and she was being kicked out. Could this birthday be any more memorable? Elodie’s heart sank to her stomach. This wasn’t her best night, the girls had put a lot into making it special. And in return, she’d been booted. Hopefully, she could reason with Nash to allow the girls to stay.

“Come on, Elle.” Dalton reached for her hand, and she was seconds from yanking it away. She understood Dalton was trying to be a gentleman, but he was not her man, and she didn’t need assistance. She didn’t blame Dalton for his chivalry, but she was handling Julian just fine without his help. He’d only escalated the situation and gave Oz front row seats.

“Let her go,” Oz snapped with his harsh glare aimed at Dalton.

“I was just…”

“Take your hand off of her. Now.” His tone, while calm, was menacing. Possessive and threatening. It left no room for argument. It should’ve scared her. Oddly, it had the opposite effect. Elodie was getting off on his level of protection. Being on her own for so long, Elodie was accustomed to her independence and handling herself in these situations. It was nice having someone step in on her behalf. Not to mention, very sexy.

Dalton dropped his hand, and Nash lifted his chin. Three men started forward as Dalton and Julian backed away. Elodie was confused and unsure of her position in this. She remained still and watched as security passed her without a glance. She looked over her shoulder until they rounded the hall then turned back to Oz, who remained standing, Nash by his side.

Elodie hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “I’ll just grab my things and leave.”

Oz arched his brow but remained silent. This was probably not the best time. But…

“Is there any chance you’ll allow the rest of my party to stay? This” —she waved to the empty hallway— “was my fault, not theirs. They put a lot into this night. And money. Can they just stay? Please,” —she paused, lowering her voice— “Sir.”

She expected it to sound foreign coming from her lips, but it rolled off her tongue while she looked up at him. She ignored the tingling tremble over her skin. Oz’s gaze darkened, but it was different from earlier, lacking the angry glare.

She was so focused on Oz, she almost missed the two members of his security exiting the elevator, stopping a few feet behind him. Oz never took his eyes off of her as if inspecting. Tense was putting it mildly. He stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Elodie’s pulse elevated, her heart pounding in her chest. She was seconds from breaking into a sweat. There was an undeniable heat between them.

“They will escort you back to your table” —Oz paused— “where you’ll enjoy the rest of your night.”

“You’re not asking me to leave?”

“No.”

The corner of her mouth curled. “And you’re providing me with personal bodyguards?” It was a bold move, but she inched closer and lowered her voice. “I should break the rules more often.”

Oz scowled. “I wouldn’t advise it. It won’t be in your best interests next time.”

“Is that your way of saying therewillbe a next time?”

Oz slowly angled his head, and his jaw squared. It was hard to get a read on him. If she had to guess, he was the type of man who never wavered in his control. It was a sexy trait, and one she found extremely attractive.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

I can think of a few things.

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