Page 20 of Conquering Oz

“No.” Elodie cleared her throat. “But again, my apologies for” —she paused and chuckled— “the whole night.”

His gaze scanned her face and lowered to her chest. She was feeling a sexual chemistry unlike any other. It was not one-sided. She may have had her doubts earlier, but it was clear now his attraction was as strong as hers.

Oz lifted his eyes, and she gasped slightly.

“Happy birthday.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

His security stepped forward, and she turned slightly, walking down the hall. She could feel his eyes on her, but she resisted the urge to turn around.

Happy birthday to me.

****

Oz had two offsite meetings scheduled for the day, one being a very lucrative deal for the Underground. His mind should’ve been solely focused on that. It wasn’t.

He cupped his mouth, staring at his laptop screen in his office. It was the third time he’d watched it. He’d ordered Nash to transfer the surveillance footage from last night to his private computer.

He watched the confrontation between Elodie and the two men. Oz didn’t allow any audio recording in the club or his office. The evidence would be too incriminating. But he’d beenthere to witness most of the interaction and overhear everything they said. From the aerial angle, he was getting a clear view with his gaze zoned in on her.

Elodie had a heated exchange with the older of the two men. At one point she tried to walk past him, but he’d blocked her path. As he’d moved closer, she’d stepped back in defense mode. Oz stroked his beard, reading her lips. The most he could get was a deal was in place between the two. When she’d turned to the side, shielding her mouth, he looked over at the man.

When the younger guy approached, Oz could’ve sworn Elodie rolled her eyes. The corner of his mouth curled as she held up her hand and stood between the men as if acting as a mediator. The younger of the two was shouting. Oz squinted and rewound the footage. Did he say lovers?

His men had escorted her back to her table in VIP. Two members of his security were stationed on either side of VIP but blending into the crowd.

Oz heard a faint knock on his door and waved his hand, never taking his eyes off the screen. Nash walked in, moving next to him.

“I want a full background on her,” Oz said with his gaze trained on the screen.

“We’ve already done a complete check, and…”

Oz held up his hand, silencing Nash. He slowly angled his head and narrowed his eyes. “Dig. Deeper.”

He wanted to know everything about Elodie Martin. Any potential connection to Sal was at the forefront. But he couldn’t deny it went beyond that. She’d piqued his interest in more ways than one.

“Yes, sir.”

“And I want a full background on the two men and their connection to her. Set up a meeting with Trey and Rogue.”

“You’re not buying into it being a coincidence?”

Oz ignored the question and continued to watch her on the screen. Their equipment was state of the art high tech. He spared no expense on security. This was a tool he didn’t use often, and certainly never for a woman. It had the capability to zoom in directly on one person and follow their every move.

“Who reserved the table?” Oz asked.

“Saylor Callahan. The brunette on the right. I pulled up the reservation log. It was booked three months ago.”

Everything was pointing to coincidence, but Oz had never been a believer in fate. Things happened for a reason. Cause and effect. He didn’t trust many people, least of all strangers. Elodie didn’t give off any immediate red flags and showed no signs of recognition when she learned his name. Either she was a skilled actor, or she had no idea who she’d sat across from.Flirting.Oz couldn’t remember the last time any woman had attempted to make a move on him. His vibe was completely unapproachable to everyone, and people steered clear. Except Elodie.

“When did she run into Sal?”

“About four months ago.”

The timing was too close. Oz had never been paranoid, but he was cautious. Maybe he’d been wrong to dismiss Rogue and Trey’s concerns. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“Do you still want me to comp the drinks?”

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