Page 38 of Conquering Oz

Not many people amused Oz, but the corner of his mouth hiked.

“Noted.”

She charged forward, pointing. “And you fix that shit for my boys. This may beyourfucking state! But it’s Killcreek territory, and that makes it mine. They fucking earned everything they got, just like you boys. And I will not let you fucking take that from them.”

Loyalty ran deep between Inez and the Killcreek Drifters. And Oz respected it.

He gave a curt nod, walked down the short hallway and left the apartment.

Never a fucking dull moment.

Chapter Seven

“Enjoy your night.”

Elodie smiled at the driver and got out of the backseat, closing the door behind her.

Elodie glanced up at the sign over the building. X-Lounge. She pressed her hand against her stomach, willing away the butterflies swirling in her belly. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this anxious about meeting up with a man. Nervousness was reserved for middle school crushes and first kisses.Not this!She rolled her shoulders trying to relieve the tension in her neck. This probably would’ve gone smoother had she been able to get a better read on Oz. Usually, men who were interested gave off a flirty vibe. Not Oz. He was enigmatic, aloof, and extremely intense.And I kind of like that.

Elodie walked across the parking lot and to the main entrance of the club. She’d been given instructions to go straight to the front door and give her name. It was similar to how she’d arrived with the girls for her birthday. But she didn’t remember the line being nearly this long. It wrapped around the corner of the building. There was a mix of men and women, mostly in their twenties and early thirties, if she had to guess.

She walked up to the man closest to the door holding a phone. He glanced her way, eyeing her up and down. Elodie had changed after closing the store, opting for a more club appropriate outfit. It didn’t quite resemble the younger people in line. A little less skin showing, but her plunging neckline had her cleavage on point.

“Can I help you?” His gaze lingered on her breasts.

“Yes. I’m on the list. Elle Martin.”

He nodded, glancing at his phone and sliding his finger over the screen. He scrolled. And scrolled. And scrolled. Elodie peered over her shoulder at the small group of women at the front of the line, offering a smile. It wasn’t reciprocated.I get it.They’d probably been in line for a while. Having someone walk right in before them would’ve annoyed her too.

“You’re not on the list.”

What?Elodie spun around to face him.

“I was told I would be.”

He shrugged. “Well, you’re not.”

She didn’t embarrass easily, but she could feel people staring at her. She grasped the back of her neck and lifted her chin, forcing a smile.

“Can you check again?”

“I can, but it’s pointless. We get one list a night, and as I said, you’re not on it.”

Elodie ground her teeth.What kind of fucked up bullshit is going on?Elodie drew in a breath, trying to batten down her anger. Oz had specifically told her to give her name at the door. She hadn’t pegged him as a man who played games. He was too mature for that.Right?

“I took a car service here because I was told I’d be on the list. Just humor me and check again.”

His gaze narrowed, and she was sure he’d deny her, but a woman a few feet away grabbed the phone from his hand and snapped, “Name.”

Thank you.

“Elle Martin.”

She scrolled over the screen. Unlike when the man did it, the woman’s finger stilled, and she glanced up at him. He raised his brows.

“ElleMartin. I ain’t risking it.”

Elodie furrowed her brows, shifting her gaze between them. It was as if they were having a silent conversation. It lasted a few seconds before the woman addressed Elodie.

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