Page 43 of Conquering Oz

“Employee.” He took a sip then lowered his glass. “I’ll keep one.”

It wasn’t exactly the deal she’d been hoping for, but she had the distinct feeling Oz was giving her more than he’d give someone else.

She hesitated for a brief moment, then blurted. “The girl.”

He arched his brow. “That was quick.”

She shrugged, glancing over at his chest. “I know what I want.”

Elodie hadn’t intended on the innuendo, but she wasn’t retracting it.

****

Oz seldom drove himself anywhere. He had a driver and security to contend with. Taking his personal car was dangerous and a hassle for everyone involved. On the rare occasion hediddrive, it was usually solo. It had been that way for years. Being King had its limitations when his safety was an issue.

Tonight was one of the exceptions. He pulled into the side lot, noticing the second parking spot with a small makeshift sign.Reserved.He parked, and in the rearview mirror, watched his security file in. Unlike Trey and Rogue, who occasionally called off their security, it wasn’t an option for Oz. They’d always been discreet but hyper aware of his surroundings.

“I hope you made reservations.” Elodie scooted up in her seat, glancing out the window with her brows raised to her hairline.

“Have you been here?” he asked.

She laughed and angled her head. Her strawberry blonde hair swung past her shoulder. The interior was fairly dark except for the light shining in from the parking lot. It hit all her features perfectly, showcasing her beauty. In the tight confines of the car, he was gifted with an up close look at her. Pale blue, almond shaped eyes, a light patch of freckles over her nose and a small scar on her cheekbone she tried to hide with makeup. An imperfection. Oz had a lot of those.

She leaned forward over the console, and the corners of her mouth curled as she peered up at the restaurant. It put her an inch closer in proximity. Her perfume was faint, a fruity flowery mix. Almost as if putting it on had been an afterthought. Oz hadbeen with more beautiful women than he could count but never like this.

This was an intimate setting. Nothing special for the average men who dated. For him, a rarity.

“I came here once on a date. I’m pretty sure he was trying to impress me.” Elodie glanced over with a small smile playing on her lips. “He didn’t know we needed reservations. The hostess said we could wait at the bar, and if there was a cancellation, she’d seat us.” She snickered. “We sat at the bar for four hours, got hammered, and left at closing without a meal. It turns out when people snag a reservation here, they don’t cancel.” She sighed. “And did you know they don’t serve food at the bar?”

Oz had never given it a thought. He’d always gotten a table. In fact, this reservation had been called in two hours ago, most likely bumping another. That was a fact he’d be keeping to himself as it probably wouldn’t impress someone like Elodie. If he had to guess, she’d insist on going somewhere else with that possibility.

He got out of the car and looked across the lot. His security was already in place, with Ridge about twenty feet from his car and Caine and Cyrus closer to the entrance. He buttoned his jacket, waiting for her to round the bumper. He’d gotten a look at her earlier, but breathed deep watching her walk toward him in the fitted black dress, the hem sliding against her toned thighs. Oz rolled his shoulders back and squared his jaw as he clenched his teeth. His attraction to Elodie was instant upon seeing her in the club. This only heightened his want and desire.

He gestured for her to walk in front of him and scanned the lot. This was his life, always aware of his surroundings. On any given day, there were half a dozen threats to him. People were always vying for power, and taking him out would leverage the playing field in most minds.

As they approached the door, he passed in front of her, grabbed the handle, and opened the door.

Her cheeks pinkened, and she smiled. “Thank you.”

Nash was waiting in the foyer with the hostess beside him.

“Please follow me.” The younger woman smiled, batting her lashes at Oz. He didn’t engage at all, but he heard a soft chuckle next to him and peered down at Elodie. She seemed amused by the younger woman.

“Elle.” Nash cleared his throat. “I need a word with Oz, if you don’t mind.”

“No, of course. Take your time.” Elodie glanced up at Oz with a soft smile and followed the hostess through the dining area, disappearing through the arched doorway. It would be just them in a private room in the back. Oz never ate among all the other patrons. Privacy was his biggest concern whenever he went out.

Oz turned to Nash and cocked his brow.

“I wanted to make you aware. Garner is here. The party in the far left corner.”

Garner had made several calls asking for a meeting with Oz. All of which had been denied. He wasn’t sure how Garner would’ve known his whereabouts or schedule, but Oz suspected that this was no coincidence. Garner was playing a dangerous game, forcing Oz’s hand.

Oz ran the Underground like a well-oiled machine, and most members fell in line. But every once in a while, people made the grave mistake of crossing the Underground.

“Was he informed that we’re looking for his nephew?”

“Yes, sir.”

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