Page 54 of Conquering Oz

Oz narrowed his gaze. “The ring on your left finger says it’s yours as well.”

The corner of her mouth curled when she looked down at her left hand. The diamond was so large, it was almost blinding when it caught the light right. Over the top and obnoxious. Definitely handpicked by Rogue.

“What is the issue, Quinn?”

She parted her lips and shook her head.

Oz immediately held up his hand, silencing her. “Nothing I despise more than liars, Quinn.”

She clamped her lips, and her chest rose as she peered at her feet. Contrary to what most people believed, Oz had patience. He didn’t usually exercise it. He didn’t have to. When Oz wanted answers, he got them. But he recognized the delicate situation with Quinn. He settled on the couch and reached over to theside table. He and his brother didn’t have much in common, but their love of cigars was one of them. Rogue’s set up on the table allowed Oz to kill time while waiting on Quinn. He opened the humidor, and then grabbed a cigar and lighter. He was two puffs in when she finally responded.

“I don’t want to bother you.” Her voice was low and uncertain.

Oz arched his brow. “Have I given any indication that you are?”

She peeked up at him and slowly shrugged.

“Elaborate.”

Quinn flattened her lips.

Oz clenched his jaw. “I said, elaborate.”

“That.” She pointed and quickly tucked her hand under her thigh. “You seem annoyed by me.”

I am.But not for any other reason than her reluctance to find ease with him. Quinn had found her place in the Underground, but she always kept Oz at a safe distance.

“I wouldn’t be if you answered the question.”

“You intimidate me,” she blurted, and Oz resisted the urge to smile. Not many people would be so forthcoming or admit to weakness.

“I intimidate everybody.” Oz placed his cigar in the ashtray and straightened in his seat. That move alone had Quinn tensing.For Christ’s sake.“How can we rectify this?”

Quinn seemed to pep up, and she shifted in her seat with a bright smile.

Oz clenched his jaw.I’m going to regret this.

“Maybe if we got know each other better? We could ask each other questions and…”

Abso-fucking-lutely not!“No.”

“Okay,” she whispered, and he eyed her demeanor. Her shoulders sagged, and she seemed to shrink before his eyes. Itwas ironic. Had he approached Rogue with the same line of questioning, his brother would have unleashed every thought going through his mind and not accepted defeat. They were so different which sparked his next question.

“Why Rogue?”

She raised her brows. “What do you mean?”

“What is it about Rogue that you love?”

Her eyes glinted. “A lot of things.”

“Such as?”

She chuckled and grasped the edge of the couch. “He’s got a big heart. Though I know he doesn’t show it often to everyone. But I see it all the time. He listens to me. Like really hears me when I speak. Never had that before.” Her voice trailed off. “I feel safe with him. Loved. He’s unintentionally funny and…”

Oz scoffed. “That’s not humor. He’s arrogant, crass, and rude.”

She shrugged with a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s still funny.”

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