Page 59 of Conquering Oz

“And still you showed up.”

Camille lost her smile. “I’ll always show up, Oz.”

And she would. Camille would forever be indebted to him, Rogue, and Trey. There were rules in the Underground. They were cultivated years ago, and everyone entering the realm knew them. Once someone took an oath to the Underground, it was a lifetime commitment. There was only one way out.

Camille had been the exception to the rule. The only one. It was unspoken and never questioned. She’d earned it.

“You don’t owe us anything, Camille.”

The corner of her mouth hitched as she stared down at the table. “It’s so crazy how two people can look at a situation or event. It’s the same scenario, but they see it totally different.” She glanced up, her face pale. “Crazy, right?”

“You don’t owemeanything.”

She snorted and dropped her chin to her chest. “In an hour, I’m going home to my husband. A real home and a man better than most who reminds everyday he loves me. And he’s with our son. The best thing I’ll ever do in my life is that little boy. Years ago, I hadn’t even considered the possibility. Then I met Tracer and wanted it all. And I got it.” She shifted in her seat andglanced up, glassy eyed. “You let me have it. So yeah, I do owe you, Oz.”

They finished their meal, and he merely listened to Camille speak. These check-ins were mandatory as an agreement when he let her go from the Underground. While he’d never admit it to anyone, including Camille, thiswaspersonal.

“Well, thanks for dinner and” —she smiled— “everything.”

There wouldn’t be a hug, a kiss on the cheek, or any parting words other than “Caine will see you to your car.”

Camille nodded and walked over to his security. He noticed her smile brighten, and both Ridge and Cyrus stepped closer to Caine. There was a small break in their steeled features. Except Caine.

Nash walked to the edge of the table then slid into the chair. “I took care of the check.” He clasped his hands looking toward the back exit. Camille was following Caine out. “She looks good. Happy.”

She was. Camille wound up getting the life she’d deserved.

“Elodie,” Oz said, and Nash looked over at him.

“Still here.”

“Andher date?”

“Loan officer.” Nash smirked. “He’s at the bar with her, and they’re still discussing her options. From what I gather, she doesn’t have many.”

Oz resisted the urge to smile. He didn’t miss the small dig alluding to her date.

Oz stood and straightened his jacket. From his view, he could see her. She kept a respectable distance between herself and the man.Good girl.

“I’m going to have a drink at the bar.”

Nash stilled and slowly angled his head toward Oz. He never sat at the bar, even when he came in just for drinks. It left him too exposed. Tonight, he’d make an exception. He walked acrossthe room and into the main dining area. There were only a few tables occupied and fewer people at the bar. Aside from a man at the opposite end and Elodie and the loan officer, it was empty.

He took a seat two chairs away from Elodie. She was sitting with her back slightly turned toward him. It was the perfect position for him to overhear the conversation without her knowing he was there.

“I wish there was more I could do for you,” the man said.

“I appreciate you taking the time to try.”

He waved his hand for the bartender’s attention. “Can I get the check?”

Elodie reached for her pocketbook. “I’ll get it. It’s the least I can do.”

He shook his head. “I insist. Besides this is a write off.”

Oz watched her grab her glass and take a sip. The man got up from the stool, grabbed two folders from the bar, and turned toward her.

“Can I walk you out?”

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