Page 74 of Conquering Oz

“Yes, they’ll both be here.”

Oz jerked his chin, and his security opened the car door. “I’ll have to push it back. I have another matter that takes precedent.”

Elodie.

“Do you want me to let them know and reschedule the time?”

Oz got into the backseat and smirked. “Call Ace. As for Garner? He can wait.”

Garner hadn’t earned the courtesy.

“I’ll be there shortly.” Oz pulled the phone away prepared to hang up when he heard Nash’s voice again.

“How’d it go? Did it work in Elle’s favor?”

Oz settled the phone to his ear. Only a select few knew of his plan with Elodie and her lawsuit. As with most things, Nash played a pivotal role. He just hadn’t realized how invested his second-in-command was with Elodie’s affairs.

“Yes.”

Oz ended the call and tapped the screen, pulling up Elodie’s voicemail from earlier.

Love you. Bye.

Chapter Fourteen

Elodie took the long way to the X-Lounge. She had a million thoughts running through her mind. It was evident Oz had deposited the money into her account, hired her new lawyers, and orchestrated the whole meeting. Why would he do that? They’d only been together for a short time. Admittedly, she was falling hard, but for his part Oz continued to be guarded, giving little about himself while she opened up more. Wasn’t it too soon to step in and help her in this capacity?It’s long enough for me to profess my love.Heat immediately rose throughout her body as the embarrassment set in.Love you.Was not showing up a cowardly move?Yes.It was also not an option.

She parked in the rear lot of the club and was surprised to see Nash waiting by the entrance. She got out of her car, giving him a short wave.

“Hi Nash.”

He widened the steel door, gesturing her inside.

“Elle.” He smiled.

He escorted her up the elevator and down the long hall to Oz’s office. Nash knocked and waited a second before opening the door and stepping aside for her to pass. She walked in to find Oz behind his desk. When he glanced up, she averted her eyes.Love you.Those two words continued to replay over in her head.

“Did you get lost?” His tone was telling.

Elodie walked through the room and took a seat in the chair in front of his desk. “Traffic.”

It was a lie, and by the small smile playing on his lips, he knew it. Oz clasped his hands and rested his elbows on the desk.

“Which would you like to discuss first? The meeting?” He paused. “Or your voicemail?”

Shit!Elodie chose to ignore the elephant in the room.

“You didn’t even consult me.” She spread out her arms, widening her eyes. “I walked in there completely clueless. Didn’t even know those three lawyers were mine, and then you show up without any explanation. I’ve been at your house and in your bed consistently for the last few weeks, and you didn’t think to mention this?”

Her confrontational outburst did nothing to rock his composure.

“It slipped my mind.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Oz.”

His jaw squared. “I’m offering you a better deal.”

Elodie stood, inched closer, and pressed her palms against his desk. “You didn’tofferme anything. You forced my hand.”

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