Page 76 of Conquering Oz

“Nash will walk you out,” Oz said.

She smiled at Nash. “You don’t have to.”

Nash arched his brow and jerked his eyes over her head. Before she could turn, she heard Oz’s distinct growl.

“Elodie.”

She peeked over her shoulder.

“Nash will walk you to your car.”

She snorted. “Oz, it’s unnecessary.”

There was a long stretch of silence.

“You have two choices.” His gaze hardened. “Nash can escort you to your car. Or I can. It would give us time to discussother matters.”

Other matters?

When Oz cocked his eyebrow, it clicked.My voicemail.It was the one discussion she’d hoped to avoid. Her face immediately heated and she swiftly turned to Nash.

“Shall we?” Elodie didn’t wait for a response and started down the hallway. When she reached the elevator, the doors opened and she walked inside followed by Nash and two members of security. It seemed strange that they’d be walking her out as well. Elodie eyed both men. They looked nothing alike yet were so similar in their dress and demeanor.

She cleared her throat, gaining their attention.

“We haven’t met. Not formally. I’m Elle.”

Neither man reacted, but Nash stepped closer and pointed.

“This is Ridge and Cyrus.”

She flattened her lips and smiled. Both men nodded but remained silent. The elevator doors opened, and before she could fully walk out, a man stepped in front of them. His eyes were wild, and his forehead was beaded with sweat. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five years old.

“We need to see him. Been here waiting for fucking twenty minutes, Nash.”

“Back up.” Nash scowled, taking a step forward, half blocking Elodie. It felt like a protective move. “I will let you know when he’s available.”

Elodie glanced down the line of men recognizing only one. She remembered Ted Garner from her first date with Oz. He didn’t say a word, merely watched the young guy and Nash.

“Nash.” The younger man growled. “He said two, and we are fucking here.”

“He’ll see you when he’s ready,” Nash snapped.

Elodie wasn’t following the conversation, but she felt the tension.

The guy looked down at Elodie and his lips twisted. “If he’s got time to see a whore? He can see us.”

Elodie gasped at the implication.Fuck you, asshole.Garner lunged forward, grabbing the younger man by the arm. He whispered something she couldn’t make out, but it seemed to be a reprimand. It better be.

Nash’s phone pinged. When he glanced down, a small smile emerged.

“He’ll see you now.” Nash turned to Ridge. “If you wouldn’t mind walking her out to her car?”

Ridge gestured for Elodie to pass. “Not at all.”

Elodie walked past the men, glaring at the young guy.

Asshole!

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