Page 8 of Conquering Oz

Saylor looked over, smiling. Elodie was sure she’d be on the dance floor in seconds. Saylor shook her head and grabbed her drink. “I’d rather hang out with you.”

Liar.

Elodie smiled, sipped her drink, licked the sweetness off her lips, and skimmed the crowd. It was prime seating for people watching and didn’t disappoint.

As she glanced less at the people and more at the design, it was hard not to be impressed. Elodie could appreciate the setting and understood the appeal.Years ago, Madalyn and I would have been here every night.

The dim lighting was low enough to provide an intimate experience without a hazardous situation. The dance floor being in the center allowed for three bars at each corner of the room. Or were there four? She turned in her seat, looking behind her. She didn’t see a bar, but she was gifted with a fantastic view just outside the darkened hallway.

While the average age of most of the patrons was between twenty-five and thirty, this group of well-dressed men seemed closer to her age, if not slightly older. One in particular stood out among the rest.

I’m a sucker for a tall man.He was well over six feet, possible pushing six and a half, dressed in a dark suit. Elodie’s expertise had always been geared to women’s fashion, but she knew enough about men’s to be impressed with his style. Darkgray suit with a black collared shirt accented by the thin tie to match his jacket. It molded over his shoulders and hugged him in all the right places. Most men she knew wore ill-fitted knock-offs they got off the sales rack. There was nothing wrong with that, but there was something sexy about a man in a suit that was made just for him. Just like the guy standing in the center of the group of men.

It was an interesting scene. It was as if there was an invisible barrier that no one crossed. Even the staff walking past kept their distance and didn’t acknowledge them. Elodie watched a waitress balancing a full tray of empty glasses squeeze between a couple rather than excuse herself through the cluster of men. When she finally passed, she kept her head down, not making any eye contact.

Elodie straightened in her seat when he turned slightly. Up until now, she’d only caught a glimpse of his profile, but when he shifted, she was treated to a full view. Even through the dim lighting, she saw his sleek salt-and-pepper hair was neatly styled.I love a side part.He had defined cheekbones, and a prominent brow line. His jaw was masked by an evenly-trimmed, short beard.Mmmmmm…She brushed her fingertips across the outline of her lips. Some women didn’t like the prickly sensation of facial hair.I’m into it.His stone-cold eyes were pinned on the man standing in front of him.

Well, they were.

His gaze shifted, scanning across the room and zoning directly in on Elodie. She sucked in a breath, and her heart fluttered. It was an odd reaction for the reception she was getting from the mystery man. His stare was harsh, almost threatening with a clear warning to look away. It probably would have been the polite response, but Elodie kept her eyes locked on him, desperately trying to ignore the butterflies in her belly. She couldn’t quite remember the last time she’d experienced aninstant attraction so strong, and she pressed her thighs together. He turned his attention back to the guy in front of him, but it didn’t deter Elodie. She rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward for a better view.

When a small crowd moved in front of her, she arched her neck and settled back in her seat. She was once again gifted with an unobstructed line of sight and his darkened stare going right through her. His whole persona screamed powerful with an edge of danger.

Without even realizing it, her lips softened into a smile. It was exciting silently flirting with a stranger. Especially one as handsome as this man. And it wasn’t one-sided. His gaze traveled over her face and down her body, lingering on her breasts. Elodie clenched her teeth, fighting against her blush when her nipples beaded.

Then, much to her disappointment, it abruptly ended.

He turned his head and said something to the man he’d been taking to. It seemed a little dismissive. It should’ve been enough for her to lose interest, but Elodie continued to watch them. The younger one nodded as the mystery man turned without giving her another glance. The blondish haired man, however, glanced over, his gaze directly landing on her. The corners of his eyes crinkled, and he lifted his chin as if taking a longer look. A quick flash in his eyes had Elodie straightening in her seat. She knew that look. Recognition? Did she know him? He was entirely too good-looking to forget, but he didn’t look familiar.I’d remember.

He continued to stare. It was strange. He had only seemed to take an interest in her after talking with the silver fox. It could’ve been a coincidence. But…

Had they been talking about me?

The thought was not only absurd but fleeting. She could recognize her own beauty. But in a sea of beautiful youngwomen, she wasn’t one to stand out. Elodie leaned forward once again, watching the mystery man and his entourage of six walk down the hallway.

“This is like a celebrity sighting!” Saylor shouted, catching her attention just as he disappeared from sight.

Elodie spun around in her seat and hooked her thumb over her shoulder. She was about to ask, but Saylor beat her to it.

“That’s the owner!”

Having that piece of information explained a lot. Elodie was tempted to ask for details, but her effort would be fruitless considering she could barely hear anything over the music. And what was the point? Did it really matter? An incredibly good-looking, wealthy club owner. Even if she was looking for a man, she wouldn’t choose him. He probably sat up in the balcony above, handpicking a different younger woman to bed each night. Youth had its perks.

As if she needed a reminder of her own age, she cupped her mouth, covering her yawn. This night was showing no signs of slowing down, but Elodie was officially ready to go home. Saylor had already mentioned going to a bar after the club. If she had any hope of lasting the night, she’d have to get up and move around. Dancing was out of the question.At least for me.

“Saylor!” Elodie shouted, waving her hand to get the younger woman’s attention. “I’m going to the bathroom. Why don’t you go dance? I don’t want you sitting here by yourself.”

Saylor perked up, glancing across the club, seeking out the group that was centered on the dance floor. She arched her neck and jumped up from her chair. “Are you sure?”

Elodie smiled. This girl was desperate to be out there and currently struggling with indecision.

“Yes! Go and have fun. Dance your ass off.”

Saylor grinned and took off down the three small steps of the VIP section. This was the only perk to the night. It wasn’tprivate by any means, but it gave at least five feet of distance from everyone else. And now, she’d have to venture out in search of a bathroom. She waited a few minutes, hoping for a break in the crowd.

Finally!

She stood and circled the table to the steps. She was on the last one when she glanced up, taking in the line of men walking past her. They were familiar. And notorious with a reputation they wholeheartedly lived up to. Elodie didn’t know any of the members of the Killcreek Drifter MC personally. But she had heard stories throughout the years. Unlike the local MC in Lawry, the Drifters were extremely volatile, unpredictable, and dangerous. If half the stories were true, all these men should be in prison serving life sentences.

---