Page 91 of Conquering Oz

Nash smirked, raising his brow. “It’s always a pleasure, Rogue.”

Oz caught the slight smile on Rogue’s lips. While he’d never admit it, he’d found a new perspective on Nash thanks to Quinn. But Rogue loved to play the part of the asshole.

“Fuck you.” Rogue walked out without another word.

“Well, that’s my cue.” Trey stood, buttoning his jacket. “Whatever you need from us, just let me know.”

Oz wasn’t surprised that Trey would back and support his decision. Once he walked out the door Oz looked up at Nash. He’d unknowingly given Oz a strategy.

“I need you to get me everything on Eddie Burns.” Oz narrowed his gaze. “Everything.”

This secret wouldn’t stay hidden forever. It couldn’t if he wanted Elodie in his life. Oz wasn’t about to give her up, which meant he’d have to lay it all out for her.

Chapter Seventeen

Elodie was running later than initially planned. She’d hoped to leave the shop before one o’clock, but a new shipment of inventory came in early. Charley had insisted she could handle it on her own, but it was a big order. What should’ve been an extra thirty minutes turned into an hour. By the time she left, Elodie was racing to her car with her hands full.

The X-Lounge was only twenty minutes from the boutique, but with stops at the bakery and party store, she was now going to be almost two hours later than she’d told Oz. She pulled into the rear lot of the club, gathering all her things. She was walking to the back door wondering how she’d ever get inside without a free hand when it suddenly opened.

A familiar member of security stepped outside, holding the door. She hadn’t formally met Caine, but she’d heard his name from Oz and Nash. Of all the men on Oz’s team, he was by far the most intimidating. Over six feet, wide-shouldered, and muscular, shaved head, thick dark beard, and a glare so sharp even Elodie made a point of avoiding eye contact. His silence only added to his menacing persona.

“Thank you,” she said as she passed.

Elodie walked down the hall, hearing Caine’s heavy footsteps trailing behind. As soon as she reached the elevator, the doors opened. She hadn’t expected Caine to ride up with her. But he did.

She shifted on her feet, trying to balance everything while ignoring the awkward silence. She peeked over at him. He wasstaring straight ahead, standing eerily still. Except for his jaw.Is he chewing gum?

When the elevator doors opened, she noticed Ridge and Cyrus standing on either side.

She stepped out and smiled. “Hi.”

Both men glanced over her and then above her head.

She noticed Cyrus flatten his lips and angle his head, looking away. There was a faint semblance of a smile. She probably looked ridiculous. Caine cleared his throat, and she shifted to the side. A little too quickly. The box in her hand wobbled, and she gasped when she felt it slip from her hand. Caine shot out his hand, grabbing the edge to steady it.

“Thank you.”

Caine’s scowl deepened, but he lowered his chin.

“Nash is coming to you walk you back,” Ridge said, pointing to the left.

She looked toward the hall just as Nash rounded the corner. His steps slowed, as his gaze traveled over the obnoxious bouquet of balloons. He furrowed his brows when he saw what she was holding. She’d gotten a small cake from the bakery and a gift for Oz.

Oz had mentioned he didn’t celebrate his birthday. Apparently, he’d made that known to everybody.

“I know he’s going to hate it.” Her lips twitched as she bit back her chuckle.

Nash cupped his mouth, sliding his hand over his jaw. “That’s an understatement.”

Nash stepped to the side and waved his hand for her to pass with his eyes scanning over the balloons again. His lips twisted, and she resisted the urge to laugh. What was it with these men?

He stopped at the door, looking back, mainly at the balloons.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” From his tone, she suspected it wasn’t a teasing inquiry. It sounded like a warning.

“Yes.”

Nash sighed, opened the door, but made no move to walk in. She peeked around the doorframe and walked in.

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