Page 98 of Conquering Oz

Nash placed his hand over hers. She thought he was going to remove it, but he didn’t. He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Are you in trouble?”

Am I?

“Maybe.” She sighed and could hear the desperation in her tone. “I just really need to see him, Nash. Please.”

Nash nodded, glanced back at Caine, and lifted his chin. The man stepped back and opened a path for Elodie to follow Nash. They walked down the hall in silence, but she was aware of the footsteps behind her. When she glanced over her shoulder, Caine, Cyrus, and Ridge were following two feet behind.

Nash stopped about five feet from Oz’s office door, holding up his hand. “Wait here.”

Elodie halted, feeling the three close to her back. It became clear they weren’t guarding her but rather guarding Oz from her. Nash knocked and seconds later opened the door. Elodie acted fast and darted forward.

She heard Caine call out, “Nash!”

It didn’t slow her pace, and just as Nash turned into the doorway, Elodie slammed into him, making her way into Oz’s office. She grasped Nash’s arm, muttering, “I’m sorry.”

She straightened and turned, looking around the office then shifted to the seating area.What. The. Fuck!Her heart tightened as the four men seated stood to face her. She didn’t know everyone, but their faces were familiar.

Chris wasn’t lying.

“Elodie,” Sal said, lowering his chin and offering a soft smile. “This is a surprise.”

She was frozen, unable to move. When she felt a hand lightly graze her back, she jumped forward and spun around to face Nash. He’d lost all softness in his features, but he made no move toward her.

“Elodie.” Oz’s deep voice caught her attention, and she quickly swung around, looking over at him. He lifted his hand and curled his finger. She should’ve ran out of the room. Instead she rushed toward Oz as if he was her savior.

“It’s nice to see you again, honey.” Sal smiled, glancing over at Oz. “We were just talking about you.”

It did nothing to calm her. Inadvertently, she stepped closer to Oz, brushing against his arm. Sal’s gaze scanned her body, then shifted to Oz. He let out a muffled snicker then glanced up. He waved his hand to the empty couch.

“Please, have a seat.”

When she made no attempt to move, Oz’s hand wrapped over her hip, urging her forward. “Sit down, Elodie.”

She drifted to the couch, expecting Oz to take the seat beside her. Instead, he walked to a chair and sat. She was left alone on the couch with all eyes on her.

“I believe formal introductions are in order,” Sal said. “This is Rogue, Quinn’s husband. And Trey.”

She peeked over at the other two men then veered her gaze to Sal. They were the guys he’d been with at the restaurant during their first encounter.

“There’s no reason to be scared, Elodie.” Sal smiled. “You’re probably the safest person in the room.”

Doubtful.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced over at Oz. He was staring back at her with so much intensity it sent her anxiety into overdrive.

“Maybe Oz should speak privately with Elodie.” Trey kept his gaze fixed on Oz.

“That’s unnecessary,” Oz said and lifted his chin to Sal.

“Elodie?”

She gazed over at Sal. He sat on the edge of his chair and clasped his hands. To anyone without previous knowledge, he’d seem like a sweet old man.

“Your father?” Sal sighed. “He had demons that caught up with him.”

It was the same sentiment her uncle had shared. But who was Sal Caruso to play judge, jury and executioner?

“You’re justifying murder?”

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