Page 15 of Conquering Oz

He grabbed his cigar. “First time at the club? Or entering a restricted area without permission?”

Elodie chuckled. It was a rare sound in his presence. Oz put most people on edge. She seemed completely at ease. It was an interesting shift since she’d walked into the balcony.

“The club. But I did do my fair share of trespassing back when I was a teenager.” She shrugged. “Haven’t we all?”

Yes.Though Oz was sure her experience was vastly different from his.

“And you’re here celebrating?”

“The big 4-0.”

Oz didn’t react to the information, though he was surprised. He was usually very good at gauging people’s ages, and he’d assumed she was closer to thirty-five. She had flawless skin with few signs of aging. There was a youthful glow about her. Or maybe he was just seeing it differently at almost ten years her senior.

Elodie cocked her head, and the corner of her eyes crinkled. “As the owner, can I ask you a question?”

This was another rarity. Few people asked anything of Oz.

“You can ask. It doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

Elodie snorted. “That’s fair. How much does it cost to be in the VIP section?”

“Why?”

She sighed. “VIP was part of my gift, and they refuse to tell me how much. They know if they paid a lot, I’ll be all over their asses. All three just graduated college, so their loans are about to start on top of rent, car payments, and all the fun stuff that goes along with adulting. No one wants to get scolded.” Elodie cocked her head, leaning forward slightly. “How much does a VIP table cost?”

When Oz didn’t respond, she looked up at Nash. He wouldn’t tell her unless he got the okay from Oz. Elodie clasped her hands on her lap and shifted her gaze between him and Nash.

“Fine. If you won’t tell me, then can you at least get our server to give me the bill so I can pay for the drinks?”

“The drinks will be covered,” Oz said, watching her head jerk and her eyes widen.

“You’re going to comp the drinks?” Elodie shook her head. “While I appreciate that, I’m not sure you’re aware of how much those girls can drink. You don’t have to do that.”

Oz raised his brows. “I’m the owner. I can do whatever I please.”

She squinted, and a wide grin emerged from her lips. “It must be nice to be king.”

For the first time during their interaction, his control slipped, and his lips twitched.You have no idea.

Movement to the right caught his attention, and he shifted his gaze over her shoulder. Nash tapped his wrist. Oz extendedhis arm, glancing down at his watch. It was perfect timing. Oz was enjoying her company a little too much for his own liking.

He straightened in his seat and lifted his chin. “You should be getting back to your party.”

Elodie blinked, seemingly caught off guard by the abrupt shift of energy in the room. She recovered quickly with a strained smile.

“I should.” She cleared her throat and grabbed her glass, downing the remainder of the whiskey.

Impressive.

“How much do I owe you for the drink?”

Oz held up his hand when she reached for her pocketbook. “It’s covered.”

Elodie stilled. If he had to guess, she was contemplating her next move. She dug in her bag and pulled out a business card.

“Well, since you’re comping my drink, then maybe I can return the favor sometime.” She slid it across the table with a small smile playing on her lips.

Oz glanced down at the cream and pink colored cardstock. It was decent quality. She’d obviously invested in her business and marketing.

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