Page 16 of Conquering Oz

Oz reached out, but instead of picking it up, he slid it back in front of her, keeping his stare locked on her.

“That won’t be necessary.”

He noticed she made no move to take it back. It almost came off as a challenge. Elodie stood and offered a smile, though it appeared forced. She hooked her bag over her shoulder.

“Thank you for the drink.”

Oz slowly nodded, watching her stall.

“I didn’t get your name.”

Nice segue.

“No, you didn’t.”

She blinked and knitted her brows. It was a brief lapse in her composure, but she regained it quickly. Again, impressive. She pressed her lips together, but he noticed them twitch.

“What do I have to do to get it?”

He grabbed his drink and stared at her over the rim. This would be a good test.

“Ask.”

The corner of her mouth spiked, and a faint blush spread over her cheeks.Beautiful.He sipped his drink, keeping his gaze on her.

She licked her bottom lip and cocked her head. “What’s your name?”

Oz swallowed the whiskey and placed the glass on the table.

“Oz.” He intentionally watched for any type of recognition. If she knew Sal, then she’d have heard of him. Elodie’s only response was a further reddening of her cheeks.

“It was nice to meet you, Oz. Thank you for the drink.” Elodie turned, and he watched her walk across the balcony.

He lifted his chin, gesturing for Ridge to escort her to the elevator as Nash approached him.

Oz stood as she disappeared past the wall. He tugged at the edge of his cuffs and straightened.

“I want eyes on her.”

Nash dipped his chin. “Do you believe her story?”

Oz wasn’t sure, but he didn’t give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Trust was earned, not given freely. Oz ignored the question and buttoned his jacket.

“What time are we meeting Sal?”

“Thirty minutes. We should probably head out now.” Nash fell in line as they made their way to the elevator. “What’s the latest venture?”

Oz narrowed his gaze. Sal was always looking for something to keep him in the business, though now they were all legitimateinvestments. He’d retired from the Underground with a lot of money. Enough to keep him extremely comfortable for the rest of his life. But he wanted to leave his boys with something more.

“He mentioned something about a cigar lounge.”

Nash chuckled but didn’t comment.

“Garner has called twice.” Nash smirked. “He sounds eager. And impatient. He wants a meeting as soon as you’re available.”

Oz scoffed. “I bet he does.”

Unfortunately for Garner, Oz was going to make him wait. It was all part of the mindfuck, and Oz was a master.

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