Page 100 of Shattering Nash

“I don’t owe you shit and neither does the fucking club. Being with a brother doesn’t make you a fucking member. I don’t know how he puts up with your ass.”

Cleo’s soft giggle seemed so out of place for a hostile situation. It had Charley peeking over at her. She was clearly amused though trying to cover up. Cleo looked over at her and mouthed, “Penny.”

My Penny?

He laughed, though it lacked genuine humor. “You ain’t got shit on me.”

Cleo leaned closer, continuing with her commentary and whispered. “Penny has shit on everyone.”

Charley shifted her eyes to the man. He balled his fist, and his face turned a dark shade of red.

“You’re an asshole, you know that, right?” He scoffed. “Good, as long as we’re on the same fucking page. You get thirty seconds.” He stalked over and shoved the phone in Charley’s face. “Take it.”

She grabbed the phone cautiously and lifted it to her ear. “Hello?”

“It’s Penny. You okay?”

Charley sucked in a breath, feeling the relief of just hearing her voice. After tonight, Penny might be the only person she trusted. “I’ve been better.”

She snickered. “That’s my girl. Keep your sense of humor. So listen, Oak is being a dick, and I’ve only got a few seconds. I’m assuming he’s standing next to you counting?”

His lips weren’t moving so she couldn’t be sure, but he was watching her intently.

“Yes.”

“Jury is still out on whether he can count to thirty, but let’s not take any chances. Need you to listen to me, and more importantly trust what I say.”

“I will.”

“You’re going to be okay. No one is going to hurt you. I spoke to Inez, and she promised me you’re not in danger. I get that it doesn’t look like that right now, but you’re safe, Charley. You have my word.”

If only it was that easy.

“What if she’s lying?”

Penny snorted. “Inez doesn’t lie. She doesn’t have to.”

“Time’s fucking up.” Oak’s booming voice had her jumping in her seat.

Before Charley could say another word, Oak ripped the phone from her hands and tapped the screen. He pointed his finger to the ceiling. “Get up.”

She slowly stood, noticing Cleo did the same. Oak gestured to the end of the hall, and Charley started walking. What other choice did she have?

“Not you, Cleo.”

Charley looked over her shoulder. Oak was standing between them, facing Cleo and pointing in the opposite direction.

“I don’t mind keeping her company.”

“Wraith will, and I’d rather you be pissed at me than him, so go.”

Cleo peeked around Oak’s body and waved. “Bye, Charley.”

Charley lifted her hand in a short wave but started walking down the hall when Oak turned, scowling. The hallway opened up to a large room with a bar lining the wall and table, chairs and couches occupying most of the space. There was a larger, long table near the back where a few of the members were seated. Charley was hoping to avoid that table, but Oak led her right to it.

“Sit down,” Oak ordered, and she took the chair farthest from Ace at the head of the table.

He was on the phone, but she could feel his eyes on her.

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