Page 104 of Shattering Nash

“Yes.”

“Then, I’ll see you when you get here.” The line went dead, and Nash fisted the phone.

Fuck!

Chapter Twenty

I’m done.

Charley wasn’t sure how much more of this she could take. Between the attack, the kidnapping, the threats, and the lies, she was ready to throw in the towel and wave her surrender flag. Ace had left her in the room at the clubhouse for what felt like forever, just to have another guy come get her and walk her outside. A sense of relief washed over her when they made it to the front door, but quickly faded when she saw Caine waiting for her instead of Nash.

“Where’s Nash?”

“Oz wants to see you.”

“But…” She whipped her head around just as the door was closing.

“Charley,” Caine snapped, immediately getting her attention. “I don’t want to do this the hard way. Do you?”

She had no idea what he meant by the hard way, and she didn’t want to find out. Her shoulders sagged from the weight of everything that had happened. The only person who could possibly make this easier was Nash, and she wouldn’t even get that. Her eyes welled, and she exhaled, fighting against her tears.

She heard the stone crunching under his boots, then Caine placed his hand on her back. He was barely touching her but maybe this was his way of soothing her. If this was all she got, she’d take it. He walked her to the car and put her in the backseat without another word. They drove to the X-Lounge in silence.

The only interaction they shared was when Caine stretched his arm into the backseat. It was dark and hard to see, but whenthe streetlight hit the metallic packaging, she smiled. She took a piece of gum, thanked him, and settled in her seat. Who knew chewing gum could be so comforting? Or maybe it was just the gesture from an unlikely source.

The ride was shorter than expected. When they arrived at the club, Caine parked in the back lot closer to the door and got out. She grabbed the handle but the door was already opening. He escorted her inside and up to the second floor. She took a quick peek at the balcony, but it was empty.

As they walked down the hall, she knew exactly where he was taking her. Oz’s office was manned by six security guards, three on either side. She didn’t make any eye contact.

Caine opened the door, gesturing her to walk inside. Charley slowly entered in, darting her gaze around the room.

“Come on in, Charley. Welcome.”

She spun around, coming face to face with Sal and Oz. She sucked in a breath but stood frozen, staring at the two men. Sal offered her a warm smile as he approached her. Oz was less than welcoming.

Sal stopped a few feet away. “You’ve had quite the night.”

That was an understatement. She couldn’t find the words or possibly even her voice. She settled on responding with a nod.

Sal reached for her arm, took it gently, and led her to the seating area on the right side of the office.

“Have a seat. You must be exhausted.”

Charley sat, clasping her hands on her lap. She peeked over at Oz. His scowl sharpened, and she shifted her eyes to Sal. It was better to focus on a friendly face.

Sal sat in the chair closest to the couch. “Would you like something to drink?”

“N-no.” Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. “No, thank you.”

“Shall we get started then?”

Started with what?

“I don’t know anything.”

“You were unaware of your brother’s extracurricular activities with drugs?” Oz asked. His voice was eerily calm.

“I knew about it.”

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