Page 11 of Shattering Nash

Handsome was an understatement. Blondish hair, blue eyes, and perfect facial bone structure. Nash was tall, had a muscular build, and carried himself with an abundance of confidencewithout coming across as cocky. He was always impeccably dressed. And polite. He had to be only a few years older than she was, but had a worldly nature. Maybe she was giving him too much credit. Or? Not enough. Charley didn’t really know anything about him. It didn’t stop her fantasizing. She’d spent many nights with Nash since they’d met a few months ago.He just doesn’t know it.

Nash ambled forward, his gaze pinned on her. “Our club isn’t up to your standards?”

Oh God!

****

Nash tightened his grip on the phone, brushing his other hand against his forehead. His job was not without headaches and massive amounts of stress, but this was downright aggravating. Essentially, they were all on the same team in the Underground. Still, he had to do his bidding when it came to Inez.Years later, and this woman is still holding a fucking grudge.

He’d been trying for the past few days to make contact with her. The phone went straight to voicemail, and after several messages, she still hadn’t returned his calls. Nash quickly realized he needed to move on to plan B.

“You got a direct line to Inez,” Ace said.

“I understand that, Ace. But she’s not taking my calls.”

There was no doubt in his mind it was a deliberate chess move. Inez had obviously heard about the meeting with Anders.

“And how’s thatmyfucking problem, brother?”

It wasn’t. As the president of the Killcreek Drifters MC, this deal had nothing to do with the club. But as Inez’s second-in-command, it was the gateway Nash needed. And Ace knew it.

“I take it she’s gotten wind of the meeting Anders set up with Oz?”

“Oh, you mean the one your fuckingKingtook?” There was no mistaking the contempt in his tone.

“Ace.” Nash groaned, dragging his hand over his face.

“Maybe she’s offended. This fucking asshole wants to set up a deal and cut her out? Did you really think that shit would fly with Inez? Maybe spending all that time at the top has clouded your fucking brain, Nash.”

He gripped his forehead, digging his thumb and pinky into his temples. Ace was confirming his suspicions. Years later, and the animosity was still strong. Not so much from Ace. The biker respected Nash’s decision to choose what was right for him. Inez did not.

Nash settled back in his chair behind his desk, scanning his office. “I’m asking for a favor, Ace.”

He laughed. “Oh yeah? It’s gonna fucking cost you, brother.”

I know.

“I’m good for it.”

Nash had proved himself time and time again. His word was as strong as his loyalty. Twenty years ago when he’d joined the Underground, he’d started at the bottom like most people. No one was given a free ride. People had to earn their place and position within the organization.

While he was closest to Oz, he’d spent a lot of time with Ace and the club in the early days. And that’s where Inez’s grudge stemmed from. Nash had made a choice. And she didn’t approve.

“Yeah, I know you are.” Ace sighed. “Alright, give me a day. I’ll set it up. Gonna be onhertimeline.”

When wasn’t it on Inez’s schedule?

“Understood. Whatever works best for her. I appreciate it.”

“Yeah well, she’ll probably only make you wait another day or two. Inez has got a soft spot for you.”

Nash scoffed. Inez didn’t have a soft spot for anyone. Killcreek might be the only exception, but even with the club she was an intense hardass.

“Hardly.”

Ace snickered. “She’s still bitter. You chose a side, Nash, and it wasn’t hers. She’s gonna take that shit to the grave.”

I have no doubt.

---