Page 113 of Shattering Nash

“Your turn,” she mumbled against his lips.

The last thing Nash wanted was to break away from their kiss. But he’d promised. And for her, he’d never break one. He ended the kiss and pulled away only a fraction. He slid his hand down her neck and over her shoulder, caressing her skin.

“What do you want to know?”

She widened her eyes. “You’ll tell me anything?”

No.There would always be aspects of his life that would never touch Charley. It had little to do with trust and loyalty. Nash would keep her shielded. Safe and protected. It was a mindset he’d seen with Trey, Rogue, and Oz, and he’d follow in their footsteps and their lead. But Charley didn’t have to know that.

However, he wouldn’t discount what Inez said. Keeping her in the complete dark wasn’t fair or safe. He’d balance the information given. Enough so she would openly know the dangers of his world but not enough to involve her in the Underground.

“What do you want to know?”

She snuggled in closer, dropping her hand to his thigh. It sent heat through his blood. The last thing he was thinking of was his past. Nash had always been the type to look forward, not behind. It had worked. But he’d never been with anyone he wanted to keep. Charley didn’t just want the man seated in front of her. She wanted all of Nash. And for the first time in his life, he’d give it.

“How long have you worked for Oz?”

“I’ve been with Oz since I was twenty.”

Charley shifted her eyes to his hand, and slid her finger over his knuckles. Clearly avoiding eye contact, which should’ve prepared him for her next question.

“What exactly is your role in the Underground?”

Nash steeled his response, drawing in a deep breath but calmly enough not to raise any red flags on her end. He wasn’t sure who enlightened her to his world, but someone had.I’d bet money on Inez.Though he couldn’t count out Penny. There was no easy answer, and he wouldn’t give her full honesty for her own protection.

“I work directly under Oz, who runs the state.” Nash paused. “His second-in-command, some would say.”

“Illegal stuff?”

Fuck.

“Some, not all. The club is a legal venture among other businesses.”

Charley slowly nodded, but she fully understood what he was saying.Fuck, I’m losing her.Nash tightened his hold over her shoulder, and surprisingly she curled into his side willingly.

“I’m not a good guy to most people, Charley.” He curled his hand over her chin, forcing her to look at him. “But I will be to you.”

It was a promise, a vow, Nash would lay down everything, his own life, for this woman. He half expected Charley to get up, walk out, and never look back. And he wouldn’t blame her. She deserved so much more. Instead, she turned in his arms, cocking her head.

“What about before you started working with Oz?”

Nash sighed. It had been a long time since he’d revisited his past that far back.

“I lived with my father, no siblings. My mother died when I was two.”

“How?”

He slid his finger over her arm. “She OD’d.”

She shifted closer, squeezing his hand. “I’m sorry.”

Her sympathy stemmed from her pure heart, not his.

“Don’t be. I don’t remember her.”

Charley slid her hand up his chest, stilling over his heart. “That doesn’t matter. You still lost her. Had to live your life without your mom, not knowing her.” Her eyes welled. “I’m sorry, Nash.”

He clenched his jaw.Fuck, I don’t deserve her.

---