Page 12 of Shattering Nash

Inez had made it no secret that she wanted Nash working alongside Ace and Cross, the VP of Killcreek Drifters. He’d grown close with the men and the club. There was a natural brotherhood that intrigued him. Nash had considered his options but ultimately chose to work under Oz. It had been a gamble. He didn’t immediately become Oz’s second-in-command. He’d worked tirelessly for years proving himself to solidify his position. There could only be three kings in the Underground, but Nash was content serving them.

“You take the bike out lately?”

The bike. Decades ago, it had been a way of life for him. His outlet. His freedom. He’d upgraded over the years, added to his collection, and kept them all safely stored in his garage. As his path shifted, there were things he refused to give up. His motorcycles were one of them. They bridged a bond between him and the club. Though, it was something he rarely spoke about.

“Not as much as I’d like.”

“The ride, brother. It’s all about the ride.”

It was. He didn’t connect on too many levels with any of the members of Killcreek. Nash had chosen his path and never looked back. No regrets. But he respected the ride and their brotherhood.Always.

“Like I said. Give me a day, and I’ll be in touch,” Ace said.

“Thanks,” —Nash paused— “brother.”

It was a term he only used with Ace. A sign of respect. For a short time, that’s exactly what they’d been to each other. There was a small stretch of silence, then the line went dead. Nash tossed his phone on the desk and turned to his laptop. He had a few things to wrap up on the business end of the club. It was always important to keep the numbers efficient and correct. After all, their legitimate businesses were what kept them off the radar of authorities.

When he heard the knock on the door, he didn’t bother looking up from his computer. With the X-Lounge closed and Oz off the premises, there was only security in the building.

“Come in.” Nash heard it open.

“Charley Hudson is here for Elle.”

His hands stilled on the keyboard, and he looked to the door where Ridge was standing in the open doorway. It was the last thing he’d expected to hear.

“She’s here?”

Ridge gave a curt nod. “Caine brought her up. She said Elle told her to meet her here about inventory. I don’t know anything about it.”

That made two of them. It was rare anyone attempted to come to the office without being announced and a formal meeting being set up. Oz hadn’t mentioned anything to him. Before Elodie, this would’ve raised red flags and suspicions. Things had changed.

Nash stood, heading to the door. He knew Oz’s schedule, and that he was having dinner with Elodie and Sal. He considered reaching out, but he’d do his own investigation first. He buttoned his jacket as he walked down the hall with security following in line behind him.

Charley Hudson.Nash bit back a smile. He’d only met her a few times at Elodie’s shop. To say she was reserved, quiet, and shy would’ve been the understatement of the year. The firsttime they’d met, she was like a deer caught in headlights. Nash understood the apprehension with Oz being an intimidating figure. However, her response to him had been interesting. Nervous, with a pink blush crossing over her cheeks. She barely spoke a word to him on the rare occasion their paths crossed. She only offered a shy, quiet hello when he’d greeted her first.

The women he casually dated were long past their days of blushing. In fact, it had been decades since any woman had shown a sense of nervousness around him. It was new for Nash, and he enjoyed it a little too much. Unbeknownst to anyone, Nash made a point of finding reasons to casually stop by Elodie’s shop for a run in. He didn’t do it often. But it was his guilty pleasure.

He rounded the corner and saw her standing at the railing overlooking the main floor of the club. It was closed and not much to see, but she seemed enamored and completely focused. Her long reddish-brown hair was usually up in a severe ponytail. Tonight, it was loose waves down to her mid-back. He couldn’t see her eyes, but he remembered them as pale blue. Her long dark lashes only accentuated her almond shaped eyes. Charley wasn’t stunningly beautiful. With minimal makeup and her subdued fashion choices, she wasn’t the type of woman who’d capture everyone’s attention when she entered a room. But she’d certainly gotten Nash’s.Every fucking time.

Her head tilted, looking over at the DJ booth on the raised platform. It had been one of the more expensive design choices. Though, nothing in the club had been cheap. Every detail was thought out. Nash had played a role in the design. For an upscale club, it didn’t disappoint. It rarely crossed his mind what others thought of the club, but with her expression, he was intrigued.

“I don’t see the appeal,” Charley muttered.

Nash flattened his lips, dropped his chin to his chest, and resisted the urge to smile. That was the last thing he’d expectedto hear. A lot of people, primarily women, fawned over every intricate detail of the club. Not Charley. It was refreshing, honest, and genuine, especially since Charley was under the impression she was alone.

“No?” Nash said, watching her back straighten and her hand fist the railing.

Surprise, kitten.

Charley slowly turned. Her lips were clamped together tightly, and two small lines formed between her brows. Her face flushed as she darted her gaze over him and his men. Nash stepped forward, and she seemed to shrink slightly.

“Our club isn’t up to your standards?”

She gasped and widened her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

He expected an apology, though it was unnecessary. Nash moved closer, noticing her knuckles turn white. When he was a foot away, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, tugging it slightly. She immediately released her hold.

“Don’t be. You’re entitled to your own opinion.”

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