Page 31 of Shattering Nash

He was throwing her own words back at her. Teasing wasn’t usually something he did, but he liked her response. She let out a soft giggle.

“I still wouldn’t pay thirty-five hundred to get in.”

Nash dropped his chin to chest and laughed. Another first for him. He had a decent sense of humor but lived a very serious life. Laughing wasn’t common in the Underground. At least, not publicly. They had a certain persona to live up to.

“It’s just…” She turned her head, taking in the room, and all he could do was watch her. “Tranquil and chill. I love the vibe.”

Tranquil and chill. Neither description was used when planning out The Lounge. But as he took his own look, through her eyes, he understood. Between the lighting, décor, and overall ambience, Charley had captured it in two words. He was reminded again…this woman doesn’t give herself enough credit.

“Do you see your friend?” Nash asked.

She moved deeper into the room. Charley wasn’t looking in front of her and neither was the waitstaff. They were secondsfrom collision and Nash grabbed Charley’s hips and pulled her against his chest. He heard a loud gasp, and she pressed her ass directly in line with his cock.Fuck!

“I’m so sorry,” Charley blurted, and the waitress rested the round tray against her chest. The woman he didn’t recognize laughed, waving her hand.

“No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Whether she believed it or not, it was the perfect answer. Guests paid a lot of money for the experience, and combative staff wasn’t tolerated. The woman tucked the tray under her arm and glanced above Charley’s head, locking her eyes on Nash. Her face paled.

Nash had that effect on people. She looked over at Charley and smiled. “Again, I’m sorry. Can I get you something from the bar?”

“No, thanks,” Charley said.

The woman hesitated but glanced up at him. “For you, sir?”

He slowly shook his head, and she rushed away.

It wasn’t lost on him that he still had his hands on her hips. She moved away slightly, but Charley was still close enough for him to feel her heat.

“Shall we?” He gestured for her to walk ahead and slid his hand from her hip onto her back. Her dress had a large opening on the back, dipping low just over her ass. Nash was respectful with his placement, but he wasn’t taking his hand off her. Charley peeked over her shoulder, and her cheeks were a bright shade of red.

“Would you like me to remove my hand?”

She slowly shook her head in a jerky motion, as if a daze. The corner of his mouth curled, and she quickly looked away and started though the room. He motioned for her to walk through the doorway near the bar. There were more people in this room,but nothing compared to the main club. Her steps faltered, and he caressed her back with the pads of his fingers.

“Relax, Charley.”

“Am I dressed okay?”

Nash furrowed his brows. She looked incredible, but when he took in the designer labels worn by most of the other female guests, he understood her hesitation.

“Yes. You look beautiful.”

Charley turned in his arms. “I do?”

Ah fuck me.This woman had no idea. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she’d be getting a lot of male attention once he left.Or she would have.Nash would hand down the order before he left that no one was to approach Charley. If they did, security was to intervene.

“Yes.”

Charley seemed to be fighting against a smile.

“Charley!”

A younger woman no older than twenty-five weaved through the small groups formed in the center of the room. Nash knew her, but only as an employee of the Bowery and Charley’s friend. Keely appeared next to them, ignoring him and focusing solely on Charley.

“I’m so sorry. I was looking for you, and then I ran into Dahlia’s friend. I was only going to take a little peek in here, but she got me in. You’d think the security would be better in a place like this, right?”

Nash squared his jaw.Yes, one would think.He’d be taking that up with the bouncers who manned the door. But not now.Shewas his sole focus.

Charley let out a nervous, awkward laugh, darting her gaze between him and Keely. She waved her hand toward him then tucked it down to her side and blushed. “This is Nash.”

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