Page 35 of Shattering Nash

“What do you say?”

“No.”

Her smile faltered. “Just a few nights, nothing more. I know how you operate.”

Nash folded his arms and narrowed his gaze. Noelle seemed to have forgotten, but he hadn’t. Their short affair had ended well over three years ago. Nash wondered why she seemed to have had a change of heart. But not enough to inquire about it.

“No.”

“Can I at least get a drink?” She glanced over to the door.

Nash had a fully-stocked bar in his office, which Noelle knew.

Nash grabbed the handle of his door. “Yes, you can. You remember where all the bars are in the club. Take your pick.”

Whatever angle or game Noelle was playing, he wasn’t taking the bait. She didn’t have anything he wanted. His interest lay solely in one woman.

“Goodnight, Noelle.” He opened the door, walked into his office, and heard a hushed “fuck.” Noelle was definitely working an angle, which she’d now deemed unsuccessful. He hadn’t bothered closing his door, which had been an obvious mistake on his end. Noelle rushed inside.Fuck!

Nash sighed and slowly turned, glaring at the woman near the door. Noelle held up her hands and stalked forward.

“Just give me a minute, Nash. Please.” Her demeanor had shifted to one of submission. That was the polar opposite of Noelle unless she was giving in to his needs in the bedroom. With Noelle, it came off disingenuous. She was playing a part.

Nash rounded his desk and pointed to the seat across from him. He rolled his neck, settled in his chair, and clasped his hands over his stomach.

“Has Trey mentioned anything about me?”

He furrowed his brows. “In regards to?”

“Working as Dahlia’s security.”

Nash had questioned it once or twice when she’d been put in the position, but that was a while ago. Trey had said she settled in, and Dahlia was comfortable with her presence. It had worked out.

“No.”

Her confidence deflated. “So, nothing about me possibly coming back to work under Oz?”

Nothing could’ve shocked him more coming from Noelle. During her time working under Oz, she’d been assigned menial tasks, minor security when they needed the numbers, and she’d spent most of her time working in the club. Nash had no idea where this was coming from.

“I was under the impression you enjoyed working for Trey.”

“I do.” She paused, clearing her throat. “There’s three of us basically babysitting Dahlia. She’s either at home, the club, or with Trey. Oh, and let’s not forget when she gets together with herfriends.” Noelle’s lips twisted in obvious disgust. “Watching a bunch of grown women get drunk is not my idea of fun.”

This was a prime example why she wasn’t suited to work under Oz.

Nash hardened his gaze. “It’s not intended to be fun for you. It’s your job.”

Noelle scoffed. “I can’t believe Trey allows her to remain friends with East.”

Nash raised his brows, wondering what Trey would think of this speech. More importantly, how Dahlia would take her last statement. This meeting was over. He’d heard enough.

“I suggest you appreciate the position you have with Dahlia, because it’s the only job you get in security with the Underground.”

She inched to the edge of her seat. “Can’t you talk to Oz?”

And there it is.It was all clear now. She’s had an ulterior motive with her earlier advances. A weaker man might’ve fallen for it.

“Oz doesn’t trust you, and with good reason. After this little display” —He waved his hand between them— “Neither do I. You get moved up for the value you bring to the organization, not who you spread your legs for.”

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