Page 50 of Shattering Nash

The last place Charley wanted to be was in the landlord’s apartment, but she didn’t have the courage to refuse. She walked inside and flinched when the door slammed behind her and the multiple locks were set in place. Inez passed her, waving her forward, and Charley followed like a scared puppy. It was a fair description.

Inez’s apartment was a replica of her own, and when the room opened up to the kitchen and living room, she saw several men spread throughout. Some were sitting in chairs, others standing near the wall. She smiled nervously, which was met with intense stares and scowls.Oh, this isn’t good.

Inez veered left, heading to the cabinet. “Whiskey, vodka, or Scotch?”

Charley blinked, looking over at the petite woman popped up on her toes reaching for the bottles on the shelf. She didn’t answer and looked into the living room again. The oldest of the men was staring back at her with a cigarette between his lips. His hooded stare went right through her. Dark, a little mysterious, and dangerous. She’d never had much of an interest in the bad boy element, but she could understand the attraction. He was handsome with his salt and pepper strands tied back at his nape, matching his beard. Most women would probably find his muscular arms peeking through the cuffs of his shirt alluring.I kind of do.

He slowly lifted his hand, pointing to Inez.

“She’s talking to you.” His graveled voice almost had her mesmerized. He was older by at least fifteen years or more, but she was seeing the appeal. The corner of his mouth slowly hiked,along with his brow. Instinctively, she smiled. A muffled chuckle knocked her out of her trance.

Wait…what did he say?

A glass slammed down on the counter, and Inez pointed to it. “You don’t answer, you get vodka. Drink it.”

Oh no, no, no.Her stomach churned at the mention of alcohol.

Charley held up her hand, “Oh no, thank you.”

Her brows dipped. “I wasn’t asking.”

“I recently went to a club and indulged too much. Lots of purple drinks, which had me vomiting most of the day and running from a splitting headache I couldn’t escape. The thought of having any alcoholic beverage has my stomach queasy.”

The older woman took a drag from her cigarette, squinting. “Purple drink, huh? My vodka ain’t good enough for you, fancypants?”

Did I offend her?

Charley waved her hands. “N-no, I’m sure your vodka is…”

“Top shelf!” Inez snapped, hardening her stare.

Ohhh, I’ve definitely offended her.

“I know nothing about alcohol, but I’m sure that’s the best they make, and you shouldn’t be wasting it on me. I mean, I ate the flowers in my drink the other night. They might not have been edible. That right there is proof that I’m not a seasoned drinker, nor am I worthy of your top shelf vodka.”

Inez stared back at her for a few seconds before bursting out laughing. When she sobered up, she did her shot and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, eyeing Charley.

“You’re Penny’s girl.”

Penny’s girlmade her sound like property. Still, she nodded.

Inez sat on her stool at the breakfast bar. “These are my boys. Ace, Wraith, Oak, Gent, Cross, and Ghost.”

“It’s nice to meet you all.” She gave a wave, but it wasn’t reciprocated. Except for the redhead lounging in the chair in the corner. He smiled and wiggled his fingers, though it came out mocking.

Charley cleared her throat. “I don’t want to interrupt your family time…”

One of the bikers snorted, but she didn’t know which one. She scanned the men, purposely avoiding Gent and landing on the oldest of the men. Ace. His arm crossed over his chest when he tapped his ashes into a tray on the side table. The move showcased the defined muscles on the back of his bicep. She angled her head to get a better look at his tattoos. It wasn’t a complete sleeve. But close.

“Why the hell you paying two months in advance?”

Charley pulled her stare from Ace, looking over at Inez, who was sifting through the envelope.

“It’s actually one month rent and the other is security. Penny didn’t mention how much you require, so I added the month, but if it’s more, I can…”

Inez held up her hand and Charley clamped her lips. Inez pulled out the bills, counting them and making two piles. She slapped her hand on one and moved it in front of Charley.

“You don’t want a security?”

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