Page 64 of Shattering Nash

Charley had just lived through the moment. She wasn’t about to narrate it. She shrugged, and Inez face softened slightly.

“All right, I’m done with both of you. Get out.”

Charley reached for the plate, and Inez swatted at her hands.

“Get your hands of my bread.”

Charley widened her eyes. “I can make you another one. Without nuts.”

“I can eat nuts, you little fruitcake! I swear, the headaches y’all bring to my table. I should shoot every last one of you, but since I’m feeling generous” —Her hand shot out, pointing to the door— “Get the fuck out.”

Charley scrambled off the stool. She heard the faint chuckle from behind her. At least Nash was amused by this whole situation. Charley, on the other hand, was unsettled and ready to go. She started to the front door with Nash at her back. As she reached for the knob, he leaned closer, grabbing it before she could and opened the door, ushering her out into the hallway.

What the heck just happened?

****

Well, that was a fucking shitshow!

Inez’s paranoia was off the rails tonight. The woman trusted very few people especially strangers. But suspecting Charley ofnefarious behavior? She might not have understood what was happening but Nash did. Having Charley taste the bread was to ensure it wasn’t laced with anything. It was a bit over the top even for Inez.

Nash cupped his jaw. “Give me a minute with Inez.”

“Okay.” She shifted on her feet, seemingly still shaken from the encounter.

Nash walked inside Inez’s apartment. She poked her head around the wall, and her brows tightened. “Didn’t I tell you to get the fuck out?”

Nash ignored the question and walked deeper into the apartment, stopping in the opening to the kitchen. In less than a minute since they’d been gone, Inez had had a slice of banana bread and was currently working on her second.

“I see you’re enjoying it.”

She took a bite of the bread. “Fuck off, Nash.”

He wasn’t above taunting Inez just a little. He pointed to the bread, “Do you mind?”

“Yeah, I do fucking mind. What the hell do you want?”

He didn’t even try and hide his amusement, which only seemed to piss her off more.

“As Charley mentioned, she works for Elle and…”

“Oh, the Queen.” Inez’s tone was mocking. She grabbed a cigarette and lit it. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet.”

And she wouldn’t. Oz did his due diligence keeping Elodie away from all Underground affairs.

“As I was saying, other arrangements have been made for Charley’s living situation. She won’t be staying long. Another week, possibly two.”

Inez cocked her brow and lifted her cigarette to her lips taking a slow drag. She never took her eyes off of him.

“She’s paid up for the month.”

Nash arched his brow. “I have faith you’ll reimburse her.”

Inez chuckled. “Then you don’t fucking know me too well, Nash. She rides out the month and stays. Non-fucking-negotiable.”

Nash clenched his teeth. “Why?”

The corner of her mouth curled. “Why not? She paid her rent, even offered to drop a security deposit. She’s quiet, not an asshole, and makes me treats. If you think I’m gonna part withfancypants, you got another thing coming.”

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