Page 76 of Shattering Nash

“Rogue,” the man scolded and leaned closer, whispering something Charley couldn’t hear. Rogue’s gaze sharpened, and he lifted his chin. His gaze dropped down her body, inspecting. It lacked any ounce of interest and was laced in suspicion.

The man next to him stepped forward. He was equally intimidating but somehow not as scary.

“I’m Trey, a friend of Elle’s.”

Oh, thank God.

“I believe you work for her?” Trey asked.

“Yes, sir.” Charley nodded. “I’m the manager at The Boutique.”

His gaze softened. Rogue’s did not.

“Why the fuck didn’t you say that?” Rogue snapped and walked to the bar. He tapped it, and without saying a word, Killian rushed to the liquor wall, grabbing a bottle of bourbon.Keely’s brother was quick, placing the glass in front of Rogue in record time.

Charley hadn’t answered him, but he didn’t seem to push for more. She watched as he grabbed the glass and took it down in one mouthful. He slammed the glass on the bar top, never looking away.

“Work for Elle?”

“Yes.”

“She send you down here?”

“No.”

His brows dipped in a tight scowl. “Then why the fuck are you here?”

“I was dropping off something for Keely. We’re friends. It’s just a shirt she asked to borrow.”

Rogue eyed the bag.

She started to retreat again. “I can wait for her outside.”

Please. Let me leave.

“Or?” Rogue raised his brows, which felt almost mocking. “You can wait at the fucking bar. Sit your ass down.”

Charley rushed over to the stool and sat.What the hell is happening? Who is this man?They were only curious thoughts. Though, she wouldn’t dare ask.

Rogue pointed to Killian. “Get her a drink.”

“Yes, sir,” Killian said.

She peeked over her shoulder and watched Rogue and Trey walk away. When they reached the stairs, Rogue looked back, and she immediately swiveled in her seat, giving him her back. It was another few seconds before anyone spoke.

“Rogue’s the owner, along with Trey,” Killian said with a smile. “And believe it or not, that was polite for Rogue.”

Really?

Charley settled into her stool, sipping her soda and chatting with Killian until Keely arrived.Twenty minutes later.Charleydidn’t mention the confrontation and just fed off Keely’s excitement as she went on about her upcoming date. Charley was eager to listen, but after fifteen minutes, her brother reminded her she was on the clock.

“Alright. I’m gonna walk Charley out.”

Killian tossed his rag on the bar and leveled his eyes. “Keely.”

“What?” Keely shrugged. “It would be rude if I didn’t.”

Charley battened down her snicker and waved to Killian. It was clear Keely was stalling on starting her shift and using every excuse. Charley wouldn’t call her out on it.I’m sure Killian will later.

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