Page 81 of Shattering Nash

He simply stared, giving nothing away. She looked past him to the man a few feet away. He had a very similar demeanor but at least he’d spoken a few words to her.I can’t believe he’s thefriendly face of the two.She lifted her hand and gave a short wave.

“Hi, Caine.”

His eyes jerked toward her, and his scowl deepened. It was a fairly harsh response for a greeting. What did she expect?He’s never given off the warm and fuzzies.Oz slowly turned to Caine. They seemed to be having a silent conversation. Charley was desperate for an escape.

“I can go and get Elle for you, if you’d like.”

Oz stepped away from Caine and walked through the store. His pace was slow as if something she’d see on an animal documentary. A lion hunting its prey.Where the heck is Elle?

“Have you been here all day?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Oz slowly nodded, and his gaze darkened. “Has Elodie?”

Oh shit!She immediately clamped her lips. That was one conversation she had no interest being a part of. This had just been an argument between the couple. Lying wasn’t an option. He’d probably see right through it. She had no idea how truthful Elodie would be with him.This is quite the predicament.Charley settled on a compromise.

“I saw her rest quite a bit.”

Oz narrowed his gaze, sending a tremble over her skin. He wasn’t buying it, so she doubled down and went to plan B. A change in subject.

“When the flowers you sent were delivered, she took them back to her office and stayed there for quite some time. They’re beautiful, by the way. Did you get them from the florist down the street?”

Charley knew exactly where they’d come from, but it was a decent segue to a new topic. Unfortunately, Oz didn’t take the bait.

“That’s not what I asked.” His tone was cold and growing increasingly impatient.

Dammit, Elle, where are you?

As if she heard Charley’s thoughts, Elodie walked out from the back and directly toward Oz. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Perhaps exhaustion has caught up with you after spending theentire dayhere.”

Elodie laughed. It wouldn’t have been the response she expected, considering Oz seemed angry. She patted his chest and raised up on her toes, kissing him quickly. Charley averted her eyes, landing her stare on Caine. He scowled, glared at her, and without thinking she mouthed, “What?”

He ignored her, but she caught the subtle shake of his head.

“Charley, I’m going to head out.” Elodie rounded the display near the front door. “We’ll save the rest of the clean-up for tomorrow.”

“I don’t mind staying. But you go, and it’ll be perfect when you come in tomorrow.” She smiled and looked over at Oz, whose gaze darkened. “Or whenever you come in next.”

That answer seemed to appease him. Mildly.

“I don’t like the idea of you being here by yourself. It’s too late.”

Elodie had a point. It was after dark. The streets had cleared out. It was usually a safer section of the city. But with her looming threat from Zeke, it put her in a vulnerable position. She glanced down at the table. Leaving the food clean up might lead to a bug infestation. Not a great idea.

“Really, I’ll be fine.” Even to her own ears, it wasn’t very convincing.

Elodie disappeared in the back, and she twisted the garbage bag. Before she could secure it, Oz took it from her hands and handed it to Caine. He walked through the store and disappeared into the back.

“Go get your things,” Oz said.

Charley glanced around the room. “I probably have another hour of clean up.”

“I can assure you, you don’t. Go get your things. Now.”

Charley widened her eyes. “Yes, sir.”

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