Page 106 of Shattering Nash

“Is he here?” Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat.

Oz didn’t answer right away. He stared at her with little emotion but didn’t appear as harsh as earlier.

“On the balcony and probably very angry that I won’t let him in.” Oz sighed. “But you and I have unfinished business, and until we work that out, you’ll remain here and Nash out there.”

“Okay.” She was willing to do whatever she had to so she could see Nash.

“You lied to Elodie.”

Charley nodded.

“You will rectify that. Tell her everything, andshewill choose how to move forward with you. Or not.”

Her heart broke at the thought of losing her friendship. Charley wouldn’t and couldn’t blame her. She’d accept whatever Elodie wanted. It still ripped at her heart knowing it could end.

Oz cleared his throat. “I think we both know which way she’ll lean, don’t we?”

I hope so.

“It was Noelle who exposed yours and Nash’s relationship. She also offered up information on a conversation she overheard in regards to your brother. That was what got this ball rolling. She was very eager to share in your downfall.” Oz smirked.

Who?The only Noelle she knew of was from Keely. She worked at the Bowery. But Charley had never even met her.

“I don’t even know Noelle.”

He lifted his cigar to his lips. “She had a lot to say. And because I’m fair, I’m going to allow you the same courtesy.”

What? “I don’t understand.”

“Noelle was eager to tell your story. Now she can tell it again to you, and we’ll see if all the facts line up. Stand up and follow me.”

She immediately followed his command and pushed up from the couch.

What the heck is happening?

****

Nash walked down the hall toward the elevator flanked by Ridge and Cyrus. They’d met him at the back door of the X-Lounge. He took the elevator to the second floor. When the doors opened, he shoved his phone in his pocket and walked out. He was heading straight to the offices, but the small crowd gathered on the balcony had him turning around. Trey and Rogue were staring back at him. Surprisingly, Rogue didn’t say a word.

He marched over, stopping a few feet away from Caine.

“Is she in Oz’s office?”

Caine gave a curt nod. “Yes, he gave strict instructions that no one was to enter.”

“Okay.” Nash stepped to the side to pass, but Caine matched him.

“He said no one, sir.”

Nash glanced past Caine at the hallway then hiked his brows. “Including me?”

“Everyone.”

What the fuck?

“She’s fine, Nash.” Caine’s voice was low, and he stared straight ahead. “He called in Sal.”

Nash cupped his mouth but didn’t push. Caine was doing his job. He may have been under Nash command, but they both had the same boss. He turned, heading back toward Rogue who was openly smirking.

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