Page 109 of Shattering Nash

Oz stood abruptly. He straightened his jacket and rested his hand on the back of her chair.

“Get up.”

Charley stood, and Oz rounded her back, waving his finger. “Follow me.”

Charley followed Oz through the silent room. She glanced over at Nash, whose gaze was laser focused on her. When security stepped in behind her, Oz jerked his head and lifted his chin.

“Stay here.”

A shiver ran down her spine from his command. They walked down the hall in silence. She wasn’t sure what was happening. She expected him to take her back into his office, but Oz came to a halt at the end of the hallway.

“When you go back out there, you will not say a word.”

“Okay,” she muttered.

“You will do exactly what I say.”

Charley nodded.

“And you are going to remember every single detail of what I am about to share with you. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” She whispered.

****

Nash stood at the edge of the bar with his back to the wall. Rogue had dismissed the extra security. They’d been sent downstairs, leaving Caine, Ridge, and Cyrus the only members on the balcony.

Noelle stood by herself, scanning the room occasionally. Nash made a point not to look at her too often. It only enraged him further. It appeared Trey had the same sentiment. After Oz and Charley had left the balcony, she’d tried to approach him. Trey immediately shut her down. Noelle hadn’t realized by not assisting Charley, she’d shown her true character.

Caine, who was standing near the elevators, looked down the hall toward the offices and straightened. It was a telltale sign Oz and Charley were coming back out.

Nash was surprised to see Charley steps ahead of Oz. They walked over to the table and sat, which had everyone else moving closer.

Oz looked over at Noelle. “The only reason you’re here is because of Nash. I value his opinion. He’s rarely wrong. But in regards to you” —Oz pointed at Noelle— “he was. A lapse in judgement on his part.”

“I would like to…”

“You don’t speak.” Oz’s harsh tone was sending his message loud and clear. “You are under Rogue, and specifically, Trey’s charge. They’ll do what they see fit. As for your security duties in your position, they do not affect Charley or Elodie. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you?” Oz growled, hardening his gaze.

“Yes, sir,” Noelle said.

“You don’t mind if I add some insurance to your word, do you?” Oz slowly turned to Charley and leaned toward her, whispering something in her ear. His voice was too low to hear, but Nash kept his eyes locked on Charley. She was staring down at the floor, and he caught a faint nod. Her brows dipped swiftly, but she recovered and slowly lifted her gaze, staring up at Noelle. The corners of her mouth spread into a smile as she continued to stare at Noelle. It only lasted a few seconds before Noelledropped her gaze to the floor, and her shoulders sagged. She’d lost a bit of her confidence.

Nash steeled his features, fighting against his smile. Noelle was clueless to the move, but he’d been around Oz long enough to know it was his own personal mindfuck. And Charley had pulled it off, flawlessly.Well done, kitten.

Oz pulled away from Charley and sat back in his chair, eyeing Noelle.

“To ensure this won’t be an issue in the future, I’ve given Charley her own collateral, which she’s been told she can use at her discretion.” Oz stared back at Noelle. “I’ve also given her access to the proof, if needed.”

Noelle’s face instantly paled. Nash didn’t know exactly what Oz was referring to or the information he’d given Charley. It could’ve been anything. Everyone in the Underground had skeletons, a past they’d like to escape and actions that could lead them into dangerous territory.

“And if she chooses to use the intel she’s been given, you are no longer affiliated with or under the protection of the Underground.”

Noelle had a lot to fear from a disassociation with the Underground. There was only one way out. A few exceptions had been made in the past, but that wouldn’t extend to Noelle unless someone bargained for it.That won’t be me.Charley literally held Noelle’s fate in her hands.

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