Page 129 of Shattering Nash

Nash wasn’t fully fluent in the rules and codes of the MC. But he was aware they rarely allowed outsiders to ride with them.

“Was that an invitation?”

Cross snorted. “Invitation. Challenge. We’ll see.”

Nash snickered, shaking his head. There was a certain camaraderie with the club. Nash lifted his beer to his lips and finished it off. He placed the bottle on the table.

“Didn’t think you let non-members ride with you.”

“We don’t.” Ace stood, dropping three twenty dollar bills on the table and straightened. “We’ll make a fucking exception.”

And they did. Nash took the ride through the valley with the three members of the Killcreek Drifters. It gave him a small glimpse of what his life would’ve looked like had he made adifferent choice. Nash had no regrets with his decision. Being Oz’s second-in-command was exactly where he was meant to be. But very few people got to see what life would’ve been like had they taken the other path in their life.

It would’ve been one hell of a ride.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sunday dinner.

Charley had been looking forward to it all day. She’d also had her reservations. She was basically walking into the unknown. She’d have Elodie, who’d assured her it was a lowkey dinner and a lot of fun. Sal confirmed that. She didn’t know Dahlia and Quinn well, but they’d always been nice when they came into the store.

Her nervousness mostly stemmed from the men, Oz, Rogue, and Trey. The last time she’d seen all of them had beenthe nightat the club.The worst night of my life.

Nash rested his hand on her back, kissing the side of her head while they rode up the elevator to the top floor. “Relax, Charley.”

“I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”

“There’s no reason to be.” The doors opened, and he escorted her to the door past security. She completely avoided eye contact with Noelle but felt her stare. Nash lifted his hand to knock, but the door opened before he’d gotten the chance.

Dahlia smiled and parted her lips to speak, but a voice in the background beat her to it.

“Tell me she brought banana bread.”

Charley’s lips twitched at the recognizable voice.Elle.

“I did.” Charley held up the platter.

“She did.” Dahlia said, followed by a small giggle. “Elle was pissed I didn’t ask you to bring it. But it’s your first time coming to dinner.” Dahlia shrugged. “It didn’t feel right asking you to bring something.”

“Oh, I don’t mind.”

Dahlia slapped her hands together and laughed. “Then consider desserts your duty for every Sunday dinner. Q and I have tried, but we’re not original. Brownies gets old after a while. And” —Dahlia peeked over her shoulder, lowering her voice— “We don’t ask Elle ’cause she’s a disaster in the kitchen.”

What?Nash’s masculine chuckle sounded, and she looked up at him. He smirked with a short shrug. Apparently, Charley was missing out on the inside joke. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.

Elodie emerged from the hallway, and suddenly all her pent-up tension faded. A familiar face who looked completely at ease. She ignored everyone else, making a beeline for Charley and taking her in for a hug. Charley may have held on a little longer. The last few weeks had been nothing short of life-changing, chaotic, and messy. But beautiful things came out of it. Including a deeper friendship with Elodie. She stepped back but kept her hands on Charley’s arms.

“Just so you know. Nash always tries to get out of these dinners. Don’t let him talk you into skipping out on next week’s. It’s at our house.”

“For fuck’s sake, please tell me it’s catered.”

Charley jumped at the roar of his tone. When Rogue came into view, she pulled away from Elodie and slid into Nash’s side. He wrapped his arm around her back, pulling her closer.

“I’m actually making everything myself. From scratch.” Elodie smirked teasingly.

“Fuck me,” he snapped, sending a harsh glare at Elodie then turned his scowl on Charley. “That any good?”

He was referring to the bread. Charley wasn’t sure how to answer, but Nash jumped in.

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