Page 130 of Shattering Nash

“Inez likes it.”

Rogue snorted, shaking his head. “Well, anything is better than Elle’s cooking.”

As he walked away, Elodie slapped his arm. “Asshole!”

Charley was ushered into the living room by Elodie, and she was warmly welcomed by everyone, especially Sal, who seemed to make a big deal about her and Nash being there. It was slightly over the top, but she enjoyed every second of it.

As time went on, she felt herself relaxing and enjoying the night. Everyone, even Rogue in his own way, made her feel welcome.

They had just finished dinner, and she excused herself to use the bathroom. For as casual as it seemed, there was still security lined up outside the apartment. And inside. Ridge, Cyrus, and Caine were near the front door. As she passed, she smiled, giving them a short wave. Cyrus and Ridge lowered their chins in acknowledgement. Caine simply stared.

Charley finished washing her hands and dried them, taking a look in the mirror. She drove her hands through her hair and flipped it over her shoulders. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever feel quite like she fit in among these women. But they weren’t short with their acceptance.

Charley opened the door and started down the long hall. It opened up to a large living room. It was an open floor plan much like Nash’s, but this was much more grand. She stopped at the edge of the hall and drew in a breath, taking it all in. The men were all out on the balcony and Elodie, Quinn, and Dahlia were gathered around the long breakfast bar. Twelve stools?

“Charley?”

She turned and sucked in a breath. Noelle was a few feet away.

She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Charley may not have been the best judge of people, but she wasn’t getting a sincere, apologetic vibe from Noelle. They had nothingto say to one another. Oz had made it clear Noelle was not to talk to Charley.And I want it that way.Charley could forgive a lot, and she had in her life. Some things she couldn’t quite forget. Noelle had the opportunity to be a decent human, and she’d chosen not to be.

“I was hoping we could talk.”

Charley forced a smile and opened her mouth. She had nothing to say to Noelle, nor did this woman have anything Charley wanted to hear. She had every intention of being polite, but security had other ideas. Before she could even register what was happening, Ridge and Cyrus were on either side of Charley as Caine stepped in front of her. It was like they were surrounding her in a human shield.

“Walk the fuck away.” Caine’s bone-chilling tone sent a shiver up her spine.

Noelle stepped back as her eyes scanned the four of them. She held up her hands and softened her features. There was no denying her beauty, but none of the men seemed enamored by her.

“Caine.” Noelle lowered her voice. “I just want to talk with Charley.”

“No.”

Charley widened her eyes. She appreciated him having her back and playing interference, but she wasn’t quite sure where his protectiveness had come from.

“Noelle,” Ridge said. “Dahlia’s security is out in the hall. Go.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Are you guys Charley’s security now?”

“Yeah, we are.” Caine growled, taking a step closer to Noelle. “There’s your warning. Now, I’ll say it again. Walk the fuck away.”

Noelle slowly retreated back. It was a tense scene, and Charley was frozen in her spot. She watched as Noelle turned,walked to the door and then disappeared.I have security?A few seconds passed, and she kept her eyes on Caine. His shoulders never relaxed, nor did his features when he turned to face her.

She forced a smile. “Thank you.”

He gave a curt nod and walked across the room. Ridge was the next to walk away, sidling up next to Caine. They seemed to be having a conversation, but she was too far away to hear.

“You alright?”

“Yes, thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I didn’t mean for it to get so tense.”

“Hey, hey,” Cyrus said in a soothing tone. “You didn’t do anything wrong. That’s all on Noelle. Oz gave his order, and she needs to follow it.” He paused, and she thought he was done, but he moved in closer, lowering his voice. “Between you and me?”

Charley nodded.

“The only reason Noelle is still around is ’cause she’s got a friendship with Dahlia. Trey doesn’t like to involve his woman in anything. Dahlia’s comfortable with Noelle as her security, so it’s a good fit. For now.” Cyrus snorted. “But Noelle’s days are numbered.”

“Why do you say that?”

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