Page 30 of Shattering Nash

“It’s my friend. Um, can you point me to” —She glanced down at her phone— “The back room.”

When Nash remined silent, she looked up.

“The back room?” He’d lost all sense of easiness. He straightened to full height, putting him half a foot taller than her, and folded his arms.

“Keely wants me to meet her there.”

Nash jaw squared, and he looked down at the phone in her hand. “It’s exclusive entry. Your VIP pass doesn’t cover that, which means yourguestsnuck in.”

Nooooo! Jesus, Keely!

“I-I’m so sorry. She probably didn’t know.”

That was another lie, and from Nash’s hardened expression, he knew it. She wiped her hair from her eyes and bit her lip. This would take more than an apology to smooth over. Keely was going to owe her for this.

“I’ll pay for the backroom fee.”

Nash raised his brows. “Elle must be paying you well. It’s thirty-fivehundreddollars.”

What?Her mouth fell open, and her breath caught in her throat.

“Each,” Nash said.

She must’ve looked insane standing in front of him with her mouth hanging open. She cocked her head. “What do you get?”

“Exclusivity. Privacy.”

She knitted her brows. “Privacy for what?”

Nash stilled, staring at her. His lips twitched, and he cupped his mouth, turning his head.

“I’ll make an exception. Would you like to go to the exclusive VIP?” He arched his brow.

“I can’t afford that.” Without control, Charley scoffed. “I can’t even tell you the last time I had thirty-five hundred dollars in my bank account. If ever.”

“I’m not asking you to pay it.” He stepped forward, and she backed up into the wall. He was only a few inches away, hovering over her. “Consider this a gift” —He paused— “From me.”

What the…

“That’s way too generous. I can’t take it.”

“Yes, you can. And you will,” he growled, and she could almost feel the vibration from his chest.

“Okay.”

He lowered his chin and stepped to the side, gesturing toward the hallway.Holy shit!Did that really just happen?

****

This was a first. Nash never allowed entry unless the person was thoroughly vetted by security. The Lounge was meant for exclusive VIPs, set in the rear of the club. Without exclusive access, it was nearly impossible to find. In order to enter, guests had to pass through two corridors and the heavily guarded double doors. It had Nash on high alert, knowing her friend had so easily gotten in. It was his top priority once he got her settled in The Lounge.

Nash took the lead with her following closely behind. The only time she was rooted in front of him was when he opened the doors for her. He was gifted each time with a small “thankyou.” The lights were dim leading up to the double metal doors. As soon as he opened them, two of his security stepped in front, blocking the view. The second they saw Nash, they stepped aside.

Nash ushered her through the doors, and they stopped a few feet in the room. The private space was two rooms. The first being a quieter setting meant for privacy. Through the doorway, another room opened to a much larger bar, table seating, and a small dance floor with a DJ. It was a mini-replica of the main club on a smaller scale.

“Wow.” Her hushed appreciation was followed by her eyes scanning the room with a serene smile.

Nash leaned closer, taking in her sweet scent. This was a little too close, and he was testing his control with her. “Now do you see the appeal?”

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