Page 60 of Conquering Oz

No.

The man was no threat to Oz. However, he didn’t like the idea of her being alone with any man other than him. He took no issue with showing his territorial and possessive nature, if necessary.

“Thank you, but I’m fine.” She shook his hand and watched him leave. She still hadn’t realized Oz was seated two stools away. Elodie swiveled in her seat, staring down at her glass of wine. He recognized the look of defeat. Her shoulders sagged, and she seemingly deflated. Elodie turned toward him, grabbing her pocketbook hanging from the back of the stool. As soon as her eyes met his, she squinted. Oz resisted the urge to smile. He was well aware of how she mistook his dinner with Camille.And she didn’t like it.

“Elodie.”

“Oz,” she whispered and placed her pocketbook on the bar. She grabbed her wine, finishing it off.

Oz lifted his hand, and the bartender immediately rushed over. “The usual, sir?”

“Yes.” He looked over at her and gestured with his chin.

She held up her hand and smiled at the bartender. “Nothing for me. I’m leaving.”

The fuck you are.

“Elodie.” He growled, and arched his brow. “Order a drink.”

It was a command. A demand. When Oz spoke, people listened. This would be no different.

Her back stiffened, and her jaw tightened, clearly annoyed by his order. Though she recovered quickly in an interesting manner.

She clasped her hands, rested her arms on the bar, and a small smile emerged. “Okay.” She turned to the bartender. “What is your mostexpensivewhiskey?”

“That would be Pappy Van Winkle.”

“Great.” She settled back in her stool and turned to Oz. “I’ll have a double.”

Well played, Elodie.

The bartender shifted his gaze as if waiting for permission. Oz lowered his chin. He waited until the man walked away and turned to Elodie. Her legs were crossed, her foot was bobbing incessantly.

“Did you enjoy your date?”

“Did you enjoy yours?” There was a bite in her tone. She must’ve realized it because her face flushed. She looked over her shoulder, scanning the dining room.

“It wasn’t a date. Camille is a former employee.”

“Well, she seemed lovely.”

Oz nodded, intently watching her. “I’m sure her husband would agree.”

Elodie knitted her brows. “She’s married?”

“Yes.”

The bartender placed their order in front of them and walked away. Oz grabbed his drink, taking a sip. He watched Elodie stare down at her glass but make no move to take it.

“And yourdate?” he asked.

Elodie scoffed, shaking her head and peering across the restaurant. The small lines between her brows became prominent. Stress was easy to read. She drew her hand to her mouth, lightly caressing her lips. Her mind was no longer with him.

Oz was aware of her financial state, and from what he’d overheard, she’d been dealt yet another blow. It was weighing heavy on her.

“I have to go,” she whispered.

Elodie stood, grabbed her pocketbook, and hooked it over her shoulder. She refused to make eye contact. Oz could’ve let her walk out. As she passed, he grabbed her wrist, and she immediately halted, glancing down. He slid his thumb over her pulse, which was pumping at rapid speed.

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