Keely’s eyes gleamed. “It sounds perfect.”

She grabbed Charley’s hand and dragged her to the bedroom, shoving her inside. “Put it on, and I’ll meet you in the living room. I wasn’t sure of your shoe selection, so I brought extras.”

The door closed, and Charley slowly walked over to the closet, grabbed the dress, and put it on. She didn’t even bother looking in the floor-length mirror. It would only add to her anxiety.

She walked out and down the hall, tugging at the hem.

It continuously rode up every time she moved.

By the time she got to the club, it would be wrapped around her waist. This was an awful idea.

She was tempted to turn around and go change.

But Keely stepped out into the hall and gasped, covering her hands over her mouth and bouncing on her toes.

“Oh my God!” Her voice was muffled. “You look amazing!”

Charley smiled, but she wasn’t feeling it in her heart. It was as if a dark cloud was hanging over her head. A sense of dread washed over her.

I don’t have a good feeling about tonight.

****

Nash: I need you to reach out ASAP

He hit send to the text message and tossed his phone on his desk.

This marked the seventh message he’d sent with no reply.

Nash had plenty of contacts within the police force, but considering the subject in question, he wanted to deal with someone he trusted.

He’d give it a few more days before finding another contact.

Nash stood, buttoned his jacket, and walked out of his office. It would be a fairly quiet night with Oz not there. He’d been spending less and less time at the club and more time at home with Elodie. Nash understood it fully.

He was turning the corner when Ridge approached him.

“You wanted to know when Elle’s guests arrived? They’re here.”

Nash had given strict instructions to his security that he be alerted upon Charley’s arrival.

He’d promised Elodie he’d watch her and planned on following through.

Nash had his own vested interest. He hadn’t stopped thinking of her since their interaction a few nights ago.

He could’ve chalked it up to the suspicious information he’d found out.

That’s a fucking lie. As much as it was a concern, he primarily just wanted to see her again.

He had no intention of speaking to her. But I can watch.

As he passed Caine and Cyrus, he lifted his chin in acknowledgement.

They were the only security stationed on the balcony tonight.

Nash made his way to the railing overlooking the entire club.

They were definitely at capacity. The lighting was dim, making it difficult to see her.

He’d made all the arrangements, strategically placing her at a table in the corner.

She’d have some semblance of privacy with only one other table beside her, and he’d have a clear visual all night.

Or so he thought. The table beside hers had quite a few people standing, blocking his view.

“Has she been seated?” Nash asked.

“She, sir?” Ridge asked.

Nash clenched his jaw, realizing his mistake. Singling Charley out was not in his best interest. It gave too much away. As far as anyone knew, she was just another guest of the club. VIP, yes, but not particularly special.

“Elodie’s guests.” He glanced over to his right when he didn’t get an immediate response.

Ridge’s lips twitched. It seemed Nash wasn’t doing a good job at concealing his interest. He lifted his chin gesturing to the table in the corner.

“Last table in the corner, just as you requested.”

Nash zoned in on the table again. The crowd of people standing had thinned out, giving him a bit of a view. There were two women seated at the table with drinks. But it wasn’t Charley.

“Goddammit! Who seated them?”

Ridge stepped back and gestured to the small bar area on the balcony. “Cy.”

“Cyrus!” Nash snapped and waved his hand, calling him over.

“What do you need?”

“Where are Elodie’s guests?” Nash asked.

“In VIP.”

Nash ground his teeth. “Where?”

Cyrus furrowed his brows and walked to the railing, peering down.

“They’re right there, Nash. Corner table.”

“That’s not Charley.”

Cyrus sidled up next to him, taking in Nash’s view from the balcony. “With all due respect, sir, yes it is. And the redhead’s name is Keely. That one talks a lot.”

Nash jerked his gaze to the table just as the mystery woman in the tight black dress turned her head. Her long hair fell over her shoulder in loose waves. She looked up at the lights giving him the perfect angle of her profile. Soft features, rounded face, and a pointy, upturned nose. Charley.

“She looks a lot different from the last time she came in,” Ridge said, but Nash kept his gaze on her.

Charley had all the same mannerisms, tugging at the hem of her dress at mid-thigh.

She smoothed her hand over her knee, and he was drawn to her red shoes.

He had never seen her in high heels. It was a sight he was sure he’d remember.

Nash was getting a profile view, and it was gorgeous.

She was a beautiful woman without all the bells and whistles, but this put her on another level.

It wasn’t something he’d been prepared for.

He grasped the railing in a tight hold, watching her shift in her seat and offer a smile to the waitress dropping off a water.

Ah fuck. When she lifted the glass to her lips, his mind was going in places it didn’t belong.

Her tongue poked out, gliding over her lower lip.

Visions of her mouth over his cock had his blood rushing through his veins.

“Sir?”

Nash whipped his head to his men lined up a few feet from him.

They were all staring at him. Caine showed zero emotions, as per usual.

Ridge clasped his hands behind his back and flattened his lips.

Cyrus was the only man allowing his veil to slip.

The corner of his mouth hiked seconds before he bowed his head.

Fuck!