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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 been the night at 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.

“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 nothing to 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?”

Cyrus smirked, eyeing her. “’Cause Dahlia, Quinn, and Elle don’t know what went down at that meeting. Only a matter of time before someone slips and mentions it. And when that happens, Noelle is gone.” Cyrus chuckled. “But until then, don’t worry about her. We won’t let her get close. We got you.”

They got me? Charley wasn’t even sure what that meant. But it meant something.

****

Nash stood next to Oz and leaned forward, knocking on the door.

“Think she’ll let me in this time?” Nash asked.

Oz scoffed. “It’s anyone’s guess with Inez.”

True.

The door opened, and Cross, the VP of Killcreek, stepped aside, allowing them passage. As they breached the opening of the living room, Nash was surprised to see so many members of the club. Usually, meetings with Inez were reserved for a select few. Not this time.

There was an array of silent greetings before Inez took center stage in a way only she could.

“Anders, that motherfucker. I want his ass!”

Nash refrained from giving in to his amusement and eyed Oz. He was the epitome of calm. He walked farther into the room and sighed. “Would you care to elaborate?”

Inez unleashed, breaking it down. An agreement had not been met. It was hard to grasp a full view of the meeting with only Inez’s side. But in the end, with the Underground, hers was the only one that mattered.

“That asshole tried to low-ball me!” Inez shouted, grabbing her glass and chugging the remainder. “With the deal we included passage through the state. It was a fair fucking deal.”

That was more than most people got.

“And he didn’t take it?” Nash shared a look with Oz. “What are his other choices?”

“Anders is using an out of state manufacturer. Got word a few days ago.” Ace smirked. “We got an informant of our own.”

Nash didn’t react to the dig directed at Charley’s brother.

“Who?” he asked.

“Zeke.” Ace folded his arms. “Now you know why I wouldn’t let you take him out.”

Nash scowled. How could they even trust Zeke?