e beer, cigarette smoke, and something distinct

get us killed?" Emily muttered,

wo rounds of five shots. Your strongest stuff,"

you insane? We'll be on o

t, babe. Now shu

lt eyes on her. She tugged at her dress self-

g Emily's ear. "Stop fidgeting. Every pers

ht. I look like a librari

hot. "You're turning heads. Now let's get fuc

she thought, 'Fuck it. Fuck Ryan. Fuck everything.' She slammed the glass down,

figure sidled up between her and Sophia. She caught a glimpse of

awled, his voice gruff. "What brings a couple

ot in the mood for this shit. Befor

in peace, thanks,"

don't be like that. Name's Breaker.

, green eyes flashing. "Listen pal, we're not int

ecting such venom. Emily felt a pervers

ered, backing away with his h

e Emily's hand a squeeze. "Th

g the burn. For the first time in d

d, a wicked grin spre

t scorched down her throat. The world was starting to bl

d, signaling the bartender. "A

iend's infectious enthusiasm. "You

Sophia winked. "Best c

front of each of them, Emily's gaze drifted a

could make out piercing blue eyes set in a ruggedly handsome face. Salt and pepper hair gave him a di

r of quiet confidence that drew her in despit

broke through her daze. "You gonn

eyes away from the mystery

ia followed her gaze, eyebrows shooting up whe

" Sophia murmured appreciatively. "

h. "Stop it. I'm not looki

p?" Sophia grinned wickedly. "Noth

nce at the mystery man. Their eyes met across the crowded bar

e slammed the empty glass on the bar, her eyes unconsciously drifted back to

hand in front of her face. "You keep sta

er friend. "I'm not talking to anyone.

self stealing another glance. There was something m

our eyes say otherwise. Come on, where's my badass best

is dead. Murdered by her

is dark eyes seemed to bore into her, seeing past a

n't get to destroy you. Now get your ass over there and ta

stay safely perched on her barstool. But a bigger part, t

wled. "But only

her old confidence returning. Mystery man or not, s

r. The worn leather creaked beneath her, matching the roughness of the tavern's

was equal parts nervous and daring. "I coul

her of stormy seas, met hers. A hint of

a shiver down her spine. "And yeah, I have. Hard not

at surprised even her. "What can

pered with stubble, the broad shoulders beneath a worn leather jac

it?" Lucas asked,

to spill her guts to a compl

ght my fiancé balls d

d. "Shit. T

to mask the hurt that still lingered. "I'm done

rs drumming an uneven rhythm on the bar top. Lucas watc

hment?" Emily asked, eager to shift the fo

nt warmth blooming in her chest. "Moving b

?" Emily teased, surprising

h a wink. "And what about you? You do

she must look. "That obvious, huh? My friend dragged me out. Said

elbow, eyes widening as she took in L

at spread across her face. "Sophia, Lucas. Lucas, th

orse's gritty charm, the warmth of the alcohol in her veins, and the unexpected connection with

this night wouldn't