Free Figure Eight (Celtic Knot Book 2) by Cassy Roop

of fun, even if for one night, and eradicate Dominic from my memory for a few hours.
    “What is your poison, love?” Rownan asked me as he leaned in to reach my ear. The loud music that bounced off of the walls of the club made it difficult to hear even though we were already extremely close. I pondered his question for a moment. The honest answer would have been Dominic is my poison , but since Rownan was referencing the libation variety of poison, I had to go with my second most honest answer.
    “Whiskey, neat,” I answered with authority in my voice.
    “Damn, your girl has balls, Ro. That is my kind of woman,” Jake the bartender said as he winked at me and went about pouring my shot.
    “Make it two, mate,” Rownan said holding up two fingers. When Jake sat the amber liquid in front of us, Rownan and I, each picked up the tiny glasses and held them in front of us.
    “Happy birthday, gorgeous girl. May your days be better than the ones before, and your next year be plenty to celebrate. Cheers, love.” We clinked our glasses together before tipping the shots back. I welcomed the burn of the whiskey as it coated my throat and settled warm in my belly. I closed my eyes, licked my lips, and savored the sweet flavor of the liquor before I opened my eyes. I was surprised to meet the heated stare of Rownan after appreciating and welcoming my shot. Heat rose in my cheeks as the corner of his mouth turned up in a devilish smile.
    “How about one more and we hit the dance floor, eh? I can show you my mad skills,” he smiled. I smiled in return before nodding my head and Rownan signaled to Jake for another round. After taking our shots, and the effects of the alcohol started to seep in, I allowed Rownan to lead me to the dance floor where I decided to let everything go. I took all thoughts of Dominic, Knox, Kelly, and even Asher and Drake, and bid bon voyage to them and allowed myself to live in the moment, even if it would only last for the night.
     

 
     
    The club was packed by the time that Knox, Victoria, Toby and I arrived. My thoughts were centered on getting my ass to the bar as fast as I could in order to start wiping away the memories and thoughts about Ashley that were driving me insane.
    I pushed my way through the throes of people, not even caring if my friends were behind me or not. I was a man on a mission, a mission to abolish all thoughts of my situation from my mind, even if it meant that I have to inebriate myself to do so. Knox, Vic, and Toby caught up with me just as the bartender, and my friend, Jake, made his way over. Reaching out my hand, our firm grips collided as we greeted each other.
    “Nic, good to see you, man. What can I get for you?” he asked as he reached into the cooler in front of him to retrieve two bottles of beer and popping the top off with a bottle cap key.
    “I need something strong and punishing.” I admitted as I tapped my fingers on the hard wood of the bar. I looked back at Knox, Toby, and Victoria before suggesting, “A round of tequila?” They all nodded, and I instructed Jake to give us eight shots. I needed the foggy effect of the alcohol to course through my veins.
    “We also want one of the VIP rooms upstairs,” I requested.
    “You got it, man.”
     
    Knox had his phone whipped out and was punching a text out in rapid pace. He caught me staring at him and quickly put the phone back into his pocket. Leaning in, he yelled so that I could hear him through the deafening tone of the music.
    “Kelly is going to join us as soon as she finishes her event at that new restaurant down the road that is if you are ok with that. I know with everything that is going on you probably don’t…”
    I pulled away before he had the chance to finish his sentence and held my hands up in surrender.
    “It is ok, Knox. I know you like her. Just because she is Ashley’s best friend, I am not going to stop you two from seeing each other. Hell, maybe she can give me some insight on