Chapter 4

The smell hit Emily like a freight train - stale beer, cigarette smoke, and something distinctly mechanical. Her nose wrinkled involuntarily.

"Jesus, Soph. Are you trying to get us killed?" Emily muttered, eyeing the leather-clad patrons.

Sophia just laughed, leading them to the bar. "Two rounds of five shots. Your strongest stuff," she told the bartender, slapping down some cash.

Emily's eyes widened. "Are you insane? We'll be on our asses before midnight."

"That's the point, babe. Now shut up and drink."

As the bartender lined up the shots, Emily felt eyes on her. She tugged at her dress self-consciously, wishing she'd worn jeans instead.

Sophia leaned in close, her breath tickling Emily's ear. "Stop fidgeting. Every person in this joint thinks you're smoking hot."

Emily snorted. "Yeah, right. I look like a librarian who took a wrong turn."

"Trust me," Sophia said, grabbing the first shot. "You're turning heads. Now let's get fucked up and forget about that cheating bastard."

Emily hesitated, then grabbed her own shot. As the liquor burned down her throat, she thought, 'Fuck it. Fuck Ryan. Fuck everything.' She slammed the glass down, reaching for another. "Keep 'em coming, Soph. Tonight, we're not taking prisoners."

The smell of leather and sweat hit Emily's nostrils as a towering figure sidled up between her and Sophia. She caught a glimpse of a scraggly beard and tattoo-covered arms before averting her eyes.

"Well hello there, pretty ladies," the man drawled, his voice gruff. "What brings a couple of fine things like you to a place like this?"

Emily's stomach clenched. She was not in the mood for this shit. Before she could respond, Sophia piped up.

"We're here to drink in peace, thanks," Sophia said sharply.

The biker chuckled. "Aw come on now, don't be like that. Name's Breaker. How 'bout I buy you girls a drink?"

Emily's patience snapped. She whirled to face him, green eyes flashing. "Listen pal, we're not interested. Take a fucking hint and leave us alone."

Breaker's eyes widened, clearly not expecting such venom. Emily felt a perverse satisfaction at his shocked expression.

"Damn, alright then," he muttered, backing away with his hands up. "Fuckin' ice queens."

As he skulked off, Sophia gave Emily's hand a squeeze. "That's my girl. Fuck politeness."

Emily downed another shot, relishing the burn. For the first time in days, she felt powerful. In control.

"Damn right," she said, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

Emily slammed back another shot, relishing the burn as it scorched down her throat. The world was starting to blur pleasantly at the edges, dulling the ache in her chest.

"Another round!" Sophia whooped, signaling the bartender. "And two beers to chase 'em down."

Emily grinned, caught up in her friend's infectious enthusiasm. "You trying to get me shit-faced, Soph?"

"Damn straight I am," Sophia winked. "Best cure for a broken heart."

As the bartender lined up five more shots in front of each of them, Emily's gaze drifted across the smoky bar. That's when she saw him.

Half-hidden in shadow, a man was watching her intently from the far corner. Even in the dim light, she could make out piercing blue eyes set in a ruggedly handsome face. Salt and pepper hair gave him a distinguished air, but the way he filled out his leather jacket hinted at a powerful physique underneath.

There was something magnetic about him, an air of quiet confidence that drew her in despite herself. Emily found she couldn't look away.

"Earth to Emily," Sophia's voice broke through her daze. "You gonna drink that or just stare at it?"

Emily blinked, tearing her eyes away from the mystery man. "Sorry, I was just..."

She trailed off, not sure how to explain. Sophia followed her gaze, eyebrows shooting up when she spotted the source of Emily's distraction.

"Well hello, tall, dark and broody," Sophia murmured appreciatively. "Now that's what I call an upgrade."

Emily felt her cheeks flush. "Stop it. I'm not looking to hook up with anyone."

"Who said anything about hooking up?" Sophia grinned wickedly. "Nothing wrong with enjoying the view."

Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn't help sneaking another glance at the mystery man. Their eyes met across the crowded bar, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

Emily raised the shot glass to her lips, tossing back the liquid fire. As she slammed the empty glass on the bar, her eyes unconsciously drifted back to the shadowy corner. The mystery man was still there, his gaze locked on her.

"Earth to Emily," Sophia said, waving a hand in front of her face. "You keep staring at that guy. Go talk to him already."

Emily tore her eyes away, focusing on her friend. "I'm not talking to anyone. I'm here to drink and forget, remember?"

But even as the words left her mouth, she found herself stealing another glance. There was something magnetic about him, hidden in the shadows as he was.

"Bullshit," Sophia declared, following Emily's gaze. "Your eyes say otherwise. Come on, where's my badass best friend? The Emily I know would march right over there."

Emily snorted. "That Emily is dead. Murdered by her cheating asshole ex-fiancé."

But despite her words, she couldn't stop looking. His dark eyes seemed to bore into her, seeing past all her defenses. It both thrilled and terrified her.

"Fuck that," Sophia said, grabbing Emily's arm. "Ryan doesn't get to destroy you. Now get your ass over there and talk to Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious. Or I'll do it for you."

Emily hesitated, her heart racing. Part of her wanted to stay safely perched on her barstool. But a bigger part, the part that was sick of feeling broken, made her stand up.

"Fine," she growled. "But only to shut you up."

As Emily walked across the room, she felt a spark of her old confidence returning. Mystery man or not, she wasn’t letting Ryan's betrayal define her tonight.

Emily's heart raced as she slid onto the barstool next to the enigmatic stranger. The worn leather creaked beneath her, matching the roughness of the tavern's ambiance. She turned to face him, her green eyes sparkling with liquid courage.

"I'm Emily," she said, flashing a smile that was equal parts nervous and daring. "I couldn't help but notice you've been watching me."

The man's eyes, a deep blue that reminded her of stormy seas, met hers. A hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth.

"Lucas," he replied, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "And yeah, I have. Hard not to notice someone who can knock back shots like that."

Emily laughed, a genuine sound that surprised even her. "What can I say? It's been a hell of a week."

She studied him more closely now, taking in the strong jawline peppered with stubble, the broad shoulders beneath a worn leather jacket. There was something dangerous about him, yet oddly comforting.

"Want to talk about it?" Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow.

Emily hesitated. Did she want to spill her guts to a complete stranger? Fuck it, why not?

"Short version? I caught my fiancé balls deep in his coworker."

Lucas winced. "Shit. That's rough."

"Yeah, well, his loss," Emily shrugged, trying to mask the hurt that still lingered. "I'm done with assholes who can't keep it in their pants."

She signaled the bartender for another drink, her fingers drumming an uneven rhythm on the bar top. Lucas watched her, a mix of admiration and curiosity in his gaze.

"So, what brings you to this fine establishment?" Emily asked, eager to shift the focus away from her disaster of a love life.

Lucas chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent warmth blooming in her chest. "Moving back to town. I used to come here years ago."

"Mysterious biker type, huh?" Emily teased, surprising herself with her boldness.

"Something like that," he replied with a wink. "And what about you? You don't exactly look like a regular here."

Emily glanced down at her dress, suddenly aware of how out of place she must look. "That obvious, huh? My friend dragged me out. Said I needed to 'relax, reclaim myself somewhere new' or some bullshit."

As if on cue, Sophia appeared at her elbow, eyes widening as she took in Lucas. "So, Em, who's your new friend?"

Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "Sophia, Lucas. Lucas, this is my best friend and apparent wingwoman, Sophia."

As introductions were made, Emily found herself relaxing for the first time in days. The Iron Horse's gritty charm, the warmth of the alcohol in her veins, and the unexpected connection with Lucas all combined to create a moment of respite from the storm of emotions she'd been battling.

Maybe, just maybe, this night wouldn't be so bad after all.