Curse And Craving

11

Detailed mural wallpaper covered the portions of the walls that weren’t lined with intricately carved wood booths, each in a circular shape and enclosed just enough for a private conversation but still remaining part of the room. Softening the ambiance were enormous red velour draperies that hung in various locations around the perimeter. The bar itself was a work of art running nearly the room's length. The marble bar top was inlaid into a wood frame with evenly spaced brass and carved wood ornamentation. Barheight wood tables lined the periphery of the room, and in the middle of the club was a dance floor packed with people. While the ambiance was retro, the patrons and music were definitely modern-day. The whole setup was amazing, and we helplessly gawked as we entered the giant room. It was so unlike anything I had ever seen, and I had to take a minute to appreciate all the artistic touches. “Rebecca, you came!” Ronan approached with a grin, dimples on display, and gave me a small kiss on the cheek. Seeing his smiling face and feeling the swell of life all around me helped me discard the worries that had tried to poison my night on the way upstairs. Everything about this place was fantastic, and we were going to have a perfect night. I grinned broadly. “We just got carried away talking at dinner. Ronan, this is Ashley.” She put her hand forward, and he lifted it to his lips for a kiss. “It’s lovely to meet you, and I’m so glad both of you could make it. I’ve got a table for us over here.” He ushered us toward a booth labeled VIP, perfectly situated near the dance floor but just removed enough to have a bit of privacy. “What would you like to drink?” A server scurried over to take our orders, and Ronan joined us on the curved bench seats. Wanting to embrace my carefree night, I ordered a lemon drop shot, and Ash followed suit. “Do you work here?” Leave it to Ash to come right out with the questions. She was never afraid to talk to anyone or ask questions. “My boss owns the place, so I’m here most days. You ladies look stunning tonight, by the way.” Although he addressed both of us, his eyes held mine while he spoke. I dropped my gaze but quickly peered back up through my lashes. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol affecting me or Ronan’s attention, but I was feeling good. I knew my cheeks were growing more flushed, and I couldn’t seem to wipe the silly grin from my face. Ronan waved over someone from the bar and sat tall as they approached. “Rebecca and Ashley, these are my friends, Liam and Michael.” “Evenin’, ladies,” said Liam, who was a lanky strawberry-blond with laugh lines creasing the corners of his eyes. The other man was solid, not quite as tall, and had deep green eyes. He was considerably more stoic than his friend and merely nodded in our direction. The guys stepped aside to allow the server to serve our drinks, and Ronan lifted his glass in a toast. “For every wound, a balm. For every sorrow, cheer. For every storm, a calm. For every thirst, a beer.” We all threw back our shots with a laugh, and Ronan extracted himself from the booth. He turned back to where I sat, holding out his hand. “Dance with me.” I glanced back at Ashley in question, not wanting to leave her alone if she wanted me to stay, but her eyes were glued to Liam. He flashed her a mischievous grin and held out his hand on the other side of the booth to help her out. The four of us danced for some time among the throng of gyrating bodies. Every couple of songs, we’d head back to the booth to have a drink and cool down. We had such a great time that I was able to completely relax and just enjoy the night out. Liam was hilarious, regaling us with embarrassing stories about his friends, including Ronan. He was also particularly well-versed at dirty jokes, so I laughed more than I had in weeks. As the night progressed, the DJ began to play more sultry, languorous songs. I found myself pressed against Ronan, his arms wrapped securely around me. I had acquired a perfect buzz from the alcohol. My inhibitions had taken a hike, but I wasn’t so trashed that I wasn’t aware when Ronan’s hands slid from my lower back down to my ass. Before I could even decide if I was comfortable with his hand placement, he squeezed and pulled me forward, pressing his erection against my lower belly. I wasn’t a prude, but he was making me uncomfortable. I tried to gently pull away from him, not wanting to make a scene, but he held me firmly in place. “What’s wrong?” he called over the music close to my ear. “We can go somewhere more private if you prefer.” The alcohol swirling in my stomach soured. Was that why he’d invited me here tonight? For a quick f**k? Maybe I’d totally misunderstood. I’d thought Ronan was interested in me. That he might be a new relationship in the making. Apparently, I’d been wrong. “I need to use the restroom.” I shook my head and pulled away more sharply, freeing myself and fleeing from the dance floor toward the back hallway. Before I made it to the restroom door, someone took hold of my hand and stopped me mid-stride. “Wait, please.” Ronan’s brows knitted together. “Don’t be upset. You’re just too gorgeous, and I got carried away. I guess I misread things.” His words sounded genuine, but I was off-kilter and wasn’t sure I was comfortable in a dark hallway alone with him. “Um, I’ve had a great time tonight, and I appreciate you inviting us out.” I stepped back a bit and tried to pull my hand free, but he held tight. “But…” he started for me. “But we just met, and I’ve had more to drink than I probably should have, so I think this might be a good time for me to call it a night.” “I’m not going to force you into anything, Rebecca. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Give me another chance—give me your number before you disappear tonight.”