Dragon Knight's Axe Read Online Free PDF Page A

table. Becca might be comfortable sleeping with any and all men who caught her eye, however, she wasn’t like her.
    Maybe I won’t show up . She bit her lip knowing she would, if only for a few hours.
    ****
    When Fiona entered her apartment, she hesitated at the entrance. The nightmare from two nights before hung in the air, tempting her to turn and run away.
    Shaking her head slowly, she flicked on the lights. I’m stronger than this .
    Dropping her stuff, she went into the bathroom. Stripping down, she pulled out a pair of black jeans and a cream-colored sweater. Dressing quickly, she looked at herself in the mirror. Blue eyes peered back at her, evidence of dark circles underneath. With her skin so pale, the shadows haunted her face. Digging around in a drawer, she pulled out a tube of concealer and tried to do some damage control. After applying lip-gloss, she ran her fingers through her short dark curls. Instead of tucking them behind her ears, she let them sweep to the side of her face to her chin.
    “That’s about as good as it gets.”
    Stepping into her boots, she grabbed her leather jacket and headed out the door.
    The night air felt cool on her cheeks as Fiona walked toward the Temple Bar district. She didn’t even mind the crowds. Tonight she would simply enjoy herself. Becca was right. It had been ages since she had been out. Her time was consumed by her work, not that it was a bad thing. She loved her research, but allowed it to dominate her life.
    The past was her present. But not tonight.
    Waving to Becca across the crowds, she quickly joined her and Josh outside the entrance. “Hi there!”
    “So glad you could join us, Fiona. I was a bit stunned when Becca told me you were coming,” Josh teased.
    She didn’t bother to reply to the remark.
    Becca grabbed her arm. “This will be good for you.” Tapping her finger lightly on Fiona’s forehead, she added, “It will take your mind off those musty tablets. The past is gone, so enjoy.”
    “You’re right.” Again, Fiona lied. The past was gone. However, each new translation brought it fully alive for her. If only I could explain my excitement to you .
    “Yet, there are those who feel a connection with the past,” interrupted Rory who walked up. He gave a nod to Josh, but kept his gaze on Fiona.
    She arched a brow at him. So, perhaps someone does understand how I feel.
    Becca smiled sweetly at Rory. “How nice to see you, Rory. I didn’t realize you would be here. Now hush before she starts thinking of her latest project. I practically had to twist her arm to get her to come here tonight.”
    Moving away from the men, Becca propelled her into the pub.
    The crush of people and the noise was overwhelming. Instantly, a young man took them to a booth toward the side of the pub. “Enjoy, Becca.”
    “Always.”
    “Connections?” asked Fiona.
    “Of course. I dated him a couple of times. If you don’t mind, I’ll be right back. And no, I’m not setting you up.” She made a cross over her chest. “Promise.”
    Fiona watched as her friend went and whispered something in the man’s ear. Becca giggled and then moved toward the back of the pub. “Some connections.”
    Josh slid into the booth as Rory brought over a round of pints. No sooner did she take a sip from her beer, than Becca came back.
    “Just put in an order for cheese fries and mushrooms,” she said, sliding in next to Josh.
    Fiona sighed. “Those are the best!”
    It wasn’t long before their food arrived. The waitress practically fell into Rory’s lap as she set the platter down on the table.
    As soon as she left, Becca burst out laughing. “We can’t take Rory anywhere without the women going ga-ga over him.”
    “Must be my fine Scottish eyes,” he drawled.
    Becca snorted loudly.
    Fiona rolled her eyes.
    Rory placed a hand over his chest as if insulted. “Well, I can see two lasses here at the table immune to my charms.”
    “Because they have brains,” interjected