The Game That Breaks Us (Us 3)

She grins wickedly. “I thought you’d never say so. Let’s get into some trouble.”

Ryland gets suckered into being our DD so he drives the four of us to the club in his car—which is a hell of a lot nicer than Celine’s.

Celine, Makenna, and I end up squished in the backseat, and by the time we make it to the club, we can’t wait to get out.

Emerald is spelled out across the side of the building in an elegant script font, lit up in the same shade of green as its namesake.

As soon as the car is parked, the three of us tumble out and then spend a minute righting our dresses.

Makenna tugs on the top of hers and then nods her head appraisingly at everyone.

“We look hot as fuck,” she states.

She looks killer in her dress and I find myself envious of her perky breasts. Mine seem so small in comparison.

She loops her arm through mine and says, “Let’s go find you a man, Grace. Once you fuck a hot stranger you’ll feel loads better.”

I snort as we head toward the line. “Are you speaking from experience?”

“Of course.” She giggles and flips her long hair over one shoulder.

We get in line—unlike my experience with Bennett—and slowly make our way toward the front.

The bouncer takes one look at us in our skimpy dresses and lets us in.

“Ladies, try not to get into too much trouble,” Ryland warns as we make our way through the labyrinth of the club. “There’s only one of me and four of you.”

Celine cackles. “You worry too much, Ryland. I’m getting a drink, who’s with me?”

“I am.” I raise my hand like I’m in elementary school. I don’t normally drink, but tonight calls for alcohol and lots of it.

Celine grabs my raised hand and starts pulling me through the club. Makenna follows and we stride up to the bar.

Celine leans across the bar top and signals the bartender. As soon as he notices her he makes his way over to us with an eager smile.

“What can I help you with today ladies?” He flips a lock of shaggy brown hair from his eyes.

Celine nods her head in my direction. “We’re out celebrating my friend’s new single status—and we want to get drunk. Give us your special.”

He chuckles and steps back. “You got it.”

I turn away from the bar and admire the club. It’s nice, surprisingly nice considering the college crowd, and the music is good so that’s always a plus.

“See any contenders?” Makenna asks, raising her voice to be heard above the noise.

I shake my head. I’m not opposed to finding a guy to dance with, but I’m not looking for one to take me home.

She eyes me and says, “Don’t make me choose one for you.”

Luckily, I’m saved from saying anything thanks to the arrival of our drinks.

I take it from the bartender and slurp it down. I don’t think it’s the kind of drink you’re meant to chug, but I need to get buzzed. I need to get out of my head and stop thinking so much. I lift my empty glass, signaling another, and slap some bills down on the bar.

“Damn, girl,” Celina comments, sipping on her drink. “You’re on a roll.”

The bartender makes my second drink and I drink it just as fast.

I can feel myself growing more relaxed. “I’m going to dance,” I