“His fear-inflamed mind sent the control-signal to his finger-joint to fold back. The trigger sliced back. The blast seemed to lift the booth clear off the floor, drop it down again. A pin-wheel of vacancy appeared in the glass, flinging off shards and slivers.”

“David put his pint glass down like it was poison. The clear amber beauty stared back at him with Again on its mind. She was already in his blood, swimming in his veins.”

“The string slices into the skin of his fingers and no matter how tough the calluses, it tears. But this beat is fast and even though his joints are aching, his arm's out of control like it has a mind of its own and the sweat tat drenches his hair and face seems to smother him, but nothing's going to stop Tom. He;s aiming for oblivion.”

“I pulled the trigger twice, cutting off his protests, and Finn joined my lover on the floor.”

“Dennis faced him. They glared at each other again. Neither said a word until Dennis set the glasses down, leaned back against the counter, and folded his arms over his chest. "You're an idiot." "Seems to be a common conclusion. You're not my favourite person right now either.”

“Hello, Aaron," Brigid said, sliding up to him and running a finger down his chest. "You'relooking good .. . as always."Aaron lifted her finger off his shirt and let it drop. "Put some clothing on, Brigid."She smiled up at him. "Why? Tempted?""Yeah, to cover my eyes.”