Most of them were too drunk to feel their legs by now. Laughter had dulled into lazy humming, heads leaned onto each other's shoulders, and cups were half-finished and forgotten beside the fire pit. The fire crackled softly, low flames licking the cool night air, casting warm shadows on their sun-kissed skin. Sand clung to bare ankles, and the air smelled like salt, smoke, and cheap tequila.
After a long stretch of silence, Renee broke it. "Liam," she said lazily, tilting her head and swirling the last bit of wine in her glass. "What do you like most about Eliana?"
Eliana sat up straighter, heart lurching. "Renee—stop."
Elias, glass dangling from his fingers, mumbled drunkenly, "Don't be El. We need to know if he's better than me."
Luca laughed and slapped Elias on the thigh. "Of course he is. The man stopped chasing skirts the second Eliana gave him a second of attention. Tragic and romantic."
Liam just laughed, gaze soft as it met Eliana's across the fire.
