Chapter 33: Wine, Grind & Unwind
The first cork popped like a small firecracker, echoing softly off the velvet-draped walls.
Red wine swirled into tall glasses, filling the air with dark fruit and spice. It smelled like temptation.
Lina raised her glass first, smirking as she tipped it toward the city skyline.
"To victory. To dumb luck. And to this ridiculous view."
Sarra giggled, eyes still wide at the luxury. Nash clinked glasses with both, calm on the outside, but already tracking how their moods shifted, how the alcohol would loosen the hinges.
They drank. They spread out.
Music trickled from the hotel’s speakers, smooth, lazy jazz mixed with something sensual and low.
Nash stayed on the velvet couch, watching while they explored the room like curious cats.
Lina flitted between the fridge and window, examining the wine rack, throwing open drawers, smirking at the silk robes.
Sarra moved like she was afraid to break something, fingertips trailing across the bedding, the stone sink, the chrome fixtures.
"This bed has memory foam," Lina said, tossing herself onto it.
She bounced once, laughed, then sprawled on her back like she owned the place. Her legs opened just enough to draw the eye.